City of Waco to Purchase Indian Spring Middle School Property
Last updated
on October 08, 2025 at 08:00 AM
City of Waco and Waco ISD Reach an Agreement to Purchase the Former Indian Springs Middle School Property
On Tuesday, October 7, the City of Waco and Waco ISD officially reached an agreement for a $32.2 million land deal to purchase the former Indian Springs Middle School property. The purchase will open the way for construction of the Barron's Branch District in 2026 and planning for a future Ballpark District as part of the larger downtown redevelopment project.
Under the proposed purchase and sale agreement, the City of Waco is purchasing approximately 22.8 acres of property located at 500 N. University Parks Drive and 324 Jefferson Ave. The City of Waco expects to close on the property by November 14, 2025.
The agreement advances a shared City and school district effort to reconnect central public spaces, support civic and cultural life, and encourage economic growth.
During the Waco City Council meeting, Waco Mayor Jim Holmes highlighted that the downtown redevelopment will be a place for the residents of Waco to enjoy and be proud of.
"This transaction really helps us move forward with a visionary downtown redevelopment plan that will be transformative," Mayor Holmes said. "This is going to be a source of pride for all of us for generations to come. This will identify what Waco is."
Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer added, "This opportunity has been an opportunity for Waco ISD to not only support the vision of our district, but also the vision of our city. We are excited about the opportunity to meet the needs of our students, our staff, our district, and also our community."
The project mission for the downtown redevelopment project aligns behind three elements: Creating a gravitational center through density in downtown, celebrating Waco's stories as a community — the entire community — and preparing an abundant future for generations with a 100-year goal.
The heart and soul of the downtown redevelopment project is the Barron's Branch District, one of five distinct defining character districts. The vast majority of this district lies on the former track property across from Indian Spring Middle School and a portion of the school property itself.
The school site is a culturally rich fabric of our community with stories that have been undertold and lost for more than a generation, but not forgotten. The Barron's Branch district creates a setting for these stories to be highlighted through thoughtful planning that reflects the site's heritage while meeting the community's future needs.
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