xmas in April

Trail of Lights plugged back in thanks to a public-private arrangement

Zilker Park has been dark the past two Christmas holidays, but it will glow again this year with the return of the Trail of Lights.

That is thanks to the city's public-private arrangement with Paul Carrozza, the owner of the RunTex stores who will spearhead most of the fundraising effort to bring back an Austin tradition that's nearly a half-century old.

"This is the one event where all of Austin gets together, and we're going to keep it free for the citizens and free for the taxpayers of Austin," Carrozza said Tuesday after the deal with the city was finalized.

Originally called the Yule Fest, the event began in 1965 as a gift from the Parks and Recreation Department. It grew and grew, becoming the Trail of Lights in 1992.

But as it grew, so did the cost. It finally reached upward of $1 million a year.

But the two-year absence has left a void.

"It's something we've missed here in Austin the last couple of years because of the economic downturn and we needed that budget money for other things," said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. "Now we've found a way to bring it back as good or better than it ever was."

The display was trimmed back considerably in 2009 and canceled the past two years.

Carrozza's fundraising target this year is $700,000.

"I think you'll see the grandeur of 2007 and 2008, with full displays and millions of lights," Carrozza said. "We've had an overwhelming response from individuals who want to volunteer, because they grew up with the Trail of Lights and they want to see it continue."

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development news

Construction starts on new Pflugerville city hall and recreation center

New Pflugerville City Hall exterior rendering, Pflugerville Downtown East project

Rendering courtesy of LPA Design Studios

Completion of the Pflugerville Downtown East project is expected in fall 2026.

A new City Hall, recreation center, and civic plaza are coming to Pflugerville in a multi-million dollar project aimed at revitalizing the city's downtown area.

Developers for the Pflugerville Downtown East project broke ground in early December, with completion expected by fall 2026. According to the city's website, one of the main goals behind the project is to centralize city services while creating a "socially vibrant" extension of downtown Pflugerville that will last for generations.

Construction is taking place at the 29-acre Pflugerville Tract, which is located at the corner of FM 685 and East Pecan Street.

"Through this Downtown East Project, we construct a first-of-its-kind space for Pflugerville residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor Victor Gonzales said in a statement. "It is a significant undertaking and shows the commitment of your city government with this investment in our downtown. It is a testament to hardworking community members who advocated for shared and social spaces including a city hall, multigenerational recreation center and civic plaza."

The new campus will include a four-story, 104,000-square-foot City Hall building that will house all of the city's municipal departments, City Council Chambers, public-facing services, governmental staff offices, and more. The City of Pflugerville is keeping the future in mind by reserving the entire third floor for expansions.

New Pflugerville City Hall rendering, Pflugerville Downtown East project Imagine the views of Pflugerville from the rooftop terrace at City Hall.Rendering courtesy of LPA Design Studios

Rendering courtesy of LPA Design Studios

Completion of the Pflugerville Downtown East project is expected in fall 2026.

A fifth-floor rooftop terrace will provide views over downtown and over the new outdoor plaza, which will connect City Hall to the new recreation center. The plaza will serve as a community space with a stage for local performances, play areas for children, and more.

General contractors Swinerton Builders and Byrne Construction Services are charged with bringing this grand vision to life.

"This project will serve as a vibrant community hub, bringing essential services together while offering welcoming gathering spaces," said Pflugerville assistant city manager Emily Barron in a press release.

The mixed-use recreation center will be even bigger than City Hall. It'll span 140,000 square feet over three levels, and about 10,500 square feet of the ground floor will be dedicated to retail space.

New Pflugerville recreation center interior rendering, Pflugerville Downtown East project The first floor will contain a community lounge and a childcare center, as well as retail space.Rendering courtesy of BRS Architects

The rest of the building will contain a first-floor community lounge and childcare center, an indoor-outdoor turf area, an indoor pool, a gym, and a second-floor track and fitness area. The third level will include a multipurpose event space, classrooms, and outdoor patio.

Parking and supported infrastructure is also included in the project.

"Once complete, this project offers a profound impact on our City, as it extends downtown Pflugerville, encourages a walk along the Gilleland Creek Trail, and welcomes residents to gather in the heart of our city," Mayor Gonzales said.

austin pflugerville city hall construction development