City of Bryan Expands Efforts to Beautify Business Corridors
The charming City of Bryan is embracing a colorful change as it celebrates the seventh year of its Corridor Beautification Partnership Program. This initiative aims to not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of local businesses but also to ensure that these establishments shine along key routes in the city.
From Small Beginnings to Big Changes
Initially, the beautification program focused on the bustling corridors of Texas Avenue, South College Avenue, and Villa Maria Road. However, thanks to enthusiastic support from the community, the program is now expanding its reach to include beautiful stretches of East 29th Street and West William J. Bryan Parkway. This expansion means that even more local businesses can benefit from improvements designed to draw in customers and beautify these gateways to Bryan.
A Partnership for Progress
The heart of the Corridor Beautification Partnership Program is a matching grant system. Property owners collaborate with the city, making improvements to their storefronts or landscaping. They pay the upfront costs, and the city reimburses them up to 50% of the agreed amount based on a contract approved by the city council. Katie Williams, a senior planner with the city, explains, “The applicant or the property owner, they make the improvements, pay their contractors, so they pay the money up front, and we would reimburse them up to 50%.”
Success Stories Blooming
Since its inception in 2017, many businesses have flourished in the program. Notable participants include: Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design, Buddy’s Appliances, Vilas Motor Works, BCS Books and Comics, Furniture Farm, Bryan Pediatric Dentistry, Tejas Center, Live Oak Archery, Studio 717, and Shipwreck Grill.
Buddies Appliance, a longstanding member of the community, has a rich history of over 60 years on Texas Avenue. Buddy Haney, the proud owner, reflects on his experience with the beautification initiative, saying, “We got the opportunity to do it and we did it, and it has been a great thing for us ever since.” Thanks to the program, Buddy’s Appliance underwent an attractive exterior remodel that has increased foot traffic and significantly improved their visibility. “People coming in now and instead of saying ‘oh I didn’t know you were here,’ they constantly make comments about how much it has changed since we have straightened it out,” Haney added joyfully.
Spurring Growth in Midtown
The city believes that this program plays a vital role in the ongoing expansion of Midtown Park. Every application funded thus far has originated from the Midtown area, demonstrating property owners’ enthusiasm for development. Williams states, “Property owners are really excited for what is happening and I think we are going to see a lot more progress continue over the years.”
Exciting Opportunities Ahead
With the recent expansion to include West William J. Bryan Parkway and East 29th Street, the city is thrilled to announce that an additional 180 businesses are now eligible for the beautification grant. The goal is clear: enhance the facades, improve landscaping, and create an inviting atmosphere that residents and visitors can be proud of.
Looking ahead, the city of Bryan is committed to continuing the success of the Corridor Beautification Partnership Program. As property owners take advantage of this unique opportunity, it’s clear that the only way is up for this flourishing community. Those who participate not only enhance their own businesses but contribute to the overall charm and appeal of Bryan—making it an even nicer place to live, shop, and visit!
