Current TIRZ Projects

TIRZ Graphics

There are 2 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones that include a variety of priority projects.

Complete background and financing information can be found on the two TIRZs via the links below:

And a quick overview of those projects are listed below:  


Old Fitzhugh

The Dripping Springs City Council approved the Old Fitzhugh Road Concept Plan on August 21, 2018 and was updated recently. This plan seeks to preserve the rural character of the current street while improving traffic flow, pedestrian access and safety, and drainage issues.  It will remain a two-lane road and will complement the improvements made on Mercer Street several years ago. The plan has an eight-foot wide walking trail on one side of the road, and the road will have curbs on one side to direct water flow into the natural drainage areas.  Below is the rendering of the plan.

Here is the link to the original concept plan presentation: link PDF

Much more is happening currently regarding Old Fitzhugh. Updates to this part of the TIRZ will be coming towards the beginning of 2023.

Old Fitzhugh


Town Center

The Town Center provides a unique alignment of critical civic needs.

The Town Center Project will be the symbolic heart and vibrant public open space.  It will draw both residents and visitors alike to its green spaces, festivals, markets and events. The project will promote economic development and also bring new opportunities and benefits to the entire community through improved public spaces. 

The exact location for the Town Center is still being determined. To view the original plan, please click the link: link PDF


Triangle Development

The proposed Triangle project is located near the east end of Mercer St., potentially utilizing land owned by the City of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Water Supply Corporation.

The Triangle presents some unique opportunities and constraints.  As a “gateway” to Dripping Springs adjacent to the town’s busiest intersection, its location provides great visibility and presence for potential future uses. The site is also the current home of the thriving Dripping Springs Farmer’s Market and Veteran’s Memorial Park.  In addition, important DSWS facilities and significant regional drainage features are present, and a proposed FEMA flood plain, if confirmed, would comprise a majority of the site and limit development potential.

The work for the Triangle will analyze needed drainage and transportation improvements, evaluate overall development feasibility, and create a concept plan to serve as a basis for outreach and more detailed planning by the site’s numerous Stakeholders.

Triangle Gateway Sign_IMG_3849


 


Downtown Projects

Downtown Parking

This project emerges from a Comprehensive Plan goal to look at expanding parking options in Downtown Dripping Springs.

This work will inventory existing parking including opportunities for shared parking after hours, and identify potential locations for new parking. A conceptual parking plan will then be developed for review and outreach purposes with Downtown and Historic District Stakeholders.

Dripping Springs Adopts Parking Ordinance

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Dripping Springs City Council adopted a new Downtown Parking Ordinance that ensures parking needs are met, but also doesn’t place an unnecessary strain on development as the City grows and attracts more visitors. Some of the key provisions of the ordinance:

  • Changes in the Use of a Building Will Not Require Additional Parking

  • Calculation for Increase Gross Floor Area

  • Optional Fee-in-Lieu when Parking Spaces Required

  • No longer allows parking special exceptions within the Mercer Street Historic District.

A press release on the new ordinance can be found here: Parking Ordinance

Parking

 

 

Stephenson Building

This project is for the preservation and renovation of the building at 101 Old Fitzhugh Road to serve as a community meeting, programs, and performance space, with some civic offices. The work includes hazardous materials abatement, cleaning the foundation, roof replacement, historic window restoration or replacement, gutter system replacement, restoration of the wood floor, ceiling restoration and installation of suspended acoustical ceiling in secondary spaces, TAS/ADA accessibility, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, thermal and moisture protection, carpentry, finishes, earthwork, grading, paving, and an addition for restrooms, storage, and a backstage area.

Downtown Bathrooms

The City has looked at downtown bathrooms to serve the downtown Mercer and Old Fitzhugh Districts.  These bathrooms would be in the downtown area and may be attached or near the Stephenson Building. The bathrooms would include an accessible bathroom. 

Downtown Plan (drainage, street)

This Downtown Road, Sidewalk and Drainage Master Plan will seek to develop a phased approach to source funding for the design and construction of improvements consistent with the City’s approved Transportation Master Plan. The plan will include core downtown streets Mercer, Wallace, Hays, Bluff, College, San Marcos and Old Fitzhugh.  The plan will focus on improving downtown parking, pedestrian access and safety at the same time as improving the City’s downtown drainage conveyance facilities. Parking improvements will include options for angled parking or parallel parking along improved street sections.  Pedestrian facilities will include combinations of 5-foot sidewalks and shared use paths as well as extension of the network of street lighting, benches and bike racks already implemented in Mercer Street and currently being planned for Old Fitzhugh Road. Storm conveyance will be improved to curb and gutter with underground pipes systems. 

Wallace Street

The City’s approved Transportation Master Plan (TMP) shows Wallace Street as a two-Lane Commercial Local Street (CLS2). This project proposes to improve Wallace Street to match the TMP for its entire length from Bluff Street to RR12, approximately 1,000 linear feet.  It will remain a two-lane road but will establish much needed parallel parking, curb and gutter stormwater conveyance and pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the street all within the existing 50-foot Right of Way.


Creek Road

The City’s approved Transportation Master Plan shows Creek Road as a two-Lane Major Divided Arterial (MAD2). This street section improves traffic flow and safety while establishing pedestrian access facilities and improving drainage for this approximately 1-mile corridor.  It will remain a two-lane road but will be divided either by a median or center turn lane.  This section also includes shared use paths and curb and guttered stormwater conveyance.  Right of Way (ROW) of 90 to 100 feet will be required to provide these improvements.  Much of the existing ROW is as narrow as 50 feet.  The project will provide much needed improvements to a heavily utilized east/west connector that is forecasted to see increased development.  Prior to finalization of the street section additional study will be done.