Hays CISD and Upward Communities hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the district's affordable housing community Nov. 5.

The big picture: Upward Communities is building a 362-home subdivision for Hays CISD, called Live Oak Commons, near Uhland Elementary School to retain and recruit staff. Options will range from one- to four-bedroom homes.

Upward Communities partners with school districts, cities and counties to deliver long-term housing for workers in the public sector, according to the website.

Neighborhood amenities will include:

• Private yards

• Playgrounds

• Pocket parks

• Pickleball courts

• A pool and sundeck

"[Live Oak Commons] is the largest privately funded teacher housing project in the United States," Upward Communities CEO Jason Roberts said.

Looking ahead: Homes will be move-in ready in 2028.

Check out six new business updates from the city.

What’s next: Filings made with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

IHOP and Applebee’s restaurant: The structure that previously housed a Hooters on I-35 will soon become a combined dining spot, bringing together the two well-known restaurant brands.

Relocations

Vineyard Vines: The clothing store has reopened after relocating to a larger storefront at San Marcos Premium Outlets.

In the news

Pegasus Landing of San Marcos: The assisted living and memory care community, formerly known as Brookdale San Marcos North, reopened its doors under its new name.

Pennington Funeral Home: The San Marcos City Council postponed a zoning request from the business and Sinai Pentecostal Church that would have allowed for the development of a new funeral home facility.

San Marcos Lions Club: The nonprofit organization is celebrating 85 years of serving the community.

The Fault: The Wonder World observation tower will soon become an event venue with an elegant, vintage vibe, available for rentals.

In its inaugural year, The Center for Nonprofit Success has begun providing professional development, resources and tools for a couple dozen nonprofit organizations throughout Central Texas.

Called a capacity-building organization because it aims to give back time to local nonprofit leaders, the initiative is a partnership between the Georgetown Health Foundation and the Central Texas Community Foundation.

The overview: While The Center for Nonprofit Success officially launched in June, the team has been working for the last two years to build its platform, said Andy Davis, vice president of education and capacity building at the Georgetown Health Foundation.

At its core, the organization offers an online portal that members can access 24/7, Executive Director Melinda Brasher said.

Quote of note: “What we have tried to build is a resource center that allows [nonprofits] to be efficient at their job by providing answers to questions in a very timely manner and giving them access to others in their community that they can lean on for peer support,” Davis said.