Waco residents provide input in 20-year downtown redevelopment project

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Tuesday night, Wacoans heard the city’s plans to give downtown a complete makeover.

The city hosted a public information session about turning 100 acres along the Brazos River into a mixed-use area.

Hunt Development Group and the city wants to bring more life into the area by building public spaces, walkable parks, plazas and more.

However, the city said this large project can take 12-20 years.

The goal of the project is to satisfy the residents and future visitors traveling through.

Planners said the project will be split into five steps and they are wrapping up the design phase for the Barron’s Branch area, as well as focusing on permitting with the corps of engineers.

Director of strategic initiatives, Tom Balk, said officials are also discussing zoning that can help tie the 100 acres together.

Balk said they’re looking forward to the new shift but with residents’ input.

“We are creating the blueprint for what Waco looks and feels is and needs to be going forward in a way that’s not a copy and paste from communities. The fun part of that is finding out you can successfully do that through people’s stories,” said Balk.

Balk said for the first phase, there’s $167 million of investment in streets, utilities and parks.

The Waco Convention Center was packed with curious residents, which some said feel more confident in the project after attending.

Resident Doreen Ravenscroft said she’s been living in Waco for the past 40 years, and Ken Bennett was born and raised in the city.

The two say they’ve been ready for more change in Waco.

“We love the green. We love the fact that there’s lots of green spaces, spaces where you can hang around by water or under shady trees. I think that’s what we need and to see that downtown and not just great tall buildings,” said Ravenscroft.

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

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