Downtown Buda showcases a delightful blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. With its charming boutiques, destination eateries, and seasonal events, Downtown Buda offers unique shopping and dining experiences that capture the essence of a close-knit community.
A Rich History Along the Railroad
The Great Northern Railroad line runs through Downtown Buda and spurred the city’s creation in 1881, allowing Buda to become the curated center of commerce it is known as today. Back then, the rail town was called “Du Pre” until a few years later when it was renamed Buda (pronounced “byoo-dah”).
Buda has a long history of communal support for different types of businesses such as mills, hotels, banks, a lumberyard, two newspapers, a cheese factory, a movie theater, and a skating rink.
Buda’s Historic Downtown Today
Nationally recognized as a historic site, the blocks that encompass Downtown Buda are filled with a diverse array of independent businesses full of character and brimming with possibility. This mix of historic buildings, homes, shops, restaurants, and commercial sites adds to the high quality of life for residents and fuels the fast-growing population in Buda.
The walkable streets of Downtown Buda provide a sense of connectivity, allowing residents and visitors to explore the area’s vibrant art scene, cozy coffee shops, and friendly local businesses.
A Second Life for the Oldest Buildings in Buda
Nearly a century ago, the building that now houses Taste on Main, served as the city’s grocer. Since then, it’s stayed food-oriented. While the Tindols own and operate the steak and seafood restaurant, it’s owned by a famous family: The McCormicks.
Dr. Thaddeus Charles McCormick, known as Doc McCormick, made his mark on our community by delivering more than 1,600 babies in the 1940s and 1950s. Following his passing, Hays CISD named a middle school after him (McCormick Middle School) in 2016.
The “1898 Mercantile” building is Buda’s oldest commercial building that has been home to several businesses, including Buda’s most prosperous general store in the early 1900’s. The “1898 Mercantile” is also the only known building to use Buda limestone in their construction, quarried at the Boone Heep Ranch on Onion Creek.
The historic building is now home to Zoi Market, Teal House Bakery, Saint Montogren’s Florist and Meridian. Read more on the building’s history.
Redevelopment of Buda Mill & Grain Co.
A significant economic boost and visual masterpiece was added to Downtown Buda with the redevelopment of the Buda Mill & Grain Co. Featured in Architect Magazine, now boasting more than 27,000 square feet of destination retail and restaurants in the city’s largest historic site.
Although Buda Mill & Grain Co. has been fully renovated, the site has preserved as much of the original structure as possible to pay tribute to Buda’s history and the role that the mill has always played in it. The mill’s long-standing significance to the community can be seen by the fact that it was the first business to receive a telephone when the city first got service, even before doctors’ offices and grocery stores. The goal of the renovations and creation of Buda Mill & Grain Co. was to create a multifaceted, community-focused destination for locals and visitors alike.
What is now Buda Mill & Grain Co. was originally the first cotton gin that provided the then rural town with a mill, feed store, and mercantile store. After several changes of ownership, the Ruby Family came to own the Mill and has been its steward and developer since. In the 1990’s, the family began leasing out the buildings on the property which began the idea of developments that would later take place starting with renovations in 2011.
Transformation of the Buda Mill & Grain Co.
Before its stunning renovation, the historic Buda Mill & Grain Co. stood as a testament to the town’s rich history, its worn facade, and outdated infrastructure a reminder of its industrial past. However, after undergoing a meticulous restoration, the Buda Mill & Grain Co. has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, blending its original charm with modern amenities. The once-neglected building now boasts beautifully restored wooden beams, sleek glass accents, and a thriving atmosphere, welcoming locals and visitors alike to explore its shops, restaurants, and community events. Visit the Buda Mill & Grain Co. website to see the before and after images of the transformation.
Buda Mill & Grain Co. is currently home to specialty stores, wine shops, restaurants, salons, yoga studios, and more. This development and the businesses it houses are truly a testament to the curated mix of businesses Buda puts together to enhance the town.
Expansion Plans
In 2023, City of Buda adopted the Downtown Buda Master Plan and the following year, the Comprehensive Plan, which will inform the city’s growth and development for the next decade or more. The goal of the Downtown Master Plan Framework” is to keep the community feel of the small town while also enhancing the downtown experience. Lively squares and walkable streets lined with cafes and unique shops invite informal interactions and draw a critical mass of people, offering the ability to live, work, play, and innovate.
With input from citizens, these detailed plans will offer specific direction as the community continues intense growth.