Cultivating Culture and Commerce

The Convention Center/Performing Arts/Mary Avenue phase is a key component of the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project, set to transform downtown Waco into a dynamic cultural and economic hub. Scheduled between years 4 and 8, this phase focuses on developing crucial public facilities and infrastructure that leverage the scenic Brazos River and enhance Waco’s cultural landscape.

Key Developments

• Convention Center Complex: A four-story, 386,000 GSF building with a grand ballroom and exhibit hall at grade level facing the river. The complex will offer expansive views of the river and surrounding districts.

• Performing Arts Center: A 2,000-seat theater integrated with the convention center and a 350-room HQ hotel, designed to maximize operational efficiency and utilization. The venue will include a digital media studio and multi-use black box theater, with a focus on a theater horseshoe and stage functionality.

• Headquarters Hotel: A 350-room, 4-star hotel with two room towers facing the river and downtown, featuring an elevated amenity deck with views of the river and McLane Stadium. The hotel will include shaded, partially covered green spaces and a drop-off area linking it to the convention center and Mary Avenue pedestrian bridge.

• Mary Avenue Festival Street: Conversion of Mary Avenue into a vibrant festival street with ground-floor retail, set to become a key location for community events and festivals. Completion of the old Cotton Belt Bridge as a pedestrian link between East and West Waco, with new signature parks/plazas at both ends.

The Convention Center/Performing Arts/Mary Avenue phase is designed to significantly contribute to Waco's long-term growth and prosperity. By strategically developing key public facilities and enhancing connectivity, this phase will create a vibrant cultural and economic landscape in downtown Waco.

Breathing New Life into Waco Square

The Town Center phase is a critical part of the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project, aimed at revitalizing the Waco Square District. This phase focuses on creating a vibrant town center with new public spaces, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity. Upon completion of the new convention center in Phase 2, Phase 3 can begin redevelopment of the existing facility footprint. The development will include approximately 520,000 square feet for ground floor retail (with residential and office above) facing internally to the town green and externally to Franklin and Washington. Scheduled to start in late 2032 and complete by the end of 2034, this phase will transform the area into a dynamic hub for community activities and private development.

Key Developments

• New Town Center: Establish a central town green designed to serve as the City’s gathering place. The green will tie into Indian Spring Park and the riverwalk across University Parks, which will be narrowed to resemble a hardscaped paseo and be closable for City events.

• Landscaping: Water features, some of which already exist, and landscaped pedestrian pathways will be prominent in each section of the town green between the cross streets at 2nd and 3rd Streets and University Parks to provide internal vehicular circulation and access to the retail on the square.

• City Hall: The current City Hall exterior will be refurbished and modified to make the north face equally attractive as the south face, and the interior improvements to the MEP system will make it available as lease space in the center of the town green for a variety of compatible uses.

• Bridges: The bridges at Washington and Franklin will be refurbished (lighting, paint, and landscaping) and modified as necessary to create safe pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to amenities on both sides of the river.

The Town Center phase is designed to significantly contribute to Waco's long-term growth and prosperity. By strategically developing key public spaces and enhancing connectivity, this phase will create a vibrant cultural and economic landscape in downtown Waco.

Building a Thriving Sports and Entertainment District

New Stadium

Phase 4 will include a new stadium conceived as a multi-purpose event venue that can accommodate a minor league baseball team and various community activities, enhancing local sports, culture, and civic events. Situated at the intersection of Waco Drive and the river, the total scale of Phase 4 development is approximately 2 million GSF that will be integrated with the Brazos River and riverwalk for pedestrian access. The stadium’s design will be inspired by classic venues like Fenway Park, with an initial seating capacity of about 6,000 seats, expandable to 7,500.

Surrounding Development

The area around the stadium will feature retail spaces, food and beverage establishments, mid-rise multifamily residences, and a boutique hotel in right field. The area will include an entertainment district, modeled after “Texas Live” in Arlington, designed to capitalize on ballgames and activate the district for community events and outdoor entertainment. The ballpark district will be seamlessly integrated with the surrounding community and natural features, creating a cohesive and lively environment.

Entertainment District

The Ballpark phase is designed to enhance Waco's recreational and economic landscape by developing a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment district. This phase will provide significant community benefits, including new public spaces, improved infrastructure, and increased economic activity.