This Texarkana Attraction Just Made ‘Great Places in Texas’ for 2023

How wonderful is this? Texarkana has been making some major improvements and renovations in our downtown area for a few years now and it is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

The attraction is none other than Texarkana's unique and beautiful Federal Courthouse and Post Office. It was awarded the prestigious American Planning Association ‘Great Place in Texas’ for 2023 at the award ceremony in Austin back on March 26.

This award was given for its recognition of its historic significance and its unique charm. If you are a local then you know all the visitors that come to town and love getting their photo taken in two states in front of the only Courthouse in the country that straddles two states.

For the Courthouse Square to be eligible for this prestigious award, several criteria had to be met.

According to a press release from the City of Texarkana Texas,

 It should enhance the quality of life in the community, incorporate and preserve natural systems, serve as a central hub for community engagement and economic activity, cater to a diverse population, promote community health, serve as a regional focal point, and demonstrate a broad spectrum of participation and community involvement in event planning and hosting.

The courthouse was built in 1931 and it is the second most photographed federal courthouse in the United States. It's in great company as it is only second to the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

Over the past few years, there were infrastructure and rehabilitation projects and growing pains but it all transformed and celebrated the beauty of the Texarkana Courthouse Square.

It has always been a popular spot for photos and now it's the hub for community events and economic activity. Celebrations at the Courthouse Square throughout the year include Oktoberfest, Dine on the Line, Health Fair on the Line, Juneteenth Celebration and Parade, Texarkana Farmers Market, and Food Truck Fridays are just a few events that have made the square the centerpiece of Texarkana.

When the revitalization of the area started back in 2021 we knew it was to help with pedestrian and vehicle safety, beautifying the area and preserving history. But it has become so much more for the city. Plus the enhancement of the area all around the courthouse. From the widened sidewalks and going back to the original brick streets to the tourist kiosk, added green space and an area for food trucks.

How did this all begin? With a simple question, the original Strategic Doing question for the Courthouse Square Project was

What would it look like if the Texarkana Federal Courthouse & Post Office was an award-winning public space?

It's amazing how that one little question sparked the imagination of so many to envision the area to honor Texarkana's history and at the same time be a hub and a kick-start for more economic and social revitalization downtown.

Funding for the project at $1,442,407, came from several sources including the cities of Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana Arkansas working together, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, the Patterson Troike Foundation, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. There was also the unique cooperation that needed to take place between regional, state, and federal entities which was a major part of the success of this revitalization project.

It did kick-start a trend that so many locals in Texarkana had been hoping for years. To renovate our downtown, bring back its beauty and celebrate its history. Just think of all the other renovations going on in downtown. There is Texarkana National Bank and the Hotel Grim. Plus, all the great new businesses popping up downtown along with restaurants and clubs.

It's safe to say that The Courthouse Square was and is a key force in revitalizing downtown Texarkana making this award even sweeter.

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