The Midland City Council has given its first peek at what the downtown entertainment district will look like, including an $838,000 capital investment and $514,977 annual operating expenses.
An entertainment district is being considered to bring more vibrancy to the downtown area and complement the Bush Convention Center, Centennial Park, and other existing businesses.
The concept of the entertainment district has not been decided. Midland City Council is currently reviewing the information. The concept, presented to them by city staff on Tuesday before a regularly scheduled meeting, shows the area surrounding Centennial Park and the Bush Convention Center. Boundaries are usually Illinois Avenue to the north, Big Spring Street to the west, Baird Street to the east, and Missouri Street to the south.
Overlay maps of the entertainment district include the DoubleTree Hilton Midland Plaza, Basin PBS, Wall Street Bar and Grill, Cancun Grill, Pai Social, micro markets along Wall Street, and the Yucca Theater, home of the Summer Moms.
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A city official told the city council that the area is smaller than some people prefer, but “more manageable.” The presentation also included slides about new land uses such as interactive art, outdoor restaurants, pop-up shops and parklets. A parklet is an extension of the sidewalk that provides more space and amenities for those using the street.
By creating a red light district, existing businesses (bars, nightclubs, restaurants, distilleries, lounges, etc.) and businesses wishing to host events downtown (festivals, etc.) will not have to apply for a specific use designation. increase.

Excerpt from the Midland Entertainment District presentation.
midland cityCity leaders heard about the key design elements used to create the perimeter of the area, including improved alleyways, increased lighting, signage, “attractive street furniture,” landscaping and bollards.
They also talked about road redesign opportunities, such as curb-free roads, clear-striped pedestrian crossings, relaxed speed limits, narrow lane widths, wide sidewalks, trees, and lighting that illuminates all walking spaces. I also heard
Part of the presentation also included a potential redesign of Texas Avenue east of Big Spring to Main Street. One such option included reduced lanes. A similar change was made on Wall Street east of Big Spring a few years ago.
According to city officials, the estimated cost of the first entertainment district is $838,000, including $750,000 for rebuilding Texas Avenue, $70,000 for a permanent Wall Street bollard, $20,000 for signs, $20,000 for garbage bins, Includes $48,000 for maintenance vehicles.
Annual operating costs of $514,977 included $100,000 for insurance, $156,000 for security, $86,546 for maintenance personnel, $79,917 for parking enforcement officers, and $92,514 for downtown coordinators.
There was no decision on revenue sources or whether businesses within the entertainment zone would be evaluated to help pay for improvements.