SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN LA MARQUE

La Marque Economic Development Corporation, in
cooperation with Texas A&M’s Texas Coastal Watershed
Program (TCWP), are developing a plan to
revitalize our historic downtown. Phase Two of La
Marque’s three-phase revitalization planning project
is underway as Texas A&M’s Texas Coastal Watershed
Program (TCWP) executes a series of studies,
focus groups and community meetings.
The revitalization planning project is designed to
provide a clear vision for La Marque Downtown’s urban
renewal. Phase 2 seeks input from the community,
such as design and streetscape preferences, to
develop a vision for what the area could be. What do
you want to see in Downtown La Marque?
The La Marque Economic Development Corporation
(EDC) in conjunction with the La Marque City
Council took the bold step in 2015 to undertake a
comprehensive assessment of their community and
the creation of a strategic plan to direct their future
development and redevelopment efforts. The Downtown
Project answers the call for several priority issues,
including infrastructure improvements, blight
reduction, expanded tax base strategy and economic
development. The renewal of La Marque’s historic
business hub will have a direct, lasting impact on
community image, quality
of life and business
retention. For information,
email cmerritt@
cityoflamarque.org, call
409-938-9255
The La Marque Revitalization
Report was
commissioned by the
La Marque Economic
Development Corporation
to explore the current
conditions of the
historic downtown located
on Laurel Street,
from Bayou Road to
Yupon Drive, and also
includes 1st Street, from
Bayou Road to TX-3.
La Marque is experiencing
a Renaissance. The
city’s leaders are committed
to a city wide revitalization
projects, one
of which is the historic
Renaissance District.
Drawing from feedback
provided to us by focus
groups and the community,
this effort will be
driven by the principles of place making, walkability,
and accessibility for the community’s aging population.
This project will also help create an attractive
destination for local
La Marque residents, and help refocus development
toward the City’s urban core. The Revitalization
Plan will include analysis of existing conditions and
regulations, visual renderings of development alternatives,
site plans, and recommended action items
for project implementation. This plan will focus on
four overarching strategies
1. ORGANIZATION
A long-term organization is needed that has the capacity
and community support to lead revitalization
efforts. A downtown organization focused on revitalization
carries on as individual participants come and
go and may serve a variety of functions. It can:
o Develop, modify, and implement the community’s
revitalization plan;
o Identify and take advantage of opportunities that
arise;
o Serve as the focal point for fundraising efforts;
o Coordinate the efforts of businesses, property
owners, and local officials; and
o Oversee community outreach efforts.
2. ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING
Most downtowns begin their decline when their
economic functions diminish or move elsewhere. In
almost all cases, successful revitalization involves
shifting to a different mix of economic activities. This
requires identifying and promoting new economic
functions for the downtown in relation to local or regional
markets and competing commercial centers.
Economic restructuring should be based on a realistic
inventory and assessment of market trends, existing
businesses, and local assets, including buildings,
infrastructure, public amenities, and the local workforce.
In addition to market analyses, work under this
element can include programs to strengthen and recruit
businesses.
3. PROMOTION
To initiate and perpetuate revitalization, the downtown
must be effectively marketed. This involves making
sure businesses, potential investors, residents,
and visitors are kept informed of what the downtown
has to offer and the vision of growth for its future.
Activities can include branding (image development)
and marketing campaigns, sales events and promotions,
special downtown celebrations, and cultural
programs that draw people downtown. Highlighting
economic successes generates more activity.
4. DESIGN
The historical and aesthetic qualities of a downtown
or village center and well-defined public spaces set it
apart from other commercial areas. Design is the key
element that ties discrete buildings and spaces into
an attractive, visually coherent environment for visitors,
customers, employees and residents.