Kalahari Resorts Closer To Reality In Round Rock

ROUND ROCK, TX — The Round Rock City Council unanimously approved the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning for the Kalahari Resort project.

The move came during the council's April 12 meeting following a public hearing. The zoning applies to multiple parcels acquired by the City for the project. To learn more about the rezoning process, click here.

The resort will feature a minimum of 975 guest rooms, a convention center, an indoor/outdoor water park, and other indoor and outdoor activities, officials said. The development will also include additional entertainment, recreation and other mixed uses on 351 acres on U.S. 79 across from the Dell Diamond and Old Settlers Park, officials added.

City officials expect to break ground on the project in May.

Click here to watch presentations, discussion and subsequent votes from a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on the zoning request in March 2018.

The City Council also approved the removal of the “monarch” designation from three trees in the development, city officials noted. A monarch tree is a tree of a specific size or species that is designated as a monarch tree pursuant to section 43-23 in the City Code of Ordinances, officials explained.

Kalahari announced in June 2016 its intent to build a resort and convention center in Round Rock. The City Council approved an economic incentive package for Kalahari in December 2016.

Kalahari official plan to invest a minimum of $350 million on the project, which will create significant property tax revenue to the city, Williamson County and Round Rock ISD. The city anticipates the project will bring in approximately $4.7 million in annual net, direct tax revenues to Round Rock in the first 10 years of operations. City officials also believe the development will also attract additional business, development and investment in Round Rock and Williamson County.

>>> Kalahari Resort renderings courtesy of City of Round Rock