The shift to commercial development was marked by an October 2022 ordinance limiting zoning requests that increase the density of residential developments. The move would allow the city to catch up commercially, officials said at the time.
Furthermore, DeLisle said Williamson County has plans as far out as 20 years from now to transform Ronald Reagan Boulevard into a large, divided toll road—similar to 183A Toll—bringing even more commuters and travelers to the area looking to shop and dine.
“We’re able to get people while they’re commuting; we’re able to get people out of town that need to stop and grab something to eat. It’s where [commercial development] makes a lot of sense,” she said.
A closer look
There are seven newly constructed or in-progress developments along Ronald Reagan Boulevard from East Whitestone Boulevard to East Crystal Falls Parkway—most of which are retail centers.
Mallik Gilakattula, co-founder of Prime Developer—which owns three of the aforementioned developments—said the reason they chose to build along Ronald Reagan is due to the need for more flex spaces and commercial opportunities in the area.
Leander Director of Economic Development Randall Malik said the success of Bar W Marketplace—located further north on Ronald Reagan Boulevard—has attracted even more developers to the corridor.
What to expect
As the developments are completed, real estate brokers and developers have announced a wide variety of tenants, ranging from large national brands to smaller, local businesses.
On New Hope Drive, a variety of entertainment and dining options are set to open later this year, including the new 54th Street Restaurant and Drafthouse location with pickleball and bocce ball courts, as well as debut businesses such as Hype Bar & Grill and Guru Liquors.
“The last thing that Cedar Park residents want to do is have to travel into Austin to enjoy a night or weekend out,” said Travis Robertson, broker for District at New Hope.
On Ronald Reagan, upcoming retailers include The Brass Tap, Society Bar and Kitchen, Shipley Do-Nuts, The Williamson County Bagel Co., and Seven Oaks Coffee. Gilakattula said there is also an indoor cricket tenant coming to the flex spaces under construction at 15901 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander.
“We are very excited about all the things that are coming,” DeLisle said.
Editor's note: This story is part of a three-part series. To read more about how Cedar Park and Leander are approaching commercial development, click here. For more information about growth along New Hope Drive, click here.
