Buda residents and visitors can expect a fresh place to shop, dine and hang out by late 2026 when businesses at The Roundabout in Buda are expected to begin opening.
The Roundabout in Buda broke ground in early October, marking the start of a development designed to serve local families and businesses—blending dining and retail with trails, patios, playgrounds and open spaces that encourage community connection.
“It’s also completely local,” said Tim Dowling, developer and broker for the project.
The project is supported by a public-private partnership with the city of Buda and the Buda Economic Development Corp., which allows trails, infrastructure and public access to be coordinated with the development.
Dowling said the end result will be a community gathering spot that reflects Buda’s character while boosting local commerce.
“This project is opening at a time when retail space is desperately needed in Buda,” said Monica Davidson, Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce executive director.
A closer look
Dowling said The Roundabout in Buda began with a desire to build something that “actually felt like Buda.” His team connected with local officials and residents to ask what they wanted more of and what was missing.
“The message was pretty clear: people wanted more local spots to eat, hang out and let the kids run around without having to head into Austin or south to Kyle,” he said.
The project’s layout is intentionally experience-based, Dowling said, noting that families will be able to walk or bike along more than a mile of parkland trail connecting the site to the greenbelt.
The development is also designed to reflect Buda’s small-town charm with Hill Country materials, open green spaces and walkability along Ranch Road 967, where the site spans more than six football fields of road frontage, he said.
A public-private partnership is being explored for the project with the city and the Buda Economic Development Corp., EDC Executive Director Jennifer Storm said.
Dowling said this would allow the team to go beyond a standard retail center to also create a community gathering spot.
John Costilla, Buda EDC assistant director of marketing and communications, said The Roundabout in Buda ticks all the boxes for the EDC’s approach to working with the city and GBCC to grow and enhance Buda.
“[The Roundabout in Buda team has] listened to our suggestions, and we are all working hard to make sure they have the support and tenants they need to be successful in Buda,” Davidson said.
In addition to destination retail and restaurants, Costilla said the EDC targets a curated selection of industries to ensure continued economic success and enhanced quality of life for residents, businesses and more.
Staying local
Dowling said the tenants are being curated to complement each other rather than compete, including local restaurants, entertainment options, health and wellness services, and professional offices.
With a focus on local and Texas-based businesses, the development is about 50% leased and looking to finish filling the space.
“Those local businesses keep dollars in town, create jobs, and give people more reasons to stay, shop, and spend time right here in Buda,” he said.
Partnerships for growth
Buda has limited land for development—about 14% within city limits and 33% in its extraterritorial jurisdiction—so the city prioritizes wellness-focused, pedestrian-friendly projects, City Manager Micah Grau said.
Dowling said developers, small business owners and other local entrepreneurs interested in opening in Buda should reach out to city officials to learn about available incentive options.
“Just sit down and talk about it, and you can come up with something that benefits everybody,” he said.
What’s next?
Dirt work at The Roundabout in Buda started in late October, with a projected completion date for the entire development by the end of 2027.
Dowling said Phase 1 should be shell-ready for tenant build-outs in November, with the second and final phase starting in mid-2026.
