This past Friday marked a proud and meaningful milestone for Aggieland — and for all of us at ESE Partners.
Under the leadership of Reign Clark, our Principal Investigator, ESE Partners played a pivotal role in securing two historic designations for the beloved Dixie Chicken in College Station, Texas. This iconic establishment — a cultural cornerstone of the Texas A&M University community since 1974 — is now officially recognized as both:
🏛️ A Historic Site by the City of College Station
🏅 A Texas Treasured Business by the Texas House of Representatives
These honors weren’t handed out lightly. In the face of proposed redevelopment in the North Gate district — including plans for another high-rise apartment building — the local community rallied to protect what makes the area so special. At the center of this effort was the Dixie Chicken, a gathering place steeped in tradition and memory for generations of Aggies.
When city and community leaders sought expert guidance in achieving historic preservation, they turned to ESE Partners. Reign Clark and our team worked diligently to conduct cultural resource assessments, coordinate with city officials and the Texas Historical Commission, and navigate the complex requirements for both local and state designation.
We’re also excited to announce that the Texas Historical Commission is reviewing our application for the Registered State Historic Landmark designation for the Chicken.
A Celebration to Remember
To commemorate this achievement, the Dixie Chicken hosted a celebration this past Friday at 4 PM. The event was filled with community pride, shared stories, and a sense of legacy.
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Mayor John Nichols of College Station presented the official Historic Marker Plaque
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Representative Paul Dyson awarded the Texas Treasured Business designation
The crowd — filled with alumni, students, city leaders, and longtime patrons — raised their glasses not just to the Chicken’s past, but to its future.
We’re honored to have been part of this effort to protect a living piece of Texas heritage. At ESE Partners, we believe environmental and cultural stewardship go hand in hand. Our work is about more than permits and paperwork — it’s about preserving the places that give our communities their character.
Congratulations to the Dixie Chicken and to everyone who made this moment possible. Here’s to another 50 years of stories, laughter, and tradition at North Gate.
#DixieChicken #HistoricPreservation #TexasTreasuredBusiness #ESEPartners #CollegeStation #Aggieland #EnvironmentalConsulting #CulturalHeritage #ReignClark #NorthGate #TexasA&M #PreserveTexas
Gig’em!!! 👍
