Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team are great.”

Mallorca H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”

Sarah B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”

Dana C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”

Bill E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”

Elvis F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”

Ilene G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”

Jerry M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”

David W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”

Bonnie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”

Mary A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”

Jaime T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”

Sarah E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”

Chris S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”

Jeremy N.
 In-Home Care West Lake Hills, TX

How does In-home Senior Care in West Lake Hills, TX work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care West Lake Hills, TX

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in West Lake Hills, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in West Lake Hills, TX gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care West Lake Hills, TX

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Lake Hills,TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers West Lake Hills, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in West Lake Hills, TX

22 new businesses to check out in Lake Travis, Westlake this year

Looking for a new business to visit in Lake Travis or Westlake? The following businesses opened in 2022 or have plans to open later this year. These listings are not comprehensive.BEAUTY1. The Good Hair Social Club801 S. RM 620, Ste. D-E, Lakeway510-846-2421www.goodhairsocialclub.com2. Sola Salon studiosA.) 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. U02A, AustinB.) 3944 S. RM 620, Bldg...

Looking for a new business to visit in Lake Travis or Westlake? The following businesses opened in 2022 or have plans to open later this year. These listings are not comprehensive.

BEAUTY1. The Good Hair Social Club

801 S. RM 620, Ste. D-E, Lakeway

510-846-2421

www.goodhairsocialclub.com

2. Sola Salon studios

A.) 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. U02A, Austin

B.) 3944 S. RM 620, Bldg. 9, Bee Cave

www.solasalonstudios.com

(Bee Cave location coming in 2023)

3. Spa Viata

320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., West Lake Hills

512-306-6400

www.hotelviata.com/spa-viata

AUTOMOTIVE

4. Covert Buick GMC

Covert Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

16501 Sweetwater Village Drive, Austin

512-954-9300

www.covertbeecave.com

(Opening in spring 2023)

5. Covert Cadillac Bee Cave

16501 Sweetwater Village Drive, Bldg. 2, Austin

512-954-9300

www.covertbeecavecadillac.com

6. Hill Country Volvo

10600 N. RM 620, Austin

www.volvoaustin.com

(Coming in fall 2023)

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

7. The Citizen + Co.

2905 N. RM 620, Austin

737-667-4190

www.thecitizenandco.com

8. The Copper Closet

2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

www.thecoppercloset.com

9. The Emporium

12912 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. F-130, Bee Cave

512-394-6222

www.theemporiumatx.com

10. Flip Flops Shops Austin/Lakeway

1310 S. RM 620 Ste. C-7, Lakeway

737-203-9092

www.flipflopshops.com

11. Miss A

2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

www.shopmissa.com

12. Rue21

2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. D5, Austin

737-301-9555

www.rue21.com

ENTERTAINMENT13. Epic Fun

7101 W. Hwy. 71, Ste. D, Austin

512-957-9099

www.epicfun.com

14. Pikopye’s Town

1607 N. RM 620, Ste. 100, Lakeway

512-368-4026

www.pikopyestown.com/lakeway

FOOD & BEVERAGE15. Neighborhood Vintner

3663 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 4D, Austin

512-300-1572

www.neighborhoodvintner.com

16. SpiceBox International Grocery Store

3100 S. RM 620 Ste. 200, Lakeway

512-963-2868

www.spiceboxgrocery.com

PETS17. Petbar Boutique

10815 RM 2222, Bldg. 6, Ste. 203, Austin

512-814-0111

www.petbarinc.com

18. Riley’s Ranch Pet Spa

15839 W. Hwy. 71, Bee Cave

512-992-9095

(Coming in June)

19. Scenthound

6317 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 370, Austin

512-350-2044

www.scenthound.com

RETAIL

20. American Technology Network Corp.

2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin

737-931-1408

www.atncorp.com

21. Bleu by TPG

3801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. C-160, Austin

www.bleubytpg.com

SERVICES

22. Kristen Beccia Photography

1310 S. RM 620, Ste. B205, Lakeway

512-760-5762

www.kristenbeccia.com

Physical Therapy West Lake Hills Update - Axiom Physiotherapy, Austin, TX

Axiom Physiotherapy @ (512) 808-3904 provides comprehensive physical therapy services to West Lake Hills and Austin, TX, including sport PT, manual therapy, massage therapy, and dry needling. Dr Ben Shook offers personalized care for pain management and mobility improvement.Austin, TX, Texas, United States - April 21, 2023 --Axiom Physiotherapy, https://axiompt.com/ a leading physical therapy clinic in Austin, TX, is pleased to offer a wide range of physi...

Axiom Physiotherapy @ (512) 808-3904 provides comprehensive physical therapy services to West Lake Hills and Austin, TX, including sport PT, manual therapy, massage therapy, and dry needling. Dr Ben Shook offers personalized care for pain management and mobility improvement.

Austin, TX, Texas, United States - April 21, 2023 --

Axiom Physiotherapy, https://axiompt.com/ a leading physical therapy clinic in Austin, TX, is pleased to offer a wide range of physical therapy services to residents of West Lake Hills and surrounding areas. The clinic, led by Dr. Ben Shook, a doctor of physical therapy and certified orthopedic manual therapist, specializes in biomechanics, custom foot orthotic fabrication, high-speed running analysis, and soft tissue and joint manipulation techniques.

Physical therapy https://axiompt.com/physical-therapist-austin-tx/ is a critical component of the healthcare system, helping people recover from injuries and manage chronic pain. Axiom provides comprehensive physical therapy services to adults, seniors, and elderly individuals, including sport physical therapy, manual therapy, massage therapy, and dry needling. The clinic has expertise in treating various injuries, including back pain, knee injuries, neck pain, hamstring injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and pelvic floor issues.

Axiom Physiotherapy's sport PT and rehab services are ideal for athletes and runners who need to recover from injuries and improve their performance. The clinic's physical therapists have experience working with teenagers and adult athletes, providing individualized treatment plans to help them recover from injuries before and after surgery. Additionally, the clinic provides physical therapy services to pregnant women, helping them manage pain and discomfort during pregnancy.

Axiom Physiotherapy's physical therapist, Ben Shook, offers personalized care, and each patient's treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs. He is an experienced physical therapist in the use of various techniques, including manual therapy, soft tissue and joint manipulation, and gait analysis, to help patients manage pain and improve their mobility.

The clinic also provides massage therapy services, which can be beneficial for patients with chronic pain or those recovering from injuries. Axiom Physiotherapy's massage therapist treatment https://axiompt.com/massage-therapist-austin-tx/ includes a range of massage techniques to help patients manage pain and discomfort.

Axiom Physiotherapy is conveniently located near West Lake Hills, Austin, TX and patients can easily schedule appointments online.

About Us: Dr. Ben Shook, DPT, COMT, specializes in manual therapy, custom foot orthotic fabrication, high-speed running analysis, and trigger point dry needling. He is dedicated to evidence-based practices and helping his patients achieve a pain-free lifestyle.

Contact Info: Name: Dr Ben Shook Email: Send Email Organization: Axiom Physiotherapy Address: 1015 Beecave Woods Dr #300f, Austin, TX 78746, United States Phone: (512) 808-3904 Website: https://axiompt.com/

Release ID: 89095311

If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.

COMTEX_429830070/2773/2023-04-21T02:23:56

10 latest commercial permits filed in Westlake, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Lakeway

Curious about which new businesses, restaurants and facilities are coming soon or underway in your backyard and beyond? Our commercial project roundup helps identify what is being built in the community. The following commercial permits have been filed recently in the Lake Travis area under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. All information, including cost and timeline, is subject to change.Fidelity Fitness Center: One ...

Curious about which new businesses, restaurants and facilities are coming soon or underway in your backyard and beyond? Our commercial project roundup helps identify what is being built in the community. The following commercial permits have been filed recently in the Lake Travis area under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. All information, including cost and timeline, is subject to change.

Fidelity Fitness Center: One Destiny Way, Westlake

Type of work: renovation/alteration

Estimated cost: $2.47 million

Timeline: May 1-Aug. 31

Scope of work: interior renovation of existing fitness center

Carbon Health, Shops at the Galleria: 12918 Shops Parkway, Ste. 100, Bee Cave

Type of work: renovation/alteration

Estimated cost: $400,000

Timeline: Aug. 15-Nov. 21

Scope of work: interior build-out of tenant suite for medical clinic

Cava: 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. G750, West Lake Hills

Type of work: renovation/alteration

Estimated cost: $175,000

Timeline: April 1-Sept. 1

Scope of work: interior renovation

Sculpture Garden Pedestrian Bridge: Lohmans Crossing Road and Cross Creek, Lakeway

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $134,000

Timeline: June 27-Aug. 31

Scope of work: approximately 513 linear feet of 8-foot concrete trail, including 20-linear-foot pedestrian bridge over Hurst Creek

Riley’s Ranch Pet Spa: 15839 W. Hwy. 71, Bee Cave

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $3 million

Timeline: May 2, 2022-May 1, 2023

Scope of work: new construction of an animal boarding facility

Westlake Entrada: 63 Tarragona Drive, Westlake

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $500,000

Timeline: May 16-Sept. 16

Scope of work: tenant finish-out of a restaurant space

Lakeway Medical Village: 312 Medical Parkway, Lakeway

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $3.1 million

Timeline: March 1-Dec. 15

Scope of work: tenant improvements for the first floor lobby and the second floor

Summer Moon Coffee Shop; 15511 W. Hwy. 71, Bee Cave

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $325,000

Timeline: Feb. 7-Aug. 1

Scope of work: new build-out to existing building

Total Care Primary Care: 1945 Medical Drive, Ste. 150, Lakeway

Type of work: renovation/alteration

Estimated cost: $150,000

Timeline: May 1-Sept. 30

Scope of work: first time interior tenant finish-out

Watkins Insurance Group: 3500 S. FM 620, Ste. C, Bee Cave

Type of work: new construction

Estimated cost: $1.2 million

Timeline: Aug. 1-Sept. 15

Scope of work: ground-up construction, including the interior finish-out of a 4,470-square-foot building for office use

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Tens of millions of dollars of new homes rising in small neighborhood

Five local architecture firms will showcase their designs in a high-end residential development coming to West Lake Hills.Custom homebuilder Foursquare Builders LLC announced Sept. 7 it will build an enclave of six ultra-luxury homes in the tony suburb west of downtown Austin, designed by five renowned firms. The development, called the Wildcat Club, will have home prices starting at $11.75 million. All of the home listings in the development are with Darin Walker of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty."The vision w...

Five local architecture firms will showcase their designs in a high-end residential development coming to West Lake Hills.

Custom homebuilder Foursquare Builders LLC announced Sept. 7 it will build an enclave of six ultra-luxury homes in the tony suburb west of downtown Austin, designed by five renowned firms. The development, called the Wildcat Club, will have home prices starting at $11.75 million. All of the home listings in the development are with Darin Walker of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty.

"The vision was to develop this parcel where we can bring a very select group of architects to work with us on these six properties, so that we have a community of architecturally significant homes that are held to a standard that’s considerably higher than what most people think of when they think of a real estate development," said Wes Wigginton, owner of Foursquare Builders.

The six homes will be built on lots ranging from one to 4.5 acres off Wildcat Hollow, with expansive floor plans ranging from 5,750 square feet up to 9,500 square feet. Architecture firms Furman + Keil Architects, McKinney York Architects, Jay Corder Architects and Clayton-Korte Architects each designed one home and System D Architects designed two.

The largest home, which has already been sold, includes an office, butler's pantry, game room, elevator, three second-floor patios, a pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, a master suite with den, gourmet kitchen and a one-bed, one-bath guest house with a kitchen.

The homes will also have options for home automation through two "nationally known" tech companies, Wigginton said.

Foursquare consults with clients prior to installing automation systems, he said, as many buyers at the price point for these homes often already have one or two homes elsewhere and are seeking consistency throughout their homes.

Buyers also get a say in the interiors, finishes and furnishings in the homes.

"[Buyers] are able to make adjustments to those specifications as they would like to do," Wigginton said. "Everybody likes different things."

The owner of the 9,500-square-foot home took advantage of that opportunity. Now, interior designer Fern Santini — whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest and Traditional Home — and landscape design firm Big Red Sun are signed up to help decorate the inside and outside.

"In my experience in the market, I haven’t seen another enclave that’s going to deliver at this level," said Walker, who ranked No. 17 on Austin Business Journal's latest list of top-selling solo Realtors with more than $77 million in gross sales in 2021.

The development has a “dream team” working on it between Foursquare and the five architecture firms, he said.

Foursquare spoke with around 10 architecture firms before narrowing the field down to the five chosen for the development, Wigginton said.

"We feel like we picked those that would, from a design perspective, all play well together within this development, without [the homes] looking the same," he said. "They will always be very unique, but they all have a common thread of design intention through these houses that will make them feel comfortable and fit the landscape."

The Wildcat Club signifies the continued evolution of the luxury market in the Austin area.

"It's a very unique development in Austin, Texas to be able to say, 'I'm in this enclave of architecturally significant homes,' which helps protect their values," said Wigginton, whose Foursquare reported nearly $13 million in custom home sales closed in 2021.

Sales of homes priced at $1 million or more in the Austin metro have been trending upward in recent years. In 2021, such sales totaled 3,103, up from 1,085 in 2019, according to the latest data from Texas Realtors. That was only 161 fewer sales than in Houston, a much larger metro and traditionally a much bigger luxury market.

The ZIP code that includes West Lake Hills, 78746, ranks No. 4 among the wealthiest ZIPs in the Austin area, with median household income of $151,488 and with 37% of households having and income greater than $200,000.

Austin-area Wealthiest ZIP Codes

Median household income

RankPrior RankZIP Code
1178732
2278733
3378739

View this list

Westlake Hills: A life-long resident reveals his favorite spots

There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.---When his family moved to Westlake Hills in 1974, Darin Walker was 7 years old and about to start second grade at Eanes Ele...

There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

---

When his family moved to Westlake Hills in 1974, Darin Walker was 7 years old and about to start second grade at Eanes Elementary. They still own the hilltop home on Nob Hill Circle with its panoramic views of downtown and Lake Austin, and it has served as a magnificent launching point to everything special about living in Westlake.

"I've been working in the neighborhood for almost five decades," says the Kuper Sotheby's International Realty agent. "In high school, I started out with odd jobs like mowing lawns and then worked at restaurants like The County Line on the Hill. After college, I worked at area businesses in the finance and investments industry throughout the '90s and 2000s."

In 2010, Walker began working in residential real estate and decided to specialize in Westlake — a natural choice, considering everything he'd experienced in the neighborhood. Today, he's serving his fifth term on the Westlake Hills City Council.

"The Westlake area is so unique in that it offers a wide diversity of neighborhoods with a high quality of life for its residents, along with close proximity to downtown Austin," Walker says. "Eanes ISD is known for being one of the very best public school systems in the country."

He continues, "There are over 20 beautiful neighborhoods with a wide selection of settings to consider, from the traditional family neighborhoods of Rollingwood, Treemont, and Westwood to the manicured resort setting of Barton Creek, serene waterfront communities along Lake Austin, and natural surroundings of Westlake Hills. You have boundless options in Westlake."

Walker offered up a few of his personal favorites about life in Westlake. Here's his guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink Open since the mid-1980s, La Palomas is the neighborhood gem. "Their margaritas and Mexican food are amazing," says Walker, "and so many old friends and those new to the area love it."

Where to play Though West Lake Beach is not technically a beach, it's still a family-owned and run park with two swimming areas and a picnic pavilion. "Since I was a kid, I've always loved the park-like setting along Lake Austin," Walker says. And don't forget about Tom Miller Dam and Red Bud Isle, also known as "the entrance to Westlake." "Driving across the bridge with the view of the dam, islands, and lake is an awe-inspiring view."

Where to live "Westlake Hills is well known for homes that lie within a variety of natural surroundings, like along hilltops, ridges, valleys, and Lake Austin," says Walker. "Architectural styles vary from midcentury modern and '70s ranch-style homes to newer contemporary, transitional, and modern luxury homes built by many of Austin’s best architects and builders.

"Today, new construction has been taking the place of older homes that sit on prime lots," he continues. "New construction takes advantage of panoramic views, offers unique outdoor living spaces, and is built with luxury finishes and amenities."

"The most significant new construction project to come to market in Westlake Hills is a 12-acre enclave of six ultra-luxury estate homes in Wildcat Club," Walker says. "Foursquare Builders is developing the enclave using five of the most recognized architects in Austin. In addition, Foursquare has a spectacular city-view modern home planned at 1603 CanyonView."

"The home exemplifies the high-performance lifestyle of today's buyers, featuring a long list of amenities paired with well-crafted design and execution," says Wes Wigginton of Foursquare Builders. "It's nestled into the surrounding Hill Country environment while also capturing downtown Austin views."

Wigginton continues, "In selecting an agent to work with, there was no comparison. Darin is extremely connected within the community, an expert in knowing the market for new construction, and he has intimate knowledge of land use, building codes, and permitting. As a result of our collaboration, we have developed a strong level of trust in Darin which has accelerated our working relationship, and he has sourced many of our projects."

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Darin Walker lives, works, and plays in Westlake Hills. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email [email protected], or call 512-560-7633.

West Lake Hills lays out next steps for $11.8M road bond

After holding its first-ever bond election in November, residents of West Lake Hills approved a bond to improve drainage for flood-prone roads and increase the safety, quality and accessibility of roads in coming years.Through Proposition B, voters of West Lake Hills allotted $11.8 million for permanent public improvements to six major roads in the city, two of which serve as arterial roads. Drainage upgrades, ditch improvements and road repair vary for each project, and in coming months the order of projects will be determined to lim...

After holding its first-ever bond election in November, residents of West Lake Hills approved a bond to improve drainage for flood-prone roads and increase the safety, quality and accessibility of roads in coming years.

Through Proposition B, voters of West Lake Hills allotted $11.8 million for permanent public improvements to six major roads in the city, two of which serve as arterial roads. Drainage upgrades, ditch improvements and road repair vary for each project, and in coming months the order of projects will be determined to limit the impact construction will have on residents.

The six major roads in question are Camp Craft Road, Laurel Valley Road, Redbud Trail, Westlake Drive, Yaupon Valley Road and Terrace Mountain Drive. These projects range from $699,250 to $3,724,525 with the project on Yaupon Valley being the cheapest and the project on Redbud being the most expensive.

“It brings us the reality of safer, better roads and safer, better buildings that each will bring more functionality to the community,” Mayor Linda Anthony said. “This is a big win for everyone in West Lake Hills because our roads are in terrible shape. This is a giant step forward for us.”

Council will discuss a tentative timeline for projects Jan. 12 with K Friese + Associates, the city’s engineering firm. Projects will likely begin construction in the second half of 2022 and continue into 2023, said Travis Askey, city administrator of West Lake Hills.

Road work ahead

Like the rest of Austin, West Lake Hills is no stranger to floods. Little Bee Creek and Eanes Creek are two major sources of flooding, which became apparent during the drought-ending flood events of October 2015. Those flood events left Camp Craft Road underwater, with Westlake Drive facing similar problems as water levels approached the roadway, according to city documents.

Camp Craft and Eanes School Road have low-water crossings near Eanes Elementary School, meaning that water often floods the road during rain events due to flooding in nearby Eanes Creek. To remedy this, the $2.1 million project will raise the profiles of Camp Craft and Eanes School roads. Camp Craft will be raised by 6 feet at its low point, while Eanes School will be raised by 1.5 feet.

Similar to the Eanes Creek project, most bond projects focus on drainage, with over 2 miles of ditch improvements, city documents show. These include 23 multiple box culverts, which are concrete structures under the roadway aimed at increasing water flows. Several of the roads also include pavement repairs.

“You’re not only trying to improve the street, but you’re trying to capture the adverse impact during a heavy rain event,” Askey said. “West Lake Hills is unique because of its topography; it’s not like putting a city street on a level piece of property.”

With Redbud being the most expensive project, city documents show the road is set to receive roughly 6,500 feet of ditch improvements, new cross culverts and a 2- to 3-foot high retaining wall to properly direct water movement.

Understanding bonds

Anthony said trying to fund such large road projects with the city’s general fund that comes from property tax and other revenues is very difficult, given these projects often carry a high price tag. The alternative to using the general fund to fund projects is issuing bonds, which generate money for the city through investors.

“Whenever you put the bids on the street for the six projects that were approved, one of the first questions contractors have is if you have the money available,” Askey said. “This is a pretty complex bid with six separate packages and a substantial amount of money.”

Following the passage of the bonds Nov. 2, city staff will work in coming months to draft a preliminary official statement disclosing financial specifics of the bonds prior to their sale to investors. These financial elements include interest rates and payments, maturity dates and bond yields.

Propositions A and B are both general obligation bonds and are paid for with property taxes levied by the city. Askey said the city wants to take advantage of the historically low interest rates available to make the overall cost of the bonds and the cost to residents less.

As part of the competitive bidding process, the city will release a document stating what kind of offer it is looking for to finance the bonds. Investors will then respond with their offers, outlining interest rates, terms and conditions, and other details of the contract, Askey said. The city could accept a bid offer by March.

A major cost of the projects is moving the equipment to where it needs to be, Askey said, and the city hopes to mitigate those costs by strategically choosing the order of projects to maximize efficiency while keeping the impact to those using the roads minimal. For example, the city could not work on Westlake Drive and Redbud Trail simultaneously without causing massive disruption to through-traffic, Anthony said, as they both serve as main roadways for those going from one urban area to another in the city.

Though each of the six projects are technically their own packages, ideally the bonds would be sold to a single investor to streamline operations, Askey said. Awarding the multi-package bid to multiple investors would require more time and coordination among investors and the city.

Effect on community

West Lake Hills is the only city located completely within Eanes ISD boundaries, according to city and school documents. Though bus routes are not particularly impacted by the frequent flooding of the area, buses will still be impacted by road and lane closures, EISD Chief Operations Officer Jeremy Trimble said. This could potentially cause delays or shut off access to some roads altogether.

To mitigate this, the school is working with the city to establish the best plan moving forward to limit delays and closures due to construction. One way they can do this is by not having construction teams work during peak traffic hours in the early morning or mid-afternoon. In the past, the transportation team at EISD has worked around previous projects on roads such as Camp Craft Road by establishing alternate bus routes.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Trimble said. “While it’s a struggle, we understand that it’s a temporary situation. As long as we know ahead of time, we can make those accommodations and actually communicate with our community if something is going to change.”

The Westlake Fire Department has similarly been well-acquainted with the task of dodging potential road hazards due to flooding and construction, making the coming changes unlikely to impact response times to emergency calls, Fire Chief David Wilson said.

“One of the biggest improvements with the city doing these bonds is consistent access in an emergency,” Wilson said. “We don’t have to change as much with our response once it’s been raining a long time or we get those really heavy storms.”

In addition to propositions A and B, voters also approved Proposition C that will create a dedicated road repair fund to maintain municipal roads over time. Repairs will be fueled by changing a 0.5% sales tax currently used for property tax relief into a tax for maintenance and repair of municipal streets, a task Anthony said is one of the most costly projects the city is responsible for completing.

“I don’t think people truly appreciate how expensive road maintenance is,” Anthony said. “This puts us in a much better financial place. Prevention always costs less than coming back afterwards.”

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