Acclaimed Royse City Main Street Program Works Hard for the Community and Economy

Royse City — known as being one of the friendliest towns in Texas — is where hometown meets economic opportunity. While Royse City enjoys all of the economic benefits of being located within the bustling Dallas Metroplex, it manages to maintain its small-town charm. The Royse City Main Street Program plays a large role in this balance between business and quality of life.

The Texas Main Street Program originated in 1986 as part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Community Heritage Development Division. The program is among the most successful downtown revitalization programs in the nation. Its mission is to provide technical expertise, resources, and support for Texas Main Street communities in accordance with the “National Main Street Four Point Approach” of organization, economic vitality, design, and promotion.

Royse City has been a Texas Main Street city since 2007, and is recognized as a leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that encourage downtown revitalization within the context of historic preservation. Royse City Main Street Program supports its historic downtown as a visible indicator of community pride and economic health, and as the foundation of the unique heritage of the community. Royse City’s historic downtown buildings are prime locations for one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial businesses, as well as attractors for tourism, all of which add to the community’s sales tax collections and property values. 

“The Main Street District is a lot larger than just the historic buildings on Main Street,” said Paula Morris, Main Street and Marketing Manager. “The dedication of the business owners, and the ‘can-do’ attitude of supporting neighbors and friends, shines through. Historic Main Street continues to embrace the overflow of the overall Royse City economic growth, and nurture it with a wholesome downtown flavor brimming with restaurants, boutiques, salons and even a local meat market.”

“Vacancies on Main Street are rare and few businesses have left downtown,” continued Morris. “As soon as there’s word of a possible vacancy, there is a waiting list for the storefront. Yes, the town is quaint. But, the growth has been phenomenal.”

“Before any renovation or construction takes place, exterior plans are reviewed by the Main Street and Heritage committees to ensure that the integrity of historic buildings is preserved,” said Morris. “With any new construction, guidance is provided to ensure design elements complement the historic buildings.”

“The Main Street Façade Grant program contributes to the revitalization of buildings on Main Street,” said Morris. “The grant serves as an incentive for building owners to make improvements to their properties and preserve the buildings’ historic integrity throughout the process. One great example of this collaboration is a restoration project at 129 E. Main Street where a popular bargain store currently operates. For consistency and historical integrity, Main Street District planners regularly team with the Texas Historical Commission for design assistance.”

Businesses calling the historic district home include the highly-acclaimed Smoke Sessions BBQ (Texas Monthly-Ultimate Guide to BBQ, WFAA-“D-FW’s next big BBQ joints”) and Joe’s Meat Market which is a destination for quality meat in an old-time grocery store setting for locals and out-of-state clients alike.

There has recently been a transition and transformation of Main Street Emporium. When The Well Coffee Lounge owners decided to retire, Main Street Emporium rose up to the opportunity to absorb their coffee menu into their ice cream shop. They made changes and upgrades to their store to facilitate the change and keep the citizens of Royse City well-caffeinated.

New businesses are also on the horizon. On a main corner where an aging convenience store once stood, new construction is currently nearing completion for Native Station Beer Garden. A new build nearby will house Hair Junkie Salon and another new business. Other nearby buildings will soon undergo renovation to increase the number of business spaces and allow for even more new business opportunities.

“Local residents are loyal to their little town, and the community wholeheartedly supports the small businesses,” said Morris. “In turn, the small businesses all support one another and contribute to the downtown events that provide entertainment and fun for the
community.”

Finding Custom Business Assistance in Royse City is Easy

Royse City Community Development Corporation - Discover how we customized our approach for each and every business. Contact the Royse City CDC Executive Director, Charles Houk, at (469) 652-0723 or cdcdirector@roysecity.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Nextdoor.

Royse City Main Street Program - Discover how Main Street can help make your business vision a reality. Contact them at (972) 524-4846 or paula.morris@roysecity.com. Follow them on Facebook.