Phase I Catalyst Projects

The City of Brownwood is taking a significant step towards further revitalizing its downtown area with the selection of Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) to lead the design phase of key projects. FNI, responsible for the 2003 and 2024 Downtown Master Plans, will now translate the vision outlined in the latter into actionable plans for construction. 

Phase I of the project focuses on high-impact catalyst projects, including:

  • Streetscape Improvements: Enhancements to Baker Street and Fisk Street, encompassing roadwork, sidewalks, traffic signals, lighting, landscaping, and underground utilities.
  • Fisk Art Park: Development of a vibrant public art space adjacent to Fisk Street, incorporating artistic elements. The project will be a public/private partnership, and transform the area into a family-friendly destination, enhancing the non-commercial offerings.
  • Silos Courtyard and Promenade: Creation of a park and promenade at the site of the historic silos, featuring a courtyard and green spaces.

ENHANCED STREETSCAPING ALONG FISK STREET

  1. 1 Downtown Plan Render of new streetscaping on fisk ave. and baker st.

The next logical expansion of the retail area for Downtown Brownwood. This project upgrades the streetscapes, sidewalks, street trees, and landscaping to enhance aesthetics and make the area more walkable and comfortable for visitors. It is envisioned to be similar to what was done along Center Ave. The goal is to create an urban aesthetic, enhance pedestrian safety, and stimulate the local economy of Downtown.

ENHANCED STREETSCAPING ALONG BAKER STREET

Downtown Plan Render of new streetscaping on fisk ave. and baker st.

Baker Street is an important corridor through Downtown, connecting many major destinations, including the Core, Coliseum, Event Center and new parking lot along the railroad. It has some business frontages, but the primary intent of streetscape upgrades along Baker would be to make the corridor a more pleasant walking route between those destinations. The project is expected to extend eight blocks, from Main Street/US 377 to Washington Street.

FISK STREET ART PARK

  1. 1 Fisk Art Park

The City is in conversations with Texas Bank regarding transforming a portion of its unused property into an art focused public forum. The Brownwood Art Park would create a world-class destination for Downtown Brownwood that brings an asset to the area and the City, that doesn’t currently exist. The Art Park anchors the corner of the new Fisk Street streetscapes and the Chandler Street, and provides a place of respite during the walk from the Core to the Convention and Events District along the Chandler Street. While not a playground, the Art Park is intended to be a place for families to enjoy in Downtown.

SILO PROMENADE AND COURTYARD

  1. 1 Downtown Plan Render of New Event Facilities outside of silos.
  2. 2 Downtown Plan Render of New Event Facilities outside of silos.