CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — You will see some changes happening in Downtown Corpus Christi soon! Five new projects, including a luxury bar and new hotel, have been approved and will bring over $35 million in development to Downtown Corpus Christi, according to the Downtown Management District (DMD).
The Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 (TIRZ #3) approved $2.2 million in incentives for the projects on March 28. The incentives will award funding for exterior enhancements, commercial build-out, and rehabilitating vacant buildings/spaces, DMD officials said.
"We're always trying to create new vibrancy, more activity in downtown Corpus Christi and just giving new options and activities for our residents and visitors," she said. "We want downtown to be welcoming and inclusive for everyone. That's something that we really hold valuable. And we see as a very important role in the community," said Alyssa Barrera Mason, Executive Director of CCDMD.
The projects include 605 Elite, Gallery 41, Lazy Beach Brewing, Peoples Street Parklet, and Homewood Suites-- all in the Marina Arts District.
“We are thrilled about these projects as they will bring more opportunities and development to our community, we have always been seen as a place of potential and now we are seeing that this is a place of progress,” she said.
Here are the projects that were approved:
- 605 Elite, located at 605 Mesquite Street, will be a new luxury bar and restaurant with a cocktail garden. This building has sat vacant for decades and was originally built in the 1930s. The developer is excited to bring another fine dining and luxury cocktail option to Downtown.
- Gallery 41, located at 100 N Shoreline Blvd, will be a new restaurant in the Art Center. This restaurant will also have an outdoor patio for guests to have a view of the water. The developers are the owners of CC Turnkey Enterprises LLC, a well-established catering company in Corpus Christi.
- Lazy Beach Brewing, located at 312 N Chaparral Street, will be an additional location for Lazy Beach Brewing. This taproom will provide new selections and original beers served at the original location in the Southside.
- OK Hifi Parklet & Awning, located at 415 Peoples Street, is going to be a new parklet that will reside in two parking spots located in front of the future bar, OK Hifi Bar and Hybrid Records. The awning will provide better shade for those spending time on Peoples Street. OK Hifi will be a new Japanese whiskey bar and lounge with music from PRODUCE Sound Studio.
- Homewood Suites, located 301-309 N Chaparral Street, is a new construction build of a 126-room hotel. This area has had vacancies since 2020 and has not seen much activity in the last few years. The ground level will have the entrance to the lobby of the hotel and 3 leasable spaces available for retail/restaurants. This hotel will have a rooftop bar with an additional patio, Top Golf Swing Suites, and other hotel amenities (gym, breakfast buffet, and bar)
Five projects approved in Downtown Corpus Christi including luxury bar, new hotel
“We are very pleased to support the partnerships with Developers and the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District” she continued “Activating these vacant buildings and providing more business is a great reflection of a revitalizing Downtown Corpus Christi,” said Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo.
One business owner who is thankful for the help he's received from the Downtown Management District is Freddy Rodriguez, owner of 'Retro'.
"I owe a lot of everything that's happening right now to every person that has been involved in this," Rodriguez said. "It's been about two years in the making a little bit over two years. It's been a long haul, a long road, but we're here now. We're ready to finish up, and get open."
The goal of Retro is to create a fun, family-friendly environment. Rodriguez is excited to see what will come next for the city of Corpus Christi.
"I mean, we're right here on the water, think of Miami, think of San Diego, Corpus Christ is very similar to those two thriving cities. There's no reason why Corpus Christi shouldn't be thriving like those cities."
Since 2016, more than $70 million has been invested in new downtown development and there is $60 million in additional investments currently in development.
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