HDGP

1984 – 1994

The DRC’s first major accomplishment was to work closely with the City in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to reopen the Postoffice Street mall to automobiles and the trolley, a project that has led the creation of an “Arts and Entertainment District” on a street virtually deserted. The dream of a revitalized Postoffice Street would not have materialized without the cooperative leadership of the DRC, the Kempner Fund, The Moody Foundation and the City on the following projects:

The DRC administered “Program Related Investment” loans with grants from the Kempner Fund to encourage entrepreneurs to start new businesses on the street.

Set up an interim financing program with grants from the Kempner Fund and Moody Foundation that provided gap financing for four building projects.

Established a low interest loan program with local banks to provide an incentive for developers to rehabilitate historic buildings and convert them into stores and apartments. To date, the DRC has facilitated the funding of almost $5 million in incentive loans.

With a Community Development Block Grant, the DRC coordinated the construction of additional ramps for the handicapped.

Founded the annual “Trolley Run” to promote the rail Trolley systems and downtown activity areas.

Sponsored or participated in the Art Walk, Farmers Market, Blessing of the Fleet and numerous other “early” downtown events.

Established an annual awards dinner to honor citizens and organizations for their contributions to the development of downtown’s renaissance.

Hosted the first Downtown Business Conference to acquaint developers and store operators, both on and off the Island, with the progress and revitalization.

Produced a four-color brochure (largely funded by the Kempner Fund) about the historic downtown, which was mailed to hundreds of retail stores throughout the nation, inviting them to locate in Galveston. A number of inquiries were received but no known results have been obtained.

Provided early support to the Artspace project, and worked closely developers to obtain information and funding.

Sponsored periodic cleanups, and distributed booklet listing the cities ordinances relative to litter.

HISTORY 1995 – CURRENT

The HDSP continued to recruit building developers, the prime example, being the Telephone Company Building on 22 & Church. This was an instance where we worked closely with the eventual owners on their architectural plans, permits and loan application.

Works closely with the cruise Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International to bring ships to Galveston. In this connection, the Partnership with the published a coupon book featuring the names of stores offering discounts to cruisers.

Prints a coupon book with the names of stores offering discounts to cruisers that was distributed by travel agents who felt it added value to the cruise.

Provides information either in person or by correspondence with individuals or groups considering Galveston as a place to live or do business.

Sponsors activities to attract the residents and visitors to the shopping district by showcasing Galveston’s traditional, but previously underutilized assets. These activities include:

The Galveston Harbor Parade of Lights showcases our harbor, including the Port and onshore tourist attractions. The viability of this initiative is best demonstrated by the attendance of 10,000 in 2000, the event’s fourth year. This has become the third largest family oriented event in Galveston, only after Dickens on the Strand and Mardi Gras. The Boat Parade is unique in that no admission is charged and no out-of-town vendors are permitted.

The Lofts Tour showcases apartments located in downtown historic buildings, with several thousand going through the lofts each year. Numerous tour attendees have been motivated to move to Galveston as a result of this experience.

ARToberFEST was created by the Partnership to showcase our large population of local and area artists, with Galveston’s cluster of art galleries as a backdrop.

Inaugurated in 2000, the Fourth Tuesday Forum, a luncheon meeting which brings together merchants and professionals to participate in discussions with Galveston newsmakers.
information to tourists. This is a valuable piece and widely in demand by the Convention and Visitors Bureau, merchants and attractions.

“Your Guide to Galveston Island” published monthly by the Partnership as an insert in This Week section of the Houston Chronicle. The title is a stretch, since virtually all the information and advertising concerns downtown’s businesses and attractions. The Partnership writes all the articles for which it receives no compensation, and the Chronicle solicits the advertising.
Publishes several publications for various audiences, including:

“Shoppers & Visitors Guide” published twice a year by the Partnership for the obvious purpose of providing shopping

Serves as advocate for downtown interests at City Hall and other governmental entities, e.g., appears before the Landmark Commission and City Council to speak, when appropriate, in behalf of permits sought by downtown citizens and business owners. Sponsored public forum to enable downtown business people to air their concerns about disruptions caused by the homeless.


Philosophy

The philosophy of the Partnership through the years has remained constant: Downtown Galveston is one of the City’s treasures, both aesthetically and financially, and deserves special attention in order to main its value. It is the third leg of the City’s tourism venues, along with the beach and West Island attractions, and its shops and restaurants generate one of the City’s prime sources of sales tax revenue.

Secondarily, the Partnership seeks to sponsor as many attractions as possible that are free to the public or, when necessary, to charge fees that are easily within reach of families. Support from the Hotel/Motel Tax assists greatly in enabling the Partnership to remain true to its core philosophy.