DICKINSON, TX JANUARY 16, 2018. Dickinson was
ground zero for the devastating impacts of Hurricane
Harvey. As part of our community recovery efforts, and in
an effort to revitalize the region, the Dickinson Economic
Development Corporation (DEDC) is excited to announce
its creation of the “Gulf Coast Public Market” in the heart
of Dickinson. The Gulf Coast Public Market will harness
the entrepreneurial spirit of Texan residents by creating
scores of new private businesses focused on the sale
of fresh and prepared foods, as well as, Texan arts and
crafts. The Market project will also provide a unique
venue for local “Texan” and ethnic eating experiences
and nightly and weekly entertainment. The Market will
be tied to the Bayou by a meandering landscaped path
adjoined by exciting amenities attractive to children,
teens and families. In addition to approximately 40,000
square feet of new retail space, the Market will include
a variety of new public amenities such as a water park,
entertainment plaza, basketball court, and a redeveloped
public access to the Dickinson Bayou.
“This Project of the Economic Development Corporation
and the City of Dickinson has been in the planning and
development stage for over two years,” explained Angela
Forbes, Director of Economic Development. “Bringing
this project to the Gulf Coast Region is the culmination
of efforts by the DEDC staff and Board of Directors, the
Mayor and Dickinson City Council and by internationally
recognized community development and public market
consultants, engineers, and architects.”
“Hurricane Harvey was responsible for the overwhelming
destruction of homes and businesses in Dickinson and
Galveston County, added Dr. Darrell Carney, President of
DEDC Board of Directors. “The Public Market will help
revitalize and invigorate this region by providing new
vibrant public spaces, shopping venues and significant
economic opportunities for area residents.” The Public
Market is expected to generate millions of dollars in
new state and local tax revenues to help rebuild the
Dickinson and the surrounding region.
There have been over 300 new Public Markets created
in the country since the renewal of Pike Place Market
in the 1970’s. Public Markets have proven to effectively
re-create and revitalize communities by providing longterm
permanent well-paying jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities,
and vibrant social and entertainment venues.
Public Markets also spawn adjacent private housing and
commercial development that enhance community and
regional economic development. Many multibillion-dollar
corporations, such as Starbucks Coffee, Sur la Table,
and Cascadian Foods got their start as “Mom and Pop”
shops in a Public Market. The Gulf Coast Public Market
will become a “must visit” destination and have a major
impact on the Galveston County region.
For more information or to find out how you can
become involved in this project/recovery effort contact
Jodi Montemayor, Project Manager at jmontemayor@
ci.dickinson.tx.us or Angela Forbes, Economic Development
Director at aforbes@ci.dickinson.tx.us.
DICKINSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO CREATE THE GULF COAST PUBLIC MARKET IN DICKINSON, TX
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