Elgin Depot Social District initiative aims to increase strolling, shopping, and fun downtown

In the heart of downtown Eligin, a new initiative is bringing new life to the city’s historic core while encouraging more walking, social connections, and commerce. The Elgin Depot Social District combines a social district with a long-term revitalization project to provide a unique downtown experience. 

“This was a community-led initiative,” Kristina Alvarez, Manager for the Elgin Main Street Program, explains. “We had people in the community bring these ideas to us and say, ‘We would like for this to happen.’” 

From the initial interest, stakeholders engaged in a collaborative planning process to shape the district's future by bringing people downtown to shop, stroll, and visit. 

“Our job is to not only do preservation-based economic development, but how do we get people downtown spending money and shopping in our stores,” Alvarez said. 

This aligns with Elgin’s long-standing commitment to historic preservation and economic vitality. The city has been a Texas Main Street City since 1990 and has consistently maintained its accreditation year after year since 1999 – a process requiring dedication and effort. 

“Last year was the first of a new, very intense accrediting process. Out of 90 cities in Texas, only 41 passed, and Eligin was one of those,” Alvarez noted.

What’s new about the Depot Social District? 

A newly adopted alcohol ordinance is the most transformative change in the district. Previously, open containers were limited to downtown events with special waivers. The new ordinance creates a more fluid experience for shoppers and strollers. Patrons can now buy an alcoholic beverage from licensed downtown vendors and carry it with them in the designated area as they explore the district from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The idea is an expansion on popular special events, such as the monthly Sip, Shop, and Stroll.

“This basically extends that Sip, Shop, and Stroll to all the time,” Alvarez explained. “Now, if bus tours come in, they can have a beverage, walk around, shop, and spend money.” 

Community feedback played a large role in shaping the ordinance to ensure the inclusive, family-friendly feeling of Elgin events is maintained. The new ordinance will not limit the ability to bring a cooler to long-standing events, such as Music in the Park. Instead, it mandates open alcoholic beverages must be purchased in a can or plastic cup from a downtown vendor when a special open-container event is not occurring. A color-coded window cling system is also in place to help customers identify which businesses welcome beverages, sell beverages, or prefer drinks to stay outside. Every business can choose its category, and participation is flexible. 

Alvarez noted the goal of the new ordinance isn’t to turn downtown into a party zone – it’s about growing community connections, celebrating local history, and amplifying public spaces where families, friends, and neighbors can gather, linger, and invest in their local economy. 

“Establishing the social district breathes new life into the downtown...a lively social district attracts foot traffic, drawing attention to that heritage and rallying support for the conservation efforts downtown,” Alvarez said. “If people are spending more time down here and having a good time, then they’ll notice the architecture and the efforts we’ve undertaken.”

A full public launch of the Depot Social District is taking place in early April with the kickoff of the Music in the Park 2025 concert series.

The Elgin Economic Development Corporation is a historical supporter of Main Street and the Depot District initiatives. Visit the Elgin EDC website to learn more about economic development initiatives in Elgin!