Argyle is taking another step toward creating a downtown-style Town Center, with town leaders negotiating agreements that would allow construction of a new Main Street designed to become the heart of the community.
The Town Council discussed the project during its June meeting, where Town Manager Mike Sims said the town is working with property owners on the north side of FM 407 along the east side of Hwy 377 to secure easement agreements for the proposed roadway.
If approved, the town would maintain the brick-paved street, which would remain open to vehicle traffic but could be temporarily closed for community events such as the Argyle Farmers Market, holiday celebrations and parades.
“That might be what’s most important in the long term,” Council Member Chad Boyd said of the town’s ability to use the street for public events.
Plans call for Main Street to prioritize walkability while also accommodating vehicles. The town would have the ability to install traffic-control measures, including stop signs and traffic signals, if needed.
“If we get this right, people won’t simply visit Main Street to run errands—they’ll come here to make memories,” said Lynn Seeden, CEO of the Argyle Business Association. “I envision a timeless place that honors Argyle’s 1881 railroad heritage while becoming the community gathering place that future generations will proudly call the heart of our Town.”
The project is part of Argyle’s larger Town Center District, a long-term vision that includes a walkable retail district, a new Town Hall and police station on the south side of FM 407, and a connection to the planned Argyle Marketplace development.
Additional features include the future Argyle Nature Trail, expanded dining options and preserved green space. Town officials say the district will build on the area’s growing restaurant scene, which is expected to include Hurtado Barbecue when it opens this winter.
“Picture an old-fashioned Main Street that looks like it is straight out of 1881. Picture wide sidewalks with bistro tables and people dining and having coffee together, lights in the trees, shoppers, lingering from store to store. Picture several great dining choices from first-class everyday eateries to special-occasion dining. Picture a cheese shop, a bookstore, a jewelry store, a family owned boots company, clothing boutiques, toy store, bakery … all the types of shops that make up the classic Americana main street,” said Seeden. “This will be the place to linger, to meet clients for lunch, to go out for dinner, to catch a movie at a small theater, to have a Christmas parade, a car show … the place to be proud of and make memories as a community.”
Sims said the town hopes to bring an easement agreement before the council for consideration as early as August.
