City of Waco Breaks Ground on $184 Million Barron’s Branch District

First Phase of Downtown Transformation Delivered in Partnership with Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure

WACO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City of Waco recently broke ground on the Barron’s Branch District, launching the first phase of a transformative redevelopment of downtown and the Brazos riverfront. Under an approximately $184 million Master Development Agreement with master developer Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure, construction begins this month on the roughly 30-acre district, with completion anticipated by April 2029.

The groundbreaking marks the start of a new chapter for downtown Waco, which is the culmination of years of planning and a vision shaped by more than 150 public events and 4,000 face-to-face conversations with Wacoans.

"This groundbreaking is a momentous day for Waco. Over the past two years, Wacoans shared memories of this neighborhood and their hopes for its future, and that trust shaped every acre of this plan. Today the work begins on a downtown where our history is honored, where the community gathers at the water's edge, and where Waco's next chapter takes root."   — Tom Balk, Director of Strategic Initiatives, City of Waco

When complete, the Barron’s Branch District will feature:

• More than seven acres of new park and plaza space, anchored by a re-created, above-ground Barron’s Branch Creek
• Interactive fountains and cascades, a performance pavilion and an open event deck
• The La Pila pedestrian plaza and Calle Dos walkthrough, with a new fountain, market plaza, and pedestrian bridge over the creek
• Reconstructed streets and modernized utilities, including natural shade and highly walkable streetscapes
• Expanded drainage infrastructure that reduces the floodplain, opening more than 11 acres of downtown land for future development

“Public-Private Partnerships work best when both sides are fully committed to a shared mission, and the City of Waco has been that kind of partner from day one. Hunt is incredibly proud to stand alongside the City as its long-term partner in delivering public spaces and infrastructure that will serve this community for generations to come.” — Rodney Moss, Senior Vice President of P3, Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure

Waco-based general contractor Rogers-O’Brien Construction Co. will deliver the work. Construction begins this month with reconstruction of the district’s streets and underground utilities, some of which are up to 80 years old, ahead of park construction.

The project moves forward with no new taxes and minimal impact to household utility bills, using an innovative bond strategy that avoids nearly $23 million in typical interest costs. The public improvements are projected to catalyze more than $800 million in private investment, with five development sites already under negotiation.

Barron’s Branch is the opening phase of a 12- to 20-year partnership between the City of Waco and Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure covering more than 100 acres across five downtown districts. For more information, visit wacodowntownredevelopment.com.

About Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure

Hunt Real Estate delivers high-impact real estate and infrastructure solutions across multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and public-private partnership (P3) sectors. Drawing on the full capabilities of Hunt Companies, the team brings together deep expertise in development, ownership, asset management, and long-term stewardship. With a client-first mindset, Hunt Real Estate assembles the right team for each project to ensure tailored, high-impact outcomes that serve communities for generations.