A capacity crowd filled the City of Katy’s new visitors center on May 21 for the building’s grand opening and ribbon cutting. The building at 5718 Second Street on Katy’s downtown square is “more than just a visitors center -- this space is a tribute to Katy’s heritage, thriving local businesses, vibrant events, and beautiful parks — all located in our cherished Historic Town Square,” city representatives said in a subsequent statement on Facebook. “We're excited for the role the Visitors Center will play in drawing more people to Downtown Katy, boosting foot traffic, and supporting our incredible local shops and businesses.”

The renovation of the city-owned property, which was delayed during the COVID 19 pandemic, was funded through hotel occupancy tax dollars, officials said. Planners worked with the Katy Heritage Society to create the displays honoring the city’s history and rich agricultural heritage. A 136” interactive touch screen enables residents and visitors to drill down and zoom in on information on how to live, work and play in Katy. The screen also features a map, along with information about upcoming events and area schools. The updated center also has a kids’ zone depicting the area’s industries of rice farming, oil and gas and the railroad.

City Administrator Byron Hebert said that the project was originally envisioned by then-mayor Doyle Callander in 2003. “We need to do something with downtown or lose it,” Callander said according to Hebert.

The building has a long history, city officials said, serving at various times as a fire station, library, tax assessor’s office and providing office space for Keep Katy Beautiful and the parks and recreation department.

After the ceremony, participants met at the Katy Civic Center, 910 Avenue C, for light refreshments and a chance to connect with community leaders and neighbors.

The center welcomed its very first visitors on May 22 — Carolyn Flack (age 4) and Remi Everett (age 5), who stopped in with their moms right after celebrating their preschool graduation, the City of Katy said on its Facebook page the following day.

The visitors center will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.