Buda businesses finalists in Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards program
Several Buda businesses were among the finalists for the 2019 Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards Program, which were recently announced in Austin. For more than 30 years the awards program, sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association (TDA), has recognized outstanding projects, places and people of Texas downtowns. One hundred and nineteen entries were submitted in 11 different categories from across the state.
The Best Downtown Business category recognizes an exceptional downtown business that positively promotes the downtown or commercial district as a destination for locals and tourists alike, and actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events. The Budaful Hiker is a community-based store that highlights philanthropy and the excitement of nature and parks through community hikes. As people are traveling through Buda, discovering Buda for the first time or having lived in Buda for years, they discover a community that brings everyone together for fellowship, nature, health and hikes.
Amongst the finalists named in the under 50,000 population categories, the city of Buda celebrated three advancements to finalist including:
• The Budaful Hiker – Best Downtown Business
• Thatcher Natural Home Offerings – Best Commercial Interior
• Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery
(CCG) for their finish-out work at Buda Mill & Grain Co. in the Best New Construction category
The Best Commercial Interior category recognizes excellence in merchandising, customer orientation, and/or business functionality in an office or retail setting. Thatcher focuses on facilitating a sense of peace and functionality into everyday life by selling eco-friendly and sustainable products. Products are merchandised in minimal settings, integrating the negative space into the experience. The customers feel an invitation to browse comfortably without being overwhelmed.
The Best New Construction category recognizes excellence in new construction in downtowns or commercial districts. Buda Mill & Grain Co. married the old with the new by incorporating the oldest portion of the grain mill with the exposed Butler brick wall and incorporated a soaring roof that fits perfectly between the German-influenced cotton gin and original footprint of the old feed store. Owners of Assemblage CCG leased the space and finished out the design to create the perfect location to open a gallery in downtown.
Nominations were selected by a nominating committee and submitted by the Buda Main Street Program in July 2019. “We’re thrilled to see all three of our nominations advance to finalists in their respective categories,” Maggie Gillespie, Main Street Program manager said. “The small business owners in Buda have poured their hearts and souls into their businesses and it shows. We’re proud to have such an amazing selection of businesses to showcase on the state level.”
Winners will be announced on Oct. 30 at the Awards Gala held in conjunction with the 2019 Texas Downtown Conference in Georgetown. For more information about the President’s Awards or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, visit www.texasdowntown.org. Applications for the 2020 awards program will open in the spring.
The local community will also have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award through the Texas Downtown Association Facebook page. From Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, fans of the businesses can like the photo on the original post by TDA for their vote to be counted. No registration is required, and daily votes are not necessary.
Nominations were selected by a nominating committee and submitted by the Buda Main Street Program in July 2019. Winners will be announced on October 30 at the Awards Gala held in conjunction with the 2019 Texas Downtown Conference in Georgetown.
TDA 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.
The Buda Main Street Program, a city of Buda department, was established in 2017 when Buda became an official Main Street community. Along with a nine-member board, city staff work to enhance downtown Buda while maintaining its historic roots and create a vibrant downtown that connects community, visitors and business.
