$5M grant to boost downtown Coleman: Revamp plans in the works

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — The City of Coleman will see a refresh to its downtown area in more ways than one, thanks to a more than $5 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The City of Coleman devised a plan to improve as part of a rural economic grant from the Department of Agriculture. After starting small projects, like new sidewalks, they applied for a grant with the TxDOT, which would fund improvements to make the city more pedestrian-friendly and accessible.

City Manager Diana Lopez said the city was due for an upgrade.

“It’s been several decades since attention has been given to sidewalks and walkability and lighting and things of an infrastructure perspective that cities need to kind of focus on,” Lopez said. “In the last ten years, Coleman has gone from being just a dot on the map to kind of a destination for families to be able to come and visit. We have amazing restaurants, wineries, shopping, all kinds of wonderful things.”

The project aims to enhance the median and parking in downtown by making improvements. This includes removing historic lamp posts donated by the Coleman families in memory of loved ones. While the city and TxDOT are still in the design phase for the median and lighting, Lopez stated that they recognize the importance of the lamp posts and are committed to preserving them.

“The lampposts were donated years and years ago by families in Coleman. In fact, if you get any photos of them, you’re going to see little plaques on the bottom that tell the history of the family,” Lopez said. “Right now, the plans are to first approach every family who donated one. We will ask them their intention… Those that are not identified as going to one particular place to maintain the history and preservation, what better place than the ‘District 1876 Park’ that’s coming.”

Some downtown business owners, like Annette Carrell, have concerns about the project. Carrell stated that during the last project, when the sidewalks were replaced, she felt there was insufficient communication.

“The sidewalks are much nicer than they were during the project. It was a problem with trying to get your customers in and out, and there was no good communication from the city as to when your sidewalk would be torn up and for how long. Then the project took too long,” Carrell said. “If it helps for safety, that’s good. It’s hard to cross the streets. But again, they’ve got to communicate.”

Lopez said she is being careful with this project, as she recognizes its potential impact on the residents and business owners.

“It’s hard for me to say exactly what that looks like. But we have had extensive conversations with TxDOT to let them know when they’re ready to proceed with the project. We need to have clear communication plans, clear flow of traffic plans, and a clear time of the year,” Lopez said.

There is currently no scheduled date for the start of construction on the revitalization project, as it is still in the planning stages. The new park, which is privately funded, will be located in the downtown area and aims to open in the spring of 2026 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the city of Coleman.