Texas A&M University-Commerce’s new Science Building has recently been recognized for its architecture and design, as deemed by Commerce’s Beautification Committee.
“The Science Building we believed was a beautiful building and makes Commerce look better,” Mary Sands, chairman of the Beautification Committee, said.
Other well-known structures around Commerce that have also received include: the hyrdro-aluminum plant, Oak Meadows apartment complex and Prairie Crossing apartment complex.
The committee enjoys recognizing the University because it is such a basic part of the community. It is growing and continuing to be a staple in the Beautification Committee’s recognitions every fourh Thursday of the month.
Although the University is a point of focus in this community, its structures are not the only ones that are recognized. One residence and one business each month are given the award as well
There are no specific qualifications or guidelines that a business or home must follow to win the award. The committee judges upon different aspects, whether the area has undergone significant renovations in an attempt to become more appealing, or something as simple as following basic code enforcement.
“Basically, what we do is, we drive around and see what looks good,” Sands said. “If there are places that aren’t meeting code then we report them. The Beautification Committee is not about planting flowers, we like to encourage people to clean up.”
This basic code enforcement is what has been helping to clean up the exterior of this small college town.
Downtown is a prime example for reconstruction and growth, giving it a better chance of winning a beutification award itself.
Commerce citizens are also recognized for their enthusiasm in aesthetic appeal. One recipient was a resident of Caddo Street, who was awarded recently for their efforts to clean up and remodel their yard.
These awards are thought to help with awareness and a community pride. The Beautification Committee has been around for almost four years.
“We are all volunteers that have an interest in this community,” Sands said. “Part of it is making people aware.”
With almost no budget in years past, spreading awareness has been difficult. This year however, they have gained a modest budget and needed resources from around the community.
“We plan to build a ‘Welcome to Commerce’ sign so that people actually realize that they are here,” Sands said. “Paris has one, Cooper has one, and we have never really had a budget.”
Sands heads the committee in hopes of bringing back a little more sophistication to the town. Where there is trash or maybe a broken-down vehicle in the front yard, notice is taken Sands hopes that the committee will make a real difference in the community.