The overview
Council signed off on $10.7 million to come from the Round Rock Transportation and Economic Development Corp. to help renovate the old public library. The total project is set to cost around $19.5 million with another $4.6 million coming from Round Rock’s hotel occupancy tax and $4.2 million coming out of the city’s construction funding approved in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget.
The details
Once renovations are complete, the Griffith Building will include the Round Rock Chamber, a visitors center and an art gallery. Before moving on the project, though, the city plans to move the Palm House at 208 E. Main St., where the chamber operates out of, and relocate it to Palm Valley Boulevard.
The move will allow the city to build a paseo, or walkway, connecting Prete Plaza to the new Round Rock Public Library.
Quote of note
“I’m ecstatic that we’re finally moving in this direction,” Mayor Craig Morgan said. “This city has deserved a chamber that we can be proud of and that consists of works in the 21st century. ... I can’t wait to see it.”
What’s next
The city plans to move the Palm House by January, while design work is underway for the Griffith Building renovations and paseo construction. The entire project is expected to be finished in 2025.
