Accomplishments

Historic Waxahachie, Inc. (HWI) works to protect our heritage for past, present and future generations through preservation, education and advocacy. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years that have helped Waxahachie grow and retain its fantastic history. 

Historic Preservation

  • Identified over 450 properties in Waxahachie as “worthy of preservation” by identifying them with HWI markers and street signs. As properties become 50 years old, more will continue to become eligible for these markers. 

  • Saved and moved the historic Wyatt Real Estate Office and the Calaboose that now  reside in Singleton Plaza. Maintenance and restoration of these buildings continues to be carried out by HWI.

  • Purchased the eagles placed on the roof of the Ellis County Courthouse during its restoration.

  • Purchased and restored the red Caboose located at the MKT train depot, which is now a hallmark of Downtown Waxahachie and its railroad history.

  • Created pamphlets and a video on the Courthouse’s history, which are used during tours conducted by HWI.

  • Developed both walking tour guides of downtown and driving tour guides highlighting historical landmarks around the city.

Education & Outreach

  • Created informative pamphlets for the community:
  • “Researching Your Historic Property”
  • “Preserving Your Historic Property”
  • Bring in speakers for public presentations on historic preservation topics.
  • Conduct and continue to collect oral histories from local citizens to preserve community memory.
  • Installed historic signage throughout downtown detailing the history of current and lost buildings.
  • Annual sponsor of the Ellis County Art Association’s “Heritage in View” Plein Air art competition to draw talented artists from all over the world to capture painted snapshots of our architectural treasures.
  • Created the “Waxahachie’s Most Endangered Places” program to spotlight threatened historic sites.

Public Art & Beautification

  • Funded the "Legends Baseball Mural" on the Parks and Recreation building.
  • Provided the electrical system for ceiling fans at the Chautauqua Auditorium.
  • Established a Graffiti Abatement Program to support preservation and cleanliness of downtown properties.
  • Restored and donated an original Viaduct streetlight to the City of Waxahachie.

Community Engagement & Support

  • Recognize individuals and properties that show outstanding preservation leadership, including both residential and commercial restoration efforts.
  • Put on one of the largest Christmas historic home tours in the state of Texas, the Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes, bringing thousands of visitors to Waxahachie in a single weekend each year.
  • Provide financial restoration support to businesses within the Downtown Overlay District through our Façade Grant Program.
  • Award scholarships to graduating seniors in Waxahachie.
  • Helped raise $30,000 for the Waxahachie Cemetery Restoration Fund after acts of vandalism destroyed over 150 historic gravestones.

Tourism & Advocacy

  • Promote tourism by organizing unique events, such as “A Trip Through Time at the Ellis County Courthouse” for the Texas Downtown Association Conference.
  • Partnered with the City of Waxahachie in creating the Historic Zoning Ordinance and contributed funding for the Downtown Historic Overlay Guidelines.
  • Secured a grant to:
  • Update the professional survey of the National Register Downtown District.
  • Create a citywide survey plan for historic resources.
  • Partnered with WISD and WWII reenactors to create “Operation: Hands on History”, a fun and educational downtown event for children in celebration of Veterans Day.
  • Attend preservation conferences to bring innovative ideas and new energy to Waxahachie’s ongoing historic efforts.
  • Put on family-friendly neighborhood architectural strolls, educating neighbors and visitors alike on the architectural features of homes in distinct neighborhoods of Waxahachie