Downtown Master Plan

Over the years the City of Georgetown has worked  hard to maintain its character while also maximizing opportunities for economic development and for enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Many planning decisions have been made carefully, with close consideration of the impacts and benefits of development and recognition of long-term city policies. The importance of current decisions spurred by recent growth and of maintaining the small town character of the downtown is evident in community involvement in the planning process. The Downtown Master Plan seeks to provide a framework for the citizens of Georgetown to use in planning for the future of the downtown.

Georgetown is a community of around 50,000 located approximately 26 miles north of Austin.  Known for its rich history, Georgetown has over 180 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the recipient of the Great American Main Street Award in 1997, the first Texas city ever so recognized.  The city has also been named the #2 “Best Places in the Country to Live and Launch” by Fortune Small Business Magazine, was in the top “12 Best Places to Buy an Old House” by This Old House,  was ShopAcrossTexas.com’s “2008 Best Town Square” and more recently was given the First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award.

Plan Boundary: Downtown Overlay District

The plan boundary follows that of the Downtown Overlay District, which was adopted by City Council in 2001. The Downtown Overlay District defines an area in which design guidelines apply for many types of improvements. This same boundary is used for the Downtown Master Plan because it includes all of the properties that have the potential to redevelop with a mix of uses, including a variety of commercial uses, as well as residential. The planning area is framed by established neighborhoods, which the comprehensive plan envisions remaining stable residential places.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

• Existing Conditions
• Basic Framework
• Character Areas
• Pedestrian Circulation
• Auto Circulation
• Wayfinding
• Parks
• Opportunity Sites
• Implementation