Can Dunbar Neighborhood be a Cultural District?

A group is interested in turning San Marcos’ Dunbar neighborhood, a historically black area, into an official cultural district. Texas State University assistant professor Shetay Ashford is leading the effort to obtain official state cultural district designation for the area, which would be bound by MLK Drive/LBJ Drive, Mitchell Street, Centre Street, North Endicott Street and Dunbar Park.

The proposed district would contain the Calaboose African American history Museum, Eddie Durham Jazz Park, Cephas House, Dunbar School and several historically black churches. The neighborhood is an already designated historic district.

The San Marcos City Council must approve a resolution or offer letters of support. Ashford can then apply to the Texas Commission on the Arts for cultural district designation. The application needs to include a budget outline and a plan for visitor attraction.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter