2017 President's Award Program Winners
Winners of the 2017 TDA President’s Awards Program were announced on November 8 at the President’s Awards Gala held in conjunction with the 2017 Texas Downtown Conference in McKinney.
The awards program recognizes outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns and is sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). TDA was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The membership organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local organizations, small businesses, and individuals.
One hundred and fifteen entries were submitted in twelve different categories from communities across the state. Judges reviewed entries online and then met in person to make their final selection of award finalists and winners. The panel included: Kent Collins, Centro Development; P.A. Geddie, County Line Magazine; Lois Rodriguez, Texas Highways; and Evan Thompson, Preservation Texas.
Best Commercial Interior
Under 50k population
Taylor – Curb Side Coffee House
Over 50k population
New Braunfels - The Downtown Social
Best Renovation/Rehabilitation
Under 50k population
Nacogdoches – The Fredonia Hotel
Over 50k population
Amarillo – Herring Bank
Best Restoration
Under 50k population
Mount Vernon – ML Edwards & Co.
Best New Construction
Under 50k population
Bastrop – Lost Pines Art Center*
*Sole finalist and winner.
Over 50k population
Denton – The Railyard/East End Apartments*
*Sole finalist and winner.
Best Public Improvement
Under 50k population
Mount Pleasant – The Alley on Third
Seguin – Seguin Public Library
Over 50k population
Tyler – Innovation Pipeline
Best Marketing Program
Under 50k population
Waxahachie: A Place in Your Heart*
*Sole finalist and winner.
Over 50k population
San Marcos – City of San Marcos Main Street*
*Sole finalist and winner.
Best Promotional Event
Under 50k population
Corsicana – Corsicana Pop Up
Over 50k population
Waco – Magnolia Market at the Silos
Best Downtown Business
Under 50k population
Buda – Tavern on Main
Over 50k population
Georgetown – Mesquite Creek Outfitters
Best Downtown Partner
Under 50k population
Elgin – Elgin Economic Development Corporation
Over 50k population
Plano – Plano Magazine*
*Sole finalist and winner.
Spirit of Downtown Award
McKinney – McKinney DASH
Mount Pleasant – Cinco de Mayo
Paris – 2016 Centennial Celebration
Quitman – Hard Hat Party on the Pad
Downtowner of the Year
Temple - Joe Shepperd
Susan H. Campbell Award for Professional Excellence
Plano - Frank Turner