Travis County leaders are weighing participation in a city-led tax financing plan to support decades of development in the eastern "Dog's Head," following Austin City Council's recent vote to annex the nearly 4-square-mile area.

The details: The Dog's Head is now largely undeveloped after decades of industrial mining activity, and representatives with Endeavor Real Estate Group have said they intend for environmental remediation alongside new construction. To support that growth, the city and developer also intend on tax-based financing for public infrastructure needed as the area builds out.

Austin council members will consider setting up a tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, for the Dog's Head in late July. Through the TIRZ, a portion of anticipated tax growth over time will be reserved for the civic improvements.

The Dog's Head's future hinges on the TIRZ; Endeavor may back out of the development agreement and disannex from Austin if the financing mechanism isn't created. Ahead of key votes this summer, Travis County leaders heard from Endeavor as they decide whether to join the city's financing plan.

Ascension Seton opened its new Women's Hospital on June 25 at 1201 W. 38th St., bringing the first hospital of its kind in Central Texas dedicated exclusively to women's care.

The $362 million, 178-bed tower begins accepting patients June 29.

The big picture: The hospital consolidates emergency care, labor and delivery, surgery, postpartum recovery and neonatal intensive care into one dedicated building connected to the existing Ascension Seton Medical Center.

Dell Children's neonatologists staff the NICU around the clock.

Why it matters: Labor and delivery rooms at the existing Ascension Seton Medical Center have been at capacity weekly.

The new building is designed to handle 7,500 to 8,500 births a year and nearly doubles NICU capacity from 44 to up to 84 beds, all in private rooms designed for couplet care.

Pease Park Conservancy hosted an event June 24 to celebrate Malin’s Fountain, the 18-foot-tall troll sculpture that once guarded Pease Park.

The art installation was crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and burned down May 21, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Malin was Dambo’s 129th troll—the only one in Texas.

“Malin was our water protector, our Patron Saint of Pease Park,” Nicole Netherton, CEO of Pease Park Conservancy, said at the event. “For me, she embodied the love and connection to each other and to nature that I feel here tonight.”

What we know: The Austin Fire Department responded to the scene May 21, beginning an active investigation. The fire’s cause remains unknown, and signage posted at the site calls for community help in identifying information. 

Those affected: The memorial honoring Dambo’s art featured speeches, music, poetry and an art activation where attendees could use Malin’s ashes to paint. Pease Park Conservancy also distributed the troll's ashes, labeled “Malin’s Magic Mix.”

Shine Hot Pilates + Sculpt is expanding from Dallas to Austin with a new studio coming soon to downtown. The location will officially launch with a soft opening on June 26 and a grand opening planned for June 27, according to Kris Jacobson, director of operations at Shine Hot Pilates. 

What they offer: The studio offers heated workout classes, combining cardio, Pilates and dance. Shine Hot Pilates has five class formats: sculpt, remix, Pilates, strength and arms, abs and assets. Shine provides a sweat towel and yoga mat for classes, and encourages people to bring their own mat towel and water. Each studio is also equipped with showers and changing rooms. 

First-time visits at Shine are $20; each drop-in class after the initial visit is $35. During the Austin opening, class packages will be 15% off, with additional sales throughout the coming weeks, Jacobson said. 

What’s next: Stern and Merritt are planning for an additional Austin expansion, as well as future projects planned for 2027, according to Jacobson.

• 17 Lavaca St., Austin

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area June 22-25. 

1. Last Austin-area Hooters location closes

2. Developer of The Domain partners with legacy family on 1,200-acres

3. Universal Music partner joins White Rocks project to build hotel and private residences

4. Hays County denies agreement with 340-acre development over Edwards Aquifer recharge zone

5. Liberty Hill ISD students outperform state average on majority of 2026 STAAR exams

6. Georgetown veterans to have VA health care closer to home