We’re less than two months away from a new season of Fixer Upper, which means we’re getting dangerously close to the big reveal of the Fixer Upper silos. Though the Magnolia Market silo project will feature prominently in new episodes of Fixer Upper, the official, in-person unveiling will take place over Halloween weekend. Joanna and Chipper Gaines have been sharing pictures and updates on the Fixer Upper silos’ progress for months–so, here’s a full recap of what they’ve been up to!
First off, a quick bit of the Fixer Upper silos’ history. The silos are located in downtown Waco, and have been standing for nearly a century; they were formerly the property of the now-defunct Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company. The silos have spent a fair portion of their lives sitting empty, and even rusting–though Joanna and Chip decided to keep the rusty exterior, as a testament to the silos’ and Waco’s long history (and because it looks good).
For a touch more history, check out the silos in the background of the photo above. It was taken in May of 1953, in the wake of that year’s horrible tornado outbreak. The greater Waco area suffered tremendously–over 100 people were killed–but the silos managed to excape unscathed.
And, in case you were wondering: the silos are 120 feet tall.
What’s the new purpose of the Fixer Upper silos, then? It’s simple (and yet a massive undertaking!): Joanna and Chip are moving their entire Magnolia Market operation inside. Visitors to Waco will find a 17,000 square foot warehouse full of merchandise featured on Fixer Upper, plus a food truck station, and an event space. (The rooftop gardens look especially beautiful–scroll down for a handful of shots of those.)
Effectively, what the Fixer Upper silos mean is that the Gaineses are responsible for a major overhaul of Waco’s image and its downtown. In the words of ecstatic Waco Downtown Development Corporation president Willard Still, “What they’re doing in the core of our downtown area is to really improve a piece of property, not only to look better but to make it more functional. They’ve carefully thought this out, and the improvements are going to substantially improve the look of downtown.”
In addition to the photos above, here’s a selection from the beautiful shots Joanna and Chip have shared over the past few months. You really get a sense of how the whole project is coming together, inside and out:
The grass is in and the lights are on- the Rooftop is ready to go at the Silos! #ineedahammock @foreverlawntexas A photo posted by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
Starting to feel real now?! Thks @jimmydon522 for the help on our sign! @magnoliamarket A photo posted by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
Look at these amazing old pine floors that are being installed at the new storefront in the silos! #gettingclose @magnoliamarket A photo posted by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
Viewing the progress of the silos from the top. We are getting near the finish line on this project. Hard to believe it was a year ago this month when I started dreaming of what this space could be. Still doesn’t seem real- we can’t wait for you to come visit soon! #magnoliasilos #scaredofheights ? @matsumoto818 A photo posted by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
The moment I realized my hands are bigger than Chip’s… #manhands ?#magnoliasilos A photo posted by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines) on
Whew! That enough Fixer Upper silos photos for you? If not, you can always head over to Joanna Gaines’ immaculate and super in-depth Instagram page to check out a few more.
And if that still isn’t enough, rest easy: the third season of Fixer Upper debuts on Tuesday, December 1st, at 9 PM EST.
(Photo credits: Fixer Upper silos via Joanna and Chip Gaines on Instagram)
