Ask anyone what initially drew them to Celina; nine times out of ten, the answer is the people and the feeling of community you get when shopping, dining, or attending an event on the square in Downtown Celina. Current residents and visitors to Celina are blessed with the foresight of the community founders, who established a rich historical legacy of farming families who raised wheat, cotton, corn, and livestock dating back to its founding in 1879.
Anthony Satarino, Executive Director of Celina’s Economic Development Corporation, shares, “In recent years, Downtown Celina has experienced significant revitalization, fueled by new development projects that have spurred the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. The influx of new residents has created an increased demand for services, driving the expansion of retail and service-oriented businesses.”
Lined with a mix of historic and new buildings, “The Square” is a central gathering place and entertainment hub for Celina residents and visitors alike. The Celina Main Street Committee admits that “Downtown Celina has a unique charm that is hard to find.” With numerous boutiques and shops, restaurants, coffee shops, wine-tasting rooms, and a thriving entertainment district, Downtown Celina offers something for everyone.
“As Celina grows, Downtown is evolving as a vibrant community that combines its small-town charm with up-to-date amenities, drawing both residents and visitors.” Anthony Satarino continues, “The future looks promising, with continued infrastructure improvements, community events, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem ensuring Downtown’s continued success in the years to come.”
However, it is a sense of community that draws residents, new and old, to Celina. Being known for its tight-knit community, neighbors genuinely feel like family. It is common to run into your friends, acquaintances, and community leaders at the numerous parades, festivals, and holiday celebrations hosted throughout the year on the Square.
Rachel Baty, owner of Annie and Jack Lifestyle Boutique, shared, “In 2010, we moved back to Texas and fell in love with Celina. We were home! I got busy getting involved and volunteering. I remember setting out cones for the Friday Night Market when I started thinking what a jewel the Downtown square was and how wonderful it would be to own a business Downtown. Celina’s history, people, stories, and community stirs my soul. Opening Annie Jack in 2016 on the Square was a dream come true. Relocating and restoring one of Celina’s original 1912 buildings was an investment of the heart.” When you visit Annie and Jack to shop for fashion, home goods, and gifts, take the time to stop by the Espresso bar, get a drink, and linger in the outside courtyard.
Traci and Andrew Miller, owners of Terramania, a Boutique Inspired by Nature, opened their store on Pecan Street in 2022 because they wanted to “be in a community where they could be connected and connect with others. " Now, you are invited to join your friends and the community at workshops, tastings, and special events that feature the unique styling of this special store.
Natalie and Ryan Imhoff, owners of Celina’s Buff City Soap, opened in 2020 after remodeling a historic building on the south side of the square. They are passionate about bringing the community together and regularly host Birthday Parties, Ladies' nights, Bath Bomb Parties, Soap-Making Classes, Fundraisers, School Spirit Nights, Business Meetings, and community Festivals in their Celina Store.
Apricot Lane Boutique owner, Jennifer Nairn, who opened her second store in Celina, says, “The community and the mission of Apricot Lane Boutique in Celina are well aligned. We both want to offer each customer an experience that will be enjoyed and long remembered, making us your favorite place to shop.”
In 2019, Toasted Walnut Table and Market opened its doors on the square, offering a unique dining environment and food made with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant has grown and changed but remains a staple in the community. Audrea Weimer, co-owner with Amy Hager, explained how businesses in the Downtown area collectively support the community through the schools and various charities and have aided residents who have experienced floods, fires, and tornados. As much as they want to grow a successful business, they are also committed to giving back to the community.
Audrea shared, “Our companies are in these old buildings we have lovingly restored. We are caretakers of our community's history. Today’s businesses, shops, and restaurants are the future of this community. When our kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids experience the Celina of the future, we want them to know we have invested well and nurtured Celina's spirit through this explosive season of growth.”
It takes a little more effort to shop and support the businesses in Downtown Celina. Parking is challenging for now; one-way streets and road construction can make it hard to navigate, but when you step into one of its Downtown businesses, you support the community's heart and soul. Celina is fortunate to have so many small business people invested in the community who support the vision of its citizens for the future. While Celina cannot stay a small farming town forever, in this one section, the Downtown corridor and square can continue to be that taste of both the past and the future.
The Texas Historical Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated the City of Celina an official Main Street City in 1997. For 20 years, Historic Downtown Square has remained the city's heart. Anthony Saratino explains what makes this community unique, “Downtown Celina has long been a hub of innovation and creativity, where the visions of entrepreneurs have transformed into cherished local institutions that meet the community's needs. Celina’s founders recognized the value of a central square, leaving behind a unique testament to their foresight and vision.”
Anthony goes on to say, “Beyond its physical charm, Downtown Celina’s success is also fueled by the city's leadership, whose commitment to investing in its revitalization is evident in projects like the new Downtown Center and ongoing infrastructure improvements. These efforts ensure that Downtown remains the heart and soul of Celina.”
The Celina Economic Develop Corporation will launch a Summer Passport program encouraging shopping, dining, and playing in Downtown Celina with opportunities to win gift cards from Celina businesses this summer as well! Please refer to Events | Life in Celina, TX for a completed listing and event details.
Downtown Celina has long been a hub of innovation and creativity, where the visions of entrepreneurs have transformed into cherished local institutions that meet the community's needs. Celina’s founders recognized the value of a central square, leaving behind a unique testament to their foresight and vision.