On Friday, October 18, City Commissioner David “Chachi” Jones and members of the Rio Grande City Main Street Advisory Board unveiled the sign located in front of the historic Lopez-Tijerina Courtyard wall, one of ten such signs located in and around the downtown area directing visitors to key locations in the historic downtown business district. The self-guided walking tour project features ten 12” x 18” signs which explain the history and architecture of each respective location.
“We are excited about this new addition, as it compliments our already existing Bessie III Trolley Tour,” said David “Chachi” Jones, Rio Grande City Commissioner. “This allows us to welcome our visitors anytime of the day to our historic downtown.”
The historic downtown buildings included in the walking tour are: the Kelsey Bass Museum, Lopez-Tijerina Courtyard, Solis Lacaze Home, Samuel J. Stewart Building, Silverio de la Peña Building, Juan Garcia Peña Building, La Borde House, Block Home, Villarreal-Scott House, and the Reynaga-Headley-Edgerton Home.
Additionally, each sign has a corresponding QR Code that directs viewers to a webpage with an embedded audio file highlighting the history of the site. Interested persons only need to download a QR Code reader to their smartphone and scan the code to view the corresponding webpage with audio file.
The next phase of the project will include a guide available for download on the City’s website, cityofrgc.com as well as printed rack cards at the Rio Grande City Main Street Office and the Kelsey Bass Museum.
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program provides many opportunities to get involved in downtown revitalization efforts. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit the Main Street office at 406. E. Main Street or call (956) 488-0047.