Roanoke's already-acclaimed downtown area received even more praise March 31, when the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association designated Oak Street in downtown Roanoke as a “Great Texas Street,"

According to the organization, “Great” places in Texas demonstrate “exceptional character” and do their best to show how city organizers play a part in creating lasting communities.

“[Being named a] ‘Great Texas Street’ takes more than just a nice streetscape,” APA Texas Chapter President Chance Sparks said. “It takes long-term, consistent dedication to a vision. Roanoke’s Oak Street embodies this, employing a focus on the downtown corridor as a smart investment in the City’s future not just economically, but culturally.”

Planning of Oak Street in downtown Roanoke was done in an effort to create a thriving street and cultural center through the use of smart infrastructure, Sparks said. He also noted the city’s commitment to public facilities and its development of a regulatory environment that encourages investment.

“Now home to a thriving foodie scene, Oak Street has become, not just a cultural destination for the immediate community, but a destination within the region for its authenticity,” Sparks said.


Additional 2020 recipients of the “Great Places in Texas” designation include the Bishop Arts District in Dallas, Southlake Town Square in Southlake, Travis Park in San Antonio, Downtown Harlingen and the Santa Fe Plaza and Market Trail in Temple.

More information on the 2020 Great Places in Texas is available at www.greatplacesintexas.com.