The Cypress Street Improvement Project in downtown Abilene has been named a statewide finalist for best public improvement in the Texas Downtown President's Awards. The winner will be announced Nov. 4.
Residents said the renovations have made downtown a more pleasant place to spend time. Ron Robertson said the work looks good. Selenea Ramirez said she visits about once a week and has tried local restaurants and a brewery. Brandi Goss said she and friends attended a mommy and me Pilates class downtown and then ate lunch nearby.
The project was completed earlier this year and added wider sidewalks, new lighting and landscaping. City officials said the goal was to make downtown more pedestrian-friendly. A city representative said the work wrapped up in mid spring or summer 2026. The project began as part of the city's downtown vision in 2016.