Rendering courtesy H-E-B[/caption] The Oaks at Lakeway, a 90-acre downtown mixed-use project set to open on RR 620 in Lakeway, began preliminary work in early October. The $70 million, 250,000-square-foot project will be split in two halves with Glen Heather Drive—renamed to Main Street—serving as the dividing road. Jon Andrus of Stratus Properties, the project's developer, said he thinks the road will eventually connect with Lohmans Crossing Road at The Hills intersection. The connected roadway, which would traverse Lakeway Municipal Utility District land, would allow people to reach the development without having to use RR 620, he said. A 100,000-square-foot H-E-B which will serve as the anchor of the development is scheduled to open in October 2015. Along with H-E-B, the first tenants announced for the development include Torchys Tacos, High Fives 5 Entertainment, Orange Leaf Yogurt, Twin Liquors, Pro Nails and Factory Mattress. High 5 Family Entertainment is a 46,000-square-foot building with 28 bowling lanes, two-story laser tag, gaming, dining and event space, co-owner Scott Emley said. The building was originally pitched as a dine-in movie theater, but a deal could not be reached, Andrus said. Andrus said he hopes for a three-story hotel on the site but said an office building is still a possibility. He said a large portion of the tract remains unleased, but he has received interest from a number of businesses, most of which are restaurants and entertainment-based. "We want to keep [the Oaks at Lakeway] lively," he said. Andrus said the development will include playgrounds, fire pits and outdoor music. There will be a 1-mile walking trail around a pond, but the connecting walking trail to Rolling Green Drive was taken out of the plans. The development will also include the corporate headquarters for RoboReel along with several pad sites, which have been approved by Lakeway City Council for drive-thrus. Andrus said the H-E-B will be the first building constructed—breaking ground in March—and the other businesses will follow shortly thereafter. The second half of the tract was proposed to be an arts district by the city of Lakeway in January.

H-E-B to anchor Oaks at Lakeway with full-service restaurant and bar

Plans for the Oaks at Lakeway's 100,000-square-foot H-E-B include a full-service bar and restaurant, a unique feature for the Texas grocery chain. "The restaurant concept is still new to H-E-B," Director of Public Affairs Leslie Sweet said. "Our first restaurant was at our Mueller location and it has been a smashing success." She said the eatery will feature a variety of entrees including barbecue as well as rare wines, spirits and a selection of Texas craft brews on tap. Indoor and outdoor seating, a live entertainment stage and a childrens play area are also slated for the restaurant, she said. The entire project will employ 350 people and include other departments generally found in H-E-B stores, Sweet said. "H-E-B has been eyeing the Lakeway area for 10 years," Senior Vice President Jeff Thomas said. "We're thrilled to honor our loyal customers with a store in their own community."