During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of downtown Terrell, focusing on mural projects, building maintenance, and the challenges faced by property owners and tenants. The conversation highlighted the need for a completed mural on the Houston Smith building, with suggestions to use UV canvases to mitigate liability concerns associated with direct painting on buildings.

Officials noted that while there have been no new mural requests, they are exploring creative signage and photo opportunities to enhance the downtown experience. The importance of maintaining the momentum of recent improvements was emphasized, as two investors have shown interest in the area, although property owners are hesitant to sell.

Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of downtown buildings, with city officials stressing the need for property owners to maintain their properties. The fire marshal has flagged several buildings for safety issues, prompting discussions about the city’s responsibility to ensure compliance with building codes. The city owns one of the largest buildings downtown, and officials acknowledged the need to either sell it to an interested investor or bring it up to standard themselves.

The board debated the allocation of funds for building renovations versus regular maintenance, with some members expressing reluctance to use city funds to support landlords in maintaining their properties. The conversation also touched on the potential for lease reimbursement programs to assist tenants during renovations, but there was a consensus that landlords should not pass renovation costs onto tenants.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to the broader economic landscape, with officials noting a significant number of leads for potential investments in Terrell. The discussion underscored the need for a strategic approach to downtown development, balancing the preservation of historic buildings with the demands of modern businesses, particularly restaurants, which may not be suited for the existing structures.

Overall, the meeting reflected a commitment to revitalizing downtown Terrell while addressing the complexities of property ownership, tenant relations, and the preservation of the city’s historical character.