Council Selects Proposals for First Barron's Branch Development Sites
Created
on May 06, 2026 at 12:00 PM
The Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project took another major step forward this week. On Tuesday, May 4, Waco City Council approved staff recommendations to begin negotiations with development teams for the first five private development sites in Barron’s Branch — setting the stage for new restaurants, businesses, offices, and residences alongside the future downtown park district.
On February 5, 2026, Hunt Development Group, LLC, the City of Waco’s Master Developer for the Downtown Redevelopment Project, issued a request for proposals (RFP) for eight sites in and near the planned Barron’s Branch District. The eight sites (B1a, B1b, B2, B3, B5a, B5b, B6, and C4) encompass about 8.5 acres and have the potential for about 1.2 million square feet of mixed-use development for residential, office, and commercial. The private investment potential is over $800 million.
Recommended Development Teams
A total of three responses were received on April 2, 2026, including proposals for each of the eight sites. City staff recommended moving forward with negotiations for the following sites:
Propertize Ventures, LLC
- Sites B1a, B1b, and B2
- Restaurant, residential, and retail spaces
- 202,760 square feet
- $42 million+ investment
Corridor Concepts, LLC
- Site B3
- Innovation hub with Class-A office space
- 220,000 square feet
- $115 million+ of investment
Gregg Glime, Marshall Stewman, and Dillon Meek Partners
- Site B5b
- Restaurant, office, fitness/spa, and retail spaces
- 58,200 square feet
- $36 million+ investment
Together, the selected proposals represent more than $194 million in potential private investment and would be expected to begin during construction of the public park improvements.
What Happens Next
Development agreements will now be negotiated and brought back to City Council for consideration in the coming months. Additional RFP opportunities for the remaining sites are also expected as the project moves forward in 2027.
“I’m thrilled to share this update reflecting the smart and thoughtful work of three great teams each bringing something vital for the growth of downtown,” said Tom Balk Director of Strategic Initiatives at the council meeting. “We look forward to bringing these great attractions, residents, and jobs to downtown alongside world-class public park amenities for Waco’s residents.”
As public infrastructure and park construction continue, these first selected projects begin shaping Barron’s Branch into a connected downtown destination filled with local energy, new experiences, and spaces built for the love of Waco.
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