Historic Downtown

DOWNTOWN TERRELL AIMS TO BECOME A NORTH TEXAS DESTINATION

Terrell is committed to preserving the historical character of its downtown while investing time, resources and human capital into its continued vitality.

Numerous civic leaders are working to keep downtown a vibrant and vital part of Terrell. The Parks and Downtown Improvement Corp. and the board of directors that oversees it are recommending substantial changes to downtown. Those improvements include, among other things, a downtown buildings façade program, major upgrades to the alleyways that straddle Moore Avenue, and a pocket park. Long-term projects may include such initiatives as a “Complete Streets” program that would make Moore Avenue more amiable to businesses and pedestrian traffic. Other projects on the radar include construction of a Terrell town square, which would include green space and a new library/community building.

The city also in engaged in turning a former three-story retail building into a downtown location for the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum. It recently committed $400,000 for engineering, design and architectural services. The city also is pursuing the creation of “Quiet Zones” at all downtown railroad crossings as a way to reduce noise pollution.

Last year, the city formed a Downtown District tailored specifically toward entertainment and dining, historical character, walkability, boutique shopping, and low-density residences.

Anchored by a handful of shops and businesses that have enjoyed their Moore Avenue locations well

in excess of 30 years, other boutiques and businesses are following suit, taking advantage of Terrell’s unprecedented growth and ideal location along U.S. 80.

Private investors already are eying downtown Terrell as an opportunity.

“I see a lot of potential, big potential,” Luis Piña of Accent Real Estate in Dallas said of Terrell’s downtown. “Everything I’ve heard has been good.”

The downtown area boasts a bookstore in the historic Iris Theatre building, where patrons can enjoy classic movies twice a month and live plays by the Vagabond Players. Tourists looking for fun and unique ways to explore the city may want to visit the 10 murals in the downtown area that reflect Terrell’s rich and unique history. Wayfinding kiosks on light posts along Moore Avenue direct pedestrians to shops and other points of interests, while signs encourage visitors to “Shop, Eat, Enjoy, Repeat.”

With plenty of parallel parking along Moore Avenue and additional parking on intersecting streets as well as the South Alley, visitors can easily find a place to park and explore downtown.

The downtown area also is home to several special events throughout the year, including Downtown Trick or Treat.

The historic heart of Terrell is strong and getting stronger.