In 2014, New Braunfels Utilities adopted a master plan to redevelop its 16-acre property located at 333 E. Klingemann St., which later came to be known as The Headwaters at the Comal.
The project is being completed in phases, according to city documents, and the $8.4 million Phase 1 was completed in 2017.
Phase 1 included a natural stormwater management system, restoration of riparian habitats, the construction of an amphitheater, walking trails, the Comal Springs overlook and retrofitting an outdoor pavilion.
The Headwaters is currently fundraising for Phase 2, which will construct the 6,400-square-foot Center at the Headwaters facility. The facility is expected to cost $8 million with an additional 20%-30% of construction cost increases anticipated over time for a total cost of $9.11 million-$9.68 million.
NBU is expected to contribute $4 million to the project, and the community has contributed approximately $934,000 so far, according to city documents, leaving a funding gap of approximately $3.07 million.
On March 31, the NBEDC held a public hearing and voted to recommend the $1.2 million grant for the Headwaters project. With the grant funding, the project’s funding gap is now $1.85 million.
The Headwaters commissioned EcoMetrics LLC, a firm specializing in developing impacts for projects whose economic impacts require a monetary valuation to conduct an impact analysis.
According to the study, the market value of the proposed improvements is approximately $8.9 million, while the social value is estimated to be $88.94 million.
Once complete the center will include a 200-seat conference room, restroom facilities, a visitors center, a 60-person meeting room and more.
