-
.
Beaumont City Council, in a unanimous decision during its meeting on Jan. 23, granted approval and authorized an agreement with GP Realty and Management, Inc. of Houston that gives the green light to developer Richard Gilbert, allowing him to receive tax abatements and incentives for an economic development project in downtown Beaumont.
Gilbert, the owner of properties at 670-672 and 690 Orleans Street in downtown Beaumont, revealed plans for a $1.7 million investment earmarked for a mixed-use building that will incorporate retail spaces, apartments and a boutique hotel. Currently housing retail tenants and a restaurant, the building is set to undergo a transformation with the addition of a multifamily dwelling on the second floor.
Situated at the corner of Orleans and Forsythe Street, the project is scheduled to kick off on June 1 with an anticipated completion date of June 1, 2025. Additionally, the city council unanimously approved an agreement with GP Realty and Gilbert for the development of a 12-unit apartment complex at 704 Neches Street. This agreement extends the same tax abatements and incentives as the Orleans construction, with Gilbert envisioning investing approximately $1.5 to $1.6 million in the new Empowerment Zone apartment complex.
Gilbert has outlined a timeline for the project, with construction slated to commence on March 1 to be completed by Feb. 28, 2025.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city council also approved a request to extend the deadline for a multiple-family development and hotel at 670-690 Orleans. Originally approved in October 2020, the applicant cited pandemic-related delays that impacted various development projects during a period of widespread uncertainty and hold.
The city of Beaumont has scheduled a Downtown Hotel & Convention Center planning meeting on Feb. 13. The meeting, taking place 6 – 9 p.m. at the Downtown Event Centre, invites the public to participate, offering a platform to hear from consultants, share ideas and voice concerns in the ongoing urban planning initiatives for downtown Beaumont.