The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received five of the most expensive permit applications for the Austin metro region this week. Together, the projects represent more than $593 million in planned investment and will create jobs, expand services and add commercial space to growing communities.
Skybox Hutto data center
Skybox proposes a one‑story, 844,300‑square‑foot data center and office building at 3399 CR 132, Building 4, in Hutto. The project calls for site improvements and a new core‑and‑shell structure, with construction slated to begin on Jan. 20, 2027 and finish by Oct. 30, 2028. Estimated cost is $550 million, making it the largest single permit filed this week.
Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter expansion
The shelter in Georgetown will add first‑floor kennels and second‑floor office space at 1855 SE Inner Loop. Work is expected to start Nov. 1, 2026 and be completed by Jan. 1, 2027, at an estimated cost of $14 million.
Menchaca Apartments clubhouse
A new clubhouse for the Menchaca Apartments will be built at 3823A Bee Cave Road in Austin. The facility will serve residents with gathering space and amenities. Construction is scheduled from Jan. 30, 2027 through Jan. 20, 2029, with a projected cost of $13 million.
Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bastrop
A 55,000‑square‑foot Dick’s Sporting Goods store is planned for Burleson Lane in Bastrop. The retailer expects to break ground Dec. 1, 2026 and open the store by Dec. 31, 2027. The development is budgeted at $11 million.
Gringo’s Tex‑Mex franchise in Kyle
Gringo’s, a Tex‑Mex franchise, will open a new location at 19831 I‑35 in Kyle. The project’s timeline runs from May 15, 2027 to Feb. 15, 2028, with an estimated cost of $5 million.
These permits illustrate the continued growth of the Austin‑area economy, with significant private investment in technology, retail, housing and animal‑care infrastructure. Local officials anticipate that the projects will generate construction jobs in the short term and ongoing employment opportunities once operations begin.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
