Residents can help shape the future of historic areas in San Marcos this summer with the release of the city’s first Historic Preservation Plan.

City officials are asking for input from the public on the plan, which outlines tactics to balance historic and cultural preservation alongside growth in San Marcos for the next five to 10 years, according to a news release.

The public comment period started June 27 and will continue through July 27. The city will also host two events for residents to learn more:
  • July 9: Sneak peek event from 10 a.m.-noon at San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
  • July 16: Community Workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
“These in-person events are a special opportunity to celebrate San Marcos’ shared heritage and help shape the future of preservation in our city,” said Alison Brake, the city’s historic preservation officer, in the news release.

The draft plan is available for review at www.sanmarcostx.gov/hpp. Print copies of the plan are available at the city's Planning and Development Services Office at 630 E. Hopkins St., Bldg. 2, San Marcos.

The background


Developed by city staff and consultants from engineering and architecture firm Stantec, the preservation plan was created using input gathered from the public through a citywide survey, stakeholder interviews and an open house last September, the news release states.

“The Historic Preservation Plan is the first-ever plan to specifically guide preservation policy in San Marcos over the next five to ten years,” Brake said. “It affirms the community’s commitment to safeguarding its rich cultural heritage while supporting sustainable growth and resilience.”

Diving in deeper

The report explores the age of buildings within the city, which buildings have historic designation and what historic districts already exist. Beyond outlining the benefits of preservation, the report also highlights solutions to a number of problems identified, including:
  • Revision of city development code to clearly outline procedures for becoming a historic designation
  • Possibly updating the development code to allow denial of demolition after the 90-day delay window if a property meets historic landmark criteria
  • Incorporating deconstruction rules mandating the salvage, recycling and reuse of materials where possible
  • Exploring local zoning options, such as Neighborhood Conservation Districts, to guide development and preservation in certain areas
  • Developing tax incentives for local historic preservation
“Through continued collaboration with residents, [city] leadership, and preservation partners, the Historic Preservation Plan will help ensure San Marcos’ historic places remain vibrant and meaningful for generations to come,” a city news release states.
This map from the Historic Preservation Plan outlines where some of the oldest buildings in the city are located. (Source: Historical Preservation Plan/Community Impact)
This map from the Historic Preservation Plan outlines where some of the oldest buildings in the city are located. (Courtesy Historic Preservation Plan)


What else?

One move local officials have made toward historic preservation in the last year includes the city's Legacy Business Program, launched in June 2024, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The program honors businesses that are owned by generations of the same family who are either located in a historic district or landmark, or positioned on property that is eligible to become a historic landmark.

The first cohort of businesses was recognized Dec. 18, including Royal Cleaners, Smoothie Warriors, Rogelio’s Restaurant and others, according to previous reporting from Community Impact. New cohorts joining the program will be recognized each fall.