A FOR RENT sign in a funky little space above what is now Live Oak Coffeehouse is what drew one family to bring a home-based photography business to Midtown in 2010.
“Some people look for a beautiful place, and others look for a place and make it beautiful and that was the beginning of it. Then, I was trying to figure out how I could make this space cute, welcoming, and inviting.” And that is exactly what Reneé Deckrow did.
After renting the space for a few years, the building went up for sale and fortunately; the Deckrows were in the position to purchase it. Now that they had the whole building, what were they going to do with it?
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Reneé DeckrowAaron and Reneé Deckrow Park Cleanup.In 2016, Reneé and her husband, Aaron Deckrow, embarked on a remarkable journey: creating a community coffeehouse. Driven by their passion for connecting people through coffee, they received numerous awards and recognition. As their success grew, they expanded their operations to a new community, discovering their love for serving an ever-increasing number of people. This love inspired them to establish Live Oak in 2019.
“Our dream continues to serve our community by caring for spaces that encourage people to pause, connect, create, and grow. Pause in gratitude; connect with friends, families, and neighbors; create the things they wish existed; art, music, business, and nonprofits, solutions to the problems that break their hearts and grow in love, purpose, and belonging,” says Reneé Deckrow, founder of Live Oak Coffeehouse and one of the driving forces behind the revitalization of Midtown in Midland.
The name "Live Oak" symbolizes not only shelter and increased property values but also the unwavering strength that comes from enduring challenges. “We have loved seeing how Live Oak’s arms have stretched out to offer shade to everyone who needs respite and have provided opportunities and hope for dreamers and doers.”
“We love this community coffeehouse and the community that helped build it. Let's keep the ripple effects of good going.”
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Live Oak is perfectly located on the corner of Ashman and UnionLocated on the corner of Ashman and Union streets, Live Oak has allowed the Deckrows to expand beyond their walls. By partnering with the Midland Area Community Foundation and the Rotary Club of Midland, they’ve had a hand in improving Grove Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
“The year before I was to become Rotary president, I brought the idea of adopting Grove Park to the board and the club. I wanted this to be the focus of my year as president, as we celebrated our 100th anniversary,” shares Sharon Mortensen, President and CEO of Midland Area Community Foundation.
In 2020, the Midland Area Community Foundation gave two grants: one for over $15,000 supporting elements of the park's new master plan, and another for $100,000 to install the Pine Street Promenade. They also supported the construction of a fully accessible restroom facility at Grove Park with a grant of $125,000. The revitalization of Grove Park has provided long-term transformation to this park and has helped residents to thrive.
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Tulips growing outside Grove Park
Mortensen agrees that this work really started with the development of Ashman Plaza and Live Oak. “The work that [the Deckrows] did began to revitalize the Midtown area.”
Soon, small businesses moved back into the building, bringing new life to the neighborhood. The Deckrows also own other properties in the area, allowing small business owners the opportunity to claim their part of Midtown.
“The revitalization of Midtown is very exciting to see, especially as a small business owner,” says Emily Bautista, Owner of Bonded Beauty Studio. “My studio salon gets so much more visibility from drivers and pedestrians thanks to the work done, and so many of my guests comment on how convenient the location is. Having a business in a neighborhood that is continuously improving is fantastic. Midtown is becoming a ‘destination’ spot for professionals and families and to be located in Midtown is a blessing for my small business.”
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Emily Bautista Bautista adds that her time with the Deckrow family has been short but impactful. “This family has put forth a lot of effort in seeing this area of town grow, and it is really doing just that. The Deckrows also have a special place in their heart for small businesses and promise to do what they can to help them grow and flourish. I feel very grateful to be in their influence. I know they have many nuggets of knowledge for entrepreneurs, but from what I can see, most importantly, they lead by example. The Deckrows are a working family, building success their own way, and returning it to the community.”
When asked how things turned out differently than expected, Deckrow says that she’s been surprised by the broader impact of Live Oak. "I remember thinking, this is just going to be like a little coffee shop, and I had no idea it would become the community hub that it’s become."
She also didn't predict expanding into a second store in Uptown Bay City at the start. “I remember it being so rough in the beginning. Everybody just thinks that's a cute coffee shop and that it was really cool to be able to do that. But it’s just a lot harder than that.”
“I had no idea the amount of people that we would get to know and the amount of good we could do, too. I think that has been pretty cool. And honestly, the revitalization is kind of a byproduct of all these efforts and has been really fun to see.”
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Live Oak continues to be a meeting place for everyone in the community.Midtown will continue to thrive with community support. Deckrow encourages everyone to come to Midtown and support the businesses in the area. Attend the workshops and classes held at Live Oak. Bring your children to Grove Park or Little Midland above the coffeehouse. Check out the community events, whether it’s a trunk or treat, a park clean up, or an artist fair. Take a picture in front of the mural and ask a friend to “Meet me in Midtown.”