The Dorothy Perry White Welcome Center at Southwestern University is open after two years of construction. University officials celebrated its opening with a dedication ceremony March 7.

Diving deeper: The welcome center is located on the eastern side of the campus, and houses several amenities, including an art gallery, a 50-seat theater and several student lounge options. Java City at The Welcome Center offers students and faculty a new dining option.

Southwestern Office of Admission and Financial Aid, as well as administrative conference rooms and meeting areas, are also housed inside the welcome center.

In case you missed it: The Dorothy Perry White Welcome Center was included in the school’s five-year tactical plan as one of the capital projects. Southwestern has invested $120 million in construction and renovation projects to improve the campus, according to a news release.

This investment also includes two recently opened residence halls and a project to build a new multipurpose sports complex to provide a home football field for the campus.

The Second String Sports Consignment, a locally owned used sports retail store, is coming to Georgetown in April. 

What you need to know: Owned by Georgetown resident Kimri Crawford, the business aims to provide affordable sports equipment for children participating in a variety of activities. Families can buy and sell their gear, including school athletic wear, specific team wear, local club uniforms, equipment and accessories. 

The store is geared toward youth sports but will also provide athletic merchandise for all ages. 

• 609 E. University Ave., Ste. 110, Georgetown

The Round Rock Premium Outlets are about to get a fresh new look. 

What you need to know: Simon Malls, the real estate trust that owns the Round Rock outlet mall, announced in March that the property is undergoing a refresh that started in February. 

The details: In addition to a new coat of paint in linen-toned neutrals, according to a March 4 news release, the center will get updates including: 

• New interior and exterior wayfinding
• Upgrades to some common areas
• Restroom renovations
• Exterior landscaping enhancements
• A revamped entryway

Check out some of the top trending stories in the Austin area from March 9-12. 

1. Pipeline failure hits Pflugerville amid $845M in water projects

2. Dirt moving for 57-acre commercial, residential project near Georgetown-Round Rock border

3. Come on in: Check out the newest spots to open in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle

4. Bee Cave advances shifts to The Village at Spanish Oaks

5. Third Taco Bell location proposed for Leander

6. UT moves to rezone hundreds of acres in Northwest Austin for future medical center