Extraordinary measures have been taken in recent years to focus on reviving the greatness of Downtown Bryan. The Bryan Comprehensive Plan identified the need for a “master plan” to establish an innovative and unified approach. Over a six month period a major planning effort was made as input was gathered from a series of forums involving merchants, property owners, and other stakeholders. The resulting Master Plan is a collaboration between the public, City staff, and our consultants, LRK, Inc. It includes the following components:

• Existing Conditions Analysis
• Public Input
• Physical Master Plan
• Streetscape Design
• Utilities and Infrastructure
• Urban Design
• Economic and Market Strategies
• Implementation
• Façade Restorations
• Market and Parking Survey Results

Innovation: The Plan is unique in that it goes above and beyond the typical areas of downtown planning and addresses essential components including infrastructure located within utility corridors and recommended façade improvements to 85 buildings located within the study area. An interactive CD-ROM has been developed utilizing Macromedia Flash animation illustrating major components of the Master Plan.

Quality: The Plan is easily read and understood. It transforms the two-dimensional document into a self-contained media presentation.

Implementation: The City of Bryan is moving forward with the infrastructure improvements as indicated in the Plan. A 60-space parking lot has been constructed.Phase I of the Streetscape Plan is in the construction phase and will provide new underground utilities, streets, sidewalks,historic lighting, and landscaping for a four block stretch of Main Street. The estimated cost of construction is $3,000,000. Monies for these improvements come from the City’s general fund. The City is now planning to fund the design for Phase II.

Comprehensiveness: The Downtown Bryan Master Plan brings together all the issues that must work together for a true revitalization of Downtown. The 5 Phase Plan includes extensive public input, dealing with a wide range of issues, and will truly be a vital document for years to come.