Bryan - College Station Edition | April 2026

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Bryan College Station Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 MAY 2JUNE 2, 2026

Inside this issue

IMPACTS 6

GOVERNMENT 8

BUSINESS 20

‘A massive economic engine’

Midtown development to bring tourism, recreation and identity to city

BY KARLEY CROSS & JAMES T. NORMAN

The development will include a ballpark complex, a park and mixed-use aspects. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

Midtown’s expected impact

250+ acres of land ready to develop

60K hotel stays annually

$28M annual economic activity

Texas Independence Park

NOTE: NOT ALL LAND HIGHLIGHTED WILL BE DEVELOPED AS PART OF THE PROJECT

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

Ballpark complex

MIDTOWN DR.

Midtown area

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BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

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BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Impacts

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

190

TX OSR

12 N. MAIN ST.

7 Dave & Buster’s With the tagline, “Eat, Drink, Play,” the franchise brings a restaurant, full bar and video game arcade to the Post Oak Mall. The business has locations across the country.

190

CREEKSIDE DR.

LAKE BRYAN

• An opening date has not been set. • 1502 Harvey Road, College Station • www.daveandbusters.com

8 Cadence Creek at Mission Ranch This development for those 55 and up will include single-family cottages, as well as several amenities. The project’s cost is expected to come in at $30 million.

WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.

Bryan

• An opening date has not been set. • 770 Deacon Road W., College Station • www.cadencecreekmissionranch.com

Relocations

DOMINIK DR.

9 Wright Naeger Dentistry Ocials at the business said they relocated to a larger space to serve the community better. Before the move, the dentistry was based out of 4528 Mills Park Circle, College Station. Its new location is less than a mile away. The business oers several dental services. • Relocated in April • 1461 Greens Prairie Road, College Station • www.wrightnaegerdentistry.com 10 Bluebonnet Abstract & Title The company moved its oces from the Emerald Plaza area to the First National Bank of Central Texas building at 4270 State Hwy. 6, College Station. It provides services related to real estate transactions, including escrow, title examinations, title insurance and closings. • Grand opened March 20 • 4270 Hwy. 6, Ste. 102, College Station • www.bluebonnetabstract.com

HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER PKWY.

College Station

TURKEY CREEK RD.

DEACON RD. W.

WILLIAM D. FITCH PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

GREENS PRAIRIE RD.

4 Hurricane Harry’s After closing its doors in 2024, the dance hall has reopened. It oers music, dancing and drinks. • Opened March 17 • 217 University Drive at Boyett St., College Station • Instagram: Hurricane Harry’s

Now open

1 Fiiz Drinks The Utah-based franchise oers customizable sodas and specialty drinks. The soda shop is owned locally. • Opened in March • 2700 Texas Ave. S., College Station • www.iizdrinks.com 2 Asher at College Station The luxury apartment complex oers amenities, such as a pool, walking trail, clubhouse and game room with a pool table and simulated golng. • Now leasing • 10001 Turkey Creek Road, College Station • www.asherlivingtx.com 3 1874 Market The market oers a variety of locally sourced goods, including meats, eggs, breads, teas, cooking oils and other specialty items. • Opened April 1 • 580 Graham Road, College Station • www.1874cattle.com

In the news

11 Casa Monarca Mexican Cantina The restaurant celebrated its rst anniversary April 11. It serves a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. • 206 W. 26th St., Bryan • Facebook: Casa Monarca Mexican Cantina 12 Zeitman’s Grocery Store The business is temporarily closing to reorganize itself due to economic pressures. Ocials said the business plans to transition toward oering catering services, grab-and-go options and possible future pop-up events. • 220 N. Main St., Bryan • www.zeitmans.com 13 Blue Baker The business is celebrating 25 years in business in May. Across its three locations, it serves a variety of baked goods, including breakfast, pastries and bagels, as well as sandwiches and salads, among other goods. • 201 Dominik Drive, College Station • www.bluebaker.com

Coming soon

5 Pickleball Kingdom The facility will host more than a dozen courts. The franchise has hundreds of locations across the United States. It oers indoor pickleball, as well as organized competition. • Opening date not set • 3125 S. Texas Ave., Bryan • www.pickleballkingdom.com/clubs/college-station-tx 6 Gypsy Waltz The business oers hot exercise classes for adults, including hot yoga classes and Pilates-type classes, among other techniques. • A new opening date has not been announced • 3349 University Drive E., Ste. 102, Bryan • www.gypsywaltzstudios.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

14 Papa Perez Mexican Cuisine The business celebrated its 20-year anniversary on March 28. It serves a variety of Tex-Mex favorites.

Coming soon

In the news

• 200 S. Main St., Bryan • www.papaperez.com

Closings

15 Perrine Winery The owners are retiring and closing the business. They said they will help their daughter reopen the business in Virginia. • Tentatively closing July 31 • 11405 N. Dowling Road, College Station • www.perrinewinery.com 16 Readeld Meats & Deli Since 1960, the family-owned business has served the community with premium cuts and award-winning eats. However, ocials said they are negotiating with a party interested in buying the business. No update was available as of press time. Owners are asking customers to redeem gift cards by April 30.

17 Sprouts Farmers Market Set to be located inside the former Big Lots building, the national grocery store chain will oer organic foods. Ocials with the business said they were excited to open the new location in College Station and continue growing its presence in Texas, where it has more than 60 locations. • Opening this fall • 1913 Texas Ave. S., College Station • www.sprouts.com

18 Ronin Farm & Restaurant The restaurant closed for almost a year for renovations. It will now oer a climate-controlled dining room, as well as an immersive farm-to-table setting centered around ingredients grown and raised on-site and sourced from Texas producers. It reopened with a grand opening event April 26. • Ronin Farm, 363 Creekside Drive, Bryan • www.ronintx.com

• Tentatively closing April 30 • 2701 S. Texas Ave., Bryan • www.readieldmeats.com

BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Government

Work begins on $71M annex building

Diving in deeper

The $59 million construction contract includes about $53.7 million in direct costs. Some of those items, according to county documents, include: • $17M for masonry and various materials • $12M for heating, electric and plumbing • $3.8M on allowances • $2.5M on thermal and moisture protection The annex will replace the former Bryan ISD administration building, which was demolished in 2024 after ocials determined renovations weren’t suitable. David Hilburn, judge for the 361 District Court, said the project is meant to keep pace with Brazos County’s growth, which he noted has placed pressure on the local justice system. “This building ... is the next hole poked in the justice system’s belt that’s going to allow and relieve that strain,” he said.

Brazos County began construction on its new $71 million courthouse annex building in April. The work follows county commissioners’ approval of a $59 million construction contract March 24. The contract brings the project’s expected total to $71 million. Commissioners approved the contract in a 4-1 vote following public comments that raised concerns about approving a maximum price before nal designs are complete. However, county commissioners said they were

condent in the process. The new annex will include four oors of oce space and a multilevel parking structure, with public parking on the ground level. It will house around 140 county employees from multiple departments. A pedestrian bridge will connect it to the existing courthouse, construction documents show.

New Annex building

The new building will add more space for county workers.

Existing building Annex building

N.TEXAS AVE.

SOURCE: BRAZOS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Stay tuned

Timeline of events

The project dates back to 2021 when the county acquired the property. Since then, various milestones have included planning, demolishing the existing building and approving contracts. A groundbreaking was scheduled for April 21, but it was canceled due to inclement weather. Despite this, construction will still move forward. Looking ahead, ocials involved with the project said they expect construction on the facility to take about two years.

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

May 2028: Project wraps up

2021: Brazos County acquires the land

Mid-2023: County commissioners approve demolition of current building

Early 2025: Ocials award design contract

March 2026: County commissioners approve $59M contract for annex April 2026: Construction starts on annex

2022-23: Ocials complete a feasibility study for the project

Mid-2024: Current building is demolished

SOURCE: BRAZOS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY KARLEY CROSS

College Station votes to remove Pebble Creek Parkway extension from plans

In a split vote, College Station City Council on April 9 removed the planned Pebble Creek Parkway extension from the city’s Thoroughfare Plan. The extension has been in the city’s plans since the 1990s and was intended to support long-term growth and regional connectivity. However, the decision followed hours of testimony from dozens of residents who feared increased trac would compromise neighborhood safety and character. The two-minute impact Trac, connectivity, emergency response, including potentially faster re response times, and infrastructure were key reasons for the extension, city sta said. Were the extension to be removed, Anthony Armstrong, director of planning and development

services, said road connections would likely depend on separate agreements, which could be costly. What they’re saying Opponents raised concerns, including safety risks for children walking and biking, loss of neighbor- hood character and fears over the roadway becom- ing a high-speed cut-through route. “If this extension goes through, I will no longer feel safe letting [my children] bike to school,” Pebble Creek resident Courtney Cannon said. Meanwhile, council member William Wright said removing it would shift trac problems elsewhere. The takeaway Some divided council members said they ultimately prioritized neighborhood integrity over mobility.

The city will no longer extend Pebble Creek Parkway.

ROCK PRAIRIE RD.

PEBBLE CREEK PKWY.

PEACH CREEK RD.

WILLIAM D. FITCH PKWY.

Council vote breakdown Remove extension*

Keep extension

Council members Mark Smith David White Bob Yancy Scott Shafer

Mayor

John Nichols Council members William Wright

Melissa McIlhaney

*VOTING IN FAVOR MEANS VOTING TO REMOVE EXTENSION

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

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Government

BY KARLEY CROSS

College Station redirects 800K to housing progams College Station City Council approved redirect- ing more than $800,000 in federal funding toward aordable housing initiatives. What you need to know City documents show College Station is facing increased housing aordability challenges, driven by population growth, student housing demand and an expanding senior population as longtime residents move into retirement. Data from the city shows 58% of renters and 18% of homeowners spend more than one-third of their income on housing. How it works The bulk of the funding will come from public facilities. The programs that will receive funding include one to rehabilitate homes and another designed to convert existing rental houses into homeownership opportunities, documents show.

Fiscal year 202324 low and moderate income percentage 0%-20% 20.1%-40% 40.1%-60% 60.1%-80% 80.1%-100%

1 College Station approves $28.6M water well project The project, which was approved March 26, will add three new water wells along with piping, mechanical systems and collection lines. 2 Bryan approves design contract for animal shelter The contract, approved April 14, totals $525,000 and was awarded to architect rm Jackson & Ryan Architects for the design of a new city animal center. 3 Brazos County provides update on groundwater supply Ocials with the county said water remains available, but questions remain about long-term planning due to population growth. Bryan-College Station news 3 stories we’re following online

College station city limits

HARVEY MITCHELL PKWY.

RAYMOND STOTZER PKWY.

WELLBORN RD.

$300K $400K College Station median housing prices $200K

$340,000

$100K $0

$156,550

2 019

2011 2013

2015

2017

2021

2023

2025

SOURCES: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY TEXAS REAL ESTATE RESEARCH CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bryan OKs Made Well House rezoning after debate

Made Well House breakdown

Counseling o ces

Parking lot

approval will permit those services to continue after the original zoning didn’t allow for it. What they said Those opposed said increased commercial activ- ity could aect safety and livability in the area. Those in favor described Made Well House as a community resource that provides mental, physical and emotional wellness services.

Bryan City Council on April 14 unanimously approved a rezoning request for Made Well House. What you need to know This rezoning changes the classication of the properties at 600-604 E. 27th St. to a Planned Development District. Made Well House oers tness classes, coun- seling and community wellness programs. The

Fitness studio

Gym

Medical oces/manager residence

Admin o ces

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF BRYANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

$25M TEEX training complex aims to transform public safety prep in Texas

The breakdown

TEEX already trains more than 226,000 people annually from across the globe. Ocials expect the facility to draw trainees from across Texas, the nation and the world. “It strengthens the workforce training, the public safety training and the research side,” said Tracy Foster, chief nancial ocer for TEEX. “You can see all pieces of it at the campus.”

the rst time during a live disaster. Coatney said PSTC addresses this training gap. During real emergencies, Coatney said success depends on coordination. “Those organizations have to understand how to work together through a unied command, and this is an area where we can teach that.” The complex features an urban grid, driving tracks and congurable buildings to allow various disciplines to practice unied command in realistic environments. The goal is to help the pipeline for high-demand careers facing high retirement rates, including: • Peace oficers • Electric line workers and water operators • Commercial and school bus drivers • Drone operators

The next generation of Texas rst responders will soon train together in Bryan before they ever meet on a disaster scene. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, or TEEX, is set to open its new $25.3 million Public Service Training Complex this May at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus. Ocials said the 86-acre facility aims to revolutionize public safety preparation by moving toward a model of integrated, multiagency response. As the RELLIS campus has grown into a hub for research and other academic programs, TEEX Agency Director David Coatney said the training space that was once “free range” across RELLIS’ open areas had begun to shrink. Historically, police, re and utility personnel have trained independently, often meeting for

By the numbers

$25.3M facility

86 acres for the facility

226K trained by TEEX annually

100K square feet for TEEX oces, laboratories, classrooms at RELLIS

SOURCE: TEEXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Addressing the gap PSTC’s controlled environment allows practice that isn’t possible on a traditional campus.

2-story training building

Driving track

Power line training

Looking ahead

The project was funded by $20 million from the Permanent University Fund and $5 million from TEEX itself. Hundreds of employees, part-time sta and instructors are expected to operate at the complex. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for early May.

Classrooms

TEEX Training campus

Commercial driving

GODSON BEND RD.

The $25.3 million project will consolidate multiple training programs onto an 86-acre site focused on realistic, multiagency scenarios.

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BY KARLEY CROSS

Bryan ISD discusses budget challenges Bryan ISD leaders said at an April 6 meeting that declining student attendance and enroll- ment are beginning to hit district finances. What you need to know A district-contracted demographer said multiple factors contribute to the decline, including declining birth rates, retiree population and growth in alternative learning programs. BISD officials are exploring alternative learning options and other ways to keep stu- dents in class. The district’s attendance rate is expected to drop slightly from last year. Bryan ISD approves nearly $170M in bond projects at 2 meetings Bryan ISD approved contracts for design, construction planning and renovations at several schools across the district at both its March 23 and April 20 board meetings, advancing work funded through the district’s 2025 bond. The details At the March 23 meeting, officials approved more than $146.8 million in work across three high schools. The work will include renovations at Bryan and Rudder high schools, as well as the rebuild of Bryan Collegiate High School. Bryan Collegiate High School will be demolished and rebuilt at its same site, at 1901 E. Villa Maria Road, according to district documents. On April 20, officials also approved $19 million in renovations at around a dozen schools.

Education news 3 stories we’re following online

BISD bond projects

$98M Renovations at Bryan and Rudder high schools

$166.7M Total

1 College Station ISD approves $570K bus seat belt upgrades to meet state law College Station ISD will retrofit 19 buses with three-point seat belts, as required under Senate Bill 546. The district plans to retire 30 school buses within the next two years. 2 Bryan ISD previews timeline for $35.8M Merrill Green Fieldhouse replacement As part of the district’s 2025 bond plan, Bryan ISD will be rebuilding its fieldhouse. It will not be demolished until February 2027, but school officials said athletes will be without a fieldhouse for at least one season. 3 Texas A&M names Susan Ballabina sole finalist for university president The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents unanimously voted April 13 to approve Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist to become the next president of Texas A&M University.

$49M Rebuild of Bryan Collegiate $9.9M Restroom renovation or restoration $3.7M Wall finish improvements $3.6M Floor finishes, renovations, restorations $2.5M Upgrades to campus spaces

Elementary school

Intermediate school

Middle school

High school

190

1179

WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.

SANDY POINT RD.

W. VILLA MARIA RD.

SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

College Station ISD OKs, plans future bond projects

Approved bond projects

College Station ISD trustees approved several bond-funded projects at its April 21 meeting, aimed at modernizing campus technology and replacing aging building systems across the district. Officials also discussed plans for future projects, including choosing a firm to carry them out. The gist Trustees approved multiple purchases funded through bond programs to modernize learning environments and campus infrastructure. These items were passed without discussion. What else? Trustees unanimously approved the ranking of six firms as the district gauges what company it will go with for districtwide mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements. The board did not choose a contractor yet. Instead, the vote allowed the district to move into the next phase, where firms will submit detailed pricing proposals before a final selection. District Executive Director of Facilities Paul Buckner said the project addresses aging infra- structure identified during a districtwide assess- ment, which was completed in November 2025.

$827K

$264K

$161K

District management technology Classroom audiovisual equipment and upgrades, fine arts and auxiliary gym at several schools Cabling infrastructure upgrades at CSHS

Planned bond projects

Completing LED lighting upgrades across campuses

BISD budget factors

projected attendance rate for 2025-26 school year 93.45%

Replacing aging HVAC systems, including 7-10 units at A&M Consolidated High School that are more than 40 years old Installing temperature and humidity control systems in server rooms to protect technology

of budget goes to payroll 85.2%

SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: COLLEGE STATION ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Events

Sunday family day Families will be able to enjoy crafts and games at Larry J. Ringer Library during Sunday Family Day, featuring multiple building toys, coloring sheets and video games to spark children’s creativity. • May 10, 2-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station • www.bcslibrary.org/programs/activities ‘Let Us Dance’ Spring Concert The Brazos Civic Orchestra is hosting a free spring concert. Guests are invited to bring their moms or a mother figure in their life for a show put on by

• Free (admission) • Wolf Pen Creek Park, 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station • www.cstx.gov

May

‘America the Beautiful’ art gallery The Arts Center of Brazos Valley is hosting an art gallery that will feature local artists, with a theme of celebrating 250 years of creativity and spirit in the United States. Artists will include emerging, mid-career, professional and high school students. • May 1-29, hours vary by day • Free (admission) • DEGALLERY, 930 N. Rosemary Drive, Bryan • www.acbv.org showing of “Shrek” and “Shrek 2” with activities beforehand such as yard games, inflatables, face painting and food trucks. Guests are invited to watch the movies from their cars or bring blankets and chairs; food and leashed pets are allowed. • May 8, 8 p.m. (“Shrek”), 9:30 p.m. (“Shrek 2”) • $15 (per vehicle, cash only) • Bryan Regional Athletic Complex, 5440 N. Texas Avenue, Bryan • www.bryantx.gov/special-events/drive-in-movie Drive-in movie The city of Bryan will present a double feature drive-in

Bison baby shower The public is invited to celebrate the newest baby bison at Lucky B Bison Ranch with a bison baby shower event, which will feature mini train rides, flower bouquet making, a photo booth, arts and crafts, live music, tours of the ranch, a bounce house and a naming competition for the new bison. • May 16, 2-6 p.m. • $21.58 (ages 13 and older), $13.08 (ages 4-12), free (ages 3 and younger) Texas Music Scene Live Taping and Concert Guests can attend and enjoy a lineup of music and a special guest that officials are waiting to announce. Acts include Garrett Talamantes and Bleu Edmondson. • May 16, 3 p.m. (gates open), 4 p.m. (first act) • Free (admission) • Aggie Park, Throckmorton Street, College Station • www.visit.cstx.gov • 4168 Britten Road, Bryan • www.destinationbryan.com

local musicians. • May 10, 5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3251 Austin’s Colony Parkway, Bryan • www.brazoscivicorchestra.org

Food Truck Wednesdays Food trucks, live music and yard games will be on site at the Wolf Pen Creek Festival Site during College Station’s Food Truck Wednesdays events. Food will be available for purchase; a list of trucks will be shared on the prior Monday. • May 13 and 27, 6-9 p.m.

BY ANNA LOTZ

Starlight Music Series The city of College Station’s Starlight Music Series will return with outdoor live music from Infinite Journey and guest artist ZZ Nation. Guests can bring refreshments and chairs or blankets. • May 30, 6 p.m. (gates open), 7 p.m. (concert begins) • Free (admission) • Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station • https://blog.cstx.gov

June

Summer Reading Program The Bryan-College Station Library System will kick off its summer reading program, “Unearth a Story,” with events at the local libraries, including a dinosaur-themed kickoff party with crafts and activities. The summer reading program runs June 1-July 31. • June 1, 10 a.m.-noon (Larry J. Ringer Library), 1-3 p.m. (Clara B. Mounce Public Library) • Free (admission) • Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station; and Clara B. Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan • www.bcslibrary.org/programs/activities

Maroon & White Night The city of Bryan and Destination Bryan will host Maroon & White Night for all Texas A&M University and System employees, retirees and their loved ones, featuring live entertainment, art, local cuisines, unique bars and exclusive shops. • May 15 • Free (admission) • Historic Downtown Bryan • www.bryantx.gov/special-events

Slide into Summer The city of Bryan will kick off the summer with a family-friendly event featuring games and activities and commemorating the first recreational swim of the season. Children ages 12 and younger must pass a swim test or wear an approved life jacket. • May 25, 1-7 p.m. • $3 (ages 4-11), $4 (ages 12 and older) • Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive, Bryan • www.bryantx.gov/special-events/ slide-into-summer

Development

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute break grounds

Development news 3 projects we’re following online

TSI facility

Texas A&M University System leaders, state ocials and industry partners gathered April 9 at the system’s RELLIS Campus to break ground on the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute. The gist The project, totaling more than $200 million, is meant to expand training, manufacturing and domestic research on computer chips, which power many types of everyday technologies. “Semiconductors power everything from phones and vehicles to defense systems,” Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said during the ceremony, “and right now, we’re working to bring that capability back home to the state of Texas.” The details The A&M University System Board of Regents approved construction of the TSI in February. The project is expected to wrap up in 2028.

1 Hub on Campus The 1.12 million-square-foot construction project totaling almost $130 million will feature a new eight-story residential building with 406 units. Construction is projected to be completed in 2028. • 503 Cherry St., College Station 2 Rambler Northgate A new 753,612-square-foot mixed-use building is scheduled for completion in 2028. The $125 million project will feature a 24-story building with a commercial ground oor and 342 residential units. • 801 Legacy Point Drive, College Station 3 Ariza Summit Crossing Filings show work could start in June. The 324,000-square-foot project will feature an apartment complex. The $50 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2028. • TBD, College Station

FAZZINO LN.

Cleanroom Floor 2 Administration and collaboration

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

741 Rellis Parkway, Bryan

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NOTE: INFORMATION COURTESY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

SOURCES: GOV. GREG ABBOTT’S OFFICE, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY ANNA LOTZ

Road work ongoing throughout Bryan, College Station

For Bryan, work to reconstruct Leonard Road and Groesbeck Street is slated to begin this summer. Work is also expected to start on Old Reliance Road, which will include widening the road, in 2027.

reconstruction, are ongoing. In College Station, road work along Lincoln Avenue is slated to wrap up in late June, officials confirmed April 23.

Road work is continuing along several different corridors in both Bryan and College Station. In addition to the $671 million Hwy. 6 project, also known as the “Big 6,” several traffic signal updates, as well as road widenings or general

190

CARRIER LN.

Upcoming projects

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1 Leonard Road, Groesbeck Street widening Details: This project will include wider concrete streets, drainage improvements, a sidewalk and a shared-use path. Work is expected to begin in the summer and take a year. • Cost: $655,700 (design), $8.9 million (construction) • Funding sources: city general fund, federal funds 2 Old Reliance Road widening Details: The project will include a 10-foot shared-use path on one side of the road to provide bicycle and pedestrian access to Rudder High School. Work is planned to start in 2027. • Cost: $9.8 million • Funding sources: $4.6 million (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), $5.2 million (fiscal year 2024 bonds) 3 Rock Prairie Road widening Details: The project is in design and estimated to begin in 2027. It is scheduled to wrap up in 2029. • Cost: $26.6 million • Funding source: city of College Station 2022 bond funds 4 Lincoln Avenue reconstruction Details: The project will reconstruct the road and add several new features. Work is slated to wrap up in late June. • Cost: $12.28 million • Funding sources: certificates of obligation, utility revenue 5 State Highway 6 Details: The multi-year project is slated to wrap up around 2030. • Cost: $671 million • Funding sources: state and local entities Ongoing projects

LAKE BRYAN

OLD RELIANCE RD.

2818

SANDY POINT RD.

AUSTINS COLONY PKWY.

WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.

Bryan

PALASOTA DR.

GROESBECK ST.

LINCOLN AVE.

HARVEY MICHELL PKWY.

College Station

WILLIAM D. FITCH PKWY.

TOWN LAKE DR.

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BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

‘A massive economic engine’ From the cover

What you need to know

7 Covered batting cages 8 Wie ball & amenities 9 Maintenance & gym 10 Championship eld 11 Pond

Key 1

Midtown’s park and ballpark complex Ocials have plan in place for much of the area.

250-foot eld 365-foot eld

2 3

College Station leaders say the future of Midtown could help answer a long-standing question for the growing city: What comes next beyond its university identity? Once envisioned primarily as a corporate business park, Midtown is now a mixed-use district with ambitions to combine a public park, sports tourism, housing and commercial development. The city’s portion will total nearly $21 million for the new Texas Independence Park, as well as another roughly $20 million for the baseball complex, which will hold nine baseball elds. Brian Piscacek, assistant director of economic development for the city, said the area’s future features will encompass what he called “the DNA of College Station.” “Ultimately, Midtown is designed to serve any resident or visitor to the city,” he said. While some tout it as being a site for all, others, such as developer James Murr, said he would like to emphasize attractions for non-students. Homeowner Shelby Behm said she wants the city to prioritize more family activities. “I love College Station,” she said. “I need something to do besides Northgate.”

380-foot eld 4 Concessions/restrooms 5 Covered playground 6 Indoor training & shop

12 Hospitality cabins 13 Restaurant & lodge 14 Maintenance & golf cart rentals 15 Event centers

Texas Independence Park

Midtown area

60+ acres for baseball complex

20+ acres for hospitality and amenities site

Up to $20M from city for ballpark complex

$70M total for complex

Future development

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

to it and commit to that vision,” he said. Ocials estimate the complex could host 30 tournaments annually to generate $28 million in economic activity while producing 60,000 hotel stays within the Bryan-College Station city limits. “[The ballpark complex] is going to be an abso- lute, top-of-the-line development, and something that I think is really going to catalyze the rest of [Midtown],” Piscacek said.

Midtown’s direction has shifted several times, including last year when a proposed data center was squashed after residents raised concerns about environmental impacts and compatibility with the area’s long-term vision. City Council member Bob Yancy said the evolving plans reect wider goals for the city’s future. “This is just the kind of dynamic community that can achieve something special if we put our minds

Why it matters

Murr said Midtown represents an opportunity to create something he said College Station has historically lacked. “Our city needs an area that has city identity, not Texas A&M identity,” said Murr, an A&M graduate who has worked to plan Midtown for over a decade.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KARLEY CROSS & JAMES T. NORMAN

The city entered a letter of intent with The Station Hospitality and Athletic Complex in February to build the ballpark complex. However, no timeline exists yet on when facilities related to the project will be up and running.

How we got here

City acquires majority of Midtown land

Developer James Murr looks into developing housing on land

Homes begin to be built totaling 100-150 per year to date on Midtown land

Costco nishes work

Data center proposal falls through

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

2011 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

City acquires additional acreage

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center nishes construction

Midtown Oce Park wraps up

City Council approves Texas Independence Park master plan

City enters letter of intent agreement for baseball complex

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead

Diving in deeper

City’s investment into Midtown

Construction timelines for major projects remain uncertain, but the city said these projects are moving forward and construction and infrastructure work are expected to take place simultaneously. For now, Midtown represents a larger civic ambition as a place where residents, visitors and businesses could gather in a city still dening its center. Murr said the proposed baseball complex and surrounding develop will rely on continued public-private cooperation. Through that partnership, the city would retain ownership of the athletic elds through a ground-lease agreement, while selling nearby land for commercial use that would return property tax revenue to the city. “Our vision is to be a highlight place—a special place in the city—for the next hundred years,” Murr said.

Two major public projects are expected to anchor Midtown’s next phase. The city approved plans in August 2024 for Texas Independence Park, a $20.9 million city-owned project that will include biking and walking trails, open space and recreational amenities, including: • A jungle gym dubbed “Destination Play Experience” • A shing pond • A dog park • Disc golf City leaders are also negotiating agreements tied to a proposed 90-acre baseball and softball complex, which will feature: • Nine elds, including a championship venue • Lodging • Future event space • Public access to elds, city access on the weekends • Brazos Valley Bombers to play at Championship Field The city is considering up to $20 million in

Midtown ballpark complex: $20M

Total $40.9M

Texas Independence Park: $20.9M

General work: $6.9M Contingency & Escalation: $4.2M Playground: $4.1M Other recreation: $3M Fishing pond: $1.6M

NOTE: THESE TOTALS ARE ONLY REFLECTIVE OF THE CITY'S INVESTMENT AND NOT THE TOTAL COST OF THE

PROJECT ACROSS ALL ENTITIES INVOLVED.

Dog park: $1.1M

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

investments and incentives tied to the ballpark complex, which is expected to total up to $70 million across all private and public parties. Tourism is expected to help oset the long-term costs, ocials said.

BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Business

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

After more than four decades in business, Catalena Hatters has become a destination not just locally but for those all around the state and country. The business regularly ships out hats interna- tionally as well and sees generations of families come in all the time, General Manager Scott Catalena said. “It’s not out of the ordinary for ve generations to be in here at once and everyone getting a hat, and making really solid memories for a family, and that’s really fun,” Catalena said. Despite its growing presence, the business still has strong ties to the community where it came up. It remains in the same building where it started; it uses the same bank that nanced it in 1983; and for Catalena, who was born in 1986, he said many who still come in remember him running around as a child. The history Catalena Hatters was founded by Catalena’s parents, Sammy and Carolyn. Sammy always had an interest in custom hats, but the machinery to do so is notoriously dicult to get, Catalena said. “The bottleneck is the machinery,” he said. “The stu we have is over 100 years old, and it’s tough to nd whenever this machinery becomes available.” Sammy got his chance when he saw an adver- tisement from a couple in Florida who were looking to sell their equipment. Despite not having the money for it, Catalena said the couple nanced Sammy “because they liked him.” “If it wasn’t for those two people, we wouldn’t be in the hat business,” he said. Staying local Catalena said the business gets people from out of town “every day,” but it’s the longstanding relationships built within the community that make it enjoyable. “They bring their families in, their friends in, they’ll have us make hats for their businesses. Those relationships are a lot of fun,” Catalena said. “Open a lot of doors for you, truly.” To that end, the business is still owned by his mother, while Catalena and his brother, Travis, run the day-to-day business. Catalena Hatters oers custom, quality hats for those who don’t want to go to a regular big Catalena Hatters builds business, reputation through relationships

General Manager Scott Catalena said seeing families make memories is one of his favorite parts of the job.

PHOTOS COURTESY CATALENA HATTERS

Guests can see the factory where the hats are made.

The business sells custom, quality hats.

box western wear store and buy one o the shelf, he said. Those who visit can see into the factory—con- nected to the retail space—through large windows where the business makes its hats. “We’ve gotten to be known as a little bit of a destination in Bryan,” Catalena said. “When you walk into this shop you don’t see a place like this anywhere else.”

203 N. Main St., Bryan www.catalenahatters.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY ANNA LOTZ

From pit to plate: C&J Barbeque continues 45-year legacy C&J Barbeque began within a gas station on Har- vey Road in College Station in October 1981, Director Reagan Manning said. Her parents, Chip and Jo Manning, purchased the gas station and convenience store with the goal of having more space for their catering food truck business, Reagan said. But drawing on her late father’s lifelong love for barbecue, Reagan said Chip added a barbecue pit at the gas station and began smoking two briskets a day, serving up hot links, sliced beef and chopped beef sandwiches. Now, 45 years later, C&J Barbeque’s three loca- tions across Bryan and College Station have grown to serve over 2,000 pounds of meat daily, she said. How we got here In 1997, Chip and Jo converted the convenience store to a barbecue restaurant and took out the gas pumps, Reagan said. In 2002, the couple expanded to Bryan, and in 2006, C&J Barbeque’s Southwest Parkway location opened in College Station. The Bryan location relocated from Texas Avenue and was rebuilt in August 2022 on Briargate Drive, now serving as the company’s largest location. “The vibe’s a little dierent at each [store], the menu is pretty much the same,” she said. “The original store is what you think of when you think of a small-town Texas barbecue restaurant. ... It just kind of has that small-town barbecue feel.” Now, as Jo is retired from the business, Reagan and her brother, Justin, oversee restaurant operations. “The business has been here for over 40 years, but it’s the same family,” Reagan said. “We have such a good relationship with the community. We’re only a business because of them.” On the menu C&J Barbeque, which is open daily, has grown from its single barbecue pit to seven pits capable of holding up to about 200 briskets, Reagan said. The Bryan location alone has served up a one- day record of 115 briskets during a game day at Texas A&M University. Besides its popular brisket, the barbecue menu includes other favorites, such as pork belly burnt ends and jalapeno cheese sausages, she said, as well as traditional barbecue staples, including turkey, pulled pork and chicken. It also oers lunch and

C&J Barbeque serves more than 2,000 pounds of meat per day.

PHOTOS COURTESY C&J BARBEQUE

C&J Barbeque’s menu includes side dishes, such as ranch potatoes, pinto beans and fried okra.

The Manning family has operated C&J Barbeque since 1981.

dinner specials, as well as a children’s menu and sides, including the popular ranch potatoes. To keep the menu fresh, C&J Barbeque rotates a side of the month, featuring dishes such as enchi- lada mac and cheese in April or a cold broccoli salad in summer, Reagan said. “Our business model is ... for people to eat with us a couple times a week, not once every other month as a novelty because lunch is going to be $60,” she said. “That’s not realistic for most people.”

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HOLLEMAN DR.

SOUTHWEST PKWY.

NUNN JONES RD.

A 4304 Harvey Road, College Station B 2112 W. Briargate Drive, Bryan C 105 Southwest Parkway, College Station www.cjbbq.com

BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

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