Texas First Lady Anita Perry, acting as honorary chair, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is honoring communities that have shown a high level of creativity and ingenuity in recognizing and preserving their authentic Texas sense of place. These communities use the resources and preservation tools available from the THC and others to realize significant economic benefits as a result of their strong cultural and historic preservation stewardship. 

Texas Historical Commission Program Involvement (PDF)

Read more about the award in our press release.

Preservation Updates Since 2010 Award:

• Official Texas Historical Marker, Midlothian Presbyterian Church (completed March 2011).

• Restoration of the MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) Depot
  The MKT Depot in Waxahachie was built in 1908. It served the community as a stop on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas rail line for many years, hauling locally grown cotton to markets and local soldiers to and from wars. Passenger service was discontinued in 1964, but the depot continued to service freight trains on their way through Waxahachie until 1988. When that service stopped, the depot was used for storage by various entities over the years.
  

  MKT Depot before restoration	MKT Depot after restoration

  In 2007, the land underneath the depot and the right-of-way were acquired from the railroads by the City of Waxahachie. The city then purchased the depot building in 2008 and started the restoration project. Funding from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone was dedicated for the project, and architectural drawings were completed the same year. Construction planning began in 2009 and the actual construction on the depot began in early 2010. Restoration of the MKT Depot was completed in November 2010. Through the efforts of many people, its historical accuracy has remained intact while allowing for a creative new use.

For questions regarding this community award, please contact April Garner at 512.463.2630.