Council backs downtown tourism push: 'Art Walk Plaza,' regional roundtable and hotel-tax use to buy mural lot

Council discussed plans to host the Texas Downtown Association regional roundtable July 9–10, an event expected to attract 75–100 attendees. Heather Aiden, tourism administrator, asked council to help cover a $500 venue rental fee at the Granada (staff requested each council member contribute $100 from discretionary funds) and explained the program will include a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street session on hosting a Smithsonian exhibit, downtown tours and a ribbon-cutting for the newly acquired lot at F Street and Holland Avenue.

Tourism and arts staff proposed the working name Art Walk Plaza for the downtown lot, citing its role as a trailhead for mural and historic tours and as the start point for other downtown activations. Staff described short-term site improvements already completed (vegetation removal and gate work) and listed remaining tasks: capping old water lines, relocating an electrical panel to a city‑owned side for easier access, and removing unused gas meters. Volunteers and donated labor from local trades and student groups were proposed to keep costs low.

Council then considereda budget amendment to use hotel-occupancy-tax proceeds to acquire the property that contains two city-funded murals and to build a visitor kiosk. City Manager Henry said the acquisition is consistent with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code because it preserves tourism assets and will promote long-term public access. Council approved the appropriation (Ordinance 2026-04-04) by unanimous vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize the venue sponsorship logistics for the July roundtable, place a resolution on a future agenda if a formal name-recording is required, coordinate site remediation and electrical/plumbing work, and install interpretive signage tied to the city's mural and historic tours.