Old Fitzhugh Road Historic District approved for facelift

The Dripping Springs City Council took another step in its improvement plans for the residential/commercial Old Fitzhugh Road Historic District, by approving the Final Concept Plan for the road and pedestrian walkways, at its Aug. 21 City Hall meeting. This locality was established as a Historic District by City Ordinance in 2014.

The plan was publicly presented by Kennan Smith, staff consultant to the city on projects mostly in the Historic District of Tax Increment Reinvestment No.1 & 2 Zones. Project goals include a shared-use trail, pedestrian amenities, street improvements with a traffic calming activity plaza, lighting, utility pole realignment, and proper storm water drainage.

The qualities of the district to preserve are old homes and historic buildings, eclectic local shops, small town country character, and trees.

“A & M University agricultural experts have identified which trees have Oak Wilt, rather than “death by drought,” and we hope to motivate owners to take care this issue appropriately,” said Council Member John Kroll.

Enhanced remedies include paths of exposed aggregate and flagstone with path lighting, antiqued-style street lamps matching Mercer St. lamps, natural standing stone curbs, armored curb inlets for drainage with natural stone structured rain gardens, and cobbled speed table pedestrian crossings.

Old Fitzhugh Road intersects Mercer St. near The Barber Shop and RR12 at the far end. The approved Final Concept Plan is posted on the City of Dripping Springs website.