From a film studio groundbreaking to a new virtual learning option for Bastrop ISD families and more, here are the five Bastrop stories readers clicked on most in April.
1. 204 Texas breaks ground on nearly 600-acre film studio
The landscape is changing just west of Lovers Lane in Bastrop, as Alton Butler broke ground on 204 Texas—a nearly 600-acre film studio complex local officials expect will boost the local economy.
The project by Los Angeles-based Line 204, a production rental company, experienced several delays in response to water and utility infrastructure issues, in addition to permitting and regulatory hurdles. It was previously on track to open in 2025, as reported by Community Impact in July 2024.
2. EdgeConneX plans second data center campus in Bastrop County
A $1.4 billion data center campus is being built in Cedar Creek, and the developers already have plans for a second Bastrop County location.
“This would be one of the largest data center campuses in the United States, if not the globe,” said Evan Pierce, vice president of site development for EdgeConneX. “This is going to be our marquee campus of all the campuses we have across the globe.”
3. Bastrop council replaces city development code, aims to help future growth
Bastrop residents and developers will see future growth shaped by a new set of land-use rules after City Council replaced the city's development rules with the Bastrop Development Code.
City officials said the shift was needed after the B3 Code proved difficult to use in practice, with concerns ranging from drainage to parking and site design.
4. Bastrop ISD to launch virtual academy this fall; applications open April 24
Families have until May 15 to apply for the district’s new Virtual Learning Academy—a pilot program launching this fall for the 2026-27 school year with fully virtual and hybrid options.
The program is open to students in and outside of the district, including students who are currently homeschooled, enrolled online elsewhere or just looking for another public school option.
5. Mural planned for South End District in Bastrop
The Bastrop Cultural Arts Committee has an open call for artists as part of the South End District mural project.
It will be located on M.L.K. Junior Drive and is projected to take approximately three to four months to be completed.
