Waco: New mixed retail, restaurant space set to open doors in 2018 – KWTX

WACO, Texas (KWTX) A new mixed retail and restaurant space in downtown Waco is set to open its doors to visitors in 2018, adding to the growing boom of business in the area.

The space at South 8th Street and Jackson Avenue, formerly owned by Cornerstone Plumbing, was acquired by Blake Batson and Chris Clark in June.

"We picked this spot because of the current development in Waco. Jackson Avenue is a central spot for pedestrian access from the river all the way to downtown past Magnolia, Batson said.

Batson also owns Common Grounds and Heritage Creamery.

The 9,700 square foot property will be called Jackson Station because of its proximity to nearby train tracks.

People would come to Jackson Station as if they're going to a train station to sit, to eat, and to wait for their next passage, he said.

Jackson Station will feature an anchor restaurant inspired by Nashvilles famous hot chicken, space for five to six local retail spaces, as well as an additional 5,000 square foot outdoor patio area facing the Magnolia Silos.

Batson and Clark worked with Sterling Thompson Architects to create the plans and renderings, and have engaged with Mitchell Construction to bring the space to life.

"We're really excited about the space. We think it has a lot of potential for a creative and fun environment to really jive well with what's happening downtown. It's going to take us some time to renovate but we're really hoping to get it open by January 2018, Clark said.

The space will be similar in concept to the Mary Avenue Market on 300 South 6th Street.

"Were using a big space and subdividing the space to have different tenants that kind of fits a common synergy, Batson said.

Clark said theyve recently turned in demolition plans for Jackson Station with the city and are planning on sending TIF applications next month.

Andrea Barefield with City Center Waco said downtown has experienced tremendous growth in businesses coming to the area the past two years.

We've seen at least 38 new business starting that produced about 143 new jobs in downtown Waco, and that's on both sides of the river, Barefield said.

She said growing tourism, population, and development will only continue to increase over the years.

I look forward to many more businesses just like them [Jackson Station] coming in to make downtown Waco just a better place to be, Barefield said.

See the original post here:
Waco: New mixed retail, restaurant space set to open doors in 2018 - KWTX