Three Downtown Paris Businesses Nominated for Texas Downtown Association President's Awards

The Main Street Advisory Board of Paris, Texas, nominated three downtown businesses for the Texas Downtown Association President's Awards in 2026, as reported by The Paris News in August. The nominations represent the first multi-business nomination from Paris in recent years and reflect the accelerating momentum of the city's downtown revitalization.

Bird Dog Books, located at 122 Grand Avenue, was nominated for Best Commercial Interior. The independent bookstore, opened by Nancy Waldrum and her daughter Jennifer Long, was described by the Main Street Board as "a heartfelt love letter to downtown Paris, Texas, and to the simple joy of getting lost in a good book." The Paris Art Fair was nominated for Best Promotion, recognizing the annual event's role in drawing visitors to the historic commercial district. A third downtown business was also nominated, reflecting the breadth of commercial activity in the district.

Downtown Paris: A revitalization story

Paris's historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Paris Commercial Historic District, making its buildings eligible for Federal and State Historic Tax Credits. The Paris Main Street Program, recognized as a 2026 Accredited Program by both Main Street America and the Texas Main Street Program, administers facade grants and the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program to support property owners who renovate buildings in the Main Street district.

The downtown has seen steady commercial activity in 2025 and 2026. New businesses including Bird Dog Books, The Cove Seafood (at 17 2nd Street NE), and the relocated Alex's Mexican Tacos (at 36 East Hearne Street) have joined established anchors. The Paris Coffee Co. opened at 111 Lamar Avenue in 2024. Regular events including the Paris Farmers and Artisan Market at Market Square, the 903 Sunsets concert series, Late Night Shopping, and an annual Wine Fest drive foot traffic and consumer spending through the district.

What downtown health means for property values

A healthy downtown commercial district lifts property values across the surrounding neighborhoods. Downtown serves as the community's cultural and commercial anchor, attracting visitors who also patronize businesses along the broader commercial corridors. When downtown vacancy declines and new businesses open, the ripple effects extend to adjacent areas including the East Price Street corridor where 1905 E Price St is located.

The property at 1905 E Price St sits just east of the downtown core, within walking distance of the historic square and the amenities that attract new residents and businesses. As downtown Paris continues to draw investment, national recognition, and visitor traffic, the surrounding blocks become more attractive for a range of commercial uses including multi-family conversion, hospitality, flex office, and community training space.