GEDC approves potential Lynn buyer, works to market Gonzales

At the December 19 GEDC meeting, the board heard presentations from potential buyers for the Lynn Theater. The board heard three presentations in the open session and reviewed the financial portions of the offers in closed session.

When the board returned to open session, they voted to sell the Lynn the Sydney Allen and Devon Warzecha. GEDC Board President Ken Morrow would like the community to know that the decision was made because it was the highest local offer that preserved the historic integrity of the building. The GEDC is eager to get the building back on the tax roll and in use.

GEDC listened to the council when they decided that they did not want the building to be used for multifamily housing. The deal that GEDC is working on will preserve the marque and restrict the use of the facility as an entertainment venue. We anticipate the buyers will make a presentation to council on Jan. 19. GEDC has invested more than $700,000 into the theater over the past two decades for the community.

The board also approved a contract with Retail Strategies for GEDC to participate in the ICSC Red River deal making trade show in Dallas. The scope of the work includes updating all of the Gonzales retail statistics, identifying sites for retail developments and setting up appointments with potential retailers. When we look at sales tax money that is leaving the community, we have a gaps in food and grocery, apparel, fast food and several other categories. We hope to attract new retail and use the data to help our existing retailers expand.

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce recently took over the responsibilities of promoting Gonzales as a tourist destination. Because GEDC has funds available for advertising and because tourist spend money while they are visiting, the board approved spending $4,800 for cooperative advertising on two billboards.

The digital billboard will be used to promote seasonal events such as Winterfest, Come And Take It, The Texas Independence Relay and more along with GEDC job fairs and a static billboard located on I-10 near Buc-ees will promote overnight stays, shopping and eating.

We think this is likely just the first step in a very positive and great relationship working with the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce to not only promote tourism but to promote commerce. We are excited about the new energy and ideas Melissa Henderson and Alise Mullins, along with the Chamber have to reach their goals in the new year.

A second amendment for a Main Street grant for 415 St. James was approved. The owners of the building are making improvements that allow them to retain one of their tenants and attract a new renter.

When they began renovations they discovered some infrastructure issues, more specifically, a sewer line that was tied into their facility that served more than one business. The board decided that it was in the best interest to revitalize downtown, they would provide additional funding so the building owner could honor their lease agreements. The building owner has upgraded the electrical and is now working on improvements to the plumbing.

The public will notice that there are significant improvements going on in the vicinity of Texas Hero square. The city was the beneficiary of a TXGDBG grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture. The grant funds are being used to make Texas Hero Square accessible for visitors and to improve the sidewalks in front of the businesses in the 400 block of St. James. We anticipate these significant improvements along with the new Chamber of Commerce visitors center will be a catalyst for new development in that square.

There are several vacant and underutilized buildings in that district we would like to see occupied. Building owners are encouraged to reach out to Main Street Director Tiffany Hutchinson-Padilla and GEDC Director Jennifer Kolbe for information on grants and other resources to revitalize their properties.

We continue to work on development plans for 2521 Harwood Road for future industrial development and the new water tower. During January, we expect to hear the results of the regional plan with the Victoria Economic Development Corporation, host a business roundtable and continue working on job fairs, a career fair with the Gonzales ISD and expanding our marketing efforts attract new primary job businesses.

Snavely Forest products, located in the industrial park, continues to staff up and started receiving lumber shipments in December. We are excited to see them grow. Remschel Customs, a project we funded, continues to work on improvements to their building on Oilpatch Lane.