After Tuesday’s decision, county leaders say demolition on the old courthouse could begin before the end of March.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two major local projects are moving forward after securing key funding support from local Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) boards.

One project involves the demolition of the old Nueces County Courthouse, while the other focuses on refurbishing the Michael J. Ellis Seawall on Padre Island.

The former Nueces County Courthouse has sat vacant for nearly five decades and is showing its age.

After Tuesday’s decision, county leaders say demolition could begin before the end of March.

County officials have attempted to sell the building three separate times, but each effort failed. Renovation costs have been estimated as high as $120 million.

The TIRZ 3 board approved a reimbursement agreement with the county up to $2 million in funds to help cover demolition costs for the historic 1914 courthouse. The county would receive the money in three equal annual payments once the project is complete.

County Commissioner Mike Pusley said the support was critical.

“Over the course of it being abandoned for 50 years now, it’s become quite an eye sore,” Pusley said. “As sad as it is, it’s the best step forward for the community.”

The courthouse, located at Mesquite Street and I-37, closed permanently in 1977. County leaders say demolition could open the door to future redevelopment of the property.

Several ideas were floated during Tuesday’s meeting such as a future sports complex, hotel, or even a grocery store.

Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni pointed to additional redevelopment opportunities in the area.

“There’s additional property around it that would be freed up with the demolition of the old harbor bridge, there’s tremendous opportunity the county commissioners will have to redevelop the site,” said Zanoni.

County officials say demolition is expected to be completed by July of next year. An asbestos remediation study is about to get underway to determine what materials must be removed before demolition can begin.

Another major project also received funding approval, the refurbishment of the Michael J. Ellis Seawall on Padre Island.

The TIRZ 2 board approved a funding amendment that redistributes just over $11 million from other projects to fully fund the seawall rehabilitation. The total project cost now stands at $15.5 million.

City Council Member Kaylynn Paxson explained how the funding was identified.

“We were able to find that within the TIRZ,” she said. “What we did: We had some projects that came in under budget. We looked at the maintenance for the packery channel,” said Paxon.

Some board members raised concerns about moving $2.7 million from the Packery Channel Capital Repairs Fund for the seawall project.

Mayor Paulette Guajardo expressed those concerns during the meeting.

“Kudos, we found all this money, which makes me wonder: How much more is there from other projects? That’s 15 million, I’m super concerned about leaving little money on the Packery Channel Capital Repairs,” she said.

City Manager Peter Zanoni told the board that $2 million would still be available for emergency repairs at Packery Channel.

“The key thing to remember on Packery Channel — (it) was just rebuilt with federal funds after Hurricane Harvey,” said Zanoni.

Zanoni said the seawall project will add new amenities that could include seating and shade structures.