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Bastrop is part of a growing Central Texas mixed-use development trend, with about 500 acres of retail, dining, medical and other uses planned within a 3-mile stretch.
What we know
Three developments—Sendero, Burleson Crossing East and Bastrop West—are in various stages of construction.
While Sendero and Burleson Crossing East would add retail and dining, Sendero would also bring housing and medical services.
Bastrop West, meanwhile, could bring the city’s first full-scale hospital, plus a new hotel and convention center.
“Growth is happening all across our region, and as a city, our responsibility is to help guide it,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris told Community Impact.
Sendero
The Sendero development is advancing as one of Bastrop’s largest mixed-use projects to date, designed to create a destination where residents and visitors can live, work, shop and dine, according to developer Pearl River Companies.
The 75-acre development, led by Houston-based Pearl River Companies, broke ground April 10, 2025, with city officials and developers celebrating the first phase of commercial and retail construction at the intersection of FM 969 and SH 71.
Nearly a year later, construction is underway, infrastructure improvements have progressed, and Pearl River Companies has continued marketing to potential tenants.
Although the estimated completion date for Sendero could stretch into 2030, Chuy’s kicked off business openings May 18.
“We’re proud to see Sendero taking shape and grateful for the strong support we’ve received from residents along the way,” said Mason Mote, a Bastrop native and a co-founder and managing partner at Pearl River Companies.
Harris stressed the importance of a thoughtfully planned development.
“As Sendero continues to build out, we want to make sure it strengthens our local economy, benefits our residents and keeps Bastrop the kind of place people are proud to call home,” he said.
Future amenities at Sendero will include a hotel and about 90,000 square feet of health-and-wellness-oriented space.
Burleson Crossing East
Burleson Crossing East—a shopping center that will offer a variety of retail, dining and service options—will total nearly 20 acres when complete.
The two-phase development is projected to create more than 300 jobs and contribute an estimated $1.4 million to Bastrop’s general fund through annual property and sales taxes, according to city documents.
Aaron Nino, the manager of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Burleson Crossing East, shared his excitement that his business was the first to contribute to those sales. The restaurant opened to customers Feb. 16.
“I worked my way up through the ranks, and when I got the opportunity to open up this location, I jumped at it,” he said. “What makes it special is the fact that we’re more than just a great steakhouse. We’re a place where our guests will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.”
Sprouts Farmers Market and First Watch—a brunch and lunch eatery—were the second and third businesses, respectively, to open in Burleson Crossing East.
Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce President Becki Womble told Community Impact the grand opening of these businesses in a development like Burleson Crossing East represents more than just a new place to shop.
“It reflects the community’s growth and evolving needs,” she said.
Bastrop West
Another proposal under review is Bastrop West, where city-backed feasibility studies are examining a hotel-convention center and a medical complex that could include a full-service hospital.
The studies, which Bastrop City Council OK’d in late December, are underway as part of a city partnership with a private development company.
City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino told council members during an April 28 meeting that all three studies suggest the projects could be a good fit. Council directed staff to continue working with legal and financial partners for each project and return to council July 28 with an update.
The outlook
While Sendero and Burleson Crossing East would add retail and dining, Sendero would also bring housing and medical services.
Bastrop West, meanwhile, could bring the city’s first full-scale hospital, plus a new hotel and convention center.
“Growth is happening all across our region, and as a city, our responsibility is to help guide it,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris told Community Impact.
Harris said the projects reflect Bastrop’s broader effort to expand its commercial base while accommodating continued population growth.
Other developments are planned in Bastrop County, including a 189-acre vacant property in Cedar Creek that property owners have slated for redevelopment.
“These investments signal confidence in Bastrop’s future," Womble said.
