Waco, Texas, city leaders are planning a multiphase project to transform a 30-acre section of the city’s downtown area into a walkable, community-focused district. The project’s first phase is estimated to cost $213 million, with construction slated to begin later this year.
The Barron’s Branch District concept has been pitched as the city’s answer for revitalizing its community and retaining college graduates in the area. The first phase of the plan calls for a park-first approach, wherein developers will prioritizing building and expanding available public space to encourage community events, recreation and mobility.
The district features ample greenspace with the manmade, limestone-lined Barron’s Branch Creek running through a 12-acre park promenade, anchoring all future development plans for the site. While many design details are still in development, the city has released its initial layout showcasing core amenities for the district.
Among these plans, the city will build a dedicated event deck, pavilion and market plaza. The district is interconnected through a series of footpaths, small water crossings and expansive tree coverage. The park’s southern end will include a picnic hill, spring grove and wetland gardens with an accompanying boardwalk.
The plan’s vision outlines several park projects planned for installation, including the restored creek, splash pads and gathering spaces. These will include a series of cascade fountains, a bridge and plans to reduce the downtown floodplain to guard against future flooding events.
Throughout development, the city will make improvements to the area’s streets, utilities and flood infrastructure. In addition, the project will create new space to expand commercial viability around the district, supporting new restaurants, businesses and housing that will pop up nearby.
Photo by Myotus, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, from Wikimedia Commons
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