Nearly 400 acres of The University of Texas at Austin's land is set to be rezoned for research and science uses, a move that could help clear the way for the future UT Medical Center's development in Northwest Austin.

The details: First announced in 2023, the new medical center including a UT hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center is envisioned as a multibillion-dollar addition to UT's academic health system. It was originally set to rise near other health care facilities downtown, but university officials confirmed this month that the project would instead be built west of the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Northwest Austin and open in 2030.

Further details about the medical center project, such as its exact location or scope, haven't been released as of early 2026. For now, UT is seeking to rezone several properties it owns near The Domain, including the Pickle campus, specifically for research and science uses. The city Planning Commission advanced the zoning case Feb. 24, and City Council will consider it next month.

A long-awaited overhaul of the US 183 corridor is nearing the finish line, with the final southbound express lanes expected to open as early as March. The northbound lanes debuted in January, marking a major milestone in the $612 million 183 North Mobility Project led by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

A closer look: Spanning 9 miles from MoPac to SH 45, the project adds two tolled express lanes and one new nontolled lane in each direction, plus a flyover connection to MoPac and new shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Toll rates will vary based on demand, starting at $0.73 per segment with a toll tag, with the goal of keeping traffic moving at least 45 mph.

The outlook: Officials say the expansion is critical as Cedar Park’s population has grown roughly 60% since 2000, with continued growth in neighboring communities. Local leaders expect reduced congestion to boost safety, cut productivity losses and attract new business investment along the corridor.

Restauranteur Erin Wade, owner of Vinaigrette's Austin location, now also owns the 1950's-era building housing the restaurant on property shaded by Live Oak trees. 

What you need to know: In a Feb. 20 news release, the restaurant owner announced that she purchased the property on which her restaurant sits, as well as plans to expand the space with two new concepts: Tiny's, serving coffee and light bites, and the Live Oak Farmer's Market, bringing a bi-weekly market of local growers and makers to the neighborhood. 

About the business: Vinaigrette Austin was opened in 2016 by Wade, preceded by the original Santa Fe, N.M. location in 2008 and Albuquerque, N.M. in 2012. The restaurant offers a variety of salads, with "bright and zingy", savory or lightly sweet flavors, as well as beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. The Austin location's brunch menu also includes omelettes, pastries and other breakfast fare.