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.
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. City leaders said they are already seeing more people use the space.
Residents interviewed said the changes have made downtown a more appealing place to spend time. One resident said the work was done well. Another said she has been visiting about once a week and has tried several downtown restaurants and a brewery. A third said she and friends attended a fitness class downtown and then stayed for lunch. The project began in 2016 as part of the city's downtown vision.