City of Waco to Award Five Corridor Beautification Incentive Grants

Published on June 13, 2025

Aerial view of Waco Drive with a blue filter

The City of Waco is excited to announce that five businesses were selected to receive the first round of Corridor Beautification Incentive Grants. Through the beautification program, the City of Waco and each business will split the cost for exterior improvements. The City plans to reimburse up to $48,000 total for the five businesses. Each business will use their funds to match their grant amount to go toward the overall project cost.

Grant Recipients

Helados La Azteca

Two men in front of La Azteca storefront holding award recipient sign

Located at 3302 Franklin Ave., Helados La Azteca will use $7,755.22 in grant funds plus their own matching funds to replace the front glass doors and windows, install a new LED sign, and add artwork. Helados La Azteca is a family-owned business founded in 1998. They are most known for their handcrafted popsicles and ice cream in authentic Mexican flavors.

The Hatstand

A man and woman in front of The Hatstand storefront holding award recipient sign

Located at 900 East Waco Drive, The Hatstand will use $8,105.50 in grant funds plus their own matching funds to renovate the facade of their store, stripe and refurbish the parking lot, and install a new large sign. The Hatstand is a local business that specializes in custom hats and embroidery for shirts and urban apparel, in addition to offering custom screen printing services for T-shirts.

EWireless

A young woman in front of EWireless storefront holding award recipient sign

Located at 1916 West Waco Drive, EWireless will use $2,706.25 in grant funds plus their own matching funds to replace a vinyl sign with a lighted sign. EWireless is a local business that offers repair services for smartphones, cellphones, and tablets.

FDR Services LLC

Man and a woman in front of a vacant building holding a grant recipient sign

The building located 1316 Franklin Ave. is owned by FDR Services LLC and is currently vacant. FDR Services will use $15,000 plus their own matching funds to remove the building's brick work and trim to replace it with tongue-and-groove siding. FDR Services plans renovate the 100-year-old building to attract future tenants.

OHG Holdings LLC

A man in front of a vacant brick building holding award recipient sign

The building located at 1716 Franklin Ave. is owned by OHG Holdings LLC and is also currently vacant. OHG Holdings will use $15,000 plus their own matching funds to install aluminum-panel signs, black metal awnings, accent lighting, and landscaping upgrades. OHG Holdings plans to renovate the building to open a UPS Store Print Production & Office location. 

About the Corridor Beautification Incentive Program

The beautification program focuses on portions of East Waco Drive, West Waco Drive, Franklin Avenue, and Valley Mills Drive to increase the aesthetic appearance and economic vitality of these high-priority gateway corridors. Property owners were invited to apply earlier this year from January to February, and applicants were selected on a first-come, first-qualified basis. 

Through the program, the City of Waco provides up to $15,000 to businesses through reimbursements, and the property owners are required to provide a one-to-one match. Eligible improvements include landscaping, building facades, parking areas, signage, sidewalks, and public art. The program is managed by the Beautification, Arts & Culture Division of Parks & Recreation.

Learn More About the Corridor Beautification Program

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