Downtown Amarillo Development

Downtown Urban Design Standards

One of the recommendations of the Downtown Strategic Action Plan adopted by the City Commission was to develop downtown urban design standards that would insure that projects help each other succeed and result in a better, livable downtown. In August 2010, the City Commission adopted design standards as part of the zoning code for downtown projects. These standards help protect the investment of property owners by providing for quality redevelopment in a safe, attractive, pedestrian-friendly environment.

The downtown urban design standards provide guidance for modifications to building exteriors, walkways, landscape and signage. Any modifications that occur to the exterior of a building or the public right of way will be reviewed by City staff for consistency with the standards. Most applications will be able to be reviewed and approved administratively as part of the permitting process. Major redevelopment projects that incur a cost of 50% of the property value (as indicated by PRAD) or more, and all new construction projects will be reviewed by the Downtown Urban Design Review Board, a board appointed by the City Commission.

For more information, contact Kelley Shaw, City of Amarillo Planning Department, 806-378-3020.

Download the Downtown Urban Design Standards

 

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ)

Tax Increment Financing is a public financing mechanism through which the growth in taxes, or increment, associated with new development or redevelopment can be captured and used to pay costs associated with economic development for the public good. The City of Amarillo created TIRZ #1 in November 2007 and adopted the Tax Increment Financing Policy and Procedures and application in March 2008. The TIRZ encourages economic development within the TIRZ boundary that would not occur without the assistance provided through tax increment financing. Some goals for TIRZ #1 are to:

  • Promote a desirable mix of uses including residential, commercial and industrial developments that would otherwise not occur
  • Increase and diversify the long term tax base of Amarillo
  • Remove blight by encouraging redevelopment
  • Assist in financing public infrastructure improvements
  • Encourage private development and investment
  • Reduce or abate environmental hazards which create a barrier to development
  • Accomplish goals, strategies or objectives as set forth in the TIRZ Project and Financing Plan. 

TIRZ funding can be used for a variety of eligible projects including but not limited to:

  • Public infrastructure projects, such as streets, sidewalks, street lighting, walkway trees, and walkway furniture
  • Public spaces or facilities such as auditoriums, arenas, athletic and exhibition venues
  • Public art
  • Preservation corridors, including parks, trails and other public spaces
  • Public parking facilities
  • Abatement of environmental hazards
  • Land acquisition
  • Chapter 380 economic development activities

More information can be found in the Tax Increment Financing Policy and Procedures.

To apply for TIRZ funding or for additional questions, contact Kelley Shaw, (806) 378-3020.

Development Projects:

Civic Center Area Redevelopment - DAI is working with the City and the private development partner, Wallace Bajjali Development Partners, to redevelop a 54-block area surrounding the Civic Center.  Potential projects include a convention hotel, multi-purpose entertainment venue, parking garage, and mixed-use developments.  For more information, click here.

Courtyard by Marriott – Construction is complete on the $12.5 million renovation of the historic Fisk building at Polk and 7th St. that has brought 108 quality hotel rooms to downtown Amarillo.

First Baptist Church of Amarillo - The First Baptist Church of Amarillo has completed a major transformation as it implemented a major expansion. New buildings complement the historic buildings on the church campus, and new walkways and landscape have been installed. For more information, click here.

Cal Farley’s Alumni Housing - Cal Farley's has built new Alumni housing with 11 units – almost double the former alumni building. For more information, click here.

Barfield Lofts – The Barfield Lofts is a complete renovation of the historic Barfield Building, located in the heart of Downtown at Polk and 6th St. The project includes 34 loft apartments, two floors of commercial space and retail space at the ground level. Construction has not yet begun on this project.

Double R Lofts – The Double R Lofts is a project under development with 20 luxury lofts in a historic warehouse building at Grant and 7th St.

Ellwood Park – $500,000 in Senior Park improvements have been completed at Ellwood Park. This is a partnership between Keep Amarillo Beautiful and the City of Amarillo. The improvements compliment the nearby senior living facilities by providing walking trails, benches and senior exercise equipment.

Happy State Bank - The construction of a new motor bank for Happy State Bank is underway at Pierce and 12th Streets.  Improvements include walkway improvements with new sidewalks, street trees, pedestrian lighting and bulb-outs.

Polk Street United Methodist Church - Polk Street United Methodist Church is undertaking an $11 million expansion of the church.  The expansion includes walkway improvements around 2 blocks, including trees and pedestrian lighting.