Waco is working hard to breathe new life into the downtown area. And it’s not hard to see the progress that has already been made. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has their new “green” building, Austin Avenue has been the home to many new shops and restaurants, and our very own Waco Convention Center is beginning a $17.5 million renovation.

While many Wacoans have seen these construction areas and the “pardon our mess” signs that seem to be all around the downtown area, they may not know ALL the exciting renovations and expansions that are happening in this great city.

These various renovations and expansions include the following:

Austin Avenue Flats will offer an upscale, yet urban & hip living environment in the heart of downtown Waco. The lofts will include single-story loft residences of various sizes & configurations.

During the 2007 bond election, $6.9 million was provided for Cameron Park to protect, preserve & improve one of Waco’s natural treasures. The goal is to have the project complete by 2010 for the Cameron Park’s Centennial Celebration.

The Cameron Park Zoo is almost finished with construction on their Asian Forest expansion project. The exhibit will house the critically endangered Komodo Dragons & Orangutans. It will open late summer 2009.

The Dr Pepper Museum is continuing renovation on the Kellum—Rotan building, located right across the courtyard from the Artesian Manufacturing & Bottling Company building that currently holds the Dr Pepper Museum.

Heritage Quarters, the new student housing facility, will include 368 beds, a computer & business center, on—site parking, as well as convenient access to the Baylor University shuttle route. The target opening for the student housing is fall 2009.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is progressing on the $2.1 million Youth Public Safety Education Center & the Texas Rangers Company “F” Headquarters. The headquarters will house the operations center for the largest Texas Ranger Company.

The Texas Sports Hall of Fame is adding approximately 30,000 square feet to their museum. The addition will feature a Southwest Conference Gallery, a Health, Fitness & Education Center, a new theater, & a new banquet hall.

The Waco Mammoth Site is the largest known concentration of prehistoric mammoths dying from the same event. It has received national & international attention by Archaeologists & Paleontologists from across the globe. While the site is not currently open to the public, an exhibit dedicated to the Mammoth Site is located at the Mayborn Museum Complex.

The Waco Town Square Project, which is currently in development, includes a mixed-use development area that features trendy lofts & contemporary student housing.

To learn more about Waco’s wonderful attractions, visit the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.wacocvb.com.