Cactus Hotel set for revival with TIRZ support

Thursday, March 7, 2024

In a recent gathering of the San Angelo City Council, members deliberated once more on the renovation of the Cactus Hotel’s awnings, a discussion that reignited after a previous attempt for funding approval did not pass in early February.

The renovation, along with five other projects, was initially set aside due to concerns regarding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior Guidelines for Historic Properties. This was not the project’s first encounter with delay; it faced obstacles in 2021 and 2022 but managed to gain traction in 2023 when its application received top marks based on the prevailing criteria.

The proposal for the hotel’s facelift has consistently sought $75,000 in funding from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to replace the existing fabric awnings with metal ones of the same color, alongside enhancements to the facade and modifications to ensure accessibility compliance. Aaron Vannoy, the assistant director of the City’s Planning & Development Services Department, emphasized the functional and aesthetic value of the new awnings compared to the old ones that had deteriorated over time.

In a compelling turn, Vannoy presented historical photographs from 1929 and 1984, authenticated by the Texas Historical Commission and Angelo State University, showing the hotel with and without awnings. These images provided substantial evidence of the awnings’ historical accuracy and justified their replacement.

Councilman Harry Thomas, representing the district encompassing the hotel, fervently moved to approve the funding, highlighting his extensive review of the project’s documentation and expressing his reluctance to delay the renovations further. His motion found support from Councilman Tom Thompson, setting the stage for a favorable outcome.

However, the council’s discussion was not without contention. Zane White, a local advocate for the hotel’s preservation, criticized the Planning & Development Services Department for alleged mismanagement and corruption related to the project over the years. Despite White’s accusations, the council ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the funding, paving the way for the iconic Cactus Hotel to receive its long-awaited renovations.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the effort to preserve and enhance one of San Angelo’s historical landmarks, promising to breathe new life into the building while honoring its rich past.

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