The Greater Waco Chamber’s Salome Commerce Center was named Best New Construction Project by the Texas Downtown Association (TDA).  The winners of the 2008 Presidents Awards Program were announced Nov. 13 at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in Temple sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association and the Texas Main Street Program. Since 1998, more than 100 projects, events and people in Texas downtowns have received statewide recognition through the awards program. 

“We at the Chamber are truly proud to be pioneers working in the first newly constructed building built in downtown Waco for close to 30 years and are looking forward to more and more exciting new things to join us here in the heart of the community,” said Chris McGowan, director of urban development for the Chamber. 

The Best New Construction Award recognizes excellence in new construction in downtown or commercial district.  Judges deemed the project exemplary for the green design of the building, which anticipates being the first LEED Chamber building in the United States and for fitting well into the long-term design and plan for downtown Waco. The other finalist in this category was Texas Country Title in La Grange. Representatives from downtown Waco made a presentation to a statewide audience at the annual Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference.  Winners were announced at the awards gala that evening.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Judging for the awards took place on July 25 in Austin.  The distinguished jury panel included the following representatives:  Scott Day, Urban Development Services, San Antonio; Carolyn Howard, Beaumont Main Street Manager, Beaumont; Rich MacMath, HDR, Inc., Austin; and Stephen Sharpe, Texas Architect, Austin. TDA is a statewide nonprofit organization comprising more than 400 members involved in more than $1 billion in downtown revitalization projects. By fostering development and revitalization, TDA strives to enhance the economic vitality of Texas downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by providing resources, networking opportunities, education and advocacy. For more information, including the complete list of awards finalists, visit TexasDowntown.org.