Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville will be launching the development of its first “Downtown Renaissance Master Plan” in partnership with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI), this summer. The Master Plan marks a major step in shaping the future of Downtown Brownsville by identifying opportunities and addressing concerns through a shared community vision that will guide visionary downtown preservation and growth for the next 10 to 20 years.
The Master Plan will focus on creating a long-term vision for Downtown Brownsville that includes downtown’s uses and physical environment, walkability, housing, parks, trails and public spaces, infrastructure upgrades, economic development, parking, and preservation of the City’s unique architectural, historical and cultural assets.
“A comprehensive downtown master plan is essential for tackling the unique challenges and opportunities we face, here in downtown,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “From preserving our historic character to driving sustainable economic growth. With this plan, we’re laying the groundwork to guide future development, attract new investment, and create a thriving, resilient downtown for generations to come. By engaging our community and stakeholders throughout the process, we ensure that the vision reflects their aspirations and needs. “
Engagement will be at the heart of this planning effort. A comprehensive outreach strategy is rolling out this summer and will include downtown property and business owners,
nonprofits, housing and commercial developers, artists, museum and cultural stakeholders, and the public. Input will be gathered through a mix of community meetings, town halls, surveys, stakeholder workshops, downtown events, and digital outreach tools to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.
“Downtown is the heart of where Brownsville’s past, present, and future intersect,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, City Manager. “The Downtown Renaissance Master Plan gives our community an opportunity to create a realistic and visionary roadmap that supports our growing economy, art, culture, and vibrant quality of life, together as One City.”
“We could not be more excited to partner with the Brownsville community to continue and enhance the ongoing momentum in Downtown Brownsville. Downtown is an incredibly important place in bringing people together, celebrating culture, encouraging entrepreneurship, boosting quality of life for all, and telling Brownsville’s story” said Chance Sparks, FAICP, CNU-A, ENV SP, Principal-in-Charge with Freese and Nichols.
Freese and Nichols brings extensive experience from successful downtown projects across Texas, including the cities of Fort Worth, Canyon, Brownwood, Victoria, Longview, and Midlothian. FNI has already partnered with Brownsville on several key initiatives such as the Unified Development Code and the Mobility Plan. Their familiarity with Brownsville will allow for a more efficient planning process with tailored recommendations for the City’s short and long-term needs.
Freese and Nichols, Inc. is a state and nationally recognized planning and engineering firm that recently received the 2025 Vernon Deines National Award from the American Planning Association for the Brownwood Downtown Plan.
To learn more about the City of Brownsville’s “Downtown Renaissance Master Plan,” please visit: www.BrownsvilleTX.gov.
Information source: City of Brownsville
