$19.6 Million Vivarium Project Leads Austin Metro Permit Filings

A new modular vivarium for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center tops the list of high-cost projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro area this week. The $19.6 million project, located at 650 Cool Water Drive in Bastrop, involves a seven-module building complex with an added vestibule. Construction is scheduled to run from October 31 through May 31, 2027.

Cityview Bible Church in Round Rock filed a permit for a new worship building costing $10.9 million. The structure on 2441 CO RD 112 will feature a 1,200-seat auditorium and a stage designed for services and community events. The estimated timeline spans from February 15, 2027, to April 17, 2028.

The City of Buda has approved a $5.5 million expansion of its Public Works and Parks facilities at 5525 Garison Road. The project includes a 7,790-square-foot building addition and 2,071 square feet of renovations. Work is expected to begin on June 9, 2027, and conclude by December 9, 2028.

Two retail projects round out the top five filings. A new Discount Tire location at 2850 Innovation Blvd. in Hutto will cost $950,000. Construction on that site is set to finish by August 27, 2027. Dave’s Hot Chicken filed a permit for a $525,000 location at 301 Kyle Park Ave in Kyle. That build is scheduled to start on January 2, 2027, and wrap up by March 10, 2027.