A new Petbar location is headed to Leander, projected to open in summer 2026, according to franchisees Luisa and Orlando Solis.

What they offer: Petbar offers a range of grooming services, including self-service wash, professional dog grooming, as well as a dog bath and brush service. Specialty services include flea treatment, specialty shampoos, spa facials, nail buffs and sanitary trims.

The Austin-area locals set their sights on Leander because they noticed a lack of nearby pet grooming options.

“We want to welcome everyone and bring a safe and secure environment for their pets, and make a community here in Leander,” Luisa Solis said.

Looking ahead: In addition to the Leander location, the couple hopes to open another Petbar location in the Austin area, with the possibility of expanding to additional storefronts in the future.

• Near W. Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Leander

In January, Williamson County broke ground on a $132 million project to transform Hero Way and RM 2243 into a divided, controlled-access highway from 183A Toll in Leander to Southwest Bypass in Georgetown.

The current situation: The current rural two-lane road will expand to two main lanes in each direction, flanked by three-lane frontage roads, easing congestion on a corridor where traffic has doubled over the past 20 years.

Phase 1A will construct the first frontage road from 183A Toll to Garey Park Road, with completion expected by early 2028. County and city officials say the project will improve safety, reduce commute times and foster economic growth.

Of note: The roadway’s realignment is already attracting commercial and residential development, including a Home Depot, a hotel and new housing subdivisions. Utility relocations begin this year, with most roadwork starting in 2027.

What they're saying​​: “It is going to revolutionize the way traffic moves through Leander, and it’s critical that it starts and opens,” said Bridget Brandt, president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce.

Annette Sponseller was sworn in as Leander City Council member Place 4 at the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.

Both Sponseller and Mayor Na'Cole Thompson took the oath of office Feb. 17 after votes were canvassed. Thompson will be officially sworn in Feb. 27.

Long story short: Sponseller and Thompson won their seats in the Feb. 7 special election.

The positions became open after Mayor Christine DeLisle stepped down in October. Thompson was previously the place 4 council member and stepped down to run for mayor. Both will serve for the rest of the current terms, which expire in 2027.

“We did a lot of outreach to our residents and our local businesses, and we’ve heard a lot of what they have to say,” Sponseller said. “I’m very much ready to get to work and advocate for our small businesses and our residents who don’t feel heard. That’s why I’m here.”

From a commercial retail center to a gas station and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Courtside in Austin: Quantum 71 will build a 26,331-square-foot restaurant and a 4,128-square-foot pickleball building.

2. Base Power in Austin: The Austin-based energy supplier will finish out a shell building for manufacturing and warehouse uses.

3. Winding Oak Commercial Development in Leander: Zoomers Investment Group will construct a commercial retail center, which will feature a 4,000-square-foot quick-serve restaurant, 19,543 square feet of retail space and a two-story 16,400-square-foot office and retail building.

4. AAA Storage and Business Park in Austin: The self-storage business will construct an 85,000-square-foot facility and business park.

5. Smart Stop in Georgetown: Central Texas-based Smart Stop will open a convenience store and fuel station that spans 6,000 square feet.