‘I’m hoping the courthouse will be on the ground before the end of this year’ | Nueces Co. officials eye demolition timeline

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone board approved $2 million in TIRZ funding to help tear down the old courthouse.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County leaders say they are one step closer to demolishing the old 1914 Nueces County Courthouse after approving funding for asbestos removal during Tuesday’s TIRZ meeting.

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone board approved $2 million in TIRZ funding to help tear down the old courthouse, marking another step forward in the long-discussed project.

Roland Barrera said using TIRZ funding for a demolition project is uncommon because the funds are typically tied to economic development projects.

“Funds are supposed to be for economic development. So, typically you would want to have some type of pro forma. As a result of this investment, there’s going to be some type of return,” he said.

Mike Pusley said there is not yet a firm timeline for demolition.

“I’m hoping the courthouse will be on the ground before the end of this year,” he said.

Before demolition can begin, county leaders say asbestos removal must take place to ensure workers can safely operate inside the building.

“You have to make sure that the people who have to work there during the demolition process are not exposed to any hazardous chemicals or asbestos fibers floating in the air,” Pusley said.

Pusley said the approved TIRZ funding will cover a significant portion of the project’s cost.

“They will make two payments to the county of $1 million each. One of the payments will be done before the end of the 2026 fiscal year,” he said.

Barrera said the high cost of the project contributed to delays in moving the demolition process forward.

“Well, the number one reason is because it’s been so expensive. And so I think there’s also the uncertainty of when the bridge was going to come down. The county didn’t have the money. And now, apparently during our TIRZ meeting, there was an indication they had a benefactor that was going to assist in funding the demolition,” he said.

Pusley said the asbestos removal process is expected to be discussed again during the next scheduled Commissioners Court meeting on May 13 and could begin within the next couple of weeks.