Lot Development Block 6 Lots 10-13 — Vision Historic Preservation Foundation

An Empty Lot = Development Opportunity

In addition to The 1895’s historic restoration, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation acquired the property to the east of the historic building which will provide space for outdoor dining & entertainment opportunities as well as additional parking for the development.

To the north, the Foundation also owns the 16,000 sqft lot behind the 1895 City Hall building. It is our development plan to recruit business models which would contribute to the overall vision of creating an arts & entertainment district and draw tourism to the downtown area, as well as create a family-friendly environment for our citizens.

As part of the Landscape Architectural Site Plan project, funded by the Texas Downtown Association’s Anice Read Grant, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation platted out eleven parking spaces on this back lot along the eastern property line and adjacent alley.

Vision Historic Preservation Foundation worked with Oncor to provide space for upgraded powerlines to better serve the growing needs of our community. This was an important consideration due to the 660-unit Cornerstone and 220-unit Republic Ridge housing developments under construction just 1.6 miles and 0.7 miles away (respectively) from The 1895.

This 125ft x 30ft section of the property is part of an overhead easement agreement with Oncor which permits surface parking, but not vertical construction, leaving just over 12,000 sqft for available for construction.

During the 2024 Rockdale Comprehensive Plan discussions, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation encouraged the City to develop angle-in parking along the Burleson St and Bell Ave frontage of this lot, including ADA accessible sidewalks and ramps necessary due to the topographical elevation changes.

Located in the Heart of Downtown

The below aerial image shows the location of The 1895 Development and surrounding points of interest contributing to the Downtown Tourism District.
As recommended in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, proposed Art Alleys will further pedestrian activity, downtown business foot-traffic, and tourism.

Thinking Creatively

While the Foundation remains open to design and use options, in an effort to envision possibilities for this North lot, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation enlisted the help of Texas State Technical College’s Drafting & Design students to craft ideas for development which would contribute to the overall Arts & Entertainment concept.

As a class they agreed to pursue the concept of a Brewery or Distillery & Restaurant development on the lot as these business models have proven to attract tourism in other rural communities. Below are images of designs the students created to illustrate what could be possible on the empty lot.