ASH + LIME

Thanks to WFAA’s Good Morning Texas for running a five-and-a-half-minute interview about Experience Main Street in Downtown Irving. We’re already hearing buzz and kind words from colleagues and partners who saw the segment!

This project is about bringing life back to Main Street and showing what a more human downtown can feel like.

Ash + Lime was brought in to lead the pop-up storefronts, starting with ZZ’s Ice Cream Puffs, a local pop-up dessert shop, and Workshop on Main, a creative vendor and gallery space.

The opening weekend starts tonight at 6 PM and continues tomorrow at 10 AM. Come check it out!

79 | Pushing Past Planning Paralysis | The Small Nation Podcast Featuring Rik Adamski Welcome to episode 79 of the Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town su...

Join us this coming Wednesday for our Neighborhood Oriented Development Community Happy Hour!

We welcome developers, city planners, architects, small business owners, and anyone passionate about small-scale and human-centric development! This happy hour is part of our commitment to connect those dedicated to building environments where people thrive.

Don't miss this opportunity to share a drink with fellow community builders throughout the city and region (Hosted by Community Focused Ventures and ASH + LIME).

We're gathering on February 7th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Jaquval, located at 312 W. 7th St. In Bishop Arts.

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/786918496593418/

In July 2023, the City of Seguin - Government approved the Downtown Master Plan, developed in conjunction with Seguin's Comprehensive Plan. ASH+LIME, as a subconsultant to Freese and Nichols, Inc., played a significant role in this initiative.

We're thrilled to share the remarkable progress in Seguin's downtown, both during and after the planning phase. Here are some recommendations from the plan which are currently being implemented:

• ADAPTIVE REUSE: The City is acquiring a two-story bank building, paving the way for its remarkable transformation into a valuable Downtown asset. Check out the details here: https://lnkd.in/gyRugURf

• REVISED FACADE GRANT: Modifications are being made to help ensure that storefronts are well-lit at night, enhancing the overall evening ambiance

• RELOCATION OF CHAMBER/ MAIN STREET/ TOURISM OFFICE: These key offices have moved near the City's Central Park, in large part to enhance park activities and activation.

• CREATIVE STREET ENHANCEMENTS: Exciting changes are being planned for Donegan Street, a side street in the heart of Downtown. This includes integrating string lighting and other elements to elevate its sense of place.

• NEW ARTISAN MARKET: The frequency of artisan markets has increased from 2 to 8 a month. This includes a new weekly Farmers' and Artisans' market at an important, previously-vacant location.

• OPERATIONS FUNDING: There is a coordinated effort to direct funding towards driving incremental and transformative change.

• 2-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: The City aims to implement 15-20 recommendations from the Master Plan over the next two years.

The plan has also been accompanied with the establishment of new ventures, including a cozy coffeehouse/bookstore, a quaint teahouse, a wine bar, an outdoor patio bar, a cocktail bar, and a six-room Victorian bed and breakfast - with several more new businesses set to open soon.

A downtown transformation on this scale, on such a short timeline, is exceptionally notable - particularly for a town of less than 30,000 residents. It stands as a testimony to the impact of combining occasional large investments with a consistent, local, incremental, and results-driven strategy. We are optimistic that progress will continue, and we believe it will serve as a model for the rest of the state.

We are grateful to Seguin for including us on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more updates as Downtown Seguin continues to flourish!

(Image Credits: Freese and Nichols, Andrew Douglas of TBA/Douglas Architects, Sterling Morris)