WACO, TX — After two public meetings, the developers behind the riverfront project finalized the layout of the future space for the Waco Downtown Farmers Market.
The $112 million riverfront development project called Brazos Promenade will feature a hotel, an apartment building, restaurants and retail shops.
"It will be one of the largest construction projects that we have seen in downtown Waco," said Bradley Ford, Waco Assistant City Manager. "It has about 250 multi-family units so that will bring additional spending power to downtown, which should have a positive impact on our retailers and restaurants as well."
A public space that will be known as the community's living room will house the farmers market on Saturdays. It will be at the original location of the farmers market.
The city will pay $12 million for a parking garage, sewer line improvements and the community's living room.
Catalyst Urban Development and the city hosted two public meetings to receive input about the layout.
"The developer in between the first meeting and second meeting changed the layout of the buildings along the river so this community living room, farmers market space, will feel better attached to actual riverfront," Ford said.
The developer also adjusted the design of protected bike lanes part of the University Parks Streetscape.
Anthem Group Executive Director Peter Ellis and his wife started selling her jewelry line Summer Ellis at the market when it was located near the Brazos River.
"We loved being by the water, by the Oaks, just a very natural fit," Ellis.
The couple have continued selling jewelry and items from other artists at the market's temporary location in front of the McLennan County Courthouse.
"We want to be part of the local scene. That is the only Farmers market where Summer Ellis can be found," Ellis said.
Ellis is excited for the farmers market to return to its original location.
"I love that is in the same location, with the Oaks, being by the water and being able to interact to what's there will be key," Ellis said.
Construction is expected to start in October and the first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2021.
