A Bit of My History

I didn’t grow up in Belton.  I haven’t seen the changes through the years.  I did visit Mary’s Mountain Cookies and Tara’s a couple of times randomly in the last five years & I remember my impression.  Cute area, has potential.

Then, in 2019 the opportunity came up & I took the leap of buying a shop to rehab.  Looking out my front windows, I viewed the street daily & ideas processed.  I don’t have formal credentials, but I do have extensive experience in collaborating with those who do… and have studied design principles and color theory for most of my adult life.    Hands-on with remodels from church to friends to family for over 20 years. 

Leadership Needed

Like most historic Main Streets, Belton has a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of this historic district called Downtown Belton Main Street Inc.  (DBMSI) Wanting to be more involved using my skills and ability to help make it happen, I joined this group, offered to chair the Design Committee, and promote my vision.  I have talked to several of the building owners about ‘their’ vision for simple color updates.   Interesting, to say the least, but what I am hearing is either they are indifferent or they want their shop to pop, to be brighter and stand out above the rest, whether it’s good design or not.  They just want to be seen & do their thing. 

A Vision Needed

I’m looking at the street as a whole, and thinking… if each shop aims for the best ‘history meets future’ and considers the contrast or coordination with adjacent buildings, the design and color would be narrowed down to ‘what the building calls for’.   It would be a natural choice.  There are so many ways to incorporate individuality and signature style and colors and still be a part of the coordinated ‘whole’. 

A designer and artist guides the eye along in any composition.  The row buildings of Main Street are no different.  If each building is finished out in its best form, the whole will be attractive.  What people will notice is that this area pops!   The key phrase here is ‘be attractive’.  Good design will attract better businesses and a rising tide raises all ships.  Word will spread and businesses will grow.

Community Needed

For the last year, I have chatted with my customers about this- about Main Street & what a genuine treasure it has the potential of becoming.  This is what I see as a newcomer to Belton.  With the business and population busting at the seams, I see a real need to develop this unique area into a destination for foot traffic… an arts, retail, and dining area for people to stroll. 

Some years back there were some extensive design guidelines drawn up involving pocket parks, railroad landscaping,  historic structures (depot) rehabbed, biking trails, etc…    a wonderful vision proposed, but abandoned.   I’m wondering if there are others who think this area’s time has arrived, or it is it just me?

I would love to hear some feedback from those who frequent Main Street, or who have just visited.  What are your thoughts on color & style for buildings?   Should there be oversight & ordinances?    Should we ordinance the percentage of business to be retail, dining & arts?   We want the best for all.  But this area belongs to Belton, and I personally would love to get a conversation going with people who love the area as much as I do.   Please comment below.  Thank you!