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Façade grant approved to add art garden entrance at Sea Ranch Marina
Summary
Meeting participants approved a facade improvement grant to fund exterior work, including a fence, for a new art garden and makerspace at the Sea Ranch Marina barn, supporting a local artists’ cooperative and seasonal programming.
Meeting participants approved a facade improvement grant on agenda item 5.1 to provide a fence and other exterior improvements for a new art garden and makerspace at the Sea Ranch Marina barn.
The project, led by local artists affiliated with Art Lounge and South Padre Island Art Space, will transform an underused roughly 3,400-square-foot commercial shell at the marina into a public-facing studio, bilingual classes and seasonal events. Jim Inholm, manager of Sea Ranch Marina, introduced the presentation and thanked the board for the opportunity, saying, “My name is Jim Inholm. I'm the manager of the Sea Ranch Marina here on the island, and on behalf of my boss, James Harbor, I'd like to thank you all for the opportunity and, your time this morning.”
Jenna Pena, who identified herself as a local artist and a board member of Art Space with South Padre Island Art Space, described the interior renovations already completed and the planned exterior improvements. “We are looking to make an inclusive studio and makerspace. We are working with instructors for bilingual art classes and family programs, seasonal community events and gallery exhibitions,” she said.
Planned exterior work includes removing metal cladding and installing coastal-inspired siding, backlit signage and lighting upgrades to address a dark frontage facing nearby traffic to Isla Blanca Park. The group also proposed a sculpture garden at the entrance and said furnishings are modular so the space can operate as a flexible venue for music and other events. Pena told the meeting the full project cost would be about $60,000 “when all [is] finalized.”
A board member moved to provide a fence as part of the facade grant; another board member seconded the motion. The chair called for the ayes, and the motion passed.
The applicants said the space currently houses more than 15 active artists, expects more than 250 monthly participants across classes and events when fully operating, and will be accessible to residents and visitors walking or biking from nearby parks. Organizers said the site will support local art sales, instructors and creative commerce as an amenity for off-season and year-round visitors.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the facade grant paperwork and process for disbursement so exterior work can begin.
