Heath, TX (August 7, 2023) – “Community Forthcoming” declares The Social Hall of Heath.
To Parker Hall this declaration is a commitment. As developer of The Social Hall of Heath, his passion comes through as he talks about Heath, the project, and what his family wants to build.
After graduating from UT, Parker had the opportunity to teach Spanish while living all over the world, including in Paris and Peru. In doing so, he fell in love with walkable cities. Eventually, he returned to Texas, where walkable cities are not common, and settled in Heath.
One day in 2021, Parker was driving past the historic farmhouse at 301 Hubbard Drive and immediately a vision for the property came into being. He saw the pedestrian walkway out front and knew at that moment this place offered more to Heath residents than its current state. “It is a transitional space evolving into its purpose.”
The Halls and many in Heath have a strong desire to retain a sense of that small-town community vibe despite the growth the city is witnessing. Parker believes The Social Hall of Heath can be a place that encourages that saying, “Life is better, and community is better when we build things with relationship in mind.”
Several years ago, the City of Heath developed a long-term plan, the Heath Towne Center Overlay District, to help manage growth by incorporating more gathering places, trails, and shade along with commercial development in a zoned area. Stacy Corn, a local realtor who runs a Facebook page, Heath Realty News, says, “I think The Social Hall plays into that. It is a unique business model, and I cannot really recall having seen this in any other community. You see businesses taking old spaces and making them relevant as restaurants or shops but not so much as a social gathering place in and of itself.”
Parker and his wife Jessica want The Social Hall of Heath to be a place for people of all ages to gather for a variety of purposes – to relax, visit, watch performances, experience book readings, poetry, and more. “This is not intended to be an event venue,” says Parker, “but more for a place to get to know others, build relationships, and connect to the community.”
With plans to include a back lawn with a stage, The Social Hall will be a multi-functional space for adults, schools, groups and organizations. Serving coffee during the day and potentially very light dinners such as charcuterie boards and wine in the evenings, the plan is to offer what is of value and desired by the community.
Developing The Social Hall of Heath is a lengthy project bringing it up to local standards while retaining the style of the old farmhouse, built in 1920. So committed to doing so, Parker has reached out to prior family members who called the place home for their input. The Halls hope to finish the project in 12 months and are anxiously awaiting the completion of a new foundation so they can move forward in earnest.
As Parker says, “This place is not home and not work – it should be more like Cheers but without the bar concept. The goal for gatherings at The Social Hall of Heath is to get to know people – so they know your name AND who you are.”
By Melanie Mayfield, Blue Ribbon News contributing writer
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