Downtown sees activity 'resurgence'

The new art gallery is just one new business among several that opened recently in downtown Georgetown, and others are under construction.

Bar and eatery The Uptown Social opened in late December in Tamiro Plaza, Grape Creek Vineyards plans to open a winery in the summer on the Square and construction continues at 100 S. Austin Ave. on The River Place, a development that includes a Mexican food restaurant that will overlook the San Gabriel River.

"That's more activity than we have had in the last two years, and it's not just activity that's asking questions; you've got people actually moving in," City Manager Paul Brandenburg said. "I see a downtown resurgence and activity."

Georgetown's Square

The economic development department commissioned a market study of downtown Georgetown from IF Marketing & Advertising that examined communities similar to Georgetown. Released in July, the report recommended promoting the Georgetown Square to tourists.

"I think ultimately, that's really what we have that's different—this Square is beautiful," Economic Development Director Mark Thomas said. "We do continue to hear that from many people outside the state [and] new people that come in."

Since the report was released, different city departments as well as other organizations have worked to enhance the Georgetown Square.

Through the help of a matching grant from the City of Georgetown and donations from local businesses, the Main Street program hung up an additional $30,000 in lights throughout the Square during the holidays.

In the spring, the city plans to extend the sidewalk on Austin Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets by about 8 feet, allowing additional space for outdoor seating for restaurants and making the area more pedestrian-friendly.

The IF Marketing study recommended creating a cluster of wineries, and when Grape Creek Vineyards opens a winery this summer, the city will have two. Thomas said the economic development department will continue its efforts to recruit additional wineries.

Another tourist draw is events that appeal to a broad audience, so for the first time this spring, a criterium bike race will take place in the downtown streets. The criterium is a timed, short-track race that is expected to draw about 500 participants from across the nation, as well as spectators.

"It's the kind of event that we think can bring people to Georgetown that haven't been here before, and we think that it can be a neat experience," said Georgetown Public Information Officer Keith Hutchinson.

Outside the perimeters

Not all the activity is confined to the four streets around the Williamson County Courthouse.

Lone Star Circle of Care moved more of its administrative staff to The Georgetonian at 205 E. University Ave. during the first week of December. The community health center has a system of about 25 clinics in the Central Texas area. Lone Star Circle of Care signed an agreement in June with the Georgetown Economic Development Corp. to keep its administrative staff in Georgetown after City Council approved a loan for up to $387,000 for improvements to its Georgetown facilities that could be forgiven if certain requirements are met.

Thomas said retaining Lone Star Circle of Care keeps well-paying jobs in Georgetown and moves some of them closer to the Square, which will help support retail.

"[These] are jobs that now are going to be downtown, that will shop downtown, they'll eat lunch downtown. They are literally within walking distance of coming to the Square," he said.

On the opposite end of the downtown area is another project that will bring more people within close proximity of downtown retail and restaurants. Just north of the San Gabriel River, construction is ongoing on the Two Rivers apartments.

Thomas said he hopes the momentum created from the new projects and work the city is doing downtown will continue throughout 2012 and attract more businesses to the Square.

"We really want it to become a very valuable place where people will say, 'Wow, look at how much effort is going in to make this an appealing place. New investment is coming in, we see more foot traffic, we see investment by the city," Thomas said.