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Hey there, Texas dreamers! 🌟

This week, we’re diving into all things Texas—where big dreams, brisket, and bold new beginnings collide.

From Glen Powell’s game-day sanctuary in Austin to the Mavericks’ plans for a new arena and a soon-to-be-opened state park that’s already turning heads, Texas continues to serve up stories that blend personality, property, and possibility. Whether you’re into real estate, football, food trucks, or just love a good tale set under the wide Texas sky—you’re in the right place.

Let’s get into it.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Glen Powell’s Austin Dream House Is a Shrine to Texas Football 🏈

• Dallas Mavericks Charge Toward a New Arena by 2031 🏀

• From Sith Lord to Sculpture Gallery: Houston’s “Darth Vader House” Gets a New Identity 💥

• Columbus’ Meatiest Secret: Texas Steele BBQ Is the Real Deal on Wheels 🔥

• A New Texas State Park Is in the Works—and It’s a Stunner

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📈 Trending news

• Tiny Homes, Big Shifts: Texas Leads the Housing Rethink

• River Views & Campfire Nights: A Texas State Park RV Weekend

• Amazon’s Tiny Home Surprise: 2 Bedrooms, 4 Layouts, All the Light

• Barndominium Royalty? Step Inside SPARTACUS

• Amazon’s 5-Room Tiny House Is Turning Heads — Yes, There’s Even a Closet

Glen Powell’s Austin Dream House Is a Shrine to Texas Football 🏈 read the full 775-word article here

Article published: April 17, 2025

I just read “Glen Powell Says ‘Pretty Much Every Square Foot’ of His Austin Home Is Designed for This Specific Reason” on People, and let me tell you—if Texas football is a religion, Glen Powell just built the cathedral.

After 15 years in L.A., the Anyone But You star moved back to Austin in 2024 and built his home around one sacred ritual: watching college football. From a state-of-the-art BBQ setup to TV views from practically every room, Powell turned his place into a Saturday sanctuary for Texas Longhorns fans.

But here’s the kicker—this house isn’t just about fandom. It’s about family. With his parents and sisters nearby, Powell has crafted a life that’s as much about connection as it is about competition. It’s the most Texas thing I’ve ever read.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏡 Every square foot = football-ready. Powell designed his home exclusively for Longhorn game days—think TVs, BBQ, and lots of Smash sauce.

• 🍖 BBQ meets branding. His new condiment line, Smash Kitchen, was co-developed with his family, who tested every recipe.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family over fame. Moving home wasn’t just about Texas pride—it was about being close to his parents and sisters.

• 📺 Home is where the football is. “It just feels comfortable and it feels right,” Powell says. That’s how you know you're really home.

Dallas Mavericks Charge Toward a New Arena by 2031 🏀 read the full 530-word article here

Article published: April 16, 2025

I just read “Dallas Mavericks CEO says franchise moving 'full speed ahead' on new arena” on WFAA, and here’s what Dallas fans—and real estate watchers—should know: the Mavs are eyeing a major move, and the countdown is on.

CEO Rick Welts, a titan of the sports world with 46 years under his belt, revealed the team hopes to identify a site for their new home by the end of 2025, with doors opening by the 2031-32 NBA season.

The team plans to stay in Dallas, but here’s the plot twist: there’s a backup plan brewing in Irving. The Adelson family—also majority owners of the Mavericks and power players in casino development—have been eyeing land near the old Texas Stadium site. You can practically hear the slot machines humming.

With their American Airlines Center lease ticking down, the pressure’s on to design an arena that not only revives fan excitement after a rocky Luka Dončić trade season—but also redefines what it means to host a game in Texas.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏗️ New arena by 2031. The Mavericks want a new venue ready by the 2031–32 season, with a Dallas site targeted by end of 2025.

• ♠️ Casino connection in Irving. Majority owner Miriam Adelson’s Sands Corp. is exploring rezoning for a major development in Irving.

• 🏙️ Dallas still the priority. Despite speculation, Welts says staying in the city remains “100%” the plan—unless Irving becomes irresistible.

• 🔥 Big pressure, big expectations. Between stadium buzz and trade drama, the Mavericks have a shot to reshape their future on and off the court.

From Sith Lord to Sculpture Gallery: Houston’s “Darth Vader House” Gets a New Identity 💥 read the full 680-word article here

Article published: April 15, 2025

Houston’s infamous “Darth Vader House” has officially changed hands—and the Force is evolving.

Sold for $3.35 million, the jet-black, angular West University home known for its stealth-fighter look is being reimagined by sculptor Enrique Cabrera as the “Black Bull House.” His vision? To install a 16-foot, $2.7 million bull sculpture right out front.

Inside, it’s less Sith, more swank: glass staircases, smart lighting, a sunken living room, and an LED wine wall. With its angular walls and 7,000 square feet of space, it’s now set to become part home, part gallery, and all showstopper.

On May 4th, the public will get one last peek—because, of course, May the Fourth be with you.

Key Takeaways:

• 🖤 A new name: The “Darth Vader House” will become the Black Bull House, complete with a $2.7M sculpture.

• 💫 Art meets architecture: Buyer Enrique Cabrera plans to use the home to live and exhibit his art.

• 🏡 Not just looks: The 7,000 sq ft home features smart tech, a wet bar, and floor-to-ceiling glass views.

• 📅 May 4th event: Public tours planned to honor the home’s Star Wars legacy—cape not required.

Columbus’ Meatiest Secret: Texas Steele BBQ Is the Real Deal on Wheels 🔥 read the full 720-word article here

Article published: April 18, 2025

Now that the food trucks are back in action, one name is sizzling above the rest: Texas Steele BBQ.

Parked often at 1060 King Avenue, this mobile meat machine knows its brisket from its bones. The 4 Corner Meat Sampler dishes out brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and a rib—over a pound of meat with no sides and no filler. It’s a feast that’s either shareable or perfect for a very determined carnivore.

But the real stars? The brisket, which is smoky, tender, and devoid of fatty distractions, and the rib, which peels clean off the bone with a smile.

For sides, the mac and cheese is cheesy perfection, but it’s the potato salad—chunky, mayo-rich, and beautifully retro—that’s a rare gem.

Sandwich fans, don’t miss The Texas Round-Up: brisket, split sausage, cheese, coleslaw, and pickles all crammed into a bite you’ll be thinking about for days.

Key Takeaways:

• 🍖 Brisket is king: Juicy, smoky, and lean—brisket dominates the meat sampler with rib as a strong runner-up.

• 🥔 A potato salad throwback: No-frills, no gentrification, just real-deal comfort food in a scoop.

• 🥪 The Texas Round-Up wins hearts: Brisket, sausage, cheese, coleslaw, and pickles in a bun? Yes, it works.

• 🚚 Follow that truck: Check texassteelebbq.com to find where this smoky sensation rolls next.

A New Texas State Park Is in the Works—and It’s a Stunner
🌿 read the full 540-word article here

Article published: April 22, 2025

I just read “Texas could be getting a new state park after 1,100 acre acquisition” in MySA, and here’s the big picture: Central Texas is on the brink of a major outdoor upgrade—and it’s about more than just scenic views.

Texas Parks and Wildlife just acquired 1,100 acres across the river from Colorado Bend State Park, featuring limestone bluffs, natural springs, and 1.5 miles of pristine Yancey Creek. Add that to the 2,020 acres purchased nearby in 2023, and you've got the blueprint for a brand-new 3,000+ acre state park.

This expansion is funded through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, the $1 billion voter-approved initiative aimed at protecting Texas’ natural treasures. The project reflects a broader push to preserve open space as more Texans seek meaningful, local outdoor escapes.

No opening date yet—but public input and planning are already underway.

Key Takeaways:

• 📍 3,120-acre park near Austin. The new state park will be located across from Colorado Bend, with bluffs, springs, and creek access.

• 💰 Funded by voters. The $1B Centennial Parks Conservation Fund made this land purchase and future development possible.

• 🗣️ Public voice matters. TPWD will invite community input to shape the park’s design and recreational features.

• 🌲 A statewide green wave. This is the latest in a string of major TPWD acquisitions, including Enchanted Rock and Lake Colorado City.

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Why It Matters

From homes built around community (and college football) to billion-dollar park conservation wins, the stories coming out of Texas remind us that where we live, gather, and invest truly shapes how we live.

Behind every arena proposal or backyard BBQ is a deeper story of culture, connection, and what we’re building for the future.

Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or just watching from afar, these moves are a powerful reminder: growth isn’t just about scale—it’s about intention.

Hannah Collinsworth
Editor-in-Chief
Houston, Texas
Texas Property Round Up

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