Bryan City Council Makes Progress with Midtown and Downtown Projects
On a sunny Tuesday evening, the city of Bryan gathered its council members to discuss some exciting developments in the community. The council unanimously approved some important changes to two agreements, both of which center around enhancing the Midtown Park and Downtown Bryan areas.
Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille Set for Midtown
One of the highlights of the meeting was regarding the city’s agreement with SMBG Bryan, LLC. The council’s approval for the second amendment to this agreement means big things for the much-anticipated addition of Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille to Midtown Park.
If you remember, back in July of 2024, the city generously granted Schulman’s a $2 million loan to enhance the development of this exciting project. This money will go towards adding some fun features like pickleball courts, an amphitheater, a vibrant food and beverage cantina, and classic yard games such as cornhole.
During the meeting, it was announced that the appraised value of this bustling project has undergone a significant bump—rising from $19 million to $24 million. However, there has also been a shift in the project timeline. The anticipated completion date has moved from December 2024 to September 2025. Deputy City Manager Joey Dunn explained that these adjustments come from various factors, including ongoing city efforts to finalize the design and construction of the boardwalk. He noted, “Again, the lease area matches up together where we are building the boardwalk.”
Concerns Raised by Local Resident
While the council’s decision was met with enthusiasm, one resident raised concerns about the project’s progress. Paul Giammalva shared that he believed a contractor was no longer associated with the project, stating, “They’ve already started that building. They’re halfway through, and they pulled contractors off and shut it down.” However, fear not! After an inquiry, it was confirmed that the general contractor is still **very much** involved with the project, which was a relief to many.
Downtown Bryan’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
Also up for discussion was another significant item on the agenda. The council approved an amendment to the ordinance concerning the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) for Downtown Bryan. This amendment focuses on how property taxes generated in the downtown area can be used to enhance local infrastructure.
“It’s designed to take the growth from the project itself and reapplies that into infrastructure,” Dunn explained. With an additional $17.5 million being allocated to improve Downtown Bryan’s infrastructure, this initiative seeks to tackle the pressing issue of parking, which has long been a concern for residents and visitors alike.
Furthermore, Dunn highlighted that the city has been in discussions with the development team about a potential mixed-use, multi-story redevelopment project. This could mean even more exciting changes for Downtown, which has been growing and evolving since it was established as a TIRZ back in 2006.
Looking Ahead
As the council meets to discuss plans and ideas that could shape the community, it’s clear that both Midtown Park and Downtown Bryan are set for some exciting transformations in the future. With new projects promising entertainment and infrastructure improvements, residents are sure to have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming years.
In a community that thrives on progress, it’s always a good time to take a close look at what’s happening in our city!
