.png)
In early October, the Dripping Springs City Council approved a construction contract with QA Construction Services, Inc. for the Stephenson Building and downtown parking lot projects. Construction is set to begin the week of Oct. 20, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The project is part of the city’s commitment to preserve and revitalize its historic downtown.
The Stephenson Building and the downtown parking lots are two of the major projects of the City’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) Board. The projects include the rehabilitation of the historic Stephenson Building (4,020 square feet), an addition of 1,881 square feet, 8,490 square feet of site improvements, and 41,160 square feet of parking improvements.
Currently unoccupied, the city-owned building will be transformed into a flexible space for future civic uses and community events.
“The Stephenson Building holds an important place in our community’s story,” said Michelle Fischer, City Administrator. “By preserving its historic character and preparing it for modern civic uses, we’re creating a welcoming hub for gatherings, events, and public life - one that will strengthen downtown, celebrate our heritage, and serve residents for generations to come.”
Major components of the project include a full rehabilitation of the building envelope; preservation and adaptive re-use of original interior spaces to flexibly accommodate a variety of new uses; upgrades to building infrastructure and systems to enable functionality and meet modern building codes; and site improvements, including parking, lighting, and landscaping.
The Stephenson Building was constructed in 1939 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and named for student Allen J. Stephenson. The one-story limestone building originally served as the community’s high school until 1949, then continued as an auditorium and for other educational and community uses.
The renovation initiative grew from public input gathered during multiple Comprehensive Plan updates. The Historic Preservation Commission has been a long-standing supporter and sponsor of an appropriate adaptive re-use of this structure. Other boards and commissions - including the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and the TIRZ Board - have encouraged and supported the project. Also helping throughout the planning process were the architect firm, Architexas, and the engineering firm Doucet – A Kleinfelder Company.
The cost of the project is $4,447,200, with an additional 10% contingency of $444,720, for a total of $4,891,920. Funding sources include $4,695,163 from Debt Issuance Funds and $200,000 from Landscape Funds, bringing the total funding allocation to $4,895,163. There is a contract period of 365 calendar days for completion.
Shay Traweek, the Project Manager for QA Construction Services, Inc., said they are excited to begin the project.
“We are honored to be a part of this historical project that can continue to revitalize this portion of downtown Dripping Springs and help bring more opportunities and events to the city,” Traweek said. “This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction; it is the beginning of a project that will serve everyone in Dripping Springs for many years.”
Both QA Construction Services, Inc., and Architexas specialize in historic building rehabilitation.
