A handful of true believers are collaborating on a Center Point renaissance. The rebirth focuses on art, dining and shopping, a daytrip destination centered along FM 480, Center Point’s main street. Property owners Joey Story and Kim and James Oliver are dedicated to preserving historic buildings in the downtown area that once was the true center point between Kerrville, Comfort, Fredericksburg and Bandera.
Story and her late husband, Ed, were the visionaries that brought the Zanzenberg Tavern to life in this small, unincorporated town. At the other end of the block, the Olivers have rehabbed two buildings that house Central Provisions, Wild Magnolia Salon and The Cookie Jar, all women-owned businesses. Kim Oliver said a tight group of landowners and merchants meet at least monthly to talk about promoting “our little town.
” Because Center Point is a small town, population about 4,200, Oliver believes it’s easier to get things done. “We all know each other, and we’re completely aligned in our vision for the future,” she said. “There’s no rivalry, co competition.
We all want what’s best for Center Point." Edward Rodwell and his partner, Anthony Mariano, agree that it’s a group effort. They are working with Joey Story on other projects besides the fine dining Zanzenberg Tavern.
There’s the Shavano Event Center, Hex House B&B and Café Josephine, a soon-to-open luncheonette in the old Guadalupe Valley Bank building. Further down FM 480, Story’s daughter.
