Howdy, Hutto. One of the biggest stories this week is an update on the proposed Gateway development. If you've lived in Hutto for a while, you may remember hearing about it before, but City Council got another look at the vision last week. It's still early in the process, but if it moves forward, it could become one of the biggest developments on Hutto's south side; a place designed for shopping, dining, entertainment, and gathering.

We also have a new update on the proposed Justice Center. The project is still working its way toward a potential bond election this November, but Mayor Mike Snyder shared new renderings and a proposed site plan that gives residents a better idea of where the facility could be built if voters ultimately approve it. I've linked to his post below if you'd like to take a look.

As always, I've rounded up this week's local news, events, and everything else happening around town below. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great week!

Quick local updates from around town.

Justice Center Bond Update | Hutto City Council is expected to vote next month on placing a proposed Justice Center bond on the November ballot, with the scaled-back facility planned for the northwest corner of CR 132 and U.S. 79 at roughly half the cost of the city’s previous proposal.

Street Work Delayed | Street rehabilitation for Hutto's Old Town Preservation Project will now begin July 27 after weather delays, with temporary lane and access changes expected on Live Oak, Metcalfe, Hutto, Liberty, and Church streets through late August.

Autism-Friendly Vision | Hutto leaders are exploring whether the city could become Texas' first Certified Autism City, an effort that would expand autism-awareness training and encourage more inclusive planning as the community continues to grow.

The Curious Hippo Soft Opening | The Curious Hippo, a new Victorian-inspired shop featuring local artists, workshops, oddities, and community events, will celebrate its soft opening July 25–26 at 101 East St. in downtown Hutto.

New Fiber Shop Planned | Heritage Bloom Fiber Co. has signed a lease at 115 East St. in downtown Hutto, where the owners plan to open a community-focused shop carrying yarn, fabric, and other supplies for handmade projects.

Firefighters Deployed | Three Hutto Fire Rescue personnel were deployed to communities affected by severe weather and flooding, with two assisting in the Del Rio area through TIFMAS and a third serving with Texas Task Force 2.

Hot Dog Eating Contest | The Downtown Hall of Fame will host a hot dog eating contest before the NFL Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, with free entry and cash prizes for the top finishers.

Things to do around town from Wednesday through Sunday.

Summer Slime
Hutto Public Library
Tuesday, July 21 • 2:00–2:30 PM and 3:00–3:30 PM
Kids ages 4 and up can make slime, experiment with textures, and learn the science behind this stretchy favorite. Free tickets are required and available at the library beginning at 10:00 AM yesterday.

Fiber Friends
The Story Emporium & Bookshop
Tuesday, July 21 • 5:30–6:30 PM
Bring a knitting, crochet, embroidery, or other portable craft project for a relaxed evening of crafting and conversation. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and the meet-up is free to attend.

Hutto Farmers Market
350 Ed Schmidt Blvd.
Wednesday, July 22 • 3:00–7:00 PM
Local farmers, ranchers, artisans, food vendors, coffee, handmade goods, and more.

Book Swap
Hutto Wine Bar
Wednesday, July 22 • 6:00 PM
Bring a book and swap it with a fellow reader while enjoying an evening of wine and conversation.

Muzingo
Cottonwood Creek Brewery
Wednesday, July 22 • 7:00 PM
Sing along to favorite hits while competing in a music bingo game hosted by Get It Games.

Percussion Things
Hutto City Council Chambers
Thursday, July 23 • 10:30–11:30 AM
This free, all-ages performance blends storytelling, songs, and rhythms from around the world. Seating is first come, first served.

Bookbinding Workshop
The Story Emporium & Bookshop
Thursday, July 23 • 5:00–6:30 PM
Learn traditional bookbinding techniques while creating a personalized hand-bound journal. All materials are included, no experience is required, and registration is $35 per person; at least four registrations are needed for the workshop to take place.

Ladies' Night
Hutto Wine Bar
Thursday, July 23 • 5:00 PM
Grab your friends and enjoy a fun night out at the Hutto Wine Bar during this weekly ladies' night event.

Abstract Watercolor Art
Cottonwood Creek Brewery
Thursday, July 23 • 6:30–8:30 PM
Learn watercolor techniques while creating a fluid, abstract design with ATX Art Nights. All supplies are included, the workshop is open to ages 16 and up, and tickets are $28.52.

Mixology Class: Beach Party Cocktails
Grapes & Rye
Thursday, July 23 • 7:00 PM
Learn to shake, stir, and muddle three refreshing summer cocktails during this hands-on mixology class led by an expert mixologist. Tickets are $60 per person.

National Tequila Day
Cottonwood Creek Brewery
Friday, July 24 • All Day
Celebrate National Tequila Day with a curated margarita flight available throughout the day.

Mixology Class: Beach Party Cocktails
Grapes & Rye
Friday, July 24 • 7:00 PM
Learn to shake, stir, and muddle three refreshing summer cocktails during this hands-on mixology class led by an expert mixologist. Tickets are $60 per person.

Cocktail Brunch
Grapes & Rye
Saturday, July 25 • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Enjoy cocktails and brunch during Grapes & Rye's weekly Saturday brunch, now served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

SunDrop Workshop
Cumberland Road Art Studio
Saturday, July 25 • 3:00–7:00 PM
Create a warm, light-catching stained glass piece during this four-hour adult workshop at Cumberland Road Art Studio. Registration is $100.

Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot Adventure
The Story Emporium & Bookshop
Saturday, July 25 • 3:00–7:30 PM
Join a guided D&D one-shot adventure designed for newcomers and experienced players, with characters, dice, materials, and snacks provided. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited.

The Art of Cigar Hand Rolling & Cocktails
Grapes & Rye
Saturday, July 25 • 5:00 PM
Learn the art of hand-rolling premium cigars during this interactive masterclass, which includes two cigars to take home, one pre-rolled cigar, and a signature craft cocktail. Tickets are $70 per person.

Mixology Class: Beach Party Cocktails
Grapes & Rye
Saturday, July 25 • 7:00 PM
Learn to shake, stir, and muddle three refreshing summer cocktails during this hands-on mixology class led by an expert mixologist. Tickets are $60 per person.

A closer look at the proposed mixed-use destination that could reshape Hutto's south side.

When people hear about a new development, it's easy to picture another shopping center or another neighborhood.

The Gateway at Hutto feels like it's aiming for something different.

City Council got another look this week at the proposed Gateway development planned for the intersection of East Wilco Highway and County Road 137 on Hutto's south side. Nothing was approved at this meeting, but the presentation offered one of the clearest looks yet at what the developers hope to build.

The vision is a mixed-use district where people can spend an afternoon, not just run errands. Current plans include shops and restaurants centered around a walkable "Main Street," a hotel and conference center, offices, homes, parks, trails, lakes, and public gathering spaces. About 600,000 square feet of retail is proposed, with much of it designed to overlook a central lake connected by pedestrian paths and bridges.

One detail that stood out during the presentation was the emphasis on making the public spaces just as important as the buildings themselves. The developer described the central greenbelt, lakes, and parks as the heart of the project, creating a place where residents can walk, meet friends, attend events, or simply spend time outdoors, not just shop and leave.

If you've ever wished Hutto had more places to grab dinner, walk around afterward, or spend an evening without driving into Round Rock or North Austin, that's the kind of experience Gateway is trying to create.

That said, it's still early.

Council did not approve construction this week. Instead, members discussed the developer's request to create a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), which would help pay for public infrastructure like roads, drainage, utilities, and improvements to County Road 137 needed to support the commercial side of the project. Negotiations are still underway, and details, including timing, financing, and future tenants, have yet to be finalized.

Whether Gateway ultimately looks exactly like today's plans remains to be seen. Projects of this size often evolve over time. But if it comes together anywhere close to the current vision, it could become one of Hutto's most significant destinations, a place that's designed not just for new businesses, but for the community to gather.

A quick recap of what Hutto City Council covered last week.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding | Council reviewed proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Hotel Occupancy Tax funding for tourism events, including Old Town Days, Trail of Lights, Hippo Claus Crawl, and a proposed Live at the Co-Op concert series. Several council members questioned whether some events are generating enough overnight visitors and discussed saving more HOT funds for larger tourism projects in the future.

Gateway Development Update | Developers presented an update on the proposed Gateway mixed-use project along U.S. 79 near CR 137, which includes retail, housing, a hotel, conference center, parks, and trails. No action was taken, but council expressed support for moving negotiations forward on a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone agreement to help fund public infrastructure.

Planning & Zoning Appointments | City Council appointed José De La Cruz and Joelle Dan to the Planning & Zoning Commission as part of several appointments to city boards and commissions.

Sports news and updates from Hippo Nation.

New Turf Installed | Hutto Memorial Stadium is nearly ready for the new school year after a turf replacement project, giving Hippo athletes a fresh playing surface for the upcoming fall sports season.

Football Staff Grows | Hutto added Chris Cruz as defensive coordinator and Chase Weaver as offensive line coach ahead of the 2026 season, with Weaver also taking over as the Hippos’ head wrestling coach.

Inside the New Competition Gym | Hutto ISD shared a closer look at the Hutto High School Competition Gym and the role it plays in athletics, fine arts, and school events.

A running list of businesses, restaurants and developments headed our way.

The Curious Hippo | 101 East St. • Soft opening July 25–26

Heritage Bloom Fiber Co. | 115 East St. • Lease signed; opening timeline TBD

Jason’s Deli | Sprouts development at SH 130 and US 79 • Announced; opening date TBD

Buffalo Wild Wings | 2270 Muirfield Drive • Expected September 2026

7 Brew Coffee | 130 Chris Kelley Blvd. • Expected September 2026

Dollar Tree | 150 Alliance Blvd. • Expected Fall 2026

Petco | 150 Alliance Blvd. • Expected late 2026

Antioch Pizza | 199 Co-op Blvd. • Planned; opening timeline TBD

El Pollo Rico | 901 Ed Schmidt Blvd. • Under construction; opening date TBD

HTeaO | Across from the KFC on Chris Kelley Blvd. • Announced; permitting and construction timeline TBD

Munch Munch Waffles & More | 170 Alliance Blvd., Suite 100 • Buildout planned through January 2027; opening date TBD

Sprouts Farmers Market | SH 130 and US 79 development • Construction planned September 2026–February 2028; opening expected in 2028

LongHorn Steakhouse | Sprouts development at SH 130 and US 79 • Lease announced; opening date TBD

Residence Inn by Marriott | 328 Ed Schmidt Blvd. • Hotel development approved; construction timeline TBD

Crunch Fitness | 320 Ed Schmidt Blvd. • Construction listed November 2026–December 2027; opening date TBD

Pepper Lunch | Sprouts development at SH 130 and US 79 • Planned; opening timeline TBD

Cottonwood Marketplace | North of US 79 and west of CR 132 • 58-acre shopping, dining and entertainment project planned; tenants and timeline TBD

Mostly accurate forecast until Texas decides otherwise.

There’s not much relief in sight this week. Triple-digit heat dominates through Thursday, including a possible high near 106° on Wednesday, before temperatures ease slightly into the upper 90s for the weekend.

🌤️ Tuesday: Partly cloudy and very hot, with a high near 102° and a low around 78°.

☀️ Wednesday: Mostly sunny and likely the hottest day of the week, with a high near 106° and a low around 80°.

☀️ Thursday: Sunny and still scorching, with a high near 101° and a low around 79°.

🌤️ Friday–Sunday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with highs around 97–99° and lows in the mid-70s.

👉 TL;DR: Triple digits, then slightly less hot.

If you found something useful, forward this to a neighbor who’d want to know.

Got something we should include next week? Just reply and let us know.