Local Buda Business Named Best Economic Game Changer By Texas Downtown Association

“We are so honored to have been awarded the 2018 Best Economic Game Changer Project at the Texas Downtown Association’s President’s Awards,” said Dodi Ellis, Buda Mill & Grain Owner.


Winners for the 2018 Texas Downtown Association (TDA) President’s Awards Program were announced on Wednesday, November 7, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The yearly awards program recognizes outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns and is sponsored by the TDA.

Buda Mill & Grain Co. was selected as the Best Economic Game Changer – under 50,000 population. The category recognizes a project, program, or promotion that had a measurable impact on a downtown or commercial district in a striking and powerful manner. The program, event, business or partner must be located in or focused on a downtown or commercial district and must have been developed, implemented and/or held between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018.

“We are so honored to have been awarded the 2018 Best Economic Game Changer Project at the Texas Downtown Association’s President’s Awards,” said Dodi Ellis, Buda Mill & Grain Owner. “I wish my mom, Gay Ruby Dahlstrom, could have seen the complete transformation of the Mill. Her dream had been to see Buda Mill & Grain Co. become a hub for the community as it had been in its past and we are seeing that happen more and more everyday.

According to the City of Buda, the development has significantly increased the amount of available space for lease in the downtown sector, has increased parking accessibility and has created a downtown destination that has also been instrumental in linking North & South Main St. into one combined historic district.

“The Buda Mill & Grain Co. honed in on the small town charm that Buda is known for and has worked with visionaries to create a space reflective of this vision, building up small, local businesses one at a time. In doing so, the development has created an eclectic mix of locally grown businesses that are supported and loved by the local community.”

“We have so appreciated Ann Miller and the Buda EDC’s Board for having faith in the project when we were just a bunch of dilapidated old barns and Buda’s Main Street Advisory Board for nominating us for the award,” said Ellis. “Finally, we want to thank the small businesses that have made Buda Mill & Grain Co. their home – you are the heart and soul of the Mill project. Since the beginning of the renovations, we knew we wanted to see folks walking down Buda’s Main Street to come to the Mill to share a beer and listen to live music under a live oak tree (Nate’s), to grab a slice of cake with their family (Sweet Cakes 4 U), to shop with friends (Assemblage Contemporary Gallery, Buda Bike Co., Ellipsis, The Mercantile at Mill + Grain), to be pampered at a salon (Salon One 12), to work-out and go to yoga (Willow Gardens Hot Yoga), to join in a community bike ride (Buda Bike Co.) and to support our local farmers (Downtown Buda Farmer’s Market). Your businesses are the ones who keep engaging with our local community so they want to stay awhile in Buda, Texas. Thank you so much!”

Also honored as a finalist for Best Commercial Interior in the under 50,000 population category was the Buda Bike Co. Recognized for its unique design including, large windows, tall ceilings and natural light, the Buda Bike Company’s reclaimed rood and industrial steel create a workspace that fosters a sense of home.

The Buda Main Street Program submitted a total of four applications including Best Commercial Interior – Buda Bike Co.; Best Renovation – Cigar Vault; Best Economic Game Changer – Buda Mill & Grain Co. and Best Promotional Event – Buda Back in the Day.

Judges reviewed entries online and then met in person to make their final selection of award finalists and winners from across the state of Texas.

TDA was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The membership organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local organizations, small businesses, and individuals.


 

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