Former Hudson Bend fireworks shed to become vet treatment center this fall

Veterinarian Jason Foster, owner of Lake Travis Animal Hospital, said he plans to renovate the long-time fireworks warehouse at the corner of Hudson Bend Road and RR 620, transforming the metal-sided shed into a new treatment center this fall.


He said he originally planned to build a new structure at his current location, 3721 N. RR 620, Austin, but ran into problems with impervious cover restrictions on the lot.

When Foster discovered the building—adorned with fireworks signs—was for sale, he said he jumped at the opportunity and challenge to repurpose the structure and move his practice to the new site.

“We really need the extra space,” said Foster, who has been at his original location for 15 years.

The 6,000-square-foot design, drafted by Polkinghorn Group Architects, will keep the existing metal roof but add structural elements to accommodate a new limestone and HardiePlank exterior, he said. The interior will include seven exam rooms, a surgery suite, an imaging suite and an isolation suite for contagious animals, he said. Separate entrances for dogs and cats are also planned to reduce the stress of a visit on pets and their owners, he said.

The design includes a silo to be used as a children’s play area as well as to house cat condos for felines boarded at the hospital, Foster said.

The project is estimated to take about five months to complete, he said.