Signs of growth in downtown Taylor as city looks to the future

TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Just off the main drag that runs through downtown Taylor sits the old First Presbyterian Church on 6th Street. Behind the 112-year-old building is the first hotel to open downtown in 100 years.

The Talbot Commons Pocket Hotel is an 11-room contactless hotel. The developer owns the church in front of it and has purchased the fellowship hall behind the church to convert into hotel rooms.

It’s a sign of continued growth in downtown Taylor following the deal that brought Samsung’s new semiconductor plant to the small Texas town.

“It was always going to be kind of a little day trip from Austin, Round Rock or Georgetown, but we’re hoping to make it an overnight destination — kind of a weekend destination. The first step is lodging,” said Alison Dito, the hotel’s operations manager.

The city has a need for retail stores and restaurants, said Regina Jo Carlson, vice president of the Taylor Economic Development Corporation. She explained that the downtown area is being revitalized and is experiencing some growth as interest from companies looking to open stores in Taylor increases.

In addition to bringing jobs to the city, Samsung also brings sales tax revenue that Carlson and the EDC take advantage of. Under the agreement with Samsung, the city will receive a 2% excise tax on the building materials sold when the factory is built. Half a cent goes to the EDC, which can use that revenue to award infrastructure grants that can help revitalize downtown’s historic buildings and businesses.

Carlson said the new tax revenue will be a big help in investing in the community. The EDC also offers other incentives to businesses at the local and state level.

Taylor’s new mayor, Dwayne Ariola, said the city is receiving a lot of interest from other businesses.

“We just have to work with these companies to make sure they are profitable,” Ariola said.

It’s a balancing act for the city as it begins to grow. Generations of families have called the city home, but with new industry and businesses moving into Taylor, the city must learn to grow while preserving its heritage, Ariola said.

“We care for our citizens who have been here for generations and also welcome our new citizens,” Ariola explained.