CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you haven't taken a walk or even a drive in downtown Corpus Christi lately, you might be surprised to see just how bustling it has become during a weekday afternoon.
The Downtown Management District is reporting record growth and is developing quite the portfolio of different businesses, especially for the 'foodie'.
When's the last time you took a stroll downtown?
For Manuel Barrera it was 50 years ago.
"Lichtenstein was here a long time ago, some of the different department stores were here, the theatre was behind me," Barrera said.
Barrera just moved back to Corpus Christi. We found him walking along Chaparral Street and he was surprised to see life return to this part of the city.
"It's starting to take a new liveliness about it. Nothing stays the same forever," he said.
According to the DMD, the last decade has provided growth, but the last two years have been record breaking with 18 new businesses in 2023.
This fiscal year, 16.
"In this past year, we've had $154 million committed to future developments. We've awarded and paid out over $324 thousand through TIRZ funding," said Daniela Campos with the DMD.
She said there are different programs and TIRZ funding available as incentives for business owners but the real secret sauce is just plain hard work.
It's not just the established owners who have been here for years expanding, but also new and young investors.
Folks like Danny Angel and his family.
He'll sell you on the menu at Frida's Mexican Restaurant located on Starr Street.
They opened about 9 months ago. He said they've found success downtown.
"Especially on the days with the Art Walk, we get really really busy. We wanted to try something new," he said.
Angel said downtown provided an opportunity to expand.
"Almost every day its packed," he said.
Other TIRZ projects recently approved include Streat Corner Kitchen by Loli's, Hotel Arya, Thunderbirds Wine and Spirits, and Homewood Suites which is currently under construction.
Josiah and Griselda Duenes are serving up a fresh cup of Joe at Antelope and Upper Broadway. Their new business is called Grind Coffee.
They've been open just two months, something the young entrepreneurs didn't think would be possible.
"The resources haven't always been fully available here, which people travel outside to Austin, San Antonio. We see downtown and this area growing more into that," said Angel.
Now it's a dream fulfilled, and shared by those who have found a new home in this part of the city.