Downtown Development Summit Recap

On Wednesday, our team had the chance to attend the Downtown Development Summit, and wow – it was such an inspiring day.

The event was packed with incredible keynote speakers, insight into TIRZ funding, exciting upcoming projects, and an overall sense of momentum for what’s ahead. It was so energizing to see firsthand the amazing work the Downtown Management District is doing to support and elevate Corpus Christi’s growth.

One thing that really stuck with me was a theme that came up again and again: just how far our city has come over the last 20 years. There were stories shared about how downtown used to be completely unwalkable at night – and to think about that now, especially after just experiencing ArtWalk last Friday, it’s hard to even imagine. The transformation is real. And it’s only just beginning.

When I first moved here from Austin, I’ll be honest, it was a bit of a culture shock. The pace was slower, and it took some getting used to. But I vividly remember walking around downtown as a new resident and thinking, “This place has such a good vibe.” That was five years ago. And now? It’s evolving even more, and it’s beyond exciting to watch it unfold.

It truly feels like an honor to play even a small part in this city’s growth. Our mission at The Swell Studio has always been rooted in helping small businesses thrive, because we know those are the businesses that bring personality, experience, and charm to our city. Being at the summit this week only fueled that fire even more. We’re so proud to be along for the ride.

Huge thanks to the Downtown Management District for putting on such an impactful event, to House of Rock for hosting, and to all the amazing speakers who shared their insights. The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.