The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation released five of the most expensive development permits filed this week for the Austin metropolitan area. Together, the projects represent more than $60 million in private investment and will bring new jobs, retail options, and community spaces to the region.
Kia of Central Austin dealership
A 206,601‑square‑foot Kia dealership is slated to break ground in Austin next spring. The site at 7715 and 7745 Chevy Chase Drive, near the I‑35 frontage road, will cost an estimated $36 million. Construction is scheduled from March 1, 2027 through September 30, 2028, and the dealership is expected to create a significant number of sales‑floor and service‑center positions for local residents.
Walmart Supercenter in Liberty Hill
Walmart announced a new Supercenter on 19699 Ronald W. Reagan Boulevard in Liberty Hill. The $12.2 million project will begin construction on October 26, 2027 and finish by November 11, 2027. The store will add retail jobs and expand grocery access for families in the growing Liberty Hill community.
Hill Country Bible Church expansion in Georgetown
Hill Country Bible Church in Georgetown is adding new administrative and student‑ministry buildings at 600 Stadium Drive. The $6.2 million expansion is slated for January 1, 2027 through January 1, 2028. The facilities will support the church’s growing youth programs and provide additional space for community outreach.
Olive Garden in Kyle
Olive Garden will open a new restaurant at 19865 I‑35 frontage road in Kyle. The $4.1 million project is expected to be completed by December 20, 2027, with construction beginning June 14, 2027. The restaurant will add dining options and employment opportunities for Kyle residents.
3rd Wave Climbing Gym renovation in Austin
Entrepreneurial developers are converting an existing warehouse at 504 Industrial Blvd. into the 3rd Wave Climbing Gym. The $2.3 million renovation, scheduled from November 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, will create indoor climbing, fitness areas, and a retail space for climbing gear, expanding recreational options for Austin’s active families.
All five projects have cleared the state’s permitting process, reflecting a strong appetite for commercial and community development in Central Texas. The investments are expected to generate construction jobs in the short term and permanent positions once the facilities open, supporting local economies and providing new services for families across the Austin‑metro region.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
