In a recent announcement, the Terrell City Council has successfully concluded the acquisition of all structures within the designated future Town Square, situated just south of Moore Avenue and west of Virginia Street.
Mayor Rick Carmona expressed the city's commitment to creating a vibrant public space, stating, "Terrell deserves the best, and the neighborhood surrounding the Town Square will forever be anchored by a great collection of public amenities. This ambitious vision will not be built all at once or quickly, but the necessary area for the best Town Square in Texas has now been assembled."
While several structures in the area will temporarily remain occupied by individuals and businesses that have sold their properties to the city, Mayor Carmona emphasized the importance of accommodating the city's growth and enhancing central Terrell.
A comprehensive evaluation of all structures within the future Town Square has been conducted, identifying the Ben Young building to serve as a park headquarters for events within the area. Additionally, the preservation of silos has been incorporated into the master park plan.
The Town Square stands as the centerpiece of a larger Downtown Plan approved by the Terrell City Council in 2017. The current plan envisions a multi-block Town Square with a central park, anchored by a new library, a senior center, a community center, and additional public buildings in the Broad to Newton and Frances to Adelaide zone.
Acknowledging the cooperation and assistance of the community throughout the process, City Manager Mike Sims outlined the next steps. Sims stated, "Our next Town Square steps are to give all due respect to the few remaining individuals and businesses that will relocate and to study the various stormwater, water, sewer, electric, gas, and roadway improvements necessary for the neighborhood and Town Square development."
Looking ahead, the City Council plans to pursue federal funding for downtown initiatives, including the quiet zone and complete streets project. Planning sessions for library relocation and major infrastructure projects are expected to involve public participation in 2024.
