Bryan - College Station Edition | May 2026

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Bryan College Station Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2JUNE 30, 2026

Working around ‘Big 6’ Cities and local businesses prepare for eects of Hwy. 6 construction

BY RHETT BRADY, KARLEY CROSS & JAMES T. NORMAN

Work on State Hwy. 6 throughout the Bryan-College Station area, which has been dubbed the ‘Big 6,’ is expected to last through 2030. In the meantime, ocials and locals are preparing for life during the construction. (Open View Productions/Community Impact)

KEY

New turn lanes

Bridge widening

North & south turnarounds

AUSTINS COLONY PKWY.

PRAIRIE DR.

BOONVILLE RD.

W. WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.

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BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

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Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 5/26 BCS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 65+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Ella Barnes Rhett Brady Sarah Brager Bradley Dountz Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland Emily Lincke

Patricia Ward General Manager pward@ communityimpact.com

Nichaela Shaheen Catherine White Kara Willis Ariel Worthy Graphic Designers Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Jake Schlesinger Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Managing Editor James T. Norman Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Market President Jason Culpepper

Karley Cross Editor kcross@ communityimpact.com

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We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

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BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Impacts

• Opening in 2028 • 3844 Finfeather Road, Bryan • www.tamu.edu

190

TX OSR

WAYSIDE DR.

7 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream The company is known for making small-batch ice cream fresh in-store daily rather than shipping pre-frozen products.

190

CREEKSIDE DR.

LAKE BRYAN

E. VILLA MARIA RD.

• Opening date not yet determined • 12059 FM 2154, College Station • www.landmarkadvisorsinc.com

WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.

8 Fabric Care Center The business offers laundry and fabric cleaning services. Originally based in Indiana, its new location in College Station will be its first outside of the Midwest region. • Opening date TBD

Bryan

• 12059 FM 2154, College Station • www.landmarkadvisorsinc.com

9 Haraz Coffee House The business offers a mix of traditional and modern drinks and snacks. It aims to create a community gathering space centered on Yemini heritage, specialty coffee and hospitality. • No opening date has been made available • 2711 Texas Ave., College Station • www.harazcoffeehouse.com 10 The Blake The project broke ground and is slated to wrap up construction in 2028. It will feature a two-story, resort- style senior living community and include 117 units, of which 73 are assisted living units and 44 are memory care units. The project is slated to cost $23 million. • Expected to open in 2028 • 2326 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station • www.blakeliving.com

GOODSON BEND RD.

College Station

HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER PKWY.

HARVEY MICHELL PKWY. S.

TURKEY CREEK RD.

DEACON RD. W.

2154

WILLIAM D. FITCH PKWY.

WELLBORN RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

GREENS PRAIRIE RD.

• Opening date TBD • 1200 University Drive East, College Station • www.eatjavis.com

Now open

In the news

1 Texas Archery The business offers a variety of archery-related goods and services, including bows, arrows, apparel, and lessons. Those interested can also host events at the location. • Grand opening May 30 • 10265 Hwy. 30, College Station • www.texarchery.com 2 Uplift Self Storage The business has locations across several states, including Texas, and offers storage services, as well as necessities for moving, such as boxes and packing materials. • Opened in March • 3168 E. 29th St., Bryan • www.upliftselfstorage.com

11 Readfield Meats After previously announcing plans to close at the end of April, the business transferred ownership May 19. The business provides a variety of foods, including beef, pork, poultry and lunch, among other items and services. • Change in ownership as of May 19 • 2701 Texas Ave., Bryan • www.readfieldmeats.com 12 College Station The city landed in the No. 25 spot for the best places to live in the U.S., according to Liveability.com. The annual rankings evaluate mid-sized cities based on factors such as affordability, safety, education, economic stability and quality of life. • 1101 Texas Ave., College Station • www.cstx.gov 13 Whataburger After roughly six months of construction, the burger chain reopened its location in May. The business was closed for a reconstruction project totaling roughly $1.6 million, according to state filings.

4 Shipley’s Do-Nuts The doughnut chain serves dozens of varieties of fresh donuts, paired with other treats, including kolaches, beignets and coffee. It will be the fifth location opened in the Aggieland area.

• Opening by the end of summer • 1526 West Villa Maria Road, Bryan • www.shipleydonuts.com

5 dd’s DISCOUNTS The business offers discounted clothing, shoes, home decor, toys and accessories. It will open in the Tejas Center and take over the former JOANN Fabrics and Crafts location. • Opening date TBD • 725 E. Villa Maria Road, Bryan • www.ddsdiscounts.com

Coming soon

6 Texas A&M Meat Science and Technology Center

3 Javi’s The restaurant is known for its elevated Tex-Mex dining, handcrafted margaritas and lively atmosphere. It will replace the former Red Lobster location. Work was ongoing as of early May.

The university broke ground on its new Meat Science and Technology Center in early May. The center will include laboratories, classrooms and processing spaces for beef, swine, poultry, sheep and goats.

• 902 S. Texas Ave., Bryan • www.whataburger.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

In the news

14 Helados La Azteca The Waco-based Hispanic family-owned paleteria known for its traditional Mexican ice cream and snacks. The business will serve paletas, ice cream, handcrafted beverages and fresh fruit, among other goods. It will be located in the space previously long-occupied by Direct Auto Insurance. • Opening date to be determined • 724 E. Villa Maria Road, Ste. 600, Bryan • www.heladoslaazteca.net

15 Public Service Training Complex Part of the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus, the complex will be a hub for first responder training and provide a multitude of settings to prepare those entering the field. An emphasis the complex will have is bridging the gap between different agencies who don’t often have the chance to train together. • Opened May 11 • 7700 Goodson Bend Road, Bryan • www.teex.org

Public pools Pools opened for the summer season in Bryan and College Station in late May. Admission fees vary by location, but both cities offer passes for frequent swimmers. For more information on hours and locations, visit your city’s website. • Locations vary • www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/ swimming-and-aquatics • www.bryantx.gov/parks-and-recreation/pools- aquatic-programs

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Government

College Station eyes 2 new projects

Bryan orders apartment to vacate The city of Bryan ordered remaining residents at Canyon Village Apartments to vacate the property after determining the complex poses serious health and safety risks, according to a May 7 news release. However, the complex’s management disputes the closure and says significant improvements have been made under new ownership dating back to August last year, including more than $1 million invested in cleanup efforts. What’s happening City officials issued an order Feb. 23 requiring the apartment complex to be vacated, locked up and have utilities shut off after repeated violations of minimum housing standards. Tenants are asked to vacate by June 8.

Proposed recreation center locations

Recreation center locations

Up to $91M in cost

1 Midtown

Business Park 2 Victoria Avenue and Fitch Parkway 3 Former Macy's

$3.8M in annual operating costs 98% of costs covered by membership fees

College Station City Council discussed two major long-term projects May 18, one of which could go up for a vote next year. The projects include a new public works facility and a potential recreation center. What you need to know The council discussed a nearly $50 million proposal to support a 10-year growth plan, which could replace the current facility built in 1978. No formal vote was taken. What else? The council also discussed the construction of a city recreation center, which could cost up to $91 million, depending on final approvals. The proposed facility would include indoor aquatics and various fitness spaces. The council recommended putting the rec center to a vote in Nov. 2027.

4 Rock Prairie Road Public Works Facility

$49.95M in cost

65,450 square feet

10+ years of growth

HARVEY RD.

WILLIAM D. FITCH PKWY.

ROCK PRAIRIE RD.

HARVEY MITCHELL PKWY. S.

SOURCE: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY KARLEY CROSS

Brazos County reviews employee pay system Brazos County Commissioners Court received a presentation May 5 as part of an ongoing compen- sation and benefits study. The study aims to create a more consistent and competitive pay structure. The gist A study comparing the county to 12 other entities found the county’s pay is generally competitive. Under the proposed system, each job classifi- cation would have a defined pay range, instead of salaries changing based on individual history. Employees currently paid above future ranges would not have their pay reduced. Next steps Human resources staff is expected to meet with departments to finalize job classifications and correct data inconsistencies.

Position salary

Brazos County provided this base pay scale as an example of how pay may have changed over time for an employee.

More government news 3 stories we’re following online

$100K

+82.2%

1 Business withdraws nuclear energy project in Bryan

$75

$50

The city of Bryan announced in a news release that Last Energy informed the city and Bryan Texas Utilities that it would no longer pursue the development of a small modular reactor facility in Bryan on a 19.5-acre lot of land at this time.

$25

Year 5

Year 10

Year 15

Year 20

Year 1

2 College Station approves Windham Tract rezoning

Number of years employed

After debate at its April 23 meeting, the city approved a rezoning request for 222 acres along Greens Prairie Road, advancing plans for a large future single-family subdivision in the area. 3 Bryan gathers public feedback for long-term growth During an April 28 open house, residents gave input on the city’s next 20-years. A public Comprehensive Plan draft is expected in September.

Nonexempt positions Proposed ranges

$29.2K - $103.3K $43K - $184.2K $52.9K - $205.8 $52.2K -$143.3K

Exempt positions

Executive leadership roles Sworn law enforcement positions

SOURCE: BRAZOS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Education

Bryan ISD eyes potential shortfall

The options

Trustees and administrators are also evaluating long-term revenue options, including a possible voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE in November. Currently, the district’s M&O tax rate sits at $0.9469 per $100 valuation. For a home valued at $350,000, with a taxable property value of $210,000, homeowners pay around $1,988 in annual taxes. A 2-cent increase to the M&O tax rate would cause those bills to go up by $42 annually, docu- ments show.

She said the district has lost more than 300 students in the past two school years. Each student represents about $10,000 in annual funding, based on weighted funding, resulting in a revenue loss of roughly $3 million. “Any loss of children is a loss of money,” Friddle said, “and we feel it across our entire budget.” Texas school districts are funded primarily by average daily attendance, not enrollment totals or local tax rates. That means fewer students showing up each day directly reduces district revenue, Friddle explained.

After months of financial workshops and planning discussions, Bryan ISD is preparing next year’s budget amid declining student enrollment, limited growth in state funding and rising operational costs. Bryan ISD Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle told Community Impact the upcoming budget year is expected to include a projected deficit, but emphasized the district is working to avoid long-term financial imbalance through staffing adjustments, attendance improvements and spending reviews.

Breaking down Bryan ISD's tax rate Bryan ISD has not yet decided whether it will place a VATRE on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Bryan ISD expenditures, FY 2025-26 Payroll: 85.17% Contracted services: 6.78% General supplies: 4.23%

Total budget $184.7M

Other operating: 3.05% Debt service: 0.45% Capital outlay: 0.33%

2025-26 rate, per $100 valuation $0.2700

$0.6769

Interest & sinking: The I&S tax rate is used strictly to repay debt from voter- approved bonds.

Maintenance & operations: The M&O tax rate pays for the day-to-day operation of the district.

Students lost: 300+ , which equals $3M

Estimated 2025-26 deficit: $3.1M

Current fund balance: 2.7 months operating costs

Estimated 2025-26 average daily attendance: About 93%

SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NOTE: BASED OFF MAY 4 SPECIAL MEETING

SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Stay tuned

Friddle said leadership does not view the situation as a long-term crisis. “Every school district hopes to have a balanced budget every year,” she said. “I don’t think that it is [a long-term issue].”

Aug. 17 is the Bryan ISD board of trustees’ deadline to order a VATRE on the November ballot. Although the district is currently in a $3.1 million deficit, a one-time state property valuation decreased the deficit from $6.7 million.

Bryan ISD trustees will continue budget discussions ahead of a formal budget adoption this summer.

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Education

BY KARLEY CROSS

College Station ISD to be ‘cautious’ with 2026-27 budget amid uncertainty

College Station ISD FY 2025-26: Expenditures by object Payroll: 83.4% Contracted services: 9.2%

Total budget $156.3M

General supplies: 3.41% Other operating: 3.53% Capital outlay: 0.46%

north of $5 million, factoring in newly approved employee compensation. Even with that projected shortfall, Superintendent Tim Harkrider and Chief Financial Officer Heather Wilson told Community Impact the district is in a stronger position than other Texas school systems because of years of financial planning and a sizable fund balance. “We’ve done everything we possibly can,” Harkrider said in an interview with Community Impact . “I feel really good where we’re at right now.”

College Station ISD leaders say the district remains financially stable, but shifting enrollment trends and uncertainty surrounding state funding are forcing officials into a new era of cautious budgeting. District administrators have spent much of the past year tightening operations, reviewing staffing models and preparing for what they described as a slower-growth future for public education in Texas. During a May 19 budget workshop, trustees reviewed a proposed roughly $155 million general budget for the 2026-27 school year that currently projects a now estimated deficit of

Students lost: ~400 in last 2 years, which equals $4M

Projected 2026-27 deficit: $5M+

Estimated 2025-26 average daily attendance: About 96%

Current fund balance: 3 months operating costs

NOTE: BASED OFF MAY 4 SPECIAL MEETING SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

How we got here

Stay tuned

Among the district’s biggest financial pressures are: Flat or limited increases in state funding Inflation affecting utilities and operations Expiration of federal funding Declining enrollment 1 2 3 4

District officials described the anticipated deficit as manageable and driven largely by statewide conditions rather than overspending locally. Even with budget pressures, local property owners could see a lower school tax rate next year, based on conversations in the May 19 budget workshop. Preliminary projections show the district’s maintenance and operations, or M&O, tax rate

Wilson and Harkrider stressed that College Station ISD is not currently facing a financial crisis. However, they also acknowledged that continued enrollment declines or stagnant state funding could eventually require more difficult decisions, including: • Additional staffing reductions through attrition • Department efficiency reviews • Adjustments to staffing ratios • Potential class size increases No immediate classroom impacts are planned, but planning efforts are being made to avoid sudden cuts in future years. “You may not have seen the effects yet,” Harkrider said, “but if things don’t change within the next three to four years, it’s going to change.” Trustees are expected to continue budget and compensation discussions in upcoming meetings before adopting a final budget this summer. The district announced it approved a $3.1 million compensation plan on May 21, giving pay increases to faculty and staff.

decreasing from approximately $0.6963 per $100 valuation to somewhere between $0.6759 and $0.6878, depending on final property values certified this summer.

Wilson said districts across Texas are now adapt- ing to slower growth or outright enrollment declines tied to charter school expansion, private school growth, demographic shifts and lower birth rates. CSISD officials are projecting a slight bump in its kindergarten class for the upcoming school year.

The backstory

For years, College Station ISD operated as a fast-growing district, typically adding 2.5%-3% more students annually.

College Station live births

College Station ISD historical enrollment & 2026-27 projected enrollment

Based off correlating birth rates, CSISD expects a slightly larger 2026-27 kindergarten class.

Projected

Historical

1,273

1,263

1,209

1,193

1,179

1,163

2020 2021

2022 2023 2024 2025

SOURCE: TEXAS BIRTH CERTIFICATE DATA, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES, CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*BASED ON MAY 19 BUDGET WORKSHOP

SOURCE: COLLEGE STATION ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION

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Education

BY RHETT BRADY & KARLEY CROSS

College Station ISD construction updates CSISD is currently taking on ve major proj- ects at three campuses, using past bonds. The district provided project updates at its May 19 board meeting. At a glance Superintendent of Operations Josh Symank said all projects are on time and within budget. “We feel really condent that we will be able to expand the scope of the projects,” he said. “We have plenty of contingency left in our budgets.” Students and parents of College Station ISD will be able to see a majority of these improve- ments at the start of the 2026-27 school year. The background Voters approved a $299 million bond in 2023 for general district improvements. The follow- ing year, a $53.47 million bond was approved, centering on athletics.

Texas A&M receives $13M state grant Texas A&M University will receive a $13 million state grant to expand its Cyclo- tron Institute in College Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced May 7. The grant is part of a statewide eort to strengthen semicon- ductor research and advanced technology development. What readers should know The investment will expand the institute’s Radiation Eects Facility, adding new beam lines and advanced testing equipment used to evaluate how electronics perform in extreme environments. The institute has provided high-energy particle testing for more than 30 years and is considered a key national resource for developing radiation-resistant microchips and electronic systems, ocials said.

1 A&M Consolidated: 60K+ square feet in additions to the school, as well as upgrades at the eldhouse and a new press box, among other improvements Timeline: completes in summer 2026

2 Rock Prairie Elementary: 4K square feet added, including new oce space and security fencing Timeline: completes December 2026

HARVEY MICHELL PKWY.

3 College Station High: 100K+ square feet in additions, including several new rooms, as well as repairs to athletic facilities Timeline: completes December 2026

SOURCE: BRYAN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bryan ISD gives update on Virtual Academy

202627 school year

June

• Early June: Admissions decisions & notiication • June 16: Blinn registration meeting for HS students interested in Dual Credit

an optional elective for fourth grade and higher. Seventh to 12th grade students will be taught the core subjects along with electives, but those who are on the hybrid schedule will have the option of taking physical education and arts classes in-person. The program is set to begin serving students with a hybrid or fully online schedule for the 2026-27 school year.

Bryan ISD’s Board of Trustees received an update to the district’s new Virtual Academy at its May 16 meeting. The program is now oered to students in grades 3-12. How it works Students in third to sixth grades will have a fully online curriculum featuring core subjects, along with art, physical education, music and

July

• End of July/Beginning of August: Device checkout

August • Aug. 4: Parent & student orientation • Aug. 4-11: Students must complete the Virtual Orientation Course • Aug. 12: First day of school

SOURCE: BRYAN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THIS IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST

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Events

Main Street Market Texas Market Guide will present the seventh annual Main Street Market with vendors offering clothing, jewelry, gourmet food, decor, art, handmade goods and other items for sale. • June 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (children age 12 and younger), $5-$6 (other options available) • Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Road, Bryan • www.texasmarketguide.com America 250 Block Party The Carnegie History Center will host a block party with family fun for all ages, including games, prizes and food, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

experiments and more to entertain and educate students. Space is limited; free tickets are given 30 minutes before the program. • June 23 and 25, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Clara B. Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan (June 23); Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S., College Station (June 25) • www.bcslibrary.org/programs/activities World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Community members can join an attempt to set a world record with a free 30-minute swimming lesson for all ages. Events will be hosted by the cities of both Bryan and College Station. • June 25, 12:30-1 p.m. (College Station), 1-2 p.m. (Bryan) • Free (admission) • Adamson Lagoon, 1900 Anderson, College Station; Bryan Aquatic Center, 3100 Oak Ridge Drive, Bryan • www.bryantx.gov; www.cstx.gov Family Field Day Residents will be able to enjoy sports, games and activities, including sand volleyball, capture the flag, kickball, inflatables, crafts and more. Food trucks will be on-site. • June 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (register through June 26) • Austin’s Colony Park,2400 Austins Colony Parkway, Bryan

June

Movie night Stage 12 at Brookshire Brothers will host two family- friendly movie nights in June. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. • June 12, 7 p.m. (“Top Gun Maverick”); June 26, 7 p.m. (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) • Free (admission) • 455 George Bush Drive W., Ste. 100, College Station • www.brookshirebrothers.com/college-station/ stage12events Juneteenth Parade The Juneteenth Parade, put on by the Brazos Valley African American Heritage and Cultural Society, will travel from Kemp-Carver Elementary School to Sadie Thomas Memorial Park. A family-friendly celebration will follow at the park. • June 20, 10 a.m. (parade), noon-2:30 p.m. (celebration) • Free (admission) • Sadie Thomas Memorial Park, 129 Moss St., Bryan • www.destinationbryan.com/events/ juneteenth-parade-2026 Chemistry Road Show Children ages 5 and older can attend Dr. Pennington’s Chemistry Road Show featuring explosions, chemistry

• June 30, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Carnegie Garden, 111 S. Main St., Bryan • www.bcslibrary.org/programs/activities

July

First Friday Downtown Bryan hosts its monthly block party featuring live music, performances, artists and activities while shops and restaurants stay open late. • July 3, 5-10 p.m.

• events.bryantx.gov/default/Detail/ 2026-06-27-1000-Family-Field-Day

BY ANNA LOTZ

• Free (admission) • Historic Downtown Bryan, 110 S. Main St., Bryan • www.destinationbryan.com/firstfriday I Heart America The annual city of College Station event will include food trucks, activities for kids, a live concert and fireworks paired with patriotic music. Complimentary watermelon and sausages on a stick will be available while supplies last. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and coolers no larger than 48 quarts. • July 4, 7 p.m. (gates open), 8 p.m. (concert), 9:30 p.m. (fireworks) • Free (admission) • Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station • www.cstx.gov/iheartamerica Red, White and Splash The city of College Station will open the Adamson Lagoon for a free public swim event capped at 400 swimmers, featuring swimming, yard games and snacks available for purchase. Fireworks can be seen from the pool at 9:30 p.m. • July 4, 7:30-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1900 Anderson, College Station • www.cstx.gov/events

Starlight Music Series The city of College Station’s Starlight Music Series will return with outdoor live music from Tejano singer Ram Herrera and guest artist Sunny Sauceda. Guests can bring refreshments and chairs or blankets. • June 13, 6 p.m. (gates open), 7 p.m. (concert begins) • Free (admission) • Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station • www.cstx.gov/starlight

Juneteenth College Station’s Parks and Recreation Department will commemorate Juneteenth—a holiday remembering the end of slavery in the U.S.—with a freedom walk and storytelling at the Lincoln Recreation Center and a party with music, activities and cultural programs. • June 18, 9-11 a.m. (freedom walk), 6-8:30 p.m. (party) • Free (admission) • 1000 Eleanor St., College Station • www.cstx.gov/events

ROCK PRAIRIE 3505 Longmire Dr (979) 696-2002 Ches to Savings! ® UNIVERSITY DR 1505 University Dr (979) 260-0448

TEXAS AVE 1729 Texas Ave (979) 696-7100

Community

BY KARLEY CROSS

Nearly 5 million people visited Bryan in 2025, and city ocials say those visitors play a major role in supporting local jobs, businesses and city services. An estimated 4.9 million visitors traveled to Bryan last year, according to data released May 5 by the city’s marketing organization, Destination Bryan. Those travelers spent more than $190 million in the local economy. Visitor spending helps support restaurants, hotels, retail stores and entertainment venues across the city. The report estimates tourism activity supported more than 2,000 jobs in Bryan in 2025. Destination Bryan says tourism also helps reduce nancial burden on residents. Bryan receives $190M from tourism in 2025

The takeaway

Looking ahead

Destination Bryan ocials said visitors are drawn to Bryan for sporting events, festivals, conferences and activities connected to Texas A&M University. The city works to attract those travelers through marketing campaigns, recruiting events and partnering with local businesses to improve the visitor experience. In 2024, Destination Bryan recorded an estimated 4.8 million visitors who spent roughly $184.7 million, supporting 2,200 local jobs. When looking at the area broadly, both Bryan and College Station have seen a bump in their hotel occupancy tax funds over the past decade, according to each city’s respective budget documents.

Both Bryan and College Station have plans to help tourism continue in the area. In College Station, several sporting events are set to come, ocials with Visit College Station highlighted in an April news release. The slate includes international soccer and professional softball championships, reecting increasing collaboration between Texas A&M University and the city, aimed at attracting large-scale events, ocials said. Together, organizers point to expanded athletic facilities, hotel capacity and regional accessibility as key reasons College Station continues landing high- prole competitions. College Station currently oers more than 4,200 hotel rooms, according to the news release.

Hotel occupancy tax over time

HOT funds College Station

HOT funds Bryan

Upcoming events in 2026

$10M

$8.6M

June 6: “Road to 26” international friendly will feature World Cup champion Argentina vs. Honduras E.B. Cushing Stadium hosts USA Track & Field Lone Star Grand Prix

$3M $2M $1M 0 $4M $6M $5M $7M $9M $8M

Bryan’s tourism in 2025

$3.1M

4.9M visitors to Bryan

$190.1M in spending from visitors

July 25-26: College Station hosts Athletes Unlimited Softball League 2026 Championship Weekend

July 30-Aug. 2: Games of Texas, featuring several sporting events, returns for the ninth time since 1988

2,300 jobs supported by tourism

Equal to additional $5,600 from each household

SOURCE: VISIT COLLEGE STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: DESTINATION BRYANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: CITIES OF BRYAN AND COLLEGE STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY ANNA LOTZ & JAMES T. NORMAN

Bryan

College Station

190

Ongoing projects

CARRIER LN.

2818

1 Hardy Weedon Road upgrades Project: Phase 1 of the project is 5% complete to add a trac signal at Hardy Weedon Road and Hwy. 30 and reconstruct part of Hardy Weedon Road east of Hwy. 30. Update: The project was split into two phases, the second phase of which includes extending the reconstruction east to the city limits at Reveille Estates at a later date. • Timeline: February-September 2026 (Phase 1), TBD (Phase 2) • Cost: $835,180 (Phase 1) • Funding source: FY 2028 bonds 2 Mumford Road widening Phase 1 Project: This project reconstructs and widens Mumford Road with a continuous center turn lane from FM 2818 to approximately 460 linear feet east of Carrier Lane. Update: The project is under construction and 40% complete as of late February. • Timeline: July 2025-August 2026 • Cost: $7.16 million • Funding sources: city of Bryan, Brazos County Economic Development Foundation

3 Marion Pugh Drive reconstruction Project: This project includes reconstructing the road from Holleman Drive to George Bush Drive. Work will involve replacing the asphalt pavement with concrete, along with other utility work, restriping and signage. Update: As of mid-May, work is around 30% complete. • Timeline: Construction started on Jan. 7 and is expected to be completed in early 2027. • Cost: $9.2 million • Funding sources: certiicates of obligation and utility revenue 4 William D. Fitch Parkway Rehabilitation, Phase 2 Project: Ocials will rehabilitate the road from Tonkaway Lake Drive to Rock Prairie Road. It is the second of three total phases. Work on Phase 1 included rehabilitating the road from Hwy. 30 to Tonkaway Lake. Update: The project is 27% completed as of mid-May. • Timeline: Construction started on Nov. 1 and is expected to be completed in late 2026. • Cost: $5.4 million • Funding source: Streets Capital Projects fund

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HARDY WEEDON RD.

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BRYAN COLLEGE STATION EDITION

Working around ‘Big 6’ From the cover

The Big 6 Construction on Hwy. 6 will include several changes along the corridor aimed at helping to better deal with growing trac counts in the area.

190

What you need to know

190

Hwy. 21 • North and south turnarounds

• Road widening • New turn lanes

The roughly $670 million Big 6 project, which will expand and add to the State Hwy. 6 corridor that runs through Bryan and College Station, will take several years to complete. Once done, it will both make up for past growth and pave the way for the area’s future, local and state ocials said. However, the project, which is being carried out by the Texas Department of Transportation, will be under construction until the early 2030s. In the meantime, questions remain about how it will aect growing trac counts in the area and the local economy—particularly for businesses that operate along the corridor. Despite some concerns, ocials from across Aggieland said the potential impact of the construction isn’t yet known. Given the timeline of the project—along with plans made by contractor Fluor Heavy Civil—ocials said the goal is for the work to be as unobtrusive as possible around businesses and local events, such as Texas A&M University football games. Meanwhile, trac patterns around the cities are likely to change, as some streets will be busier than usual as locals seek out other thoroughfares to get around construction, said Doug Bramwell, chair of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s transportation committee.

W. WILLIAM J. BRYAN PKWY.

Briarcrest Drive • North and south turnarounds

• Road widening • New turn lanes

William J. Bryan Parkway • North and south turnarounds

• Bridge widening • New turn lanes

UNIVERSITY DR.

BRIARCREST DR.

New Harvey Road southbound exit and bridge Harvey Road

University Drive • North and south turnarounds

• Road widening • New turn lanes

N V I L L E

B O

• Road widening • New turn lanes

HARVEY RD.

Southwest Parkway • North and south turnarounds • New turn lanes

SOUTHWEST PKWY.

New path to Texas Avenue

Cost breakdown

$190M: Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization $480M: State funding

Total $670M

Barron Road • New turn lanes

OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

Why it matters

The impact

Welch said the rst phase of the project will cause the most disruption to businesses. During that time, ocials are working to keep businesses accessible while also distributing yers to keep owners aware of the ongoing closures and work. Michael Lair, who owns the College Station-based Stella Southern Cafe, said he noticed construction caused part of the road to be reduced from two lanes to one. He said it started to make him concerned. “If they shut down our access road, we’re screwed,” he said. Meanwhile, at Prosperity Bank on Rock Prairie Road, President Jamie Lander said previous construction has aected the business. But that has yet to happen with the current project. Bramwell said the biggest issue businesses are running into right now is students having left for the summer. As work progresses— particularly on overpasses throughout the corridor—he expects more of a pinch.

the area has experienced in recent years—in both population and trac patterns. “The whole reason why we’re building and expanding is because we know that there’s growth coming. … [The project] will be able to better maintain trac throughout the city,” TxDOT spokesperson Kendra Welch said.

Ocials told Community Impact the need for the expansion has been long-standing. Dan Rudge, executive director of the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization, said his orga- nization set aside a few years’ worth of funding to help secure additional state funds for the project. That need stems from the signicant growth

Trac counts from 201024 at Hwy. 6 and Rock Prairie Road

Population growth in Brazos County, College Station and Bryan, 201424

2014 2019 2024

100K

80K

60K

40K

20K

2010

2017

2024

Brazos County

College Station

Bryan

SOURCES: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION., U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RHETT BRADY, KARLEY CROSS & JAMES T. NORMAN

What ocials are saying

Looking ahead

“We haven’t heard anything from anyone about the impact at this point,” Colin Killian, public com- munications director for the city of College Station, said in an email. City of Bryan ocials, in a statement to Com- munity Impact , said it also had no update on the impact. The city provided some sales tax projections but noted that more updated ones will come in July.

The impact the project could have on the area economically is dicult to parse, ocials said. Budget documents from the city of College Station noted that several economic pressures are currently at play, including energy costs and ination. To that end, the city’s projections for its sales tax revenue through scal year 2028-29 show an anticipated year-over-year increase.

Construction began in December and is expected to continue through 2030, according to TxDOT documents. In the long term, the project will be carried out in three separate phases, some of which could overlap.

Big 6 timeline 2026 2027 2028 2029

2030

Sales tax projections

College Station Bryan

Phase 1: Working on the highway begins, replacing bridges

$46.5M

$44M $45.2M

$41M $42.1M $42.2M $42.7M

$38.4M

$33.8M

$30.7M

$30M

Phase 2*: Corridor intersection work (overlaps Phase 1)

$30.7M $31.2M $30.8M $30.8M $31.1M $31.9M $32.9M $29.6M

$25.5M

$23.6M $24.5M

Phase 3*: Sidewalks, shared-use paths, landscaping

Projected data*

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

2028-29 2027-28

Fiscal years

*FY 202526 THROUGH FY 202829 FOR BRYAN INCLUDES A RANGE. NOTE: NUMBERS CHOSEN ARE CLASSIFIED BY CITY AS “MOST LIKELY PROJECTION.”

SOURCES: CITIES OF BRYAN AND COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

*NOTE: TIMELINES ARE NOT MEANT TO BE EXACT AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Business

BY KARLEY CROSS

“We pour ourselves into these boots, we really do. So, [cadets] are getting a little piece of us,” Belovoskey said.

Johnnie Holick taught Belovoskey every trick of the trade of his family business.

From apprentice to owner: Master bootmaker Leo Belovoskey continues a generations-old art of hand-crafting the iconic boots for the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.

PHOTOS BY KARLEY CROSSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Holick’s Manufacturing carries 135 years of Aggie tradition; one handmade boot at a time

OLD COLLEGE RD.

For 135 years, Holick’s Manufacturing has shaped one of Texas A&M University’s most recognizable traditions; the senior boots worn by members of the Corps of Cadets. Operating for the last 20 years out of its current Bryan location, this small business has survived a re, industry shifts and modern retail trends by adhering to a singular principle: Building quality boots the traditional way. The history The business traces its origins back to 1891 when founder Joseph Holick operated a shoe repair business in Bryan. Holick, who would become Texas A&M’s rst Aggie Bandmaster, caught the attention of the university through his exceptional craftsmanship. This relationship led to him repairing footwear for cadets, cement- ing a bond between the shop and the Corps of Cadets that grew alongside the university. By the early 1940s, Holick’s began producing the iconic senior boots locally. Before this shift, cadets typically traveled elsewhere to purchase their boots. Moving production to the local area rmly tied the beloved tradition to Aggieland.

How we got here Today, the labor-intensive process is kept alive by owner, operator and master bootmaker Leo Belovoskey. His journey to Holick’s began in 1991 under the mentorship of longtime owner Johnnie Holick, following some insistence from Belovoskey’s younger brother who was a cadet awaiting his own boots at the time. From Holick, Belovoskey learned every step of the trade and grew to deeply respect him. “I held Johnnie on a pedestal. I thought he was one of the most brilliant men that I ever met in my life,” Belovoskey said. Years later, Belovoskey was oered the chance to buy the business, as the last bootmaker capable of continuing production. Respecting the craft Alongside a small team, Belovoskey refuses to abandon the traditional methods. While some modern machinery assists with the initial prepa- ration work, the cutting, shaping and assembling of the boots remain largely manual processes. “We’re all about the cadets and we’re all about making a good boot,” Belovoskey said. “We make it the same way that it’s been done forever.” He said he remembers countless cadets who

4315 Wellborn Road, Bryan www.Holicks.com

have passed through the shop, each carrying a dierent story. What’s special about Holick’s While Holick’s has expanded its inventory over the years to include sabers and other accessories, its core mission remains focused on serving the cadets. Because the footwear is built by hand, it demands a level of specialized skill that is rare today. For generations of Texas A&M students, these senior boots represent achievement, history and a deep sense of belonging. Belovoskey and his team continue to step into the workshop every day with a focus on shaping leather into a living piece of Aggie history. “[Tradition] is almost like something you can hold onto,” Belovoskey said. “People want to belong to something good.”

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