Pflugerville City Council passed a resolution approving the Historic Colored Addition Beautification Plan at their meeting May 26.
The background
The Historic Colored Addition Beautification Plan outlines a three- to five-year effort to honor and preserve one of Pflugerville’s earliest historically Black neighborhoods.
Founded in 1910, the area developed through the efforts of families who established St. Mary’s Baptist Church, St. Matthew’s Missionary Church, a community cemetery and an elementary school that served local children until desegregation in 1965.
The plan emphasizes storytelling, wayfinding, and public art that celebrate the community’s heritage. Community feedback highlighted the area’s historical and cultural significance, interest in historic designations, and support for public art and wayfinding.
Next steps
Implementation will occur in phases in partnership with the Equity Advisory Board and the community, with funding considered in future budget cycles. The Equity Advisory Board unanimously approved the Historic Colored Addition Beautification Plan on May 11.
“I know there are some people who have questioned why we have an equity commission. This is why,” Place 4 City Council member Rudy Metayer said. “It speaks volumes for all of y’all to be out here tonight, and it speaks volumes about the people on that board to get us to where we are today.”
The plan aims to to honor the history, culture and legacy of the Historic Colored Addition through intentional beautification efforts that elevate community stories, strengthen neighborhood identity and create welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors.
Breanna Miller, Director of Management Services, presented the three phases of the plan. Phase 1 includes listening sessions and oral histories, signage and public art location analysis, light-pole banners and historic designations. Phase 2 includes identifying stories to share, signage design, and public art location, design and approvals. Phase 3 includes signage fabrication and public art installation.
“Many people vote for us up here—our council members and me as mayor—to lead the community, but what we actually sign up to do when we run for this job is to help the community,” Mayor Doug Weiss said. “So when I hear this is something you want us to do with you, not for you, that resonates deeply. When this is something we need the families to be a part of, that’s what we’re here for. We’re here to do the work that needs to be done for the community.”
The motion passed unanimously.
“This is the kind of thing that Pflugerville stands for,” Metayer said.
