CITY OF SAN MARCOS
The San Marcos Main Street program is celebrating its 40th year as an accredited Main Street program, and they’re sharing all of the things they’ve done over the years to revitalize downtown.
In 2025, the Main Street program soared to new heights — launching vibrant events like the San Marcos Art Fest and Spirit Squared, which celebrate our culture and diversity.
Main Street also kicked off beautification projects and creative partnerships, adding vibrant murals and upgraded landscaping. Business vitality reached its strongest point in years, with vacancies dropping to just 8%.
Their work earned recognition at every level, from local honors to statewide awards, and positioned San Marcos as a national contender for the prestigious Great American Main Street Award.
SEE MAIN STREET PROJECT PAGE 8 2025 accomplishments include: - $23K in facade grants distributed to 15 downtown businesses - $3M in private and public reinvestment - Won four state & national awards - 16 new downtown businesses - 49 new jobs (35 new part time, 14 new full time) - 9.3K event attendees - 66K website visits - 1.3K volunteer hours For four decades, the San Marcos Main Street Program has shaped a thriving downtown through vision, investment and collaboration. From millions in reinvestment to thousands of volunteer hours, these efforts have created a vibrant district where businesses succeed, residents feel connected and visitors experience the heart of our city.
Over the past 40 years, the program has: - $192.7M in private and public reinvestment - $143.7K facade grant funds distributed since grant started in 2012 - 302 downtown businesses - 43,169 volunteer hours - a $1,031,080 valued contribution In 2026, Main Street is focusing on projects that will enhance the downtown experience, strengthen infrastructure and create spaces that reflect the energy and culture of the community. For infrastructure, there will be a combined value of $14 million in public investment in 2026 including: - Downtown Alley Construction, transforming Kissing Alley into a pedestrian centered, green parklet - Downtown PCR Building, a dedicated downtown substation for utilities - Water Line Upgrades along CM Allen Parkway - Landscaping Capital Project - Phase 2 - More trash receptacles & bike racks - Sidewalk improvements For Arts & Culture: - New Public Art Installation - 100% funded by TIRZ 5 - Celebrate San Marcos, a commemorative event hosted across downtown businesses - LCRA Steps Forward Day mural installation at future Fire Station 1 For Business: - Texas State Downtown Hotel, a $40 million investment bringing visitors and 150 new jobs directly into downtown - New Multi-family Apartment Complex construction begins summer 2026 Together, the Main Street staff and Advisory Board work to build a downtown that reflects the heart and spirit of San Marcos — a place where businesses thrive and people feel connected.
