Waco purchases land for $32M, fueling downtown revitalization project

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The city of Waco is set to acquire old buildings and unused land, giving them a new purpose as part of the ambitious downtown revitalization project.

The city confirmed a $32 million purchase of approximately 11 acres at the former Indian Spring Middle School site, along with another 11 acres at the Waco ISD track site located across the street.

Indian Spring Middle School has been vacant since it temporarily housed Kendrick Elementary School students during their campus construction.

Waco ISD’s Perspective

Waco ISD superintendent, Dr. Tiffany Spicer, views this acquisition as a prime opportunity for the district.

“We have an opportunity to go into the school year for future years, next year, and years to come without having a deficit budget. We also have the opportunity for some facility improvements,” said Spicer.

Planners of the Waco Downtown Redevelopment project have indicated that the Indian Spring Middle School site will be integrated into the Barron’s Branch district of the larger initiative.

“Buildings, areas, parks, recs, the whole nine. Just to kind of see what it could be, it’s just the right opportunity for us as a district to support our community and support the city as they go on this endeavor,” Spicer added.

Benefits for the School District

In a reciprocal agreement, the city is providing significant support to Waco ISD. Under the terms, the district can:

• Remain on the property until the end of March next year.
• Host two graduation ceremonies annually at the Foster Pavilion through 2037, moving them indoors.
• Host up to five events at the Waco Convention Center.
• Benefit from the city hosting student learning sessions each year for the next 10 years.
• Receive at least 10 internships or teacher externships from the city.

“We’re so excited about those opportunities because they won’t just be for students today, but students tomorrow. That’s the icing on the cake for our students and staff,” said Spicer.

Community Impact

“It’s not like we can put back the buildings that the Urban renewal removed, but what we can do is bring back the community that was lost,” said District one council member, Andrea Holmes.

Mayor Jim Holmes expressed his readiness for Waco to expand and for others to witness the improvements. “I’m just convinced that this will bring us as charge here downtown and have people around the world come to Waco,” said Holmes.

Barron’s Branch is projected to be ready by the middle of 2026. Learn more about the Waco Downtown Redevelopment project.

If you want to learn more about the project, click here.

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