Tax Credit Program Highlight: 113 West 2nd Street

History

This small brick storefront building was constructed as part of a block of four matching storefront buildings in downtown Taylor. The city was settled some thirty years earlier in the 1870s as a stop along the International-Great Northern Railroad, and became a bustling shipping point for cattle, grain and cotton. Despite a disastrous fire in 1882, the city had once again become a thriving community—with running water, a fire department, and an annual fair—by the time this building was constructed around 1900. This building was originally connected to its western neighbor, and was operated as harness and saddle shop with stock storage in the adjacent building.

Rehabilitation Project

This building was underutilized and poorly maintained over the last few decades while Taylor had been experiencing hard times economically. This rehabilitation project focused on bringing the building to functional condition without making any dramatic changes to the space; the work was effective while also being cost-efficient. As part of the project, the front part of the former mercantile space was brought into new use as a small night club and performance space, and the rear of the building is now a studio loft apartment. Historic features that remained, such as the original storefront windows and beadboard ceilings and floors, were retained. This project relates to the current redevelopment of the historic downtown, spurred by investments from the City of Taylor, the EDC and Chamber of Commerce. Since 2008, nearly 20 companies have expanded or relocated to Taylor, creating new jobs and providing new amenities and resources downtown. The rehabilitation of underutilized buildings such as this one strongly support these efforts to improve the city.