The landscape is changing just west of Lovers Lane in Bastrop, as Alton Butler broke ground on 204 Texas—a nearly 600-acre film studio complex local officials expect will boost the local economy. 

What we know: The project by Los Angeles-based Line 204, a production rental company, experienced several delays in response to water and utility infrastructure issues in addition to permitting and regulatory hurdles. It was previously on track to open in 2025, as reported by Community Impact in July 2024.

“We’re finally moving dirt,” Butler told Community Impact. 

The film studio complex will offer six studios, a three-story office building and more. 

“We looked all over Austin for a location, and then I fell in love with Bastrop … so I came here,” Butler said during a March 26 networking event in Bastrop. 

The outlook: During the March 26 networking event, Lewis cited a financial analysis, which projected 204 Texas to generate approximately $1.3 billion in 10 years for the Bastrop County economy.

From another grocery store to fresh dining options and more, here are some of the latest business updates in the Bastrop-Cedar Creek area.

Chuy’s (opens May 18): The Austin-founded restaurant will open its first Tex-Mex spot in Bastrop.

Coffee Dog Roastery and Coffeehouse (reopened March 5): New owner Chandler Wible offers a refreshed menu, including items from Scoops Chicken Salad Market.

First Watch (opened March 16): The eatery offers breakfast, brunch and lunch options such as breakfast bowls, lemon-ricotta pancakes and the popular Chickichanga—the restaurant's take on a chimichanga.

PetSmart (opens April 18): The American pet retail chain sells food, supplies and accessories. Most also offers services such as grooming, training, veterinary care and boarding.

Sage Well (rebranded in mid-March): Formerly known as Radiant Juice + Smoothie Bar, new owners Char Rebell and Stephanie Berry updated the wellness cafe’s name and in-store experience.

Sprouts Farmers Market (opened March 6): The grocery store is stocked with farm-to-table foods from local and regional producers.

Check out six upcoming or ongoing transportation projects across the Austin metro.

Upcoming projects

FM 812 improvement project ($145 million): FM 812 will be upgraded to increase safety, reduce congestion and improve mobility.

183A Toll at Scottsdale Drive dedicated U-turn ($1.3 million): This project will shift through-lanes west and construct a new right-turn lane at Scottsdale Drive.

Ongoing projects

Austin shutters South Terminal as airport expansion continues ($52.4 million): The South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officially shut down March 31. The auxiliary terminal will be demolished to make way for new midfield taxiways as part of the multiyear Journey with AUS campus expansion.

Ronald Reagan Boulevard lane widening: About 7 miles of roadway on Ronald Reagan Boulevard will be widened from FM 3405 to SH 29 with a northbound-only section and a separate two-lane southbound road.