The year 2021 brought recognition to the city of Corpus Christi for its outdoor dining in Texas Town and City magazine. Courtesy photo

The year 2021 brought recognition to the city of Corpus Christi for its outdoor dining in Texas Town and City magazine. Courtesy photo

The Corpus Christi Downtown Management District recently reported on the resiliency of the city in the past year with its 2021 Downtown Impact Report via an online video and a detailed analysis. The group also announced its State of Downtown Recognition award winners.
Highlights of the four organizational departments of the DMD report include:

  • an eight-person clean team from district operations spent 17,000 hours servicing the Marina Arts District
  • $540,000 was awarded to downtown businesses and $8 million committed for future development through the Economic Development department
  • reaching 2.3 million via social media and drawing over 100,000 visitors to downtown events with communications and events personnel
  • recruiting five additional team members to help accomplish the DMD’s vision.

DMD leadership thanked the city of Corpus Christi, its Advisory Council members, DMD members, and the community for the successes of 2021.
“We are bullish on the future of Downtown Corpus Christi, and this year’s State of Downtown report supports that attitude,” said DMD Executive Director Alyssa Barrera Mason. “Through innovation, continued investment, and collaboration, we will continue on this path of creating the most vibrant downtown on the Gulf of Mexico.” 
An added bonus was the recognition of Corpus Christi in Texas Town & City Magazine for developing outdoor patios to address COVID-19 protocols. 
Ten new businesses opened in downtown Corpus Christi in 2021; no businesses closed.
The State of Downtown Recognition Awards recognized individuals, businesses, events, and initiatives that have made significant contributions toward creating the most vibrant downtown on the Gulf of Mexico and have left a positive impact on Downtown Corpus Christi.
Award winners are:

  • Downtowner of the Year — Casey Lain, House of Rock
  • Best New Business — Commons General Store AND Elizabeth’s
  • Best Downtown Event — The People’s Market
  • Downtown Creative of the Year — America Segura, Visit Corpus ChristiHospitality Hero of the Year — Rick and Mary, The Art Museum of South Texas

The DMD encourages residents and visitors to congratulate the award winners on their efforts and to watch the DMD video.