The Waxahachie City Council approved a site plan for a project called Waxahachie Social at 216 North College Street. The property, previously the city police station, is zoned Central Area; the developer earlier reached a development agreement with the city that requires council approval of the site plan before building permits may be issued.

City planning staff (Trenton) said the applicant intends to preserve the existing façade and architectural style of the building while adding a 5,100-square-foot covered pavilion on the east side for outdoor events and dining. The project will include a food hall, market area and outdoor entertainment. Because the property is largely an existing building with almost 100 percent impervious cover, the applicant has proposed additional planters and potted landscaping where feasible to meet landscaping expectations.

Why it matters: the project reuses an existing downtown building and is positioned to add restaurants, markets and outdoor events to North College Street, aligning with the previously approved development agreement.

Action: a council member moved to approve SP 81 20 25, the Waxahachie Social site plan; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff will process building permits once site-plan conditions are met and the applicant satisfies the development agreement requirements.

Limitations: staff emphasized that interior and exterior changes are limited by the fixed existing building, and the council’s approval was explicitly tied to the conditions of the previously executed development agreement.