Res 2026-017 Approving the City of San Marcos Historic Preservation Plan

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PRESERVATION STATEMENT Partly due to its location on the 1-35 transportation corridor between Austin and San Antonio, the population of San Marcos has doubled in the past 20 years to approximately 72,000 in 2023, and in 2025 over 40,000 students attend Texas State University. Residents live in apartments near Downtown, in historic homes in neighborhoods like Dunbar or Hopkins Street, in mid-century subdivisions outside of the original town plat, and in new residential developments on the outskirts of the City. Prior to this growth, local historic preservation efforts began formally in 1972 with the formation of the Heritage Association as part of the Bicentennial Commission, established to plan celebrations for the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial. The movement gained momentum in 1973 when the Charles S. Cock House became the city's first property listed in the NRHP. Significant institutional frameworks were put in place during the 1980s, including the creation of the HPC and San Marcos' designation as a Main Street city. After achieving CLG status in 1990, the City conducted several historic resources surveys throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, notably in 1996 focusing on the Dunbar and East Guadalupe neighborhoods, which documented historically Black and Mexican American communities. The city continued to expand its preservation efforts by establishing multiple local and national historic districts in the 2000s. These efforts were supported by evolving design guidelines and sustainability measures, demonstrating the city's ongoing commitment to preserving its diverse cultural heritage. In tandem, preservation partners helped establish parks, memorials, museums, events, public art, and preservation projects that have given San Marcos a unique sense of place. While San Marcos has taken steps to preserve its history, it's important to note that much of what has been preserved does not fully represent the city's diverse population. There is an opportunity to be more inclusive and tell a more accurate, complete story. Previous two pages: Mike Roberts postcard of aquatic star drinking a soda pop (edwardsaquifer.net) Showplace marquis of events (COSM)