Businesses, individuals, artists, organizations recognized

(Seguin) — Those who have helped make the heart of Seguin beat a little faster this past year are not going unnoticed. The city of Seguin’s Main Street Program this past Friday recognized those individuals, businesses and organizations who have “made remarkable contributions to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Seguin and the arts community.”

This year’s round of downtown and arts awards were presented during the annual Moonlight & Roses event held in the Memorial Rose Garden.

Kicking things off by announcing this year’s Downtowner of the Year was Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen.

“Our first award is Downtowner of the Year for 2024. This award goes to an individual or business that the Main Street Advisory Board recognizes as having the largest impact in downtown Seguin during 2024. The Downtowner of the Year goes to the 1908! The 1908 is a standout business that has breathed new life into a long vacant historic building at 100 East Court Street. Since opening in Oct. 2023, the 1908 has transformed the space with creative renovations, expanding into the basement and adding a sports bar on the second floor. Its presence has significantly energized downtown nightlife and has helped to revitalize the area,” announced Dodgen.

Excited about being presented with the award are Owners Jacob Kozlowski and Pete Aguirre.

Kozlowski says being named Downtowner of the Year is a prestigious honor.

“It’s been nothing short of amazing like our dream and what we try to do between Pete and I, my wife – he’s about to have a baby – we are just blessed. There is nothing else to say. Everyone has been great,” said Kozlowski.

Aguirre says he’s appreciative of all the support that they have received along the way and only hopes to continue to extend that appreciation to their customers.

“We are going to continue to give the great service that Seguin deserves. This town has a lot of gratitude towards everyone, and I think that’s what it is all about. So, to do all that, I think it’s worth it,” said Aguirre.

The success of the 1908, however, is far from over. Kozlowski says that’s because their dreams for the future continue to be rolled out.

“We just opened up an outside bar and we are very close to doing a kitchen which has been a work in progress I would say these (last) six to eight months – we’ve been working on it and I’ve got to say once again and Pete will back me up on this, the city from day one — when we had the idea, they were a part of everything we’ve wanted to do and helped us navigate it the correct way,” said Kozlowski.

Also recognized for his contributions is this year’s Volunteer of the Year Heath Anders.

Anders is recognized for playing an instrumental role in numerous committees, special events and for spearheading the “Imagine the Possibilities” Tour.

Being recognized for this year’s Beautification Project of the Year was the Law Office of James Reyes.

After leasing space in the Plaza Office Building for several years, Reyes purchased his own building and invested in significant improvements—including a new storefront, exposed historic ceiling, and upgraded utilities. Dodgen says these updates have elevated the aesthetic and historic character of downtown Seguin.

Downtown Partner of the Year for 2024 goes to the Seguin Kiwanis Club.

The Seguin Kiwanis Club was named Downtown Partner of the Year in recognition of its long-standing American flag program. For decades, club members have placed American flags downtown on patriotic holidays—rising at sunrise to set them up and returning at sunset to take them down.

A thriving hub that has activated the north part of downtown with its weekly gatherings was also recognized during Friday’s awards. This year’s Dynamic Downtown Business Award was presented to the Austin Street Market.

Nearly two years old, the market champions local artisans and farmers, bringing fresh energy, pedestrian activity, and a renewed purpose to a previously underutilized space.

Celebrating Artistic Excellence in Seguin is also part of the annual effort at Moonlight & Roses.

Following the downtown awards, the spotlight shifted to those making significant contributions to the arts. The 2024 Art Awards were curated by the Seguin Commission on the Arts.

Named as Youth Artist of the Year was Seguin High School’s Visual Arts Club.

Over Spring Break, club members painted a vibrant new mural for the American Legion. They also contributed a painted squirrel sculpture to the Seguin Squirrel Trail, now proudly displayed at the football stadium.

The 2024 Art Organization of the Year was presented to Texas Lutheran University.

TLU was honored for its continued dedication to enriching Seguin’s arts scene. Hosting dozens of art events annually—including plays, concerts, and exhibitions—TLU also fosters collaborations with groups like the Mid-Texas Symphony and Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin.

Rounding out the list of art awards was the presentation of Outstanding Contributor to the Arts. Named as this year’s winner was Pecantown Books & Brews.

Since its opening in 2022, city leaders say Pecantown has become a cherished gathering spot that champions both literary and culinary arts—hosting author readings and poetry readings while supporting local food vendors and farmers.

The awards portion of the evening also wrapped up with a special recognition of the Seguin Chamber Leadership Class of 2024.

Dodgen says a Certificate of Special Recognition was awarded to the Leadership Class of 2024 for its class project which includes the creation of the Seguin Giant Letters in Walnut Springs Park. She says this eye-catching installation has added a distinctive landmark to the community and provides visitors with a perfect photo opportunity that reflects Seguin’s unique charm.

Not pictured: TLU – Art Organization of the Year.