AUSTIN, TX / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 20, 2026 / Lawrence Group has partnered with Dripping Springs, TX-based Logic Builders Group on a design-build project to transform a late 1800s train depot into an innovative retail incubator and community marketplace in Buda, TX.

The Depot on Main project involves redeveloping the city’s original 2,000-square-foot train depot into a dynamic retail incubator, co-op marketplace, creative space and community hub. Designed to cultivate small businesses and celebrate locally made products, The Depot on Main will serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurs and a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Buda, known as the Outdoor Capital of Texas, is situated along the Interstate 35 corridor in Hays County. The city is home to approximately 18,000 residents, 14 parks, and a historic downtown district where residents and visitors can shop, dine and relax.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring a piece of our history home and reimagine it as part of Buda’s future,” said Lee Urbanovsky, Mayor of Buda in a press release. “The Train Depot will be a centerpiece in downtown for community gathering and connection.”

The City of Buda’s original train depot served travelers from the late 1800s until 1961. The building was removed in the early 1980s to private land between San Marcos and New Braunfels, then relocated through the efforts of Logic Builders Group in November 2025 to the Downtown Buda Greenbelt (319 Main Street) as part of the redevelopment project.

Designs for the revitalized train depot include:

• Dedicated retail incubator suites for emerging businesses
• The Collective Marketplace, a curated co-op retail experience
• Flexible retail space for Buda-based, early-stage businesses and startups
• An enhanced exterior plaza and parking improvements

Designs for The Depot on Main are focused on maintaining the time period in which the historic depot was built, while providing flexibility as a retail incubator for entrepreneurs to display their items.

“We are keeping most of the architectural details and exterior skin intact, except for the roof, doors and windows, which were in bad condition and had been replaced throughout the years already,” said Lawrence Group Managing Principal Luma Jaffar, AIA. “We are repainting and fixing any original design elements to bring them back to their original condition as well.”

Some of the depot’s original details that will be incorporated into the new design include the interior door, ticket counter, stained glass, light lanterns, arched shelving, wood floors and bead walls.

Lawrence Group’s landscape architects worked with the design team to revitalize the park surrounding the train depot. The heart of the park will feature a dynamic event lawn, thoughtfully designed to maximize green space while remaining adaptable for everything from concerts and festivals to informal daily use.

The lawn is framed by shade trees and integrated seating to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors. Overhead festoon lighting adds a warm, festive glow, while the space is anchored by an elevated performance stage—perfect for live music, community celebrations, and beloved seasonal traditions like Budafest.

“The design intentionally draws people into the park even on non-event days, offering visual interest and everyday amenities that encourage casual use and lingering. A clearly organized parking and drop-off lane improves accessibility and convenience, while designated areas for temporary art installations allow the park to evolve and surprise visitors throughout the year,” said Lawrence Group Landscape Architect John Iffrig, PLA, ASLA.

Rooted in place, the landscape features Texas-native plants to reinforce sustainability and regional identity while reducing long-term maintenance needs. The plan also carefully preserves the site’s existing oak trees, ensuring they remain a defining feature of the park’s character. To enhance safety without compromising openness, the team also integrated a thoughtfully designed, protective fence along the adjacent train tracks, creating a secure environment for visitors of all ages.

“Together, these enhancements transform the depot park into a flexible, safe, and engaging destination—one that honors its historic roots while energizing the community for years to come,” said Iffrig.

With Buda City Council approval in March, a phased activation approach may allow portions of the plaza to open as early as December 2026, positioning the depot as a new cornerstone of holiday commerce and community engagement. Work on the roof and other interior projects is underway, with full renovation and site improvements expected to be completed in early 2027.