Buda Designated Official Texas Main Street City By Texas Historical Commission

BUDA, TX –  The City of Buda is proud to announce its designation as a 2017 official “Texas Main Street” city by the Texas Historical Commission. The announcement was made at the THC’s quarterly commission meeting last week.     

The Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts.  Buda becomes one of 89 cities statewide with the prestigious designation. 

“I believe Main Street is the heart and soul of any great community. We are committed to strengthening and growing our historic district,” said Mayor Todd Ruge.

“The Texas Main Street Program will provide the tools to make that happen. I couldn’t be more pleased to be accepted into this prestigious program and look forward to what the future holds for our downtown area.”

Over the years Buda has taken a number of steps to bring increased life and investment to downtown, including the pursuit of enhancement grants for sidewalks, lighting and other downtown beautification, improvements to underground infrastructure, the creation of the local historic district and Historic Preservation Commission, and the establishment of the Downtown Buda Merchants Association.

As a Texas Main Street city, Buda will have access to grant opportunities and other resources only available to member cities.     

“The Main Street Program opens the door to a number of resources at the Texas Historical Commission, including technical expertise, program capacity building, and organizational assistance, which will help the city as well as downtown business and property owners strengthen and revitalize downtown Buda in a thoughtful manner,” said Planning Director Chance Sparks.

“Buda couldn’t be more excited to join the Main Street Program, with its record of success in strengthening downtowns throughout the State spanning over three decades.”

Buda’s selection for Texas Main Street Program was based on the following:

• Historic commercial fabric and historic identity 
• Community and private sector support and organizations capacity
• Public sector support and financial capacity
• Physical capacity
• Demonstrated need

For Karlyn Ellis of Prosper Properties, the designation is a big win. Ellis is part of the Downtown Buda Merchants Group, who support the Texas Main Street Program.   

“As a local downtown merchant, we are absolutely thrilled to have learned that the City of Buda was awarded the honor of being selected for the Texas Main Street Program!

We know this is a major project, but over time we are excited to see the positive changes that will come with being a part it,” said Ellis.

“Having a full-time dedicated position to oversee/direct the vision of a beautiful and thriving Downtown Buda is just what Buda has needed. Being the little town just south of Austin, this will encourage locals to stay local!  We are excited and so thankful for the selection and cannot wait to see how Downtown Buda begins to thrive!”

“The Downtown Merchants Group did an excellent job building the basis of Buda’s Main Street Application through grassroots outreach — exactly the kind of bootstrapping the Texas Main Street Program thrives on,” said Planning Director Chance Sparks.

Buda will officially enter the Texas Main Street Program on January 1, 2017. With the Main Street Program’s help, the city will go through the process of hiring a Main Street Manager (budgeted in the FY 2016-17 budget pending approval of the program) and seating a Main Street Advisory Board.

“The City of Buda is delighted and full of pride to receive the title of a Texas Main Street City. This is a name that identifies a city’s pledge and enthusiasm to the world about their downtown area,” said City Manager Kenneth Williams.

“Downtowns are the lifeblood of communities in Texas, where small businesses make every effort to succeed. This designation identifies the Citizens of Buda, the Mayor and City Council and City of Buda’s staff commitment to providing an excellent quality of life in the city.”

More Information on the Texas Main Street Program: http://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-main-street.