Galveston is moving forward with plans to enhance Stewart Beach Park, a top coastal attraction in the city.
On Thursday, the City Council greenlit a $63,900 contract with BRW Architects to refresh the park’s master plan, giving the City Manager the go-ahead to finalize the agreement after a legal review. The initiative, first conceived in 2020 by Rogers Partners, is scheduled to be updated to align with the city's current objectives, evolving site conditions, and community input.
The updated proposal will investigate up to three possible development options that include enhanced pedestrian access along Seawall Boulevard, restructured parking, new beach amenities, and preliminary designs for Galveston Beach Patrol facilities. Public engagement will be a central priority as BRW Architects prepares to facilitate up to two stakeholder meetings to collect feedback from the community.
The agreement is a key component of extensive redevelopment initiatives, which include the recent teardown of the park’s old pavilion and the city’s efforts to establish a public-private partnership for future enhancements. The revised Master Plan will serve as the basis for an imminent Request for Proposals (RFP) from prospective developers.
The update will be financed through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Beach Patrol fund, guaranteeing that the city’s general operating budget remains unaffected. BRW Architects is anticipated to present a distinct proposal shortly, focused on developing a real estate prospectus to promote the park to potential partners.
City officials assert that the updated strategy will foster a more robust, eco-friendly, and welcoming Stewart Beach Park for the future.
