From walkable urban neighborhoods that attract young professionals to small towns capitalizing on history and the arts, downtown districts in the Heart of Texas Region are experiencing a renaissance.

Along the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, residential lofts are being constructed, and riverfront shops and restaurants are opening. Local leaders hope to transform the downtown into a walkable community where business, the arts and urban living intersect. 

“Waco has invested in a number of large capital projects over the years that have set the stage for the recent surge in downtown development,” says Larry Groth, Waco city manager.

These projects include the creation of a town lake on the Brazos River, landscaped boulevards on both sides of the river, six miles of riverwalk and much more, Groth says.

Vision for Waco
Much of this recent growth can be attributed to the city's Imagine Waco plan, a planning process designed to spur downtown development.

“It’s a bold and ambitious vision for our community that we believe capitalizes on our current community assets and future potential as a Texas city,” says Chris McGowan, director of urban development for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

The aim of the plan includes everything from new housing choices to a vibrant riverfront and more effective transportation options. 

Both Groth and McGowan agree that the Waco's location on the Brazos River is one of its greatest assets.

“Cities have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to recreate what we have naturally running through our city, and capitalizing on the river as an asset is very important,” McGowan says.

Haven for History, the Arts
Some smaller towns in the Heart of Texas Region are revitalizing their cities by emphasizing their roots and culture. Downtown Hillsboro features an abundance of refurbished historic buildings, including one of the oldest courthouses in Texas.

“Many of our buildings have been beautifully restored, and we're continuing to do more work and restoration to promote heritage tourism,” says Jack Harper, Hillsboro city manager. “A lot of effort has been put into marketing our downtown preservations.”

Such efforts to turn historic structures into shops and cafes earned Hillsboro recognition as a Main Street City by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Texas Main Street Program.

In Bosque County, Clifton is also promoting itself as a cultural destination. Home to many nationally known Western artists and recently named one of the top 100 art communities in the nation, Clifton has five art galleries and draws 8,000 visitors annually to its Bosque Arts Center. The town is pursuing a state designation as a Texas Cultural Arts District.

Forward Thinking
Cultural assets coupled with a growing urban core in the Heart of Texas is attracting a new generation to the region.

“There's a certain appeal to being in on the beginning of something exciting and being able to participate in and observe the transition taking place,” Groth says.