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Waxahachie is a certified Texas Main Street community. The city applied for and received Main Street designation in 1983 and participated in the program until 1990. In 2002, the city became recertified as a Texas Main Street City. Since that time, Waxahachie has consistently received National Accreditation as a Main Street City.
The Main Street Program is a comprehensive program of economic development within the context of historic preservation. There are four points to the Main Street approach for commercial district revitalization. Those points are organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality. Waxahachie’s Main Street program has four boards that carry out the functions of the four points.
Organization
Waxahachie Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)3 and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan that was developed in 2001. The board meets monthly and it is a recommending body to the TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) board. Some projects that WPI has completed are construction of the Downtown Pocket Park, ADA sidewalk improvements, brick street pavers, antique lighting around the square, historic street signage, and a permanent home for the Farmers Market.
WPI’s Mission Statement
Waxahachie Partnership, Inc.’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for the continued preservation and economic vitality of our historic downtown area through collaboration with dedicated stakeholders. All available resources will be used to advance downtown Waxahachie as a premier destination.
WPI’s Vision Statement
Waxahachie Partnership, Inc.’s vision is that Waxahachie’s historic downtown is a year-round desired destination for residents and visitors of all ages and the cultural heart of our community.
Promotion
The Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association promotes downtown through its programs of work and sponsorship and support of events that are held in the downtown area. Membership is not limited to downtown merchants—anyone who has a heart for downtown is welcome to join. The WDMA organizes many Downtown events including Ladies Night Out, Junk in The Trunk, and Sip 'n Stroll. For more information please visit www.downtownwaxahachie.com.
Design
Waxahachie Heritage Preservation Commission is charged with protecting the integrity of the historic structures in Waxahachie, both residential and commercial. Property owners within the Historic Overlay Districts must conform to the design guidelines for this area when rehabbing or making changes to their properties. Historic Property owners may also qualify for certain tax exemptions and incentive programs. The HPC uses these valuable tools to help preserve the historic integrity of structures in neighborhoods and within the Historic Overlay District. This seven-member board meets monthly and is appointed by the City Council. Non-voting members of the Commission include a Heritage Preservation Officer, Planning and Zoning Commission liaison, and City Council liaison. Projects the HPC has participated in include the design of the new County buildings and the creation of an historic property coloring book that is distributed yearly to all second graders in the Waxahachie Independent School District. Click here to visit the Heritage Preservation page.
Economic Vitality
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) board oversees the economic vitality area of the Main Street four point approach. The TIRZ is a geographic area that was established in 2003 which includes the central business district. Incremental ad valorem tax increases on properties in the TIRZ area since 2003 are used to fund projects in the Downtown Master Plan. The board of seven members is a recommending body to the City Council. In recent years, TIRZ funds have been the primary source of funding to restore the MKT Train depot, provide downtown wayfinding and create a plaza on the east side of the square.