ATX-SCA: Impact 10/20/2025

Reviews are progressing for the Greater Austin YMCA's redevelopment of its TownLake center near downtown, anchored by a trio of residential towers rising more than 400 feet.

The details: The nonprofit is also partnering with Foundation Communities on an affordable apartment complex in between the high-rises and an expanded YMCA. President and CEO Kathy Kuras called the project a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for the city given the project's environmental improvements as well as new offerings for child care and well-being.

The YMCA's planned unit development, or PUD, proposal includes a 110,000-square-foot YMCA and office building, up to 750 market-rate or luxury residences, 90 income-restricted housing units aimed at families, and pedestrian-oriented space including a restaurant.

Downtown's newest brunch location opened earlier this month and is offering house-made dishes, cocktails and specialty coffee.

What to know: Fat Rabbit Social House has taken over the space previously occupied by Forthright as founder and operator Rachael Treadwell takes her first leap into restaurant ownership after previously managing Forthright.

"Opening Fat Rabbit Social House in downtown Austin feels like the culmination of everything I've poured into this industry," Treadwell said. "This incredible location, practically on Town Lake's doorstep, gives us the chance to create something truly special – a place where Austin's energy comes alive through delicious food, great drinks and weekends with live music. After years of studying the art of brunch at other restaurants, I'm thrilled to launch my own vision and create a fun gathering place that serves locals and visitors alike."

The restaurant offers brunch classics such as chicken and waffles and french toast as well as specialty entrees like the Forthright brunch burger which is topped with a bacon bourbon jam and a fried egg.

• 35 Brazos St., Austin

Several major mobility projects are reshaping Central Austin this fall, with construction and closures affecting traffic but ultimately aimed at improving safety and accessibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The details: On South Lamar Boulevard, the city is finalizing design plans for a $60.5 million corridor upgrade that will add bike lanes, sidewalks, medians and intersection improvements from Barton Springs Road to Hwy. 290. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026. Meanwhile, crews will start building a new roundabout at West Mary Street and Evergreen Avenue next fall, part of a separate $3.2 million project.

Farther north, the $612 million US 183 North Mobility Project continues, with the southbound Far West Boulevard exit closed through 2025 as crews add toll lanes between MoPac and SH 45.

Burnet Road is also set for work beginning mid-November, including new crossings, bus stop upgrades and medians. And downtown, drivers can expect ongoing closures and lane shifts as the Texas Department of Transportation's massive I-35 Capital Express Central project advances.

Early voting in the Nov. 4 election begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. During early voting, registered voters can cast ballots at any polling place within their county of residence, according to the secretary of state’s office.

What to bring: Voters must bring one of seven forms of identification to the polls:

• A Texas driver license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• A Texas personal ID card (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas handgun license (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas election ID certificate (issued by the DPS)
• A U.S. military ID card with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. citizenship certificate with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. passport

As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, is relaunching as the InCIder this month.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

The InCIder program currently gives donors access to a special Saturday email edition across each metro: Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Memberships are currently $10 per month or $110 annually. A membership will include the previously mentioned perks, as well as:

• Quarterly discounts at local businesses 
• Invites to in-person events
• Optional naming and “thank you” in our newspaper
• Community Impact swag
• InCIder anniversary gift

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from
Oct. 13-17.

1. Williamson County Fair and Rodeo coming to Taylor in October

2. Trader Joe’s expected to begin construction in Cedar Park this January

3. Pflugerville home sales decline, prices drop in Hutto

4. Austin ISD offers naming rights at district facilities to generate additional revenue

5. 'Shovel-ready:' Austin ISD nears groundbreaking on affordable apartment community

6. Home sale prices continue to decline in September for Cedar Park and Far Northwest Austin