Bloomin’ in Bell: Belton

MK&T Depot among old places getting new life and attracting residents

By RHONDA BLACKLOCK-BAVAS | Photos by SKEEBO and courtesy of the BELTON CHAMBER

Belton, or B-Town, as my friends and I fondly called it in the ’90s, has a rich history, a blooming present and a bright future. Growing up in a small town, I didn’t see the beauty of it. At the time there didn’t seem to be a lot for us to do.

Boy, was I wrong! Over the last 20 years I’ve watched Belton grow into so much more. It’s now a place where people want to live, stay and play. Belton is full steam ahead with new businesses and attractions opening all over the place.

On occasion I have ventured downtown to visit McWha’s for a book to add to my shelf, to Arusha’s for coffee, to shop at Cochran Blair and Potts or to see a movie at the Beltonian. As a testament to my fondness for my home…I was even recently married at Yettie Polk Park!

These places are staples of Belton, but so many more have opened and are on the way. Most recently, the old MK&T train depot has had life breathed back into it through the efforts of Gunter Development.

But, to pardon the pun, I’m getting too far down the tracks. Let’s first take a few steps next door to the Gunter Building, 204 N. Penelope St., where much of this vision originated.

“After serving in the Navy, and living all throughout the world, we ended up moving to Central Texas! We contacted several recruiters and said ‘anywhere in Texas.’ Fortunately, we were recruited by Luke Potts. He and his wife, Kayla, were a wealth of information and welcomed us. The community and people here are what make it so special! We love it here and think that it’s a hidden gem!”
—Dayspring Fowler, Fowler Communications

In a recent interview, Matt Gunter of Gunter Development shared a historical recap and his company’s vision for the Gunter Building and the MK&T Depot.

Though the exact date of the Gunter Building’s origins is uncertain, the early 1920s is his best guess. The building has had many occupants, most notably, a Greyhound Bus station.

During World War II, soldiers from all over the country would ride the train in, get off at the MK & T, walk over to the bus station, and purchase a ticket at the counter, which is now the La Luncheonette restaurant. They would then ride a bus over to Camp Hood. I like to imagine all the lives that once bustled along this area of town. Since that time, a grocery store took up residence, as well as Ford and Chevrolet car dealerships. This area was also once home of Peacock Archery.

Gunter shared that his family had its eye on the building for a while and in early 2017, they got their chance to purchase it.

During six months of planning, their vision came into focus. They knew that they wanted a common area and a food spot. The ideas evolved and changed from there. The building was completed in April 2019, and the spaces have been fully occupied since day one. The original occupants included: La Luncheonette, Green Jay Chiropractic, Mind Your Wellness, Tapestry Community Church (offices), and Dr. Kathleen Lester, with Haut Institute of Esthetics and Temple Technology Services moving in later.

The Gunther Building is so much more than the sum of these parts. One of the building’s more striking visual aspects comes into view as soon as you walk in the front door. The main hallway has been transformed into a gallery for local artists. The pieces are for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists.

A popular building with thriving tenants leads to a “good problem” … the Gunter Building needed more parking. When Miller’s Smokehouse moved to Central Avenue the Gunters thought they had a readymade solution for their problem. Gunter Development purchased the space but were then approached by Bold Republic which wanted to lease the space for a new brewery. Nolan Creek Brewery has since taken over space and is continuing the tradition of great craft beer, food and entertainment.

Now, let’s get back to the train depot and the magical redevelopment that has been undertaken. When Joe Wells, owner of Bargain Barn and the railroad depot decided to retire, a group of local investors including Luke Potts, Terry Potts, Ryan Hodge and Matt Gunter stepped up to purchase the building. These men have given Belton something to be proud of, and a place for the community, as well as tourists, a place to visit and enjoy.

With all the exciting events Belton puts on during the year, the MK&T Depot only adds to the fun. It offers a unique experience with several different businesses, where one can dine or have a few drinks, maybe sing karaoke, or take the kids for cookies while enjoying a cup of coffee.

The newly renovated train station takes you back to yesteryear. Local restaurateurs Jay and Christi Williams own and operate The Railway Express Diner. My husband and I recently enjoyed a meal as their guests.

The unique character of the Railway Express Diner flows throughout the restaurant, including the tables, which are all handcrafted by Jay. The old train ticket window gives a view into to the kitchen and the original hardwood floors remain.

Jay wants the diner to be “a place where people can come eat and leave happy.” The idea was to bring back old-fashioned food and a great dining experience. And that is exactly how we felt while dining on the Fuelman’s Favorite and Hobo Burger.

The Railway Express Diner is just the beginning of the options at the MK&T Depot. Off the Rails Wine Bar is a charming and refreshing establishment that filled my soul with joy.

Soft jazz touched my ears as we were greeted by owner Judy Garrett, who also serves as the director of marketing and tourism sales for the Belton Chamber of Commerce. For the past 20 years, she has worked to bring in businesses and build up this beautiful town. She now has achieved her dream of owning a wine bar. The selection of wine and beer will satisfy, and if you feel the urge… there is a karaoke stage tastefully set on a 1899 freight scale.

Sly Fox Coffee and Warm Cookie Company offer sweet and aromatic experiences for all to enjoy. These establishments are situated next to an outdoor seating area that is perfect for any group. The next time you are looking for a date night or girls’ night, or even a family night, MK&T Depot is the place to go.
So what’s next? The Katy Building, next to the depot, is set to open this summer, as is Pizza Pie-ros, Blackbirds Books and Spirits, a creperie, a soup and sandwich shop and more.

The future of Belton is full steam ahead.

“Bell County is home. I graduated from Belton High School, started my family, and began my career as an attorney — all here in Bell
County. Here, we have a community with a heart for service. This is very important to me as a mother, and as a director on the board of Foster Love and CASA of Bell and Coryell counties. My hope is that the next generation will prosper here, just as I have. ”
— Ashley Clapper, Attorney