It may feel like this year came out of nowhere, but the city of Temple couldn’t be more ready. The city has projects underway to improve the living districts and downtown experience. Fun additions are being made to the list of already extensive outdoor leisurely activities. Break in the new year by checking out some of these new and exciting things in Temple.
City Development Projects
Just like you, Temple has some New Year’s Resolutions mapped out. Between neighborhood development projects, mixed-use buildings, and additional parking downtown, Temple is ready for 2022.
Temple works with its residents to continually address concerns and areas of need within each neighborhood. This aims to create long-term plans with a people-oriented approach to improve the quality of life and housing in Temple. Residents are able to discuss concerns they have regarding land use, businesses, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and other resources.
Improvement planning is already in process for neighborhoods like TMED district, Jackson Park district, and Garden district. Other districts like Bird Creek, Temple Heights, Silo, and Barnhardt will begin planning during 2022 starting as soon as January. There’s no better way to find the home you love than to be part of the process for designing it.
Aside from neighborhood development, there are also adjustments being made to Temple’s entertainment and leisure options downtown. The redevelopment of both the Hawn Hotel and Arcadia theater are poised to be completed by Fall 2022. The plans for these rehabbed, historic buildings include a mixed-use design allowing residents and retail to coincide.
Mixed-use structure means the The Hawn/Arcadia/Sears (HAS) buildings will have for-lease apartments as well as retail stores. The Arcadia Theater in specific will have a new event space suitable for meetings and events such as live music. With the new multi-functional design, residents can feel immersed in the culture of Temple and enjoy quick access to everything downtown.
Alongside the HAS development project will include the City Center project which will improve streets, signage, and most importantly, include two new parking garages. The First Street Parking Garage and Fourth Street Parking Garage both started construction in 2021 bringing a total of 650 new parking spots to downtown Temple in 2022. All of your downtown shopping and festivities will be made easier with these improvements.
Night on the Town
As the city of Temple works with construction managers and fellow residents to complete these projects, you can keep yourself busy with the long list of activities Temple has to offer this year
If you’re looking for a fun night out, BitBar, Corky’s, and Charlie’s Cuez have you covered. BitBar, a retro arcade bar, opened in 2021 but will take you back in time with games from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. It’s a great place to hang out with family and neighbors and maybe have a little friendly competition. Corky’s Comedy Club will keep spirits high with comedy shows, open mic nights, and karaoke. Finish off your week with Margarita Madness Sunday’s at Corky’s featuring $5 margaritas and flights of salsa and queso. Charlie’s Cuez has newer blue felt pool tables and tournaments for the novice and pool pros alike.
Feelin’ boozy? Fire Base Brewing Company and 3 Texans Winery & Tasting Room will keep you company. 3 Texans is a family-run, female-owned business that started in 2009. Since then, a mom and her daughters have been serving up glasses of wine made with love. Join their wine club to become a part of their extended family and treat yourself to two bottles and three free glasses of wine every quarter.
Temple is a popular destination for retired Veterans coming from Fort Hood. Fire Base Brewing, founded by veteran and brewmaster, JD McBride, helps to maintain that culture. McBride also mentors and teaches other veterans about the brewing process. Check out the events they have planned for January this year.
Early Enjoyment
If a daytime adventure is more your style, you can start out by catching a caffeine buzz over at Atrium Coffee Co. food truck. Sip on one of their craft concoctions like Princess Diana, (a honey, cinnamon, and oat milk latte) or Maple Woods Coldbrew (cold brew coffee with maple cold foam and raw sugar).
Next, you can get your munch on, brunch style, with a Honey Butter Sandwich or a Brunch Burger at Bird Creek Burger Co. Enjoy a meal at their current location before they move buildings in the second quarter of this year. The new location will have outdoor dining, a beer garden, and will have more accessibility than before.
Another dining and recreational addition to Temple this year will be City Eats Food Hall, expected in the second quarter. The food hall will be home to about twelve medium and large vendor booths featuring local chefs and restaurants. A shared space will make room for parlor games and bowling for a fun day out with the family. The city’s culture and community are sure to come together at City Eats.
Join Us For These Exciting Changes
As the entertainment in Temple improves, so does the city itself. Installments like the HAS project and the City Eats Food Hall will bring the community closer— connecting people and experiences in Temple. Neighborhood development continues to improve residents’ quality of life and restaurants have their opportunity to grow this year. We look forward to all the exciting things Temple has to offer in 2022, and invite you to join as we make progress together.
For more information on events coming to Temple this year, check out the events calendar.