Propertize Ventures and SOCO Construction have formed a partnership to develop two mixed-use districts as part of the $1bn redevelopment of downtown Waco in Texas, US.
The developments, Barron’s Branch and the Ballpark District, will occupy over 42 acres on city-owned land along the Brazos River.
The Barron’s Branch district forms the initial phase of the wider Downtown Redevelopment Project.
The site encompasses 8.5 acres of planned private development flanking a proposed 12-acre park, to be funded by the city. Features within the park include a waterway, a bridge, pedestrian routes and accessible open spaces.
The proposed mixed-use buildings would cover more than one million square feet spread over eight lots, with construction scheduled to begin as early as 2027.
City council members recently voted unanimously to progress Propertize Ventures’ proposals for three key sites in this area.
Adjacent to Barron’s Branch, demolition work has started at the future Ballpark District, which covers 23 acres.
Planned phases for this location include residential buildings, waterfront retail and dining, a new Minor League Baseball stadium and a nearby hotel.
Both districts are being developed with coordinated infrastructure and funding mechanisms, pending further approval from city authorities.
Propertize Ventures partner William DiRe said: “This partnership combines Propertize Ventures’ expertise in sports-anchored mixed-use development and public-private financing with SOCO’s proven execution capabilities in delivering complex, multi-phase projects. Together, we are proposing a district that has the potential to serve Waco for generations.”
SOCO Construction, based in the US, brings experience in mid and high-rise urban development, having completed significant projects across the north-east and Florida.
The company will work alongside Propertize Ventures in developing both districts, leveraging its background in delivering large-scale, complex constructions.
SOCO Construction president and CEO Seth Levy said: “We are grateful for Propertize’s work over the past several years to push this downtown Waco redevelopment ahead, and we look forward to working closely with the city and stakeholders as this vision evolves.”
The Downtown Redevelopment Project aims to reshape the Brazos River corridor through staged investment and redevelopment, subject to final municipal approvals regarding scope, planning and funding.
