The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3 Board Of Directors Approves Reimbursement Agreement Supporting Demolition Of 111 Year Old Nueces County Courthouse
Corpus Christi, TX — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the TIRZ #3 Board approved a Reimbursement Agreement with Nueces County in support of the demolition of the 111 year old 1914 Nueces County Courthouse, located within the boundaries of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3.
The approved action authorizes a reimbursement amount not to exceed $2,000,000 through the TIRZ #3 Member Agency Reimbursement Program. Eligible demolition-related costs will be reimbursed in three equal annual payments of $666,667, subject to completion of demolition and submission of required documentation, and in accordance with the adopted Project and Financing Plan.
Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley and County Judge Connie Scott shared, “Nueces County sincerely appreciates the cooperation and support of the TIRZ #3 Board in helping to provide funding for this important project. The County also sincerely appreciates all past efforts to save the 1914 Courthouse but believes this is the best step forward for Nueces County, downtown Corpus Christi, and the entire Sea District area.”
The former courthouse has remained vacant since 1977 and has presented ongoing safety concerns due to its deteriorated condition in a prominent and heavily trafficked area of Downtown Corpus Christi. Demolition of the structure is intended to improve public safety conditions and reduce barriers to future redevelopment opportunities within the TIRZ #3 area.
“This approval represents continued coordination among the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Del Mar College and TIRZ partners to address longtime blighted conditions in Downtown Corpus Christi,” said Arlene Medrano, Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District. “The agreement supports public safety considerations and creates greater opportunities for future development efforts.”
Over the years, multiple efforts were undertaken to redevelop the former courthouse site, including several property sales and redevelopment proposals. Due to the substantial costs associated with rehabilitation, no redevelopment project advanced to completion. Following continued evaluation and coordination among partner agencies, demolition was identified as the most viable path forward to eliminate uncertainty and support long-term redevelopment objectives.
“This is a smart investment in our community’s growth. Clearing unsafe and blighted structures paves the way for new development, strengthens property values, and supports a stronger downtown. We appreciate Nueces County’s partnership in moving these revitalization efforts forward,” said Mayor Paulette Guajardo.
TIRZ #3 reinvests tax increment revenues into projects that enhance safety, economic activity, and the long-term vitality of Downtown Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi Downtown Management District will continue working in coordination with the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, and Del Mar College via the TIRZ #3 Board, to advance projects aligned with adopted plans.
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CONTACT
Arlene Medrano, Executive Director, arlene@cctexasdmd.com, Office Phone (361) 882-2363
ABOUT CCDMD
The Corpus Christi Downtown Management District (CCDMD), established in 1993, is a professional municipal district, representing property owners and stakeholders within the area bounded by Furman Avenue to I-37, and Lower Broadway to Corpus Christi marina L and T-heads, known as Marina Arts District. In 2023, the property owners voted to renew the district through 2033. The vision of the CCDMD is to create the most vibrant downtown on the Gulf Coast.
The City of Corpus Christi created Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 in 2008, to assist in the redevelopment of the City’s greater downtown area. Authorized by Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code, this tool allows governments to designate a portion of tax increment to finance improvements to promote the development of a defined area, called a “Reinvestment Zone”. Using development cost data and market demand data, the City of Corpus Christi and the DMD, with Nueces County and Del Mar College contributions, worked together to develop eight incentive programs to drive new investment within the Zone. The Intended result is a vibrant Downtown and economically vital urban waterfront district with a variety of residential, retail and lodging uses, a strong office base and popular public facilities.