(Seguin) — It’s been a busy year for downtown Seguin. The Seguin Main Street Program this week released its top five stories for 2021. The list includes both public and private projects that are making a big difference in the heart of the city. Main Street and CVB Director Kyle Kramm lays out this year’s Top 5 list for downtown Seguin.
Kramm says the list includes new businesses, street and sidewalk improvement projects, and plans for the future of downtown Seguin. He says there was a lot to take in over the last year. Here is the Top 5 story list put together by the Seguin Main Street Program:
No. 5, Gonzales Street Gets a Refresh
The 100 block of West Gonzales saw some large changes over 2021. A 1-inch water main was upgraded to an 8-inch main, a new wastewater line was installed, and the overhead utilities were taken underground. Using grant funding, the sidewalks were reconstructed in the block improving the ADA accessibility to the buildings and businesses along the block. Once warmer temperatures return, the street will be reconstructed.
No. 4, Seguin Main Street Turns 40
In 1981, Seguin was designated as one of the first 30 Main Street communities nationwide. In honor of this anniversary, Seguin Main Street added some special celebrations to Moonlight and Roses and received statewide recognition. Also, while hosting the Texas Main Street retreat in Seguin, the Texas Historical Commission presented Seguin a special recognition certificate to celebrate the accomplishment.
No. 3, Events Come Back Full Swing
Most of the downtown events were canceled in 2020 due to COVID, but thanks to lowering case numbers most events started coming back in June 2021. Seguin Main Street hosted the summer concert series, the Fourth of July Parade, Pecan Fest, Holiday Stroll, and several others. And the crowds came out to celebrate in downtown, with thousands attending and enjoying the community events.
No. 2, Launch of Downtown Master Plan
City Council included the development of a downtown master plan in the 2021 budget. Staff got to work finding a consultant and starting the process of developing the plan. The consultant is currently seeking community input on the vision for downtown Seguin’s future. To provide your comments and input, visit www.PlanSeguinDT.com.
No. 1, New Businesses Call Downtown Seguin Home
Over 10 new businesses opened in downtown in 2021. Early in 2021, we welcomed Burnt Bean BBQ, Ebi-Ebi Sushi, Elevation Fitness and others. As the year continued, other businesses like The Lofts and Second Story Dance Studio opened, increasing downtown’s second floor occupancy. The addition of these new businesses are benefitting the existing businesses as they increase the customer base coming to downtown Seguin.
Kramm says that they hope that people enjoyed the downtown area in 2021, and they are looking forward to even bigger plans in 2022.
“The downtown master plan is something that I’m really looking forward to, (and) really getting that launched (in 2022). We are really pushing to try to get some public input right now with the community survey that’s going on until January 15. And then we’ve got three businesses that are in the works, that will be open in 2022 and that I’m really excited about. There’s a new coffee shop that’s going to go into the First National Bank building. Southern Good is expanding — opening up a second location at 114 South Austin St. And then Heath (Anders) and Tess (Coody-Anders) are opening up Pecan Town Books & Brews, and we are very excited about that. We’ve got a lot of synergy going on right now in downtown, and we want to just keep building on that,” said Kramm.
The survey for community input on the downtown master plan can be accessed by visiting www.planseguindt.com.