New Braunfels city officials recently provided an update on the redevelopment of the historic Mainzer property, which has been in the planning stages since 2018.

Discussions during the Sept. 10 City Council meeting revealed ongoing efforts to turn the property into a public destination, Jewell said.

The background

New Braunfels Utilities plans to relocate its headquarter by 2027, freeing up the Mainzer property at 263 Main Plaza for redevelopment.

The site was initially set to become a boutique hotel, restaurant and social gathering space, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.

The update

During the meeting, city officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the original request for proposal process for redeveloping the Mainzer property.

Restarting the process is not recommended, Jewell said, noting that public input, architectural assessments and community priorities have already been thoroughly considered.

"Restarting the process really is not recommended," Jewell said. "It's a major effort to solicit, generate interest, provide information, and get these development proposals together. ... We may not actually end up with any better proposals, or really no proposals at all ... so there is a risk there in going out and restarting this process."

What’s next

City officials and developers plan to finalize key elements of the project, including:

• Designs for the proposed hotel
• Restaurant concepts
• A parking structure

The goal is to create a mixed-use development that not only honors the property’s history but also serves as a major economic driver for downtown New Braunfels, Jewell said.

The final proposal is expected to include:

• Detailed plans for phased construction
• Community engagement efforts

Public hearings and presentations are planned as the project continues, ensuring transparency and alignment with community interests, Jewell said.