The Brownwood Event Center Complex received top honors at the 2025 Texas Downtown Annual Conference held November 4 in Waco, earning recognition for both its architectural excellence and transformative economic impact. The complex was awarded Best New Construction and Best Economic Game Changer, along with the People’s Choice Award for Best New Construction following a public vote.
These awards underscore the City of Brownwood’s long-term commitment to strategic downtown revitalization and community-driven investment.
The Best New Construction award recognized the Ice House Stage and Reunion Lawn, the outdoor centerpiece of the Brownwood Event Center Complex. Developed through a partnership between the City of Brownwood and the Brownwood Municipal Development District, the project reflects community collaboration and input from local organizations and business owners.
Built on the site of the historic Brownwood Ice House, the venue blends modern functionality with industrial design elements that honor the city’s heritage. Featuring professional-grade sound and lighting, flexible stage configurations, and an expansive lawn area, the space accommodates concerts, festivals, weddings, and private events of all sizes. It now serves as the home of the Feels Like Home Festival, which has featured major Texas artists such as Midland, Pat Green, and the Randy Rogers Band.
The Best Economic Game Changer award recognized the Event Center Complex as a catalyst for economic revitalization in Downtown Brownwood. Opened in June 2024, the complex represents more than a decade of research, planning, and design, transforming the historic JM Radford Grocery Company warehouse into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility.
In its first year of operation, the complex hosted over 60 events, welcoming more than 14,000 attendees. The resulting influx of visitors has generated significant economic activity for nearby restaurants, retail shops, and hotels, with an estimated $1.2 million impact from the inaugural Feels Like Home Festival alone. The facility is on track to exceed 70 scheduled events in 2025, reflecting the complex’s growing role as a driver of regional tourism and business development.
“The Brownwood Event Center Complex is a direct investment in the city’s future,” said City Manager Marshal McIntosh. “It demonstrates how thoughtful planning, public-private collaboration, and respect for local history can produce a modern facility that benefits the entire community – economically, culturally, and socially.”
The complex’s success has also inspired renewed private investment throughout the downtown district, prompting new business openings, property renovations, and increased visitor traffic.
“These awards reflect the vision and momentum taking shape in Brownwood,” said Mayor Stephen E. Haynes. “The Event Center Complex has become a cornerstone of our city’s continued growth, proving that strategic investment in our existing assets can yield long-term value and vibrancy for generations to come.”
The Texas Downtown Association, founded in 1985, supports communities committed to downtown revitalization across the state. Its annual President’s Awards program recognizes outstanding projects, places, and partnerships that exemplify excellence in preservation, design, and economic development.