Most people living in Central Texas know West as the place to stop for kolaches, the state’s largest spring fed swimming pool, and since 1976,  Westfest.  Now the little Czech community just north of Waco and south of Hillsboro has another award to add to its collection.  West was selected as a Texas Main Street City for 2009. The First Lady of Texas, Anita Perry, travelled to West, along with members of the Texas Historical Commission, IBAT officials and Texas Main Street officials for the dedication on March 24. West now joins a list of Texas cities that have benefited from becoming a Texas Main Street City.   The program began in 1981 and has helped Texas cities revitalize their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by utilizing preservation and economic development strategies.  “People love to visit West and just walk around downtown and look.  We just want to give our visitors and our community a few more conveniences downtown and our businesses more reasons for visitors to stay longer, shop, eat, overnight and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of our city and by becoming a Texas Main Street City we will have a great startt” say Main Street Manager Suzy Price.

People struggled to pass along so many things we hold dear to ourselves and our families.  It is our responsibility to take a look back in history and perhaps learn lessons from our past in order to plan for our future. The Texas Main Street Program helps communities do this and it provides professional help in the process. Our Main Street office is located in the historic Katy Depot right next to the railroad that was constructed in the 1870’s.  The depot was sold and moved from its original location just a few blocks south of the present location, and then in 1992, Westfest, Inc. members voted to purchase the depot and return it to West.  The West City Council paid to move the depot back to city property next to the tracks in the 300 block of N. Washington St., restored and waiting to make more history for West.