Navasota finalist for 2022 Texas Downtown President's

Finalists for the 2022 President’s Awards Program were recently announced in Austin. For over 30 years, the awards program sponsored by Texas Downtown, has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of downtowns across the state. The City of Navasota has been selected as a finalist twice for an award within the Best Commercial Interior Category which falls within the Design Category. The City of 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.

Competitors in the category for which Navasota is nominated include: Bastrop - The Painted Porch Bookshop; Corsicana - The Collin Club; Navasota - P.A. Smith Hotel; Navasota - Rail & Rye. 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. The P.A. Smith hotel contributes to the revitalization efforts of downtown Navasota by providing a historically renovated, luxury destination for tourists and visitors where guests have the opportunity to host their next corporate event, wedding, or family gathering, or just stay for a night to explore the beauty of historic Downtown Navasota. Texas Downtown was established in 1985 and its mission is to provide members with resources, advocacy, education, and connections to develop vibrant districts. 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. Rail & Rye and The PA Smith Hotel’s superb work and renovations are a perfect example of how to transform a space and create a full experience for our community,” says Navasota City Manager Jason Weeks.

One hundred and twenty- nine entries were submitted in 12 different categories from communities across the state. Design and achievement categories were judged by separate panels.

Design Judges: Pamela de Graca, Arkitex; Meredith Johnson, Johnson Planning; Charles Melanson, CJM Architecture; Robert Smith, Real Estate Developer; Gary Wang, Wang Architects.

Winners will be announced Nov. 2, at the President’s Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2022 Texas Downtown Conference scheduled for Nov. 1-4 in San Marcos.

The finalists will also be eligible for a People’s Choice Award where the Navasota community can go to Texas Downtown’s Facebook page and “like” the Navasota nominations from noon Oct. 17 until 5 p.m. Oct. 21.

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