Once in a while it’s fun to take a look back instead of jumping ahead. Forget the latest commercial real estate rumors and ignore your inner dialogue as you drive by a construction site on FM 620 and muse, “I bet that’s gonna be a bank or a mattress store …”
Do you remember when the news of Oaks at Lakeway first started snagging headlines?
It was June 2013. That’s when we discovered a custom-designed 90k square foot H-E-B was headed our way. We knew it would be big and fab-u-lous, which it is. The only thing we’re wondering is where is our nifty golden sailboat sculpture from the rendering above? I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a flaxen nautical monument?
If you’ve been living in Lake Travis for a long time, you’ll probably remember the hot topics of the day in 2013. If not, enjoy reliving some of LT’s big moments.
Burrito Buzz
When we announced the opening of Freebirds World Burrito in Four Points and Hecho En Mexico in Steiner Ranch, Lake Travis residents kind of lost their minds. Who knew people could be so overcome with joy about a little donkey – oops … uhm, sorry … that’s the literal definition of burrito. We meant soft tortillas rolled around savory filling.
The truth is, we love everything served in a soft tortilla or a crispy shell. Four years later and we’ve got Maudie’s, Austin Burrito Company, and Torchy’s Tacos … just to name a few.
Confusion, Crickets & Controversy
As you know, every year has its quirks. That being said, there were a few topics that we were excited about. And slightly enraged by.
Lakeway Regional Medical Center — a building that always looked slanted in pictures — was like an eerie oasis. Don’t be mistaken, Lake Travis residents were overjoyed to have a hospital nearby, but it was oddly empty.
{Insert crickets chirping here.}
We had a state-of-the-art hospital with small machines that beep and big machines that hum and tons of gauze bandages, but no patients. Let’s be frank, can we be frank? That was really weird. Strolling into a silent hospital is unnerving, like your brain is wondering if it’s secretly a zombie sanctuary trap.
Today, LRMC is Baylor Scott & White, a truly amazing place with exceptional doctors, nurses and staff members. We’re so fortunate to have them as neighbors.
In October 2013, Lakeway City Council was voting on a zoning amendment for C-4 zoning that would allow car dealerships in Lakeway. Obviously, that one passed. (Howdy, Lexus!) Boy, oh boy, did that debate cause a ruckus. Anyone remember that hubbub?
There were bumper stickers and petitions and Facebook pages and maybe slapping and spitting. It got real ugly. Today, Lexus has remained true to their word by supporting the community. The end-result has certainly elevated the notion of “car dealership” and that’s good for everyone.
Supporting Our Lake
By September 2013, the multi-year drought that began in 2009 had devastated Lake Travis. In an effort to maintain our beautiful natural resource — the lake! — water conservation was a hot topic. We explored LCRA’s water management plan and posed important questions to Lake Travis residents about the future of Lake Travis.
By the time Prop 6 voting rolled around, residents were informed. The Texas State Water Fund Amendment, Proposition 6 was ultimately approved. Additionally, LT residents got involved with many of our local organizations who are devoted to water conservation.
Birth of the Weekend Roundup
When we first started sharing upcoming events, we had no idea LT residents were so active! In October 2013, we focused on local LT events — sorry, Austin! — and the rest is history. Now we publish a roundup of weekend events every Friday.
And if for some reason we’re running a little late on publishing it Friday a.m., we immediately get emails from readers asking about it. Plus, with so much live music in our immediate area, the round up keeps growing and growing. Never a shortage of things to do in LT!
Yes to Artsy-Fartsy
Just because we live in the “country,” doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate art. In fact, in 2013 original art work by local artists became a staple in the Lake Travis area. The Benches of Bee Cave from the Bee Cave Arts Foundation were peppered throughout the grounds of the Hill Country Galleria.
The Bee Cave Sculpture Park opened in November 2013 to the delight of residents young and old. This 7-acre park features 24 installations of original sculptures. Thanks to community support and donations, we’re still able to enjoy this one-of-a-kind park today.
What hot topic in Lake Travis do you remember from 2013?
I enjoy reading your comments- I was against the car dealership- and then—-I bought my first Lexus from Lakeway Lexus ! Who knew?!