San Marcos’ Creek District must alter for the times. Ten years ago, it was planned as being a mixed-use urban center with a million square feet of retail. However, the recession had other plans for the city’s urban core and today it can only support around 200,000 of that.

Now the city is revising its plan to include larger residential space for 2,300 housing units while also reducing office space from 600,000 square feet down to just 50,000 square feet. According to KPBS, Creek District Oversight Committee Chair Steve Kildoo hopes the plan will create a dynamic urban environment.

plans for downtown Creek District

“We envision people coming here just to spend time … coffee shops, restaurants, interesting retail, arts and crafts, lot of parks, walking along the creek that would make people want to spend time here, and we really thought this was exciting. We don’t want to lose all that.”

Because the area is prone to flooding, about $30 million will be needed to install a major culvert to divert water. Some residents have also expressed concerns regarding traffic and crime, due to the higher density affordable housing. 

A new plan for Creek District will be adopted by San Marcos City Council next year.