Patriot's Hall veterans retreat could break ground this fall in Dripping Springs

Patriot’s Hall, a project to provide Central Texas veterans and their families a retreat space with resources, could be breaking ground in Dripping Springs in the coming months.

Proposed for a 10-acre property on the south side of West Hwy. 290 east of downtown Dripping Springs, Patriot’s Hall board member Jeff Wells said he expects veterans from across Central Texas to access the facility once it opens.

“This area of Central Texas has more veterans than any other area in the country, and Dripping Springs is the nexus,” he said. “Veterans will come from everywhere because there is not anything else like that.”

Once constructed, Patriot's Hall will include a gathering hall with indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, a smaller secondary meeting hall, trails, outdoor amenities and a wellness clinic, according to the nonprofit. The spaces will also serve as spaces for local VFW and American Legion posts.

Initial permits have been filed with the city of Dripping Springs, and construction on the first phase of the project—a 7,100-square-foot meeting hall—could begin once permits are approved.

Kathryn Chandler, president of the Patriot’s Hall board of directors, said the nonprofit has spent the last few years raising money. For funding, the group has leaned on grants and donations, and COVID-19 has impacted the fundraising process as well.

Dripping Springs City Council on July 14 waived permit fees associated with the project to help the nonprofit. Mayor Bill Foulds said the group is doing great things for the community.

The first building could be completed this spring, and a second building is also in the works with an 18-month build-out.