East Lot at The 1895 — Vision Historic Preservation Foundation

East Lot Development

In late 2021, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation acquired the lots to the east of The 1895. This will allow us access to the east side of the building for restoration & construction, as well as plan some much-needed parking for the development and for downtown as a whole.

In spring 2022, after testing and subsequently abating asbestos from the existing structures, we had the dilapidated buildings demolished. One of the buildings was mere inches from the east wall of The 1895, making it impossible to replace windows or do repairs. This demolition project cleaned up 140 feet of Highway 79 frontage and removed a blighted situation from the heart of downtown.

Now with a “clean slate”, Vision Historic Preservation can re-envision this space to best serve The 1895 project and the community. Working with TXDOT engineering, a new parking lot was designed for the eastern half of this space. Due to the close proximity to the Main Street intersection, traffic safety engineering would only allow a “Right-in/Right-out Wishbone” entrance along the Highway 79 frontage. Drivers will also be able to use the alley to exit to Bell Avenue and Main or Burleson Streets. In addition to the 12 existing spaces along the west side of Burleson Street, the east parking lot is slated to accommodate 20 parking spaces, including two ADA accessible spaces, to serve The 1895 Development. Additional parallel parking along the east side of Burleson Street is likely to be developed in the future.

Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is planning to add an elevator and secondary stairwell tower on the east wall of The 1895 to address modern ADA and Fire Codes. This addition will include an east entrance to the building and a covered seating area on the ground floor with open balcony seating upstairs. The balcony will overlook a courtyard green space spanning between the elevator/stairwell addition and the parking lot. Plans are also being discussed to plat out food truck spaces with required connections in the courtyard space as well.

There is still much work and planning to do — Vision Rockdale will engage to services of a Landscape Architect to design the courtyard green space this summer, creating a site plan for the food truck court development and appealing landscaping. We are also in conversation with our new neighbor about possibly collaborating on a mural project on the west wall of the former Antique Queens building as well. This green space will be a welcoming spot ideal for parade watch parties, live music, vendor markets, and community gatherings.