Elm Avenue has always been more than just a road—it’s been a connector, a community hub and a place full of stories. Today, that energy is coming back in a big way. Once known as Waco’s “front porch,” Elm Avenue was a commercial center connecting the city across the Brazos River. Lined with grocers, Black-owned businesses, streetcars and even a college, this stretch of East Waco was full of life, pride and purpose in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Though the decades brought challenges, including floods, economic shifts and infrastructure changes, the spirit of East Waco never disappeared. Now, with major revitalization efforts, community events and beloved traditions returning, that legacy is coming back into full view.

This summer and fall, East Waco isn’t just remembering its history; it’s making new headlines. From the Waco Downtown Farmers Market crossing the river to the return of Art on Elm, here’s why all eyes are on East Waco again.

Elm Avenue Through the Years

Stretching the banks of the Brazos River to the Dallas Highway (now Hillsboro Drive), East Waco established itself as a vibrant hub after the City of Waco was founded 25 years prior. Serving as a commercial hotspot, Elm Avenue hosted a variety of businesses, including groceries, law offices, blacksmith stores, drug stores, meat markets and saloons at the end of the 1800s. The arrival of Paul Quinn College in 1881 at Elm Avenue and Garrison Street only intensified the livelihood of the region.

Elm Avenue’s bustle surged to new heights in the early 1900s when the railroad made its way between Waco and Dallas, crossing tracks along the Brazos River on a bridge splitting the Washington Avenue Bridge and the Suspension Bridge.

As the commercial activity continued to grow on Elm, challenges came when floods from the Brazos River submerged the neighborhood on many occasions, with the most notable floods being those of 1885, 1913 and 1936. Due to its low elevation, its susceptibility to flooding was nearly inevitable until the construction of the more recent Lake Whitney Dam and Lake Waco Dam. Amidst these challenges, the neighborhood continued to flourish until the mid-twentieth century with the closure of Paul Quinn College. Many urban areas struggled in the 1970s and 1980s, and Elm did not avoid a similar downturn. However, some businesses persevered and are still operating today, including Marilyn’s Gift Gallery, opened by Marilyn Banks in 1989.

‘Front Porch’ as a Fixer Upper

With the decline of business in the area, East Waco saw years of abandonment. Talks of the future of East Waco resurfaced in the 1990s and early 2000s, with Elm Avenue’s inclusion in the Public Improvement District No. 1 (PID No. 1) marking a turning point for the area. As part of the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project, a major streetscape project began in 2020 to transform the street, eventually bringing in new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping by 2024.

Along with a major street facelift, the addition of the Bridge Street Plaza has both preserved the heritage of the community and re-established it as a vibrant neighborhood. Bridge Street Plaza is a gathering place for the community where events such as the Wednesday Waco Downtown Farmers Market, Levitt AMP Music Series and art fairs happen. New hotels along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, like the Cambria Hotel Waco University Riverfront and EVEN Hotel, have also helped make East Waco’s resurgence possible.

Art on Elm

Downtown Waco invites you to see this transformation for yourself at the annual Art on Elm event! It isn’t just an art festival—it’s a full celebration of East Waco’s creative spirit. Every fall, Elm Avenue transforms into an open-air gallery lined with local artwork, handmade goods, food trucks, live music and community pride. This beloved event invites visitors to walk the historic street, connect with artists and experience the unique energy of East Waco.

What makes Art on Elm special is more than what’s hanging in the booths; it’s the story behind the street. Hosting a vibrant art festival on a road once known for its streetcars and saloons is a powerful symbol of East Waco’s renewal. It brings together longtime residents, local entrepreneurs and new visitors in one collective celebration of creativity and community.

Whether you’re there to buy art, hear music or simply feel inspired, Art on Elm is a reminder that East Waco isn’t just coming back, it’s leading with vibrancy, culture and heart. This year, the event will be held along Elm Avenue and The Bridge Street Plaza in conjunction with the Waco Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday, September 20, 2025. We cannot wait to see you there!

What to Do in East Waco

East Waco isn’t just steeped in history, it’s actively shaping Waco’s future with fresh spaces, inspired flavors and places to gather. Whether you’re here for the Farmers Market or Art on Elm, make time to explore a few of the neighborhood’s can’t-miss spots:

Brotherwell Brewing: Enjoy chill brews, food trucks and a relaxed beer garden vibe. It’s the perfect spot for sunny afternoons and local events including Yoga in The Garden, Music Bingo and Trivia!

East Waco Library: With regular family programming, free resources and a focus on community education, the library is one of the neighborhood’s most valuable (and welcoming) assets.

Street Dog Cafe: As a bakery and coffee shop, Street Dog Cafe is the ideal place to study, catch up with friends or even enjoy a quick bite with your four-legged friend!

Revival Eastside Eatery: Having a name that nods to the neighborhood’s resurgence as the former site of the Waco Community Baptist Church, Revival serves up house-made salads, sandwiches and burgers all in a bright, welcoming space.

With fresh energy, beloved events and local spots worth exploring, this neighborhood is writing its next chapter. Come see what’s happening on Elm Avenue, and be part of the story!