The San Juan EDC has initiated a Mixed Use Downtown Revitalization Study to complement the comprehensive master plan for the city. The Board of Directors solicited the services of Edminster, Russ & Associates to prepare this plan. Phase I was completed in Augest 2009 which included the following components:

Demographic Data, Existing Land Use Mapping, Historical Data, Economic Market Conditions, Infrastructure Feasibility for water, wastewater and drainage, sidewalk analysis, aerial photography and business cataloguing.

Phase II is set to begin October 2009 which will focus on town hall meetings to gather citizen input, business stateholder meetings and implemenation strategies. Phase III is scheduled for January 2010 with the goal of beginning construction on new downtown improvements.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the SJEDC have been working together on this new water quality project known as the San Juan Wetlands. With the financial support of a grant received by TCEQ, the SJEDC has been managing the design and construction of a ne 7 acre wetland and nature trail park.

The purpose of the wetlands are to work as a natural water filteration system for the treated effluent water that is pumped from San Juan Waste Water Treatment Plant #2. This water is cleaned and discharged into the Arroyo Colorado. The EPA and TCEQ have found that the Arroyo Colorado is an impaired water source.

The wetlands will now filter on average 125,000 galloons of treated effluent water that will lead to cleaner water being discharged into the Arroyo. The park will feature an 80 foot boarwalk across a deep water marsh and will soon be attracting many birds, butterflies and dragonflies to the area.

Ecotourists will have another birding sanctuary to visit along with other World Birding Centers across the Valley. The park is completed and now transitioning into the Grow In Phase of its development. To book a tour, contact San Juan Parks and Recreation at 956-783-9927.

The San Juan EDC has initiated a comprehensive master plan for the City of San Juan. In March 2009, the San Juan City Commission appointed Cruz-Hogan Consultants to conduct comprehensive studies for water, wastewater and drainage. City engineer Ronnie Cruz spearheads the project with the goal of updating all ciy maps with GIS information for all infrastructure. The master plan will identify all existing utilities with recommendations for future growth and development for 5, 10 to 25 years.

The San Juan EDC has identified the Expressway 83 retail corridor a high priority for infrastructure expansion. SJEDC has three business expansion planned for this area. A luxury car dealer, a boat retailer and tire retailer are under negotiation. The SJEDC is planning infrastructure improvements to further expedite this development. Announcements are coming soon!!

Book Release set for February 15, 2010!!!  As a gift to the City of San Juan in celebration of its 100 year anniversary, the SJEDC has contracted Arcadia Publishing to publish a book on the history of San Juan. SJEDC staff began the project Spring 2009 by soliciting photos and stories from all San Juan citizens.

Through the SJEDCs internship program, Roseann Bacha-Garza, a graduate student from the University of Texas Pan American majoring in history, has worked with local leaders to gather information and produce the manuscript for the book. Roseann wrote a large portion of the book after having interviewed numerous families in San Juan.

The Board of Directors also appointed a Centennial Committee to assist in the project. Members volunteered their time to provide information and collect photos. Members include Chairman Dr. Fernando Castillo, Vice Chair Estela Salazar, Secretary/Treasurer Juan Maldonado, Romeo Jimenez, Estella Rojas, Kathleen Frye-Carrizalez and Arturo Ramirez.

Congratulations to the historic San Juan Hotel and its owner Gus Acevedo for making the cover of the book. A draft manuscript was submitted to Arcadia for review this September 2009. The book should be printed and ready for sale by March 2010.

What is Downtown Revitalization?

Downtown Revitalization involves several components that include land use analysis, economic modeling, market studies, a review of infrastructure as well as community outreach. 

Tangible results of these studies are seen with improvements to existing conditions such as new sidewalks, lighting, building renovations or landscaping.

The intent of these efforts is at the heart of revitalization and is meant to preserve community character, promote local businesses and the economy and enhance the quality of life for the community.

The San Juan Downtown Revitalization Plan is accomplishing these basic goals and more!  In order to develop a plan that reflects the best interest of the community we need the residents of the community to participate in the project.

In February and March of this year the San Juan EDC will host two public meetings.  These meetings are for the entire community to attend and give comments, suggestions and feedback on the future vision of Downtown San Juan.  As residents we finally have a chance to make San Juan what we dream it to be. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Part of SJEDC's Downtown Phase II Plan consisted of an Analysis of Demand for Revitalization which was conducted by Community Development Strategies (CDS) market research analysts from Houston, TX. Partnered with the CoSERVE, University of Texas at Pan American, CDS summarizes projections of future demand within the defined Downtown San Juan Study Area for retail/restaurant, office, residential, hotel and garage space.

A survey of 402 visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine was conducted on November 21 and 22, 2009. Demand projections were made for a 20-year period with 2009 as the base year and the planning period divided into four 5-year increments: 2010-2014, 2015-2019,2020-2024 and 2025-2029.

A draft report with all relevant tables and survey results was presented to the SJEDC and San Juan City Commission in January 2010. Phase II will include finalizing this demand analysis. For more info, contact the SJEDC at 956-783-3448.

Mercedes Benz to locate in San Juan

San Juan, Texas - A random cold call to the San Juan Economic Development Corporation offices has materialized into a healthy boost for the Rio South Texas Region’s economy. Mercedes Benz of San Juan is slated to open mid year 2010 projecting $15 million in sales generating an estimated $50,000 in local sales taxes annually.

The multimillion-dollar construction will begin on the 20,000-square-foot dealership in December. Located on the north side of Expressway 83 east of FM 1426, this new business will create 20 new full time jobs paying hourly wages over $14.

San Juan is an attractive choice considering it is centrally located within the Rio South Texas Region, which is the largest border region in the United States with 2.3 million people. Also home to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine that attracts another 1.3 million annually.

Owners Ron Heller, Bill Bird and Alfonso Cavazos are the partners that make up DJPIII dba Mercedes Benz of San Juan, which will not be a typical dealership but rather a destination place offering customers an array of amenities.

San Juan's Downtown Revitalization is key to retain the investment and opportunities that the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine attracts weekly into the San Juan community. A prime location for retail development is Divine Plaza owned by Rosa Valencia. Please see attached photo regarding her 7 acres located directly across the street from the Shrine. Interested in developing or purchasing, contact the SJEDC or Rosa Valencia at 956-605-7000.