The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation announced five of the most expensive development permits filed this week for projects that will reshape the Austin‑metro area. Together, the projects represent more than $130 million in planned construction and will add housing, retail and community space to Austin, Cedar Park, Bastrop, Liberty Hill and surrounding neighborhoods.
Rio Grande Apartments – 300 student units in Austin
Located at 2307 Rio Grande St. in Austin, the Rio Grande Apartments will rise 30 stories and provide 300 student‑housing units. The mixed‑use tower will include a lobby, study spaces, a pool deck, and dedicated leasing, amenity and fitness areas. The development is slated to break ground on February 1, 2027, with completion expected by July 14, 2028. Estimated construction costs total $97.3 million, reflecting the scale of the project and the growing demand for student housing near the University of Texas and other higher‑education institutions.
Grace Learning Center – New worship‑assembly building
Grace Covenant Church will add a four‑story, 48,000‑square‑foot worship‑assembly building at 9431 Jollyville Road, Building C, Austin. The Grace Learning Center is designed to serve both congregational needs and community education programs. Construction is scheduled from January 1, 2027, through July 1, 2028, with an estimated cost of $25 million.
Fogo de Chão – Brazilian steakhouse in Cedar Park
Fogo de Chão, the well‑known Brazilian steakhouse chain, will open a new location at 1005 East New Hope Drive in Cedar Park. The restaurant will join an existing downtown Austin location, expanding the brand’s presence in Central Texas. The project’s timeline runs from February 1, 2027, to August 31, 2027, with a construction budget of $4.5 million.
Burlington – Retail expansion in Bastrop
Burlington will open a new store as part of the Burleson Crossing East development at 655 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop. The retailer’s entry adds a major national brand to the growing Bastrop commercial corridor. Construction is set to begin November 9, 2026, and finish by September 1, 2027, at an estimated cost of $3.3 million.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand – Liberty Hill location
Local favorite P. Terry’s will launch a burger‑stand concept at 10990 Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill. The modest $950,000 project will begin construction on January 7, 2027, and is expected to be ready for customers by July 26, 2027.
What these permits mean for the region
All five projects received approval from the state licensing agency, underscoring the continued confidence of developers and investors in the Austin‑metro housing and retail markets. The combined $130 million in construction spending will generate jobs, increase tax revenue and provide new amenities for residents and students alike. For families seeking quality housing options, the Rio Grande Apartments add a sizable student‑housing inventory, while the Grace Learning Center expands community‑focused worship space. Meanwhile, the new dining and retail venues—Fogo de Chão, Burlington and P. Terry’s—offer additional choices for families and reinforce the region’s reputation as a vibrant place to live, work and worship.
Local officials have praised the projects for their potential to boost the local economy without compromising the character of the neighborhoods. The permits also reflect the administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline development approvals, ensuring that growth aligns with the values of traditional families and community stability.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
