By Susan Wilson
May’s Economic Development Partnership Meeting included a look back on the impact of the Total Solar Eclipse in Corsicana. The Tourism report stated that for the month of April, Corsicana had more than 180,000 visitors, coming from a distance of at least 20 miles, and on April 8, 13,000+ visitors were here, with hotel occupancy at 85%. There was some loss of bookings due to the weather forecast. All hotels received complimentary eclipse glasses for each guest, as well as American RV and the Corsicana Municipal Airport. Visitor data is derived from an analytics platform used by the Tourism Department, providing organizations with location intelligence data on travel trends, shopping and buying habits and more. Tourism advertising continued in the Texas State Travel Guide, Texas Highways and Texas Monthly along with eclipse-focused specialty publications and websites.
The Planning and Zoning Department reported on activity in both commercial and residential sectors. Eighteen new residential homes are under construction.
Certificates of Occupancy Issued:
Buddy’s RV Corsicana – 4421 W. Bus. 31
A-Max Insurance Services-943 West 7th Avenue
CMS LP Auto Sales-600 West 13th Avenue
Combat Plumbing Solutions-601 South 7th Street
ALPA Auto Insurance-1500 West 7th Avenue, Ste B
Beauty and Brows by Shandee-723 West 2nd Ave
Fine Line-110 South 12th Street
Projects in Review:
Commercial Shell Building – W. Business
Hwy 31 at Cedar Springs Court
Miracle Ear – 145 W. 7th, Ste 800
Academy Sports – 3621 W. Business 31
Braum’s – 1920 W. 7th Ave
HEB Deli – 201 S. 15th Street
Aspen Dental – 3820 W. Bus 31
New Commercial in Progress:
Texas Best Smokehouse – 4750 South I 45 West
Southern Tire Mart – 4800 South I-45 West
Italian Village – 1516 W 2nd Avenue
FunTown RV Park – 4221 W Bus 31
Remodel for Art Studio and Offices – 120 West Collin Street
Chase Bank – 3910 West Bus 31
Frito-Lay Product Exchange Center – SH 31 Industrial Park
Navarro Regional Hospital – 200 Hospital Drive
Private Warehouse-1629 Orchard Drive
Meridian Rail-3601 East Bus 31
Mavis Tire – 3940 W. Bus. Hwy 31
Guardian Industries – 3801 S. US Hwy 287
Year-to-date the commercial construction valuation is $2,427,572.
The Housing Report for 75110, prepared by Aric Bonner, Bonner Group, Navarro County Board of Realtors, showed 83% of homes sold were at $399,999 or below with a median sales price of $225,500, as compared to the state of Texas, with 52.2% closing before the $400,000 mark and a median sales price of $334,000. Home closings decreased 37.9% over March 2023, indicating a slowing market with 4.8 months of inventory in Corsicana, and 5.2 months in Navarro County.
Ruby Williams, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council for Precinct 2, addressed attendees on her final Economic Development meeting, giving her heartfelt gratitude for the citizens of Corsicana and their support during her 19 years and seven months of service.
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Corsicana Library’s Nancy Roberts meeting room, is open to the public, and can be viewed online at http://www.cityofcorsicana.com at the Broadcasts icon, under Economic Development.
