Designing Downtown Denison

Latest Update

Phase 1 of the Designing Downtown Denison project is complete and the Ribbon Cutting was held on August 7, 2023.

Phase 2 construction began on May 6, 2024 and includes the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street, the intersection of Fannin and Main, and Heritage Park as well as the alleys on both sides of Main. Construction moved to Main Street on January 6, 2025, and the 300-block of Main Street was completed in August, 2025. Work began on the 400-block of Main Street on July 7, 2025.

Total construction is estimated at 24 months.

The schedule to the left is as follows:

1. 300 and 400 Blocks of Depot Alley: 04-29-24 to 03-07-25

2. Sidewalk Infill, N. Burnett: 07-29-24 to 10-16-24

3. N. Burnett: 07-29-24 to 08-01-25

4. 300 Block of Main: 01-06-25 to 08-15-25

5. Heritage Park: 01-06-25 to 06-08-26

6. S. Burnett, Main to Music Alley: 03-17-25 to 06-02-26

7. S. Burnett, Music Alley to Chestnut: 03-17-25 to 09-02-25

8. 400 Block of Main, East Portion: 05-19-25 to 04-03-26

9. Second Sidewalk Infill, N. Burnett: 06-16-25 to 08-01-25

10. 400 Block of Main, Remaining Portion: 07-07-25 to 04-03-26

11. Fannin, Depot Alley to Music Alley: 10-27-25 to 04-03-26

Fannin will be closed in stages (1-3) for short periods. Only one section will be closed at a time.
- The first stage (see map) has been completed.
- The second stage is scheduled to begin October 6 and last for two weeks. It will only be in the intersection and will not extend into the 500 Block of Main at this time.
- The third stage should begin October 20 and last for two weeks.

12. 300 Block of Music Alley: 09-02-25 to 01-02-26

13. 400 Block of Music Alley: 04-06-26 to 06-08-26

14. 200 Block of Depot Alley: TBD (most likely at end of project)

» Planting Trees and Shrubbery in 300 Block: 03-02-26 to 03-20-26

Click here to download the map as a JPG file.

About Designing Downtown Denison

The City of Denison hired Toole Design Group (TDG) to help re-envision the core of downtown. The goal of the project was to develop design concepts for Main Street, Touchdown Alley, Heritage Park and the 700 Block of Main Street. The design team also looked at key connections to the downtown from Eisenhower Birthplace and planned city-wide trail system, regional parks and destinations, the Pocket Park and ways to reduce the barrier effect of Austin Avenue. During the process, there were many opportunities for the public, stakeholders and City staff to provide input and feedback. The process culminated in a final public meeting during which there was a broad consensus to move forward with the design concepts.

The first public meeting was held on October 17, 2016, immediately following the meetings with various stakeholders, community members and City staff. If you are interested in seeing the first presentation, please click here. After the fist public meeting, TDG revised their plans based on the feedback received during the week long meetings in October 2016 and the public meeting on October 17, 2016. They presented their final concepts on November 17, 2016 in their final public meeting.

Throughout the process, stakeholder meetings and updates have been held periodically to guide the process. Final design was completed and the project was set to begin in May 2020. Due to COVID-19, the project was temporarily put on hold to ensure circumstances would permit proceeding. During this process, the City continued with the hiring process for a Construction Manager At Risk. Denison company Piazza Construction was selected and received a Notice to Proceed in January 2021. A groundbreaking was held on January 26, 2021 for Phase 1 which runs from the railroad tracks on the east to Rusk on the west along Main. The alleys on both sides of Main will also be included as well as some public parking along Chestnut. Updated utilities and ADA accessibility are highlights of the project as well as water features on the corner of Rusk and Main.

If you would like more information, please contact Donna Dow, Main Street Director, at 903-464-4452 or by email at ddow@denisontx.gov.