McAllen’s Downtown Is a Destination

McAllen’s Downtown Is a Destination
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McAllen continues to pump more lifeblood into its heart.

In 2004, during the city’s 100th birthday celebration, McAllen officials introduced a Heart of the City initiative. The goal of the project was to restore vitality to the historic downtown area by attracting new businesses‚ providing adequate parking‚ attracting international shoppers‚ creating new jobs and increasing property values.

Six years after the initiative began, city officials point out that downtown McAllen has become much more energetic, having attracted many more shoppers and several new businesses to the district. Examples of a revitalized look include venues like Buda Bar & Espana that welcomes a more affluent clientele, and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce that has moved into a beautiful downtown building along Ash Avenue.

In addition, the historic Marriott Renaissance Casa de Palmas hotel has been renovated but remains a reminder of the city’s colorful past, and Nuevo Santander Gallery now has a Mediterranean look that reflects McAllen’s history and heritage among the fine art, antiques and Old West collectibles it sells.

Other recent improvements throughout the downtown community include a new bus terminal along with decorative lights along several downtown sidewalks. In addition, a five-story parking garage was constructed and opened downtown in 2007, and the historic El Rey Theatre has been revitalized.

Heart of the City officials point out that continued development of a strong retail sector in the downtown area will bring in even more shoppers to contribute to sales tax revenues, while a more scenic and decorative district further enhances the overall civic image. Future goals for the district include registering McAllen in the Texas Main Street Program, installing a trolley system, creating an arts culture destination for the Rio Grande Valley, and attracting large anchor stores to support and attract new businesses and merchants.

Also, the city hopes to establish more parks and green space areas, and have more high-rise condominiums and lofts available for people looking to live in a downtown environment.

Story by Kevin Litwin
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