PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a recommendation by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 Board awarding a Business Improvement and Preservation Grant to Schwarzen Walfisch, LP in an amount up to $9,255.38 for a roof repair at 367 Main Plaza.
Header
DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
Body
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 Board (TIRZ 3 Board) offers Business Improvement and Preservation Grants to business and property owners interested in improving buildings downtown. Eligible projects include façade and exterior improvements, residential and commercial conversions, improvements to public infrastructure and streetscapes, and health, life, and safety updates. This grant program was approved by City Council with Resolution 2023-R59 on October 23, 2023 and was intended to help property owners preserve and enhance historic structures in downtown New Braunfels.
The building, which currently houses the Black Whale Pub, is one of the oldest buildings in downtown New Braunfels and has historic significance to the community’s history. The building housed the first English language newspaper in New Braunfels- The New Braunfels Herald - between 1896 to 1907 and has been awarded a Texas Historic Commission subject marker designating the site as a significant part of Texas history.
The building’s owner, Schwarzen Walfisch, LP, completed a grant application with the TIRZ 3 Board on July 2, 2026 outlining a project to repair an upper and lower roof at 367 Main Plaza - totaling $37,021.50. On July 14, 2026, the applicant met with city staff to discuss required permits and next steps. The TIRZ 3 Board reviewed the application at its August 17. 2026 meeting and voted to approve a grant in the amount of $9,255.38 (25% of the total project cost).
The grant will be awarded on a reimbursement basis after all the work for the improvement has been completed and the work is inspected by city staff. The applicant will be required to submit paid invoices for the project to be awarded the grant.
ISSUE:
Per the Business Improvement and Preservation Grant Policy, the City Council must review and consider all grant recommendations from the TIRZ 3 Board.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
YES Economic Mobility N/A Enhanced Connectivity YES Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence N/A Community Well-Being
FISCAL IMPACT:
TIRZ 3 has sufficient fund balance to support the grant. The $9,255.38 grant will leverage an additional $27,766.12 in private investment, providing a total of $37,021.50 to complete the necessary building repairs.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the grant to Schwarzen Walfisch, LP