A 36-mile trail project along the Capital Metro Red Line could transform neighborhoods across Austin, linking communities from Downtown to Leander. The Red Line Parkway Initiative, first envisioned over 20 years ago, is set to become the largest trail system north of Lady Bird Lake, connecting major trails in a unique way, said Tom Wald, executive director of the initiative.

The big picture: Following a transit-oriented development model, the trail will weave along Red Line rail stations, linking neighborhoods where daily needs are accessible without a car. Completed segments are already popular, with some seeing 1,500 users per day, according to Wald.

The project draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Beltline, which combined public and private funding to create a $10 billion economic hub supporting businesses, jobs and thousands of residential units.

The outlook: In Austin, the Red Line Parkway Initiative is now fundraising and planning public engagement to finalize trail routes and uses. Redeveloping industrial areas, like North Austin, are seen as prime locations for integrating transit and community amenities.

Austin Jeweler Korman celebrated the grand opening of The Jewel House, a new three-story space off North Lamar in late October.

The details: Since 1973, the Austin jewelry store has featured a hand-curated selection of designer jewelry and watches.

The new space, set among mature live oaks and overlooking Shoal Creek, brings new life to the former University Cyclery building. The Jewel House also features an intimate bridal salon for couples seeking a personal and private experience, according to a news release, in addition to a Rolex Service Center and private viewing rooms.

Meet the owners: Korman has been independently owned and operated for over 50 years with owners Kat and Larry Stokes taking over in 2018. The company is also a member of the Longhorn Business Network.

Quote of note: Co-owner Kat Stokes said The Jewel House is their homage to Austin.

“Restoring this building and bringing it back to life as a vibrant community space has been a dream realized,” Stokes said in the release.

• 2901 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

Austin Community College is broadening support for students who are parents by establishing Family Resource Corners, which provide essentials such as diapers, wipes and menstrual products, available at the Highland and Round Rock campuses.

What’s new: The Family Resource Corners are a part of ACC’s basic needs system, which aims to support students’ access to food, housing and mental health resources. They will be available in the Riverbats Bites Food Pantries.

“This partnership allows us to meet students where they are,” Cara Crowley, special advisor to the chancellor for Basic Needs Systems, said in a news release. “... When a parent can pick up diapers or period products on campus, that’s one less worry and one more reason to stay in school.”

According to the news release, approximately 1 in 3 ACC students is a parent. A study by the American Council on Education found that 18% of student-parents received a bachelor's or associate degree within six years of study, compared to 54% of dependent, non-parenting students.

Circuit of the Americas is shifting into high gear to provide more entertainment—a move that will make the facility more than a motorsports mecca.

Bobby Epstein, chairman of COTA, shared plans with Community Impact to open a full-scale amusement park next summer at its sprawling complex.

“I think what we’re trying to do is build a destination,” he said. “We want Central Texas residents’ first thought to be, ‘There’s a lot to do out at COTA.’”

The details
The amusement park, dubbed COTALAND, will span approximately 30 acres with 33 attractions by opening day, including:

• Two high-thrill roller coasters
• Two family-friendly roller coasters
• One roller coaster for children ages 3-6