For years, Taylor has talked about growth. Now, it’s here.
Quietly unfolding along the CR 403 corridor in the city’s southwest quadrant is a coordinated development effort that could reshape how Taylor grows — not just in size, but in structure, livability, and long-term economic sustainability.
With Samsung’s $37 billion semiconductor facility already under construction and the RCR Taylor Rail & Logistics Park anchoring the area as a regional employment hub, this part of Taylor has quickly moved from future potential to a critical focal point for growth in Williamson County.
What happens next matters — to homeowners, renters, employers, and taxpayers alike.
Why the Southwest Quadrant Matters
The southwest side of Taylor sits at the intersection of several powerful forces: major job creation, increasing housing demand, and the need for infrastructure that supports both.
Williamson County continues to rank among the fastest-growing counties in the nation, driven largely by families and workers seeking affordability while remaining close to Austin’s expanding employment base. Taylor now finds itself directly in that path.
The question is no longer if development will occur — but how responsibly it is delivered.
Two Projects, One Coordinated Vision
Two complementary developments are proposed along CR 403 that address both employment and housing needs in a deliberate, coordinated way.
Forterra Business Park
Spanning approximately 47 acres, Forterra Business Park is designed to support job creation through a mix of light industrial, flex warehouse, office, retail, and service uses. With nearly 300,000 square feet of planned space, the project is positioned to serve the workforce being drawn to Taylor by major employers while expanding the city’s long-term tax base.
Forterra Mixed-Use Community
On an adjacent 53-acre site, the Forterra Mixed-Use project introduces housing diversity to meet growing demand. Plans include single-family homes, build-to-rent townhomes, neighborhood-scale office space, and integrated streets designed for connectivity and long-term livability.
Together, the two projects aim to align where people work with where they live — a balance that has become increasingly difficult to achieve across Central Texas.
Understanding the Role of a Public Improvement District (PID)
A key element supporting both projects is the proposed use of a Public Improvement District (PID) — a common infrastructure financing tool used throughout Texas.
PIDs allow essential infrastructure such as roads, utilities, drainage, and public improvements to be built upfront, with costs repaid over time by the properties that directly benefit from those improvements. Importantly, the city does not assume the initial financial risk.
This structure helps ensure that approved developments are not delayed or abandoned due to the high upfront costs of infrastructure, while protecting existing taxpayers from funding private development improvements.
A Taxpayer-Focused Approach to Growth
Brad Robbins, Executive Director of Development for Forterra, emphasized the broader importance of this approach for Taylor and Williamson County residents.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Taylor,” Robbins said. “We’re seeing once-in-a-generation investment coming into this area, and projects like Forterra help ensure that growth happens in a way that benefits the entire community — not just the development itself.”
Robbins noted that using tools like a PID helps align private investment with public benefit.
According to Robbins, the coordinated planning of housing, employment, and infrastructure is key to protecting Taylor’s financial health as growth accelerates.
“Responsible development isn’t about stopping growth — it’s about guiding it. By planning ahead and investing in infrastructure the right way, we’re helping Taylor grow stronger without overextending city resources or future taxpayers.”
“For taxpayers, this approach matters,” he added. “It allows critical infrastructure to be built without placing that burden on existing residents. The people and businesses that benefit from the improvements are the ones paying for them, while the city gains long-term tax base, jobs, and connectivity.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond the immediate projects, the Forterra developments contribute to broader community goals, including utility expansion into the southwest quadrant, improved roadway connectivity, and a balanced mix of residential and employment uses.
As Taylor continues to evolve, decisions made today will shape the city’s trajectory for decades. Long before buildings rise, growth is defined by planning, infrastructure strategy, and fiscal responsibility.
For Taylor and Williamson County, the Forterra projects represent more than new construction — they represent an opportunity to manage growth thoughtfully, protect taxpayers, and build a foundation for long-term success.
The conversation is just beginning, and it’s one worth having.
