The summer of 2025 has brought a wave of exciting progress to Downtown Brownwood, with four large-scale renovation projects now underway. Each project reflects a shared vision — to breathe new life into our historic district, create fresh commercial opportunities, and fuel economic growth for years to come.
In total, these four developments represent more than $2.5 million in private investment in our downtown. All are supported through the Brownwood Municipal Development District’s Building Improvement Incentive Program Grant, which provides a 50% match (up to $25,000) for permanent improvements to commercial buildings housing viable business projects.
HERE'S A LOOK AT WHAT'S IN MOTION:
403 Fisk Street
The former Brown County Appraisal District building is getting a dramatic transformation. A local business owner has purchased the property with plans to relocate his current shop, CDC Games, to this new space under the rebranded name R & R Cards & Games.
Renovations include a full interior demolition, new flooring, updated electrical and lighting, fresh paint, and modern storefront doors and windows. The end result will be a bright, inviting retail space ready to welcome customers — and another example of how local entrepreneurs are investing in the future of Downtown Brownwood.
201 CENTER AVENUE
Once a CPA office, this 3,500-square-foot building is about to be restored to its former glory. Local investors are removing the exterior stucco to reveal the building’s original brick façade and columns, recreating its historic look from over a century ago.
Upgrades include replacing the original single-pane windows and doors with modern energy-efficient versions, as well as installing a new roof. The renovated space will be flexible enough to accommodate a variety of businesses, making it a prime location for future economic activity.
307 Fisk Street
A former law office is being reimagined into a mixed-use space that will combine retail on the ground floor with residential units above. Spanning two floors of approximately 2,500 square feet each, the project will overhaul both levels with new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and flooring, along with front façade improvements and fresh paint inside and out.
By transforming outdated office space and underused upper floors into vibrant new uses, this project aligns perfectly with Brownwood’s downtown revitalization goals.
100 N. CENTER AVENUE
The largest of the four projects, this nearly 20,000-square-foot building will undergo a complete overhaul in multiple phases. The first step — asbestos abatement, a new roof, and a new interior slab — is already underway. The next phase will see a complete interior rebuild of approximately 60% of the north side of the building, with the remaining 40% to follow.
With a projected 18–24 month timeline, this is the most significant renovation project in Downtown Brownwood in recent history and is expected to become a cornerstone of future commercial growth.
A Shared Investment in Brownwood's Future
The Building Improvement Incentive Program (BIIP) is designed to revitalize and improve the appearance of Brownwood commercial buildings, enhancing the aesthetics, marketability, and overall perception of the city while strengthening downtown and major thoroughfares. By serving as a catalyst for continued private sector investment, the program encourages visible improvements and offers property owners an incentive to invest in their commercial buildings.
Each project demonstrates the powerful impact of public-private partnerships. Through BIIP, property owners are preserving historic buildings, creating modern business spaces, and strengthening the economic heart of our community.
The momentum in Downtown Brownwood is visible — the district is seeing investment, and a shared commitment to progress.
To learn more about the Building Improvement Incentive Program (BIIP), click here.