Council approves city hall beautification

In an effort to beautify the frontage of city hall with landscaping and increase the parking area, the Willow Park City Council, at it’s meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, approved the hiring of Dorothy Witmeyer of Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (previously Pacheco Koch).

“That’s the company that did our Cross Timbers Park, so we’re very familiar with her work,” Willow Park Planning and Development Director Toni Fisher told the council.

Council voted to hire Witmeyer and her company for $88,600. This includes $72,600 for civil engineering and architectural services, along with $16,000 for the optional services of a utility plan, electrical engineering and structuring.

Funds for the project are available within those appropriated for the improvements to city hall upon its purchase earlier this year. 

Fisher said the work will include projects such as landscaping, parking and a monument sign.

So long old hall

Council voted to authorize city staff to accept bids to demolish the building at 516 Ranch House Road. It was the longtime home of city hall and city offices for decades before the move was made to the new location, 120 El Chico Tr., in January of 2023.

There had been some discussion as to what to do with the old building, but it has been declared unsuitable to be repaired without significant costs. There are numerous code violations, most notably fire and electrical.

“This is going to come as a shock to no one, but the building is in complete disrepair,” City Manager Bryan Grimes said. “By and large the building needs to be demolished.”

Grimes stressed, however, that the property on which the building sits will not be sold. Also, the parking lot connected to it is used for the park next door.

Planning and Development report

Fisher presented the council with a Planning and Development department report. Highlights included:

Projects completed within this quarter:

• Canvas of Willow Park town home community with 110 residential rental units.
• The Village of Willow Park apartment community with 58 residential rentalunits. Ownership of the complex has also recently changed.
• Sally Watkins Realty.
• Willow Park Medical Offices No. 3 and No. 4, now occupied and operated by Medical City. 

Ongoing projects:

• Glamper Camper is finishing its office building at the entrance. The RV bays are open for rental.
• The District is still under construction; estimated Spring 2024 completion. Site development plan permit has been received and reviewed, but building plans have not yet been received.
• Medical Professional Plazas No. 1 and No. 2 are awaiting required tenant commitment for financing before proceeding.
• Commercial Park is awaiting full approval from Magellan for the pipelines running through the site.
• Reserves at Trinity, Phase II is on hold until Meadow Place alignment is resolved.

Projects advancing:

• Country Hollow single-family home subdivision is to be developed by History
• Maker Homes, with an anticipated start in January 2024.
• Willow Park Baptist Church is building a bus barn, currently under production.
• District Butcher’s tenant finish-out is currently under review and awaiting The District’s completion.
• Standard Service restaurant has submitted building plans for review and is to begin construction.
• Tommy’s Boats dealership and service has submitted building plans for review and is to begin construction.
• Taco Bueno restaurant and secondary shell has submitted building plans and is to begin construction.
• National Bank of Texas (NBT) is under construction.

Next meeting

The Dec. 26 meeting was canceled. The council will meet again on Jan. 9.