Waco plans $1.4B downtown redevelopment 

WACO – The city has launched a $1.4 billion Downtown Redevelopment Plan covering more than 100 acres along the riverfront.  

The 12-year initiative will improve infrastructure, greenspace, and community spaces across four phases. 

Phase one, estimated at $482.5 million, includes two parts. 

Phase 1A, costing $142.8 million, will expand the Barron’s Branch District with park improvements, floodplain remediation, and new utilities, streets, and a public plaza.  

Phase 1B, costing $339.7 million, will construct a new city hall and Waco ISD office complex on Heritage Square, add a multi-level parking structure with retail space, and extend nearby streets. 

Phase two, budgeted at $621 million, will develop a 386,000-sf convention center with a 2,000-seat performing arts venue, digital media studio, and black box theater.  

The plan also includes a 350-room hotel with an amenity deck and shaded green spaces, plus the conversion of Mary Ave. into a festival street with retail, parks, and a pedestrian bridge. 

Phase three, costing $168.5 million, will redevelop the Waco Square District into a new Town Center with 520,000 sf of retail, residential, and office space. 

The phase includes landscaping, new water features, park connections, and bridge refurbishments at Washington and Franklin. 

Phase four, with a projected cost of $131.7 million, will build a new 6,000-seat ballpark expandable to 7,500 seats.  

The two million-sf complex will anchor mixed-use development, including retail, restaurants, housing, and a boutique hotel.