BROWNSVILLE, Texas (January 26, 2017) – The Market Square Tower Restoration & Dome Replacement Project is currently underway in Downtown Brownsville.

Slated for completion in May 2017, building improvements will be performed in three major phases: (1) abatement of the tower and dome; (2) waterproofing and finishing of the dome and painting of the tower; and (3) replacement and structural repairs of the roof. In addition, electrical safety repairs and repair and replacement of exterior doors and windows will be completed.

From opening as Brownsville’s first open-air market – offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood to the community in 1852, to later operating as the city’s bustling bus terminal in 1984, Market Square has served as an economic hub, a notable landmark, in the heart of Downtown Brownsville.

Over the years, the Market Square tower and dome have sustained structural damage, including exposed rust, large portions of fragmented and dislodged concrete, deterioration of exterior mosaic tiles, and section detachments from the walls and roof.

Today, Market Square houses historical artifacts and serves as a venue for community events and ceremonies alongside other downtown revitalization projects, including the Activating Vacancy Arts Incubator in the San Fernando Building and the Market Square Revitalization Project, also slated for completion in Summer 2017.

“The City of Brownsville is proud to provide a renovation to one of Brownsville’s most treasured landmarks,” said Planning & Zoning Division Director Constanza Miner. “The renovation of the tower and dome will complement the revitalization of Market Square for the enjoyment and historical education of our community.”

The Market Square Tower Restoration & Dome Replacement Project was funded in part by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC); in 2016, the City of Brownsville Planning & Zoning Division was awarded $121,911.00 in capital grant funding.

“Market Square in Downtown Brownsville is one of the most recognizable destinations in our city, and the Market Square tower serves as its focal point,” said BCIC Executive Director Rebeca Castillo. “It was crucial for us to assist in the restoration of the Market Square tower as we transition into a new era for Downtown Brownsville. We hope that, upon the completion of this project, we begin to witness a renewed interest from visitors, consumers, and investors in our downtown area as we continue to move forward with these endeavors.”

Learn more about the Market Square Tower Restoration & Dome Replacement Project.

For more information about BCIC, please visit: http://www.bcic.us.

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