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Designing a More Connected Downtown

Downtown Waco had a unique opportunity. While hundreds of thousands of visitors came each year to Magnolia Market at the Silos, many never ventured the few blocks into the heart of downtown, limiting the economic benefit to local businesses. CivicBrand partnered with City Center Waco to design and implement a tactical urbanism demonstration that tested how temporary placemaking could create a more walkable, connected downtown. The project transformed streets into people-first places through a protected pedestrian corridor, pedestrian plaza, wayfinding, public art, lighting, games, and environmental graphics that encouraged visitors to explore beyond the Silos. The demonstration increased pedestrian activity, supported local businesses, and gave the community confidence to make permanent investments based on real-world experience. Today, the pedestrian plaza remains a permanent fixture of downtown Waco, illustrating how tactical urbanism can transform temporary ideas into lasting public spaces.

30
%

Increase in
Pedestrian Counts

-23
%

Decrease in Traffic Speeds

35

Volunteers

200

Gallons of Temporary Paint

Recap Video

See how we made Downtown Waco a more vibrant, connected, walkable place.

The Build

After two months of planning, engagement with downtown stakeholders, and design the CivicBrand team embarked on Downtown Waco in the midst of 100+ degree Texas summer to build the 6-block pedestrian walkway and pedestrian plaza. While painting asphalt in the Texas sun is quite the challenge it was an extremely rewarding build as residents were very curious and excited about what we were up to and many rolled up their sleeves to help!

7th Street Plaza

CivicBrand identified a block of 7th Street as a potential connection point for pedestrians walking in the downtown area. The scale of the street and the lack of vehicular traffic made it a perfect place to give prioritization to pedestrians. For the demonstration, one block of 7th Street was closed and turned into a pedestrian plaza. The installation included a street mural, games, seating, lights, and a space for programming and activities. This space has been activated for the entire summer through different organized events, a space for downtown dwellers to relax, and a place to meet and gather with friends.

"This is awesome,
it really brings some color
and art to downtown Waco!"

- Downtown Resident

6th Street Walkway

6th Street connects the popular Silo District to Austin Avenue, which is Downtown Waco’s Main Street. Unfortunately, this street lacked a completed sidewalk in areas between the two districts and with four blocks between districts there was no visual cue that another district with things to do was nearby. For the demonstration, we removed street parking along one side of 6th Street, and created a colorful walkway complete with painted sidewalks and protective barricade to keep users safe. The addition of wayfinding signage helped both pedestrians and drivers become aware of more attractions and parking in downtown Waco.

"I feel safer
walking with my dog
on the protected pathway."

-Local Resident

Connecting the Digital and Physical Experience

Downtown Waco had a strong digital brand, but the brand didn’t have a presence in the built environment. We knew we needed to bring the brand into the physical space in order to generate brand awareness, connect the online experience of Downtown Waco to the in-person experience, and freshen up some vacancies to show the potential of downtown.

We took inspiration from the brand colors and shapes to create street murals, signage, banners, vacant storefront graphics windows, walkway signage, and parking signage.

Results

The results from the demonstration were overwhelmingly positive. Pedestrian counts were up, traffic speeds were down, businesses saw an increase in business. Visitors to Magnolia were now discovering Austin Ave, and locals now had a brand new public space in the heart of Downtown Waco. A yoga instructor that lead free classes in the plaza has now opened a permanent studio in Downtown Waco.

One of the biggest impacts of the project is simply the message it sends – Waco is willing to try new things and is interested in creating authentic spaces for people. Additionally, this project created a space for important life moments. It served as a backdrop for countless photographers and artists, senior photos were taken there, a couple even got engaged there. The activation had multiple press features, and was nominated for in-state and international awards.

"People are here
from morning to evening.
Not one negative thing to say."

- Business Owner

"This project communicates to the world that Waco is ready to be quick, innovative, and ready to move."

Waco Mayor, Dillon Meek

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Summay
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Recap Video
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The Build
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7th Street Plaza
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6th St. Pedestrian Walkway
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Results
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Awards

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