Denison’s downtown core is set to expand with a new three‑story mixed‑use building at 223 West Main Street. The Day family, together with development partners, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23, marking the start of construction on a project that will add a restaurant, an art gallery and 18 loft‑style apartments.
Ground‑floor businesses
The building’s first floor will host two separate enterprises. The first is Hitch, a restaurant featuring a western‑inspired menu. Hitch is being launched by the team behind Emily’s Kitchen, making it the group’s second downtown dining venue. The second ground‑floor tenant will be Gallery 53, an art gallery run by owner Justin Zimmerman. Zimmerman said he hopes the gallery will showcase local artists and give residents and visitors another reason to spend time in downtown Denison.
Residential lofts above
Above the commercial space, the development plans call for 18 loft‑style apartments. Two of the units are slated to operate as short‑term rentals, providing visitors with a convenient downtown lodging option. The remaining lofts will be available for long‑term residents, adding new housing choices for those who want to live close to shops, restaurants and cultural amenities.
Community impact
Rhonda Borgne of DFA Development highlighted the broader benefits of increasing downtown residency. She explained that people who live in the heart of the city contribute to a vibrant district, while short‑term stays attract a different audience that can boost local businesses.
The project represents a multi‑million‑dollar investment in Denison’s central business district, though the exact figure was not disclosed. By combining dining, art and housing, the development aims to strengthen the downtown economy, encourage foot traffic and support the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
Looking ahead
Construction is expected to proceed through the coming months, with the developers planning to keep the community informed about milestones and any temporary impacts on traffic or parking. Local officials and business owners have expressed optimism that the new building will enhance Denison’s appeal as a place to work, live and enjoy cultural experiences.
When completed, the mixed‑use building will join a growing list of recent downtown projects that seek to preserve Denison’s historic charm while introducing modern amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
