Round Rock Eyes New Development Amidst Data Center Surge
In the bustling city of Round Rock, exciting developments are on the horizon! On October 16, representatives from Highland Resources Inc. met with the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss plans for a new planned unit development on the east side of Chisholm Trail Road and just south of Old Settlers Boulevard. This new venture is set to earmark a spacious 57 acres for an array of uses, including a data center—a booming trend in the Austin area.
What’s in Store for Chisholm Trail Development?
While the details of the project are still being fleshed out, it’s clear that this development could have a significant impact on the area. City officials indicated that a portion of the project would likely feature a data center or limited commercial spaces. Additionally, there are plans for an electric substation to support the data center’s energy needs—something that Amanda Swor, the director of entitlements and policy at Drenner Group PC, confirmed is critical. She noted, “You would not have a substation without the data center,” highlighting the interdependence of these two facilities.
The developers behind this initiative are part of Chisholm Trail Developers Venture Ltd., linked to Highland Resources. This firm has a well-established presence in Austin, having worked on various notable projects, including the illustrious Driskill Hotel and several mixed-use developments across the city.
The Growing Trend of Data Centers in the Area
As you may have noticed, Round Rock isn’t alone in its embrace of data center development. Communities like Georgetown, Hutto, Pflugerville, Taylor, and even parts of Bastrop and Caldwell counties are all welcoming these massive hubs of computer processing power. Commonly referred to as “the cloud,” data centers play a crucial role in supporting a variety of industries, providing the necessary infrastructure for digital operations.
Even though these facilities might not create a plethora of long-term jobs, they bring significant monetary benefits to cities. The large investments made in these sites can contribute positively to local tax rolls, which is always a bonus for city budgets. However, the rise of data centers has not been without its critics. Some argue that the massive amount of power and water these facilities require could pose a challenge in resource management.
Round Rock’s Response to Data Center Growth
With a growing population of around 130,000, Round Rock is stepping up as a significant player in the data center sector. Notably, Las Vegas-based Switch Inc. is currently working on a couple of data center projects, while Sabey Data Centers recently launched its first facility in the area. Additionally, tech giant Amazon received approval for a data center project as well, though they have yet to commit fully.
When planning and zoning commissioners posed a question about Round Rock’s capacity to support additional data centers, the city’s director of planning and development, Brad Dushkin, assured everyone that water infrastructure is in tip-top shape. However, he also mentioned that inquiries related to the overall strategy should be directed toward the City Council and Oncor, the local electric utility. “It is a new land use that is popping up all over the country, especially in Texas,” he explained, emphasizing the city’s commitment to integrating these developments into its strategic plans for growth and economic development.
What’s Next for Residents?
As Round Rock gears up for the potential development on Chisholm Trail, residents and local business owners may want to keep an eye on how this project unfolds. With so many possibilities at hand, this could be an exciting chapter for our community, bringing new opportunities and resources. So buckle up, Round Rock—change is on the horizon, and it just might be a bright one!
