One Town

One Town

Saturday, 07 July 2007

Round Rock looks to unite its downtown while preserving its history

The east side of Mays Street has more tourism and traffic flow, according to city staff. Popular stops include Keria Teas, The Rock Room, Louisiana Longhorn Café, Juniors, Main Street Grill and The Party Image.

June 28, City Manager Jim Nuse received approval from Housing and Urban Development Authority to demolish the building which housed the senior center until 2006. Nuse envisions making the area a flexible space not only used for parking but also landscaped for multi-purpose community activities.

Named in 1960 as Woodbine, this historic building was home to three generations of the old Round Rock Nelson family after it was built in the 1890s.

Replaced by a new Fire Station No. 2, this building at the corner of McNeil Road and Brown Street will be used for firefighter training before it is demolished. The new city hall would be located behind it.

Main Avenue’s intersection with Mays Street causes major traffic congestion at the same point where the city would like to encourage pedestrian-oriented shopping, according to City Manager Jim Nuse.

The city built the amphitheater this spring and held its first performances May 31 for the El Amistad festival. Round Rock planned to host two free summer concerts on the 1,200 sq. ft. stage. With outdoor seating, the amphitheater is estimated to provide enough space for a 2,000-person audience. With one performance held in June, the next concert will be July 12 by Zach Walther and the Cronkites. For more information, visit www.roundrocktexas.gov.

One idea recommends redirecting traffic at Mays Street and Main Avenue to allow for easier pedestrian crossing. City staff has also considered adding bridges or tunnels for safer access.

Between a large oak tree and the old Round Rock water tower, City Manager Jim Nuse has discussed the possibility of creating a downtown park and square. These are only concepts being explored.

The McConico Building is home to the parks and recreation department and municipal court. The proposed city hall would be located behind it, between the McConico Building and McNeil Road.

The city would like to build hiking trails near the proposed city hall, which would continue under McNeil Road and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. A footbridge across Lake Creek would give pedestrian traffic access to the hotels on the IH 35 frontage road.

Lake Creek Park, which has one of the municipal pools, is within a few miles of downtown.