AMARILLO -- A Sugar Land firm will pay the upfront costs of planning large-scale projects in downtown Amarillo and only be reimbursed if the projects win City Commission - and likely voter - approval.

The commission Tuesday unanimously approved a pact to create a public-private partnership with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners, a Sugar Land company that has been involved in more than $1 billion in urban redevelopment projects in Waco and elsewhere.

Under the pact, Wallace Bajjali will serve as master developer for a proposed convention center hotel, possible multipurpose event venue and other potential projects on city-owned land in the vicinity of the Amarillo Civic Center. (full story)