Did you know that historical Mercer Street in downtown Dripping Springs is home to more than 30 locally-owned businesses and four residences? Thanks to businesses like The Barber Shop brewpub, The Dudley’s Wine Bar & Tap Room, Mazama Coffee, Mercer Street Dance Hall, and Robin’s at Rippy’s, Mercer Street has really been jumping lately. In 2012, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) awarded the City of Dripping Springs more than $400,000 in grant funding for the construction of sidewalks, cross walks, a pedestrian bridge, bicycle racks, lighting, and signage along Mercer Street. Work on the project is slated to begin this summer.
To complement the pedestrian improvements in the CAMPO project, the City of Dripping Springs has applied to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Enhancement Program to construct 250 sq ft of American Disability Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks and safe crossing pedestrian controls on Ranch Road 12. If awarded the funding, the program will also allow the City to add native plants and trees, grass, trash receptacles, potted plants, gathering seating, and historical markers. The total project cost will be approximately $290,000 and the local match and professional fees required will be approximately $105,000. Award announcements for the program are expected in coming months, and some enthusiastic community volunteers want to be ready to move forward if the City secures the funding. Indeed, the Dripping Springs Historic Preservation Commission, including Ted Lehr, John McIntosh, Charlie Haydon, Kathryn Chandler, John Holdridge, Karl Seelbach and Gwen Tao, are already working in partnership with the City Council and staff to kick-off fundraising to obtain the match that would be necessary to begin the additional Mercer Street revitalization improvements. For example, one of the Commission’s fundraising ideas is to sell limestone brick or pavers with donors names engraved. These rocks could be placed on an information kiosk or a buffer wall, which could display artwork from local artisans.
If you would like to donate to the project or would like more information on how you can be a part of this community-wide project, call the City Hall at 512-858-4725. Feedback and ideas are welcomed to help make a fully revitalized historic downtown Dripping Springs a reality.
