September 22, 2022

Downtown Temple is comprised of an eclectic mix of retail shops, restaurants and businesses, with a supercharged list of developments taking place over the past few years. In early 2019, Temple City Council approved grant funding for the Strategic Investment Zone (SIZ) in downtown Temple, allowing qualified businesses and property owners in the area to apply for matching grant funds in real property investments.

Since then, downtown Temple has continued to flourish, cultivating successful small businesses, collaborative spaces and a fantastic night life. Read on to learn how Temple has created a thriving ecosystem for businesses and an elevated quality of life for its residents.

Small Business Development

One key aspect of the growth of downtown Temple includes strong support from small business development organizations like the Temple Chamber of Commerce, the Central Texas Business Resource Center (BRC) and the Temple Small Business Coalition. Offering information, resources and networking opportunities, these institutions help small businesses from the business planning stage to grand opening and beyond. This support system provides business owners with the resources needed to scale and positions them for long-term growth.

Creating Space for Business and Life

Following the SIZ incentive grant program, the city saw an $8 million dollar surge of private investments ranging from renovations to new developments. An early addition was City Eats — a food hall concept with popularity in major metropolitans. Located in the downtown National Register Historic District, City Eats plans to open in 2022 and will offer live entertainment, fresh chef-inspired food and casual dining options in a community table setting.

Another major development in 2019 was Santa Fe Plaza — a 34,000-square-foot office complex that serves as Temple’s hub for business development. Temple EDC, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and the Temple Chamber of Commerce are all located within the plaza, providing business retention, upskilling and networking opportunities all in a centralized hub. In 2020 the Santa Fe Plaza business district was awarded the Texas Downtown Association (TDA)’s President Award for “Best Downtown Public Improvement.”

Downtown Temple Today

Temple’s population has surged since 2016, with a 4.2% increase between 2020 and 2021. With a vibrant lifestyle filled with shopping, delicious food and entertainment, downtown Temple now commands a higher quality of life than ever before. Whether it’s the neighborhood beer garden & coffee shop, FoxDog, or the local hot spot Treno Pizzeria & Taproom, downtown Temple is a family friendly community brimming with social activity.

A local favorite, Bird Creek Burgers & Brew Pub, is also in the process of moving to a new site three times as big as its current location. The newly renovated building on South 4th Street will include a 3,600-square-foot beer garden, and across the street, the City of Temple has plans underway for new green space and a pocket park. The opening of Bird Creek’s new location is slated to coincide with several other nearby projects, including a mixed-use development with renovated for-lease apartments and event space.

Temple’s talent, low costs and strong city leadership encourage company expansions and entrepreneurial endeavors. Read more about how Temple supports growing businesses from downtown to the city limits and contact us to learn how your business can find success in Central Texas.