Navasota a finalist for TXDT President’s Awards Program

Navasota is a finalist for the 2023 President’s Awards Program. For over 30 years the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown (TXDT), has recognized outstanding projects, places and people of Texas downtowns.

This is the third time Navasota has been selected as a finalist for an award within the Best Commercial Interior Category which falls within the Design Category. Navasota’s commitment to economic development and revitalization has been incrementally realized through downtown beautification and streetscape projects, that anchor development for Navasota’s dynamic downtown vision.

Rail & Rye, a three-story historic downtown building located in the heart of Navasota offers a warm atmosphere for customers to comfortably enjoy a meal or drink on the ground floor restaurant, utilize the second story space for a conference, retreat or event or finish out the day with a cocktail on the rooftop bar.

Texas Birthday Bash is an annual event held in beautiful Downtown Navasota celebrating Texas Independence Day. Navasota invites guests and residents to celebrate Texas Independence with a two-day music festival featuring some of the biggest names in Texas music, Texas flavors, and Made-in-Texas vendors!

Texas Downtown was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals.

“I am proud to see the efforts of our historic downtown area be recognized on a state level,” said Navasota City Manager Jason Weeks. “Rail & Rye’s superb work and renovations are a perfect example of how to transform a space and create a full experience for our community.”

There were 114 entries submitted in 11 different categories from communities across the state. Design and achievement categories were judged by separate panels. Design Judges include Lois Rodriguez, Texas Highway Magazine; Chris Dyer, Dr. Pepper Museum; Chelsea Irby, TX Chapter of the American Planning Association; Chris Lawrence, Downtown Bryan Developer; Liz Grindstaff, Freese & Nichols; Amanda Garcia, Texas Travel Alliance; Brittany Petrilli, Texas Association of Museums; Jane Jenkins, Jane Jenkins Resources Achievement Judges include Wallace Sage, Goliad Historical Commission; Marc Maxwell, City of Sulphur Springs; Maddie Phillips, Travel Texas; Jayne Hoff, Goliad Economic Development Corporation; Scott Young, Historic Granbury Merchants Association; Katie Neason, Downtown Bryan Developer; Alicia Cowley, San Antonio River Authority.

Winners will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the President’s Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2023 Texas Downtown Annual Conference Oct. 24-27 in Nacogdoches.

For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Annual Conference, or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit www.texasdowntown. org.