Castroville's Development Ordinance is its DNA. The development codes define how future growth looks, feels, and functions for generations to come in Castroville.

Past generations created a strong community design, a strong identity through the built environment, and a strong culture. It's up to the community today to ensure that the growth of tomorrow will sustain the Castroville everyone knows and loves.

The vision documents guiding Castroville are the Master Plan (2009) and Vision Plan (2016).

It's time to revisit these visions and plans, to ensure that the current trends and changes are addressed and that the Castroville community remains aligned with the goals and path forward.

Over time, additions to various parts of the development code, subdivision code, and preservation policies have created inconsistencies that render it difficult to interpret which codes govern in some circumstances. By integrating all the components cohesively, Castroville residents will have more assurance that future growth will look, feel, and function as intended.

Small area plans are best when it comes to addressing the nuances in a neighborhood. Historic downtown Castroville deserves the focus of a small area plan to delve into its potential to be an inspiring, welcoming place for all stakeholders in Castroville.

In 2022, the City of Castroville hosted a series of lectures on town planning, development, and design. This was called the "Castroville Journey Series" and provided background on Castroville's social, physical, and economic development since its founding. By hearing from recognized experts on planning, architecture, historic preservation, and community development, attendees discovered a framework in which to understand current challenges and opportunities that Castroville is facing.

While experiencing development pressures and rapid growth like other cities in the region, Castroville is unique. There is an opportunity to "grow as Castroville" by preserving and celebrating the city's heritage while thoughtfully and creatively rising to the challenge of laying the groundwork for what future development will look like. Growth is unstoppable in today's context, and that can be exciting rather than daunting. It's up to the community to prepare and plan for what's coming next, so that Castroville's unique charm is preserved and even enhanced for future residents.

Journey Series Part I

Steven J. Oubre, AIA is an architect with over 40 years of experience planning and building small communities throughout the Gulf Coast. He is a self-proclaimed "village planner" rather than city planner, and thus brings expertise relating to small towns and communities. He explains how small-scale, walkable streets and block patterns serve cities like Castroville well.

Journey Series Part II

Kathryn O'Rourke is a Professor of Architectural History at Trinity University. She applauds Castroville for its interest in preserving its valuable history and legacy. She details Castroville's opportunity to continue its emphasis on craftsmanship and traditional community design responsive to the local "vernacular" context.

Journey Series Part III

Vincent L. Micheal, PhD is Executive Director of the San Antonio Conservation Society. He discusses community character and historic districts using Texas and other U.S. examples, emphasizing that historic preservation is a worthwhile community endeavor in itself and that it can even help communities prepare for the future.

Journey Series Part IV

R. John Anderson of ULI San Antonio is a small-scale real estate developer who focuses on building the "missing middle" for housing and neighborhoods. Community-focused walkable neighborhoods like Castroville's downtown and nearby areas offer a unique sense of place and provide the backdrop for close-knit connections.

The Castroville Building Block Project is led by SimpleCity Design. Learn more about their work at simplecity.design