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APRIL 2007
Downtown part of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
Additions to DSA Board of Directors notable
2007 Membership Drive successful
Downtown part of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
Downtown San Angelo, Inc. presented the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (Zone) to the city and county in late 2006. The Zone was unanimously adopted by both public entities, and both have agreed to participate in the zone. Zones are common throughout the state and are area-specific economic development programs.
The Zone covers approximately 1,314 acres that include Downtown and the North Chadbourne/North Bryant corridor. Due to the inadequate infrastructure and deteriorating buildings and property, there are no economic drivers for redevelopment sufficient enough to overcome present challenges. The Zone can provide assistance in creating new economic life for Downtown.
Infrastructure and aesthetic improvements funded in part by the Zone can increase the areas pleasant appearance for revitalized commercial activity along gateway corridors toward the coliseum complex and can help make nearby neighborhoods more attractive as residential locations.
The term of the Zone is 30 years. It will not result in additional taxes upon properties within its boundaries. The Zone does, however, provide for a portion of existing property tax revenues to be invested within the Zone for necessary improvements.
The base year for generating property value increment is 2006. City and County taxes generated by any property value added above the base year appraised value will be retained by the Zone. The Zone will have its own Board of Directors to oversee the zone’s activities.
Activities in which the Zone will engage:
- Planning and coordinating "visions" for portions of the Zone
- Planning and design for specific improvements supporting the visions
- Assisting in procurement of rights-of-way or easements to enhance properties in the Zone
In some cases, Zone funds may assist in paying for public improvements. However, funds will be too limited to fund major infrastructure improvements on an extensive basis. Partnering with other agencies will e required to fund many Zone upgrades.
Some of the special programs that could be funded within the Zone:
- Historic facade preservation
- Parking facilities
- Streetscapes and sidewalks
- Roadways
- Environmental remediation such as asbestos removal
- Parks and open spaces
- Utility infrastructure
The Zone can also fund its own administration and reimburse appropriate parties for the costs of its research and creation.
Additions to DSA's Board of Directors Notable
Eight new Board members were added to the roster in 2007. Each brings a considerable range of aptitude and dedication to the preservation of San Angelo's downtown business district. Three of the new directors are profiled in this issue.
Brandon Sanders was born in San Angelo and graduated from Central High School in 1997. Brandon graduated from Baylor University in 2001, and received numerous awards for his proficiency on the golf course.
Mr. Sanders has worked in property management for six years and is presently serving as General Manager of EM Property Management. Additionally, he has worked on investment projects involving strip centers, retail, office buildings, apartments, vacant land and industrial.
Brandon also serves as president of San Angelo West Rotary.
William J. "Bill" Carter was born in Dayton, Ohio but came to Texas for flight training with the Army Air Corps. He served 43 years active and reserve duty combined. Mr. Carter began his broadcast career as a radio and news personality in Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas. He then moved to television and has been associated with radio, television and cable operations this many years since. Mr. Carter has been the President of the Broadcasting Division and acquisitions for Schindler Interests since 1979 and signed with KIDY-TV here in San Angelo in May of 1984.
His wife is Anne-Marie of Barcelona, Spain. They have two children, daughter Connie and son David. Carter is currently serving a second term as a member of the River Corridor Commission in San Angelo.
Andrew M. Graves grew up in San Angelo. Mr. Graves’s father served as SAISD Superintendent for fifteen years, and his mother was a teacher here as well. Andrew attended Central High and graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2001. Mr. Graves returned to San Angelo in 2005 primarily out of the desire to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community. Andrew presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Angelo Civic Theatre, Board of Directors of the Tom Green County Bar Association and the Board of Directors of the Concho Valley Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
2007 Board Retreat Productive
Amidst the majestic oak and pecan trees, and the leisurely flowing creek complete with an assortment of ducks and colored foliage, the Downtown San Angelo, Inc. Board of Directors conducted their annual retreat, Monday, January 29th, 2007. The haven of Clear Creek Ranch, Menard Texas, provided the ideal setting for relaxed and enlightening educational sessions.
Debra Farst, Texas Main Street Coordinator, and Wayne Bell, Main Street Architect, were on hand to present instruction and guidance. Ms. Farst reviewed the current DSA Business Plan and observed the numerous achievements completed by the organization in its brief time in operation. Additionally suggestions on the selection of a an Executive Director for DSA were presented. It was observed that DSA’s strong and versatile Board of Directors was currently providing the leadership needed to keep the organization functioning effectively which gives the organization ample time to acquire an ideal person for the position.
Howard Taylor, Director of San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and DSA Design Committee Chairman made a brief presentation on design guidelines. Mr. Taylor stressed the importance of the convergence in the community and collaboration of various ideas. The city staff is working closely with the Design Committee focusing on maintaining San Angelo’s uniqueness.
Henry Schmidt, local architect, presented impressive illustrations for gateways to downtown as well as plan maps which highlighted existing institutions and proposed land use. Mr. Schmidt’s sketches also provided renderings of pocket parks at various downtown locations. The presentation provided valuable insight and was received with much enthusiasm.
Shawn Lewis, City Planning Director, shared “Wayfinding” approaches to enhancing and identifying Downtown San Angelo’s historical sphere. Mr. Lewis made a slide presentation about signage examples implemented in cities where he served as a Main Street Manager. Additionally, sign design and location concepts were introduced.
Wayne Bell, Main Street Architect followed with a “Destination Development” presentation and emphasized the importance of staying unique.
Bob Stribling, Board Vice President, announced the adoption of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone by the City of San Angelo City Council and Tom Green County Commissioners. This project was a fundamental goal set by DSA and its acceptance was met with overwhelming optimism by the group. Mr. Stribling stated that the next step would be the appointment of a Board to oversee the TIRZ Zone. The term of the Zone is 30 years and provides that a portion of existing property taxes be invested within the Zone.
Board member Bob Pfluger introduced networking seminars structured to attract people to the downtown area. Board members were offered the opportunity to participate in identifying needs and addressing problems. The anticipated result of these seminars would be to spread the word and involve a larger segment of the community in the revitalization of the historic city center. Those interested were encouraged to meet with Bob Pfluger or Bob Stribling after the session.
Brenda Gunter, Promotions Committee Chair, presented the 2007 activities calendar. The “Black Tie in the Alley” was presented to the board as a possible event to repeat. Utilizing procedures used in the October, 2006 event, the committee plans to expand and enhance this promotional activity.
Mark your calendars for the October “Sheeptacular” endeavor which promises to attract and inspire sheeplovers everywhere. Please watch and listen as the “wooly” details are forthcoming in the months ahead.
Historic Downtown San Angelo
The canvases are the lifeless windows and barren walls all along Chadbourne Street. Local artists have begun recreating the past and have already completed three tourist-attracting murals.
Located at the corner of South Chadbourne and Avenue C, across from the Santa Fe/Orient Depot to the South and the 618 Senior Citizen Center on the east, one can observe the first mural promoted by Historic Murals of San Angelo. This mural, aptly titled “Our Past Has Us Up Against The Walls” was painted by Crystal Goodman. It depicts early public transportation in San Angelo and includes a stagecoach, train, air transport, and the horse and buggy.
Moving on to the east side of the Concho Confetti Antique Shop, at the corner of Concho Ave. and South Oakes is the second mural also completed by Muralist Crystal Goodman, Fittingly titled “The Blacksmith.” This mural was dedicated in September of 2003 and was funded by the second Domino Tournament and local ranchers. The rancher’s brands are displayed across the top of the mural. At each side of the mural, brands from the 1800s found in the Tom Green County archives can be studied. The local Blacksmith is hard at work, while a young boy and his dog observe. At the back of the shop a horse is observed stabled in the pasture.
Dedicated in November, 2005, the third mural at the northwest corner of Concho Avenue and South Chadbourne depicts life in San Angelo during 1908 to 1910. 1908’s telephone book lists 30 merchants.
Tournaments and several major donors is perhaps the most recognized and many observers have stated that they feel that they could almost go back in time and walk down the street as it would have appeared in the early 1900s.
Additionally, environmental streetscape customized containers have been strategically located in the downtown area. “The Little Caboose That Could” located between the Santa Fe Depot and the Transportation Mural was installed to help beautify San Angelo and to keep trash in its place. Two other such containers are located at the front and rear entrances of the Tom Green Library, 123 W. Beauregard. These two receptacles appear as standing books written by local authors.
Historic Murals of San Angelo and Downtown San Angelo, Inc. devised “The Way It Was” project to attract new businesses and newcomers, and give them a taste of the rich history of San Angelo. A number of new murals are in the planning stages. Susan Morris, Historic Murals Coordinator, invites anyone interested to make their tax deductible donation and invest in San Angelo’s future by understanding and appreciating it’s past.
Call 325-944-1443 with any questions about the organization, its murals or “The Way It Was” project.
Three Sisters Live On
By: Barbara Hesse
Like the Phoenix, the mythical bird that rose from the ashes, three historic buildings in the city center have been reborn.
Long known as the Three Sisters, the buildings were severely damaged by a disastrous fire in July, 1999. At the time of the fire, all three buildings were occupied. They had been in use, virtually without interruption, for over 100 years.
The Harris, Runkles, and Rackley Buildings, located in the 100 block of South Chadbourne, all date from the late 1890’s, making them some of the oldest 19th century buildings still in existence.
For a few weeks it seemed likely the burned-out ruins would have to be razed. However, the National Trust for Historic Preservation intervened, and funded evaluation by a structural engineer to determine if restoration was possible. The decision was favorable. Restoration was possible but would be extremely costly.
The road back has been full of twists and turns. Eventually, two of the buildings (the Runkles and the Rackley) were sold to San Angelo Old Town Conversancy, Inc., a local non-profit organization willing to guide the drive for funds and oversee the restoration process, with the assistance of another non-profit, Historic San Angelo, Inc. Rehabilitation of the Harris Building, still in private ownership, was already under way.
Grants were obtained from the Federal government, the Texas Historical Commission, and the local Community Development Block Grant program. These were used for structural stabilization, new roofs, and exterior restoration of the Runkles and Rackely Buildings. Significant assistance also came from local citizens who responded generously with contributions.
In 2006, the Runkles Building returned to private ownership and the Rackley Building was leased to a potential purchaser. Interior restoration of the Rackely has been underway for several months and is about 85 percent complete.
The best news of all is that both buildings will have commercial occupancies on the ground floors and living quarters on the second floors, bringing increased activity to the downtown area.
The Three Sisters are alive and well—a miracle in the making for nearly eight years!
2007 Membership Drive successful
The March 6th and 7th Membership Drive was tremendously successful due in large part to the support of our generous members and volunteers. DSA acknowledges all contributers...
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