Crockett council approves rezoning to let downtown building be converted for a boutique hotel and restaurant

A majority of the Crockett City Council voted to rezone two adjoining downtown parcels to allow a boutique hotel and restaurant after a public hearing and brief discussion.

The council approved a request from Shannon Paris, representing Femme Tribe Tours and Travel LLC, to reclassify properties at 103 South Second Street and 112 East Goliad from C-2 Commercial to C-3 City Center Shopping District. The mayor opened the hearing and read the legal descriptions before Paris described her proposal.

"C-3 allows me to easily put in a boutique hotel as well as a restaurant," Paris said, adding that she understands a separate special-use permit will still be required for hotel operations. Paris told the council she founded Femme Tribe Tours and Travel Sept. 9, 2022, and described plans to host European visitors and convert parts of the existing building and a former warehouse into lodging with an Italian-style restaurant frontage.

A representative of the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the rezoning. Council Member James moved to approve the request; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The rezoning approval does not eliminate subsequent permitting steps. Paris said she would pursue the special-use permit and other approvals required to operate the hotel and restaurant. The council closed the public hearing before voting.

Next steps: the applicant will pursue any required special-use and building permits; councilors and staff indicated the matter will proceed through those standard regulatory steps.