The Waco Downtown Redevelopment project is a commitment to our city’s future that remains deeply rooted in our shared past. A primary goal for this project is to build upon Waco's existing community, not replace it—ensuring that progress and preservation walk hand-in-hand.
Waco’s best chapters aren’t written on blank pages. See how we’re designing forward by looking back at the stories that made us.
Photo Courtesy of the Baylor University Texas Collection.
The Barron’s Branch Park District serves as the the first phase for the Waco Downtown Redevelopment project. A primary goal for the project is to build upon Waco's existing community, not replace it. By placing the heritage of the area at the center of the design, the city ensures that the future of the riverfront remains tied to the people who shaped its past.
Calle Dos
Painting courtesy of the Waco Hispanic Museum.
The history of this land is rooted in the Calle Dos neighborhood, a bustling district that served as the heart of Mexican American life in Waco for decades. Calle Dos was once lined with family-owned businesses, markets, and homes. It was a place defined by a deep sense of belonging and cultural pride. During the era of urban renewal in the 1960s, much of the physical neighborhood was cleared. To ensure these stories were not lost, the project team worked closely with the community to uncover undertold histories of the families and businesses that once thrived here.
In honor of the neighborhood, the project team plans to create the Calle Dos Pedestrian Walkway to celebrate this legacy by tracing a path through the future Barron's Branch Park District. This wide, accessible walkway is designed to encourage the same spirit of community found in the original neighborhood, allowing the area to once again become a hub for social connection. It will feature:
- Open spaces for cultural events and local retail.
- A pedestrian link connecting the center of downtown to Barron's Branch Park, La Pila Plaza, and the future Ballpark District.
- A cascade fountain
- A performance pavilion
- A pedestrian bridge over the uncovered Barron's Branch Creek
La Pila Fountain
Photo courtesy of the Waco Hispanic Museum.
In addition to the walkway, the project team plans to create La Pila Plaza as a tribute to one of the landmarks of that era. The original La Pila was a public fountain that functioned as a gathering spot where neighbors met to talk and children played. The fountain was located at what is today the corner of University Parks Drive and Jefferson Avenue. The narrow plaza will stretch from the historic St. Francis on the Brazos Catholic Church to the re-established fountain and the new riverfront at University Parks Drive. This intentional design honors the history that was already here, making it a visible part of the city for future generations.
By prioritizing these historic markers, the Barron’s Branch Park District becomes a bridge between eras. When older residents visit the park, they will find familiar touchpoints that allow them to share their stories with younger generations. These conversations will help keep the memory of what once was alive, ensuring that the progress of today is built with a profound respect for the roots of the community.
The transition of the school property at 500 N. University Parks Drive marks a pivotal moment in the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project. This site has served as a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, housing several different institutions that shaped generations of Waco residents.
Following an agreement reached in late 2025, the City of Waco purchased the campus from Waco ISD to open the path for the future Barron’s Branch and Ballpark Districts. The building carries a layered history that spans five distinct eras of education. It opened its doors in 1972 as Jefferson-Moore High School, later serving as the Waco Ninth Grade Center and A.J. Moore Academy. In more recent decades, the campus was home to Indian Spring Middle School while also temporarily housing students from G. W. Carver Middle School. Most recently, the facility was a temporary home for Kendrick Elementary during its own facility renovations.
Each of these names represents a unique chapter of pride and local identity, including the legacy of Black history, navigating integration, and all the personal achievements of thousands of alumni.
Telling the Story
Because a primary goal for the project is to build upon the existing community rather than replace it, the city is leading an effort to preserve these memories before the physical structure is removed. A video history interview series is currently underway, inviting former students, teachers, and staff to sit down and document their experiences on camera.
These stories will ensure that the human legacy of the site remains a permanent part of the downtown narrative. Anyone with a connection to the school during any of its eras is encouraged to sign up and participate.
Send us an email at info@wacodowntownredevelopment.com or call (254) 750-5787 to schedule an interview. If you're not interested in being on camera, we still welcome you to send us a quick email with any stories, photos, or ideas about how you want us to honor your school even after the building is gone.
Community Conversations
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the City of Waco and Waco ISD invited students, parents, and teachers who attended school at 500 N. University Parks Drive for a conversation centered on their stories and the future of the school property.
This first discussion was our chance to design forward by looking back and listening to the community. As we move forward with the Downtown Redevelopment Project, our goal is to translate the history of this property into the future Barron’s Branch Park and Ballpark Districts.
Additional conversations and public meetings will be scheduled. For the latest information, subscribe for email updates.
Transition Process
The physical transformation of the site began in April 2026 with the installation of construction fencing and the start of a careful abatement process. This phase involves removing interior components and ensuring the safe decommission of the building. The full removal of the structure is expected to conclude by July, making way for the development of La Pila Plaza and the Ballpark District in later years.
By documenting these histories now, the city ensures that the spirit of 500 N. University Parks Drive will continue to influence the character of downtown Waco for years to come.
Stay tuned for the commemorative video honoring the legacy school.