Waco, TX – As Waco’s Downtown Redevelopment Project continues to move forward, developers and city officials are emphasizing accessibility in the ongoing design work. With Phase 1A now nearly halfway through its design phase, the project remains on schedule and within budget, according to the city.
The city has recently released updated renderings, designs, and videos to showcase progress. As part of the planning, city staff and developers have been meeting with local advocacy groups to ensure the new downtown space will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Donna Dill, a member of the local non-profit group Mobilize Waco, was part of a recent meeting with the city and developers to discuss the importance of making the redevelopment project inclusive for all members of the community. Dill, who is an advocate for disability rights, emphasized the significance of accessibility in urban planning.
“Accessibility makes things easier for everyone, but for someone with a disability, accessibility means you can or can’t go,” Dill said. “It’s not just about ease—it’s about total access.”
Mobilize Waco, which focuses on improving accessibility in the Waco area, has been working closely with the city to ensure that the redevelopment includes thoughtful design for individuals with various disabilities. Dill noted that the new designs, which were previewed at a recent meeting, are promising and reflect a commitment to inclusivity.
“We got to see the maps and the plans, and it’s going to be beautiful,” Dill said. “It’s certainly exciting to see that city leadership has an eye for the future and is planning for accessibility. People with different kinds of disabilities will be able to enjoy it, along with everyone else in the community.”
City officials have stressed the importance of public feedback during this stage of the project, which is still in the design phase. The city is encouraging residents to share their thoughts on the plans while adjustments can still be made.
Dill, who has been advocating for accessible public spaces for years, underscored the value of providing input at this stage. “It’s much easier to make adjustments and consider things during the planning stage than after the fact,” she said.
The next steps for the downtown redevelopment include securing permits, a process that is already underway. Bidding for street and utility construction is expected to begin in mid-2025. Waco’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Tom Balk, reassured the public that the project remains on track.
“We’re heading into the holiday season, but the project doesn’t slow down,” Balk said. “We are continuing to ensure that we’re being as efficient and accommodating as possible to keep things moving forward.”
To gather additional feedback and answer questions from the public, the city will host a design open house at the Waco Chamber of Commerce on December 6, just before the Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Square. The city will also have a booth at Waco’s Winter Wonderland Experience on December 7, where staff will be available to discuss the plans for the redevelopment project.
As Waco looks to transform its downtown area, the focus on accessibility ensures that the new space will be welcoming and usable for everyone in the community. With the design phase nearly complete, the city is eager to continue progressing toward a future that serves all residents.
