The generally defined boundaries of downtown includes the SoDA, Warehouse and National Register Historic districts and has the defined boundaries of Grape St. (west), N. 6th Street (north), Treadaway St. (east) and S. 6th Street (south). However, the overall focus area of Abilene’s Downtown Initiative extends north to Ambler Ave.

SoDA is an acronym for South of Downtown Abilene, and generally refers to a district within the downtown subject area, between South 1st and South 6th Streets. The district includes the Taylor County Courthouse, numerous other County properties, the Enterprise Building (Abilene’s tallest at 300’), CityLink, a small pocket of loft-style private residences and a growing number of night spots and entertainment venues.

We are a full-time advocate for downtown, supporting initiatives that increase the value and vitality of the area including mobility, streetscapes, economic development, arts and culture, housing, parks, public order, and quality of life issues.

No, we are a program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. We are a committed member of a continually evolving public/private partnership. A close working relationship with city staff enables us to advocate on behalf of our constituent property and business owners to help resolve questions and issues that arise periodically.

We are an enthusiastic advocate for downtown property and business owners, with a close working relationship with city administration and various departments. We work cooperatively with the City to help educate developers and property owners on development requirements within the downtown area. We also work with stakeholders and the City to explore alternative solutions to development related challenges within the downtown area.

No. Only the City of Abilene can set development standards, guidelines and rules for use in the downtown area. The Initiative has facilitated considerable public engagement that continues to shape Council members’ vision for downtown policy-making.

Through this website and social media channels, the Initiative serves a destination marketing function for the downtown district, promoting it as an ideal place for families and young professionals to visit. We also serve a business development role, to attract new, complementary businesses that will enhance the current retail and dining/entertainment mix. All these activities are undertaken in close coordination with allied organizations, such as the Abilene Downtown Association and the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Abilene Downtown Initiative is driven by a group of downtown business owners, developers and community leaders. They help set the vision and focus areas undertaken by the team of professionals and volunteers.