San Marcos Downtown Area Plan

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

HIGHLIGHTS OF EXISTING CONDITION Downtown San Marcos is rich with history, culture, and public art. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hays County Courthouse Historic District is central to Downtown. There are several other historic markers and buildings throughout Downtown as well. Cultural and community amenities include museums, galleries, religious institutions, and several performance and event venues. Public art varies in style, medium, and theme, and a motif of mermaids is repeated through statues and murals. Public art is particularly plentiful along Hutchison Street east of LBJ Drive, around the Courthouse Square, and along MLK Drive. Downtown outdoor events include the monthly Art Squared arts market from March-December, weekly year-round Farmers Market, and other County and City sponsored events including Concerts on the Square, Movies on the Square, cultural festivals, and holiday events. These events take place on the Courthouse Square. Additionally, pop-up vendor events occur at the Mobility Hub, the Eddie Durham Park, the Price Center, and at the adjacent Riverfront Parks. HISTORIC, CULTURAL, & PUBLIC ART ASSETS

Cephas House, 213 W MLK Dr

San Marcos Farmers Market

Mermaid statue, 222 W San Antonio St

Concert in Kissing Alley

Old African American Baptist Church, 219 W MLK Dr

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SAN MARCOS DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN