Baytown's downtown may soon see some new life

Baytown's City Council has been looking over sketches from Hunter Interests, Inc., that show a plan of action for Texas Avenue's revitalization. Hunter Interests' president Don Hunter sees hope for restaurants and retail, although he admits it will never be the destination it was in the past.
Performing arts attractions are also on the drawing board:

“We could establish a college of the arts or a dance school nearby,” he said. “Performing arts would become an attraction to bring people to the area. If you get two, three or four of these things going, you’ve got a performance center in downtown Baytown.”

Art League of Baytown member Bobby Sutphin said a permanent home for the league might be the artistic boots downtown needs. The league has been looking to lease a building to showcase members’ work and to teach art classes, she said.

“An art league building will draw people to the area and be a great start for a performing arts center downtown,” she said. “Part of our proposal is to be a Mecca for artisans in the craft area and artists.”

There is also a mention in Jessica Robertson's article that the abandoned art-deco Brunson Theater is a good candidate for conversion to a live performance venue. Along with performing arts, restaurants, and retail, there is also hope that Texas Avenue may become a venue for students and staff of Lee College, providing coffee shops and book stores.

With some city and federal funding, and an influx of new businesses and customers, Texas Avenue, whose buildings are 50 percent vacant at the moment, hopefully will see a renaissance.