Finalists for the 2024 Texas Downtown’s President’s Awards Program have been announced. For over 30 years the awards program has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns.
The Old Wettermark Building/ Roma’s Italian Kitchen has been selected as a finalist for Best Renovation/ Restoration/ Rehabilitation. The building at 124 E. Main in Nacogdoches was originally purchased and built to be a branch of the Wettermark State Bank. The plot was purchased in 1896, and the building was designed by Diedrich Rulfs. The bank was successful for several years, but after the cotton market crashed, Ben S. Wettermark, former mayor and prominent businessman, stole the contents within the bank and fled to South America. Over the next century, this building was home to multiple businesses including barber shops, a pool hall, and drug stores. In 2022, the building underwent a major renovation to become a restaurant with apartments on the second floor. Now, the new Roma’s Italian Kitchen is a bustling restaurant that has quickly become a go-to spot for dinner or happy hour.
Texas Downtown was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses and individuals.
We are so happy to be recognized as one of three finalists for the 2024 Texas Downtown’s Presidents Award Program”, said Kim Crisp, owner of the building. “Our family has had a long legacy of living in Nacogdoches Texas, and we believe that each renovation helps breathe life back into our beautiful downtown main street and ensures future success for businesses located there.
Over one hundred entries were submitted in several categories from communities across the state. Categories include: Best Commercial Interior, Best Renovation/ Rehabilitation/ Restoration, Best New Construction, Best Public Improvement, Best Promotion, Best Downtown Business, Best Downtown Partner, Best Economic Game Changer, and Resiliency Award.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 29th at the Awards Gala, in conjunction with the 2024 Texas Downtown Conference in Abilene, TX.
As a finalist, The Old Wettermark Bank Building/ Roma’s Italian Kitchen is eligible to win the People’s Choice award as well. The People’s Choice Awards allows the public to vote on their favorite downtown project, organization and small business in Texas. 2024 People’s Choice Awards voting will be open through 5 p.m. Friday, October 4 in Texas Downtown’s Facebook photo album that will be pinned to the top of the page.
For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Annual Conference, or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit
https://texasdowntown.org/programs/presidents-awards
For more information contact:
Tori Huddleston
City of Nacogdoches
Main Street Program
huddlestont@nactx.us
