by BRAD ROLLINS & CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON
The first addition to the downtown Kyle streetscape in years is expected to be under construction within weeks after the city council approved a site development plan, conditional use permit and variance request last week.
The 5,012-square-foot two story red brick building will be constructed by Barton Homestead Place Partnership, Ltd. on the site of the now demolished Dr. Gomer Teddlie building at Main and Center streets across from Old Kyle City Hall. The bottom floor will serve as offices of the Hays Free Press and the top will include four higher-end residential units.
“It’s more difficult and it’s more expensive to develop in these city centers. There are old rules and old ordinances. It’s not a virgin site. We’re so committed to this site because we’re so committed to Kyle. My grandparents and great grandparents started around this site ... [and] we’re trying to follow in that spirit. We’re really excited about it,” Jeff Barton said.
Barton is partners in the project with his wife, Cyndy Slovak-Barton, and his parents Bob and Wynette Barton.
Estimated construction costs are $725,000. Contractor on the project is long-time Kyle resident, Frank Hernandez, of Toltec Construction.
As part of the city council action, the city will contribute about $25,000 to build a sidewalk and for parking and pavement improvements, as they have done in conjunction with other downtown property owners who invest in construction or renovation.
“I like the idea. It’s aesthetically pleasing and I think it’s a good use of space,” council member David Wilson said.
The city council approved construction of the building with a 6-0 vote, with council member Russ Huebner, who works for the bank financing the project, abstaining.
The project has been years in the making, with the initial building plan being pulled when the recession began. The former building plans called for a white stone facade more in line with downtown Fredericksburg.
The new building design, which entails features prominent in the original Teddlie Building, is the brainchild of Buda designer Al Gmitter of Threshhold Designs.
“It was fun working on this building from the historical aspect. We were trying to emulate what was there before on the original building,” Gmitter said.
Gmitter pointed out that the location of the new Barton Word Building was a boon for design. “While most downtown buildings are just 25 feet wide, here we had more than 100 feet of exposure (toward old City Hall) that allowed for creativity in the elevation,” he said. “I’m happy about it and it was challenging at the same time. I had fun with this.”
Another change in the downtown cityscape of Kyle is the demolition of the old fertilizer building at the corner of Old Hwy. 81 and Center Street, across the road from Railroad BBQ.
The building, formerly owned by Fla and Nadine Strawn, served as an office for S&S Fertilizer Co. Back when Kyle was an agricultural center, the Strawns and former owners Bobby Joe Alexander (Alexander Fertilizer) were the primary source of fertilizers for farmers and ranchers in Hays and Caldwell counties.
The old fertilizer building was bulldozed last week and cleanup continues today. No word yet from the current owners on what is expected to be built on the site.
