In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the City of Boerne stands out for its efforts to sustain the small-town atmosphere treasured by its residents. The Historic District Improvement Program (HDIP), which has bolstered the preservation and renovation of the historic downtown area since 2012, provides grants to fund a variety of improvement projects. The program is fueled by a yearly budget of $35,000, aiming to assist property owners with costs for important updates that include everything from exterior facelifts to foundation repairs.
Recently spotlighted by the HDIP is the restoration work on the iconic Dienger Building, a structure that has witnessed the comings and goings of Boerne since 1884. Diligence during routine checks led to the discovery of rotting wood that threatened the integrity of the building’s historical exterior, according to a statement obtained by the City of Boerne's official website. A need Tony Dacy, and his wife Lesli, who purchased the building two years ago and are passionate about preserving its legacy, quickly addressed with the help of the city's grant program.
The Dienger Building project was officially greenlit by the Historic Landmark Commission on April 2, 2024. Securing the grant necessitated navigation of the program’s criteria and approval process, something Tony Dacy and city planner Sara Varvarigos collaborated on with zeal. "We knew if we didn’t get on this it would be hard to catch up on down the road," Dacy told the City of Boerne's official website. "Sara was awesome and paved the way for us."
The Dienger Building's storied past as a general store, restaurant, and public library represents just a snippet of Boerne's rich history, now housing the Dienger Trading Company. Its architecture, hewn from native limestone and rock, stands proudly opposite Main Plaza, a testament to the generations prior that frequented its interiors. “It’s important to recognize and support the folks in our community who are preserving these historic buildings and acting as stewards of their history,” Varvarigos said, as reported by the City of Boerne's official website.
Through the HDIP and the participation of local property owners, Boerne has successfully completed multiple renovations annually over the past decade.
