The focus is on creating a mixed-use development that could include a convention center, boutique hotel, and other amenities to enhance the city's economic landscape, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for the city.
The timeline
The project, acquired by NBEDC in 2016, is in phase two of its planning and feasibility study.
This phase includes urban planning, test fitting the site, conducting financial feasibility studies, and preparing a request for proposals to attract developers, Jewell said.
The NBEDC approved $45,000 for this phase, bringing the total budget for phase two to $60,000, with $15,000 carried over from phase one, Jewell said.
Here is the timeline of actions taken, according to official agenda documents:
- 2016: NBEDC acquires the 16-acre Gruene property, initially planned for HD Supply’s expansion.
- June 15, 2023: NBEDC workshop introduces the planning and feasibility process for the Gruene 16 property.
- August 17, 2023: NBEDC approves $45,000 to Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. for phase one of the study.
- November 14, 2023: Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. facilitates a workshop with NBEDC, defining project objectives and next steps.
- May 16: Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. presents the feasibility study results and development scenarios at a second workshop.
- June 20: NBEDC directs staff to proceed with phase two, approving an additional $45,000 to continue the project.
Phase one of the project focused on conceptualizing the development and assessing initial feasibility, Jewell said.
The evaluation scores were determined using a set of criteria, which were assigned weights and then used to rank the different development scenarios, Jewell said.
The study identified and explored three main development scenarios, each aimed at aligning with the city’s economic goals Jewell said.
The visitation scenario features a convention center, meeting spaces, and a boutique hotel, along with secondary uses such as food and beverage spaces, multifamily housing and parks, Jewell said. It received an evaluation score of 83.3%.
The creativity scenario proposes a film studio and a boutique hotel, with secondary uses including a land bank and parks. Scoring 80.0%, it leverages New Braunfels' “Film Friendly Texas Community” status to address the need for more studio space, Jewell said.
The local focus scenario includes medical office buildings as the primary use, with secondary elements such as single and multifamily housing and parks. It scored 70.0%, reflecting the high demand for medical office space on Common Street, Jewell said.
What’s next?
The next steps for the project, Jewell said, are as follows:
- Develop financial models to determine the necessary incentives and funding requirements for each development scenario.
- Conduct studies to assess how well the proposed uses fit the site and determine the development capacity.
- Draft and issue a request for proposals to solicit developers for the project, seeking proposals that align with the development vision.
- Explore potential public/private partnerships to support and facilitate the development, aligning with the city’s economic goals.
