Waco Downtown Redevelopment Plan

In June 2024 the City of Waco adopted a strategic roadmap for downtown’s redevelopment to boost economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents. Working with a blue-chip team led by Hunt Companies, Phil Myrick brought the placemaking perspective to ensure the planning would result in the creation of vibrant, family-friendly places that attract locals as well as visitors.

The project includes extensive upgrades to infrastructure, such as modernizing streets, enhancing public spaces, and creating pedestrian-friendly environments. These changes aim to attract new businesses, encourage tourism, and provide a more vibrant community atmosphere. Key elements of the revitalization effort will support a diverse range of activities including the incorporation of green spaces, improved public transportation options, new mixed-use districts, a new City Hall, convention center, minor league ballpark, and performing arts complex. Efforts to preserve historical buildings and integrate them into the new urban design highlight a commitment to maintaining the city’s heritage.

The project addresses a large part of downtown that was destroyed by a tornado in the 1950s and never redeveloped. The project also will capture the new momentum in Waco spurred by the Magnolia phenomenon unleashed by local entrepreneurs, Chip and Joanna Gaines.