The development along RR 620 is impossible to ignore. In the 3-mile stretch along RR 620 from Hwy. 71 to Oaks at Lakeway, you’ll see multiple commercial projects spanning the phases of construction from clearing land to framing to punch list.
Back in January 2015, we wrote about all of the new hotels headed to the Lake Travis area. At that time, the Sonesta Hotel was still under construction. We mentioned more hotels on the way including a La Quinta and a Marriott, both rumored to be at Lakeway Medical Village (322 Medical Parkway). Well, that’s still 50% accurate …
Today we’re taking a look at businesses headed this way including Marriott, La Quinta, and the new Schlotzsky’s special concept restaurant, Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery.
Plus, the statewide texting while driving ban is in effect. Put. That. Phone. Down.
Food + Drink
The funny name with a serious sandwich is headed to the Texas Hill Country.
In 2016, we heard Schlotzsky’s was bringing its new concept to The Park at Bee Cave shopping center, which is currently under construction at the northwest corner of RR 620 and Hwy. 71, in 2017.
Yesterday we confirmed the news that a Schlotzsky’s Austin Eatery will be opening in Bee Cave this winter.
What is an “Austin Eatery,” you ask?
It’s an evolution of Schlotzsky’s inspired by the cool and weird city we call home. Schlotzsky’s debuted an Austin Eatery in Duluth, Georgia. It features an enhanced menu with new items (think salads and stuff for our protein-obsessed peeps) and beer AND wine. Plus, the restaurant’s design and decor is Austin-y with reclaimed wood, funky fixtures, and hipster-approved graphics.
Shopping + Hotels
The new La Quinta Inns & Suites will be located at Oaks at Lakeway (1945 Medical Drive) and the Marriott hotel will be near Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. That hotel will actually be a Springhill Suites, a Marriott property.
Before you start with the eye rolls, give these hotels a chance. They may not be as luxurious as The W Austin, but they are functional, cute, modern and convenient. They’re called “boutique” hotels because they’ll be small with about 88-100 rooms total. Technically, anything smaller than 10 rooms is a B&B or inn.
Oaks at Lakeway tenants are excited for the new La Quinta because it solidifies The Oaks shopping center as a true destination spot for food, drinks, entertainment, and services. With the addition of this cool little hotel, it’s the perfect spot to stay and play in Lake Travis.
Right now the La Quinta pad site is fenced off to contain pending construction. After this phase, it will be time for dirt work. You may have noticed Oaks at Lakeway has been enhancing the property by beautifying the space with landscaping and fun murals. This will continue with the addition of fire pits and other outdoor touches.
Springhill Suites at Lakeway Medical Village is expected to open next summer. It will have standard rooms and suites with features like two meeting rooms, a business center, a fitness center overlooking the outdoor pool, a lobby bar and outdoor fire pits.
Lifestyle
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again with more certainty — don’t text and drive.
We first wrote about this back in 2015 when the hands-free ordinance warning periods were ending in Lakeway and Bee Cave. Now it’s a statewide ban, so no matter where you’re driving in Texas, if you’re also texting, you’re breaking the law.
Exceptions are allowed to use GPS, report illegal activity, read an emergency message — (no, telling your bestie what you’re wearing tonight isn’t an emergency) — summon emergency help or enter info into a traffic app.
Cellphone use while driving is obviously a huge danger to everyone on the roads, so first offenses are punishable by a misdemeanor with a fine of at least $25 and at most $99. Subsequent offenses are punishable by fines of no more than $200.
Oaks at Lakeway has more exciting news, but they can’t share it with us yet. H-E-B made us jump for joy. What news could top that? Let us know in comments on our Facebook page.
