During Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board of Directors unanimously approved $250,000 to spent toward the funding of the Riverside Park overhaul project, which will begin in 2024.

City Manager Emily Crawford said at the Brownwood City Council meeting on Oct. 25, “This is our largest ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funded project that we have on the books, and it’s out for bid. Over $2 million is expected and that’s for complete new roads, curbs, lighting, improvements to the pavilion, signage, and landscaping.”

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, BMDD Executive Director Ray Tipton gave an update on projects coming Brownwood.

Home 2 Suites is hopeful to open by the end of the year after having installing issues with their elevator, according to Tipton. The new hotel, which will feature 83 rooms and a small business conference room, will be open for 30 days before beginning to take online reservations.

News on the site of the former OYO Hotel isn’t expected until after the first of the year. The City’s Planning and Development Department is working with the property owner on a re-plat into three tracts.

Shoe Dept. Encore is still on target to open in the spring of 2024 at the former Kroger location. There have been no details released on what business will occupy the remainder of the building.

Wild Duck is opening a second location at the former Teddy’s Brewhaus, Tipton shared with the board, with an opening date planned by the end of 2023, he added.