HUTTO, Texas -- Crews will break ground on a new outdoor amphitheater in Hutto this week.
It's one of the projects city leaders believe will strengthen Hutto's economic development and improve the quality of life.
The 4,000-seat amphitheater will be on the 65-acre land known as Hutto Park at Brushy Creek off County Road 137.
"We’re making Hutto a destination place,” said Eliska Padilla with the city.
She said the new space will host a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
"There will be people bringing their own chairs, bringing their lawn chairs, blankets, and enjoying the music of the events here,” said Padilla. "We'll have more economic vitality for our businesses, and more things for people to do.”
One of those events will be KOKE Fest, a red dirt music festival that launched in Hutto last year, attracting more than 10,000 people to the area that has a population of about 30,000.
A representative for KOKE FM said they will still hold the event on the property this year, even though the amphitheater won't be finished yet.
"When you're talking about events that bring 10-, 15-, 20,000 people to our area, that's major for our businesses,” added Padilla.
Businesses like Creative Touch and Candy Corner located in downtown Hutto.
"It's been in the family for 30 years,” said Kim Kubala.
During that time, Kubala and her family have seen Hutto change from a one-stoplight town to the development destination of today.
"It's fun to see it evolve and grow,” said Kubala.
According to Padilla, the population of Hutto in 2000 was 1,250. Now, it’s close to 30,000.
With all these visitors and growth, Padilla said their sales tax revenue is up 21 percent this year compared to last.
She said they also have two new hotels and five more fast food restaurants on the way.
And construction continues on the new downtown district known as the Co-Op, which will include a new city hall, library, restaurants and even a movie theater.
"The more people that come to town, the better it is for businesses,” said Kabula.
The city is conducting a survey right now to name the 65 acre park. Find a link here.