Nueces County secures partial reimbursement pathway for demo of Old Courthouse

The TIRZ Board approved a pathway for Nueces County to be partially reimbursed for demolition costs of the Old County Courthouse.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify the actions taken at Tuesday’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3. Board Meeting. The board voted to allow for contributing entities to apply for reimbursement of up to $2 million upon completion of demolition projects. 

Nueces County is moving closer to demolishing the long-abandoned Downtown Courthouse after securing a pathway for $2 million in funding from TIRZ No. 3.

The TIRZ Board approved the request Tuesday following a lengthy discussion with city leaders over how the county plans to cover the full cost of demolition. Officials estimate the project could cost as much as $12 million.

TIRZ Board members questioned whether the county could guarantee the remaining funding needed to complete the project and avoid leaving the demolition unfinished.

County Commissioner Mike Pusley assured the Board that additional funding has already been secured.

“We have an assurance that money will be provided if we do not have enough to cover it,” Pusley said.

The resolution passed on an 11–1 vote, with Board Member Sylvia Campos casting the lone opposing vote.

Downtown Management District Executive Director Arlene Medrano told board members the demolition would play a critical role in revitalizing the downtown area.

“If you stand on Upper and Lower Broadway and look toward the bridge, you do have one obstruction to the view, and that is the 1914 courthouse,” Medrano said. “This has been an eyesore for 48 years. This is the gateway to Downtown.”

If the County applies for reimbursement and it is approved, the $2 million in TIRZ funding will be distributed in three separate payments. While a final demolition price has not been set, the County hopes to begin the demolition process in the near future.

The former courthouse has remained vacant for decades and has been the subject of repeated discussions over redevelopment and demolition.

County leaders say tearing down the structure is a key step toward improving safety, visibility and future development opportunities in Downtown Corpus Christi.