From City Manager
Larry D. Groth

All around downtown Waco, the signs of new development can be seen from foundation work for the new Austin Avenue Flats at the Waco Town Square development, finishing touches on the dome for the new Chamber of Commerce headquarters and new sidewalks at the corner of Webster & Jackson.

I’d like to share a sample of some of the exciting projects with all of you. Fortunately, we have more news than we can possibly fit in a monthly newsletter, so look for more updates in future issues of City Talk. One of the most prominent areas under development is the Waco Town Square.

The new $4 million Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce building is nearing completion with a grand opening celebration anticipated in June. While that work is winding down, just behind the new Chamber building construction is just beginning on the Austin Avenue Flats featuring 47 loft residences expected to be available for purchase or lease by this fall.

SWB Heritage Square Partners, L.P., will soon begin construction on a student housing complex next door to the Courtyard by Marriot. These two projects are just a preview of what’s to come - the total Waco Town Square project involves 17 acres of mixed use development featuring retail, restaurants, office space and loft-style residential space.

To compliment this private investment in downtown Waco, I’m pleased to report the new University Parks Drive bridge is nearing completion. Beams and decking have been placed on one side of the bridge and work is under way on the sewer lines. The bridge is expected to reopen by August. In addition, initial design plans for the $17.5 million renovations to the Waco Convention Center were unveiled in March.

Just across the street from the Waco Town Square, Wells Fargo has purchased the former Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) building, which they plan to demolish in order to build a new bank.

Just a few blocks south of the new Waco Town Square, two buildings are undergoing renovations at the corners of Webster and Jackson at 3rd Street. One building is being renovated for a new youth outreach center and the old Austin Crawford building is being converted into a facility that groups can rent for special events.

Other downtown projects include a new headquarters for Habitat for Humanity at 220 S. 11th Street, a $7.7 million renovated Roosevelt Tower with office and retail space for lease at 4th and Austin Ave., and $16 million renovation of the Waco Hilton.

Finally, expansion projects are planned or under way at several area attractions including the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, Dr Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, and Texas Sports Hall of Fame. As with any construction project, there will be some short term inconveniences, but we will all enjoy these great amenities once the projects are complete.