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New townhomes and the closure of a longtime local business are just two of the most popular stories for the Lake Travis-Westlake area in June and July. Here’s a breakdown of the six most-read stories this summer.
1. The Pearl Townhomes coming soon to Bee Cave
Developers of The Pearl are taking steps forward on a new townhome community in Bee Cave.
The final proposed layout for the community was approved following a vote by City Council June 10.
The Pearl Townhomes, located at 13200 & 13216 Bee Cave Parkway, will consist of 13 buildings, or attached townhomes, containing 55 total residential units.
The project is part of the larger development known as The Pearl, put forward by developers at The Morgan Group and InTown Homes, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
2. Austin Gastroenterology now offering AI-assisted colonoscopies
Patients at Austin Gastroenterology will now have access to new AI-assisted colonoscopies. The new procedure will serve as a tool to help specialists detect growths in the colon, without patients feeling any physical change in their colonoscopy experience, according to a news release.
The AI technology, referred to as the Medtronic GI Genius module, was introduced at the practice in early April, and is available at all four of the business’ Austin Endoscopy Center locations, including North Austin, South Austin, Bee Cave and Leander.
3. Windy Point Park closes, considers new development
Windy Point Park on Lake Travis has closed to the public and is considering plans for redevelopment, according to a statement shared by park representatives.
“[The park] is closing because I want to find a new tenant who will develop the property,” said Bob Barstow, Windy Point Park Inc. president. “The best news would be to have a hotel and marina combination with a new park.”
No developers have yet signed on to the park project, Barstow said July 1.
4. Brown grass bill supported by Bee Cave, Lakeway passes
Legislation put forward by Lake Travis-area representatives aiming to prevent homeowners associations from charging fees for brown or unwatered lawns was passed this session, local officials shared.
A bill Rep. Vikki Goodwin’s team worked on heavily was House Bill 359, referred to by Goodwin as the “brown grass bill.” This bill aimed to prevent HOAs from fining homeowners for not watering their lawns during periods of drought.
Although HB 359 did not pass, a duplicate bill put forward by Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, HB 517, did.
“When I went and talked to groups, whether it was in Austin or some of the surrounding suburbs or even a couple of rural counties, people were very excited by that bill,” Goodwin said. “And I think the reason is that a lot of people are concerned about our water."
5. Faraday’s Kitchen Store to close in Bee Cave
Faraday’s Kitchen Store, owned by Tony and Melissa Curtis-Wellings, has plans to close in August after serving the Bee Cave area for over 20 years.
The store remains committed to delivering all 2025 Summer Chef Camps, adult cooking classes, and outdoor kitchen orders as planned, according to a news release. A store closing sale will also take place on in-store products while supplies last.
6. Lakeway Medical Village expands amid growth in Lake Travis area
As the population grows in the Lake Travis region, so does the medical industry needed to support the residents. New businesses and developments are currently underway at the Lakeway Medical Village—a small collection of medical practices and a hospital owned by Baylor Scott & White in Lakeway.
Newer developments at or near the medical village include a 42,000-square-foot medical office building at 101 Medical Parkway, as well as an office building project at 2909 Flint Rock Trace called The Overlook at Lakeway, per the city of Lakeway.
Additionally, a new medical office, referred to as Cherry Peak Office Park, is rounding out its list of tenants moving into its newly constructed medical plaza, located at 3502 Wild Cherry Drive.
