Downtown Sherman Preservation and Revitalization (DSP&R) is a non-profit, Board administered organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the central business district. Specifically, the corporation will:

Preserve the architectural character of the neighborhood and implement forward edge urban design principles, acting as a planning agent to develop public/private partnerships for neighborhood improvements;

Market the downtown neighborhood, its activities, resources, and amenities to the residents of Sherman, the surrounding area, business leaders, and the development community at large;

Develop the economy of the neighborhood by supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses, and

Program events downtown, including events for visitors and guests as well as professional development programs and public service programs.

The organization is run entirely by volunteer efforts and membership dues and doesn’t currently receive any financial contributions from the municipal budget. The DSP&R board of directors meets the first Monday of every month at 12:00 noon at Kelly Square. Meetings are open to all interested parties. The board of directors for 2011-2012 is:

David Baca, President
David Baca Architecture Studio

Robert Minshew, Vice President and Permanent Agent
Kennedy and Minshew Attorneys

Jared Tredway, Secretary
David Baca Studio

Ed Burkett, Treasurer
Knight Furniture

Ruth E. N. Cox, Membership
Bella Fontana Spa

John Arriazola
Lupe’s World Famous Tamales

Ivert Mayhugh
Touch of Class Antiques

Dr. Thomas W. Nuckols
Professor Emeritus, Austin College

Jenel McGrath
Jenel McGrath Realtors

Clay Barnett
Ex Officio, City of Sherman

Eddie Brown
Ex Officio, Sherman Chamber

Frank Gadek
Ex Officio, SEDCO

There are a variety of membership levels, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer positions available within the organization. Our past accomplishments have included:

Acting as the receiver of various downtown properties to facilitate their renovation and return to active
use. This work has included getting the old post office donated to us so we could in turn, donate it to the
City for the new city offices and council chambers.

Secured Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement with City, so a portion of the increase in downtown
property taxes has to be used to improve downtown.

Purchase downtown banners.

Implementation of the downtown Christmas Light Program.

Secured zoning approval from the City for downtown apartments.

Secured tax abatement program from City for downtown development.

Maintenance of downtown landscape.

Sponsor of major public events such as Hot Summer Nights, Western Heritage Festival, Jazz on July 3,
Sherman Christmas Parade, Snowflake Festival, etc.

Grant administration for the Kidd Key Auditorium Renovation Project.

For information about our organization:

DSP&R
PO Box 2054
Sherman, TX
75092-2054

To download the latest version of our membership packet in .pdf format, click here.
Please visit our planning page to find out about our current initiatives.