Brownwood’s Shops on Commerce retail development is nearing its final construction phase, and all five planned stores are expected to be open by early October, according to an update shared during the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board of Directors’ Tuesday meeting.
Deputy City Manager Ray Tipton said the primary construction work is expected to be completed by the end of August, although specific opening dates have not been announced for each retailer. Two businesses may open within days after receiving certificates of occupancy.
Retail openings planned at 537 W. Commerce
The Shops on Commerce, located at 537 W. Commerce, will include Ross, Ulta Beauty, Five Below, Bath & Body Works and James Avery Artisan Jewelry. The project adds approximately 41,000 square feet of retail space and represents an investment of nearly $10 million.
Bath & Body Works and Five Below were issued certificates of occupancy during the week of the meeting. That approval means both stores are close to opening, though the district has not provided exact public opening dates.
“The Shops on Commerce are almost done,” Tipton said. “I don’t have specific dates on any of them, but everything should be open by early October. That’s what they’re shooting for right now. The primary construction will be done at the end of this month.”
The timeline remains an expectation rather than a confirmed opening schedule. The update did not specify when Ross, Ulta Beauty or James Avery Artisan Jewelry would begin serving customers.
Riverside Park improvements nearing completion
Tipton also provided an update on construction at Riverside Park. Installation of a new playscape is nearly finished, with the equipment largely in place. The remaining work includes completing an exterior sidewalk loop; two sidewalk loops are planned as part of the playscape area.
“There’s going to be a couple of sidewalk loops on it, and the interior’s done, but they’ve still got to do the exterior one,” Tipton said. “Once they do that they can open it, but the equipment itself is pretty much in place.”
A new walking-trail extension at the front of Riverside Park is also almost complete. Some of the new sidewalk was expected to be ready for use Wednesday, Aug. 26, when Brownwood High School was scheduled to host its cross-country meet at the park.
Indian Creek housing addition advances
The district also reported progress at the Trafalgar Homes Indian Creek addition. Four slabs have been poured and two buildings have been framed. Utility installation is the next step in the project, according to Tipton’s update.