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Brownwood ratifies two downtown BIIP grants: up to $25,000 for a new speakeasy, $24,000 for Turtle Restaurant façade
Summary
Council ratified Brownwood Municipal Development District actions awarding Building Improvement Incentive Program matching grants to Steven McCrane (up to $25,000) for renovations at 104 S. Broadway and to David and Mary Stanley (up to $24,000) for façade work at 510–514 Center Ave.; both motions passed unanimously.
The City Council on March 24 ratified two Brownwood Municipal Development District Building Improvement Incentive Program (BIIP) awards for downtown properties.
Deputy City Manager Ray Tipton summarized the first project: Steven McCrane plans to open a speakeasy at 104 S. Broadway with a primary entrance at the building’s rear. Permanent building improvements were estimated at $55,047 and total project investment (including furniture, fixtures and equipment) was projected to exceed $85,000. The project qualifies for a 50 percent matching BIIP grant not to exceed $25,000; the council ratified the BMDD action by motion (moved by Draco A. Miller, seconded by Melody Nowowiejski) and the motion carried unanimously.
Tipton summarized a second BIIP ratification for David and Mary Stanley, owners/operators of the Turtle Restaurant at 510–514 Center Avenue. Proposed upgrades include replacement of front awnings, repairs to front‑facing windows and replacement of two exit/access doors. Total estimated cost is $48,000, with eligibility for a 50 percent matching BIIP grant not to exceed $24,000. Council ratified the BMDD action (motion by Melody Nowowiejski, seconded by HD Jones) by a unanimous vote.
Why it matters: The BIIP grants are intended to improve downtown curb appeal and support small businesses by defraying façade and safety‑compliance work. Both projects include private match requirements and estimated completion in spring/summer 2026.
Actions recorded in the minutes: two ratifications of BMDD BIIP awards (McCrane up to $25,000; Stanley up to $24,000), both approved unanimously.
