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Storyline · 21 events · 2011 – Apr 15, 2026

Downtown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)

In 2011 the City of Amarillo and its Local Government Corporation (LGC) were working with master developer Wallace Bajjali Development Partners on three downtown projects: a convention hotel, a parking garage and a multipurpose event venue (MPEV). A 2013 package put the three at about $113 million, with the MPEV at $30.3 million. The site for the MPEV came from a property exchange between Coca-Cola and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, reported finalized in 2014. The LGC ended its contracts with Wallace Bajjali in January 2015. Ground was broken for the privately financed Embassy Suites hotel in October 2015, and in November 2015 voters approved a $32 million ballpark in a non-binding referendum, 52% to 48%. Estimates rose to $44-48.4 million in 2016 as the city pursued an affiliated team. In 2017 the city signed a lease with Elmore Sports Group and awarded construction to Western-Hunt. The ballpark was built for $45.5 million and opened as Hodgetown on April 8, 2019. A resident's lawsuit seeking to halt construction was dismissed in July 2019. In 2023 the council authorized $4.5 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue bonds for MLB-required upgrades and approved selling the garage's commercial space to Llano Group, LLC for $1.9 million.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

Where the story starts depends on the framing

  1. · Origin

    City and LGC work with Wallace Bajjali as downtown master developer

    By 2011 the Amarillo Local Government Corporation was working with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners on downtown revitalization. In April 2011 Wallace Bajjali, as developer of a planned downtown multiuse ballpark/venue, released a request for qualifications seeking operators of a professional baseball franchise. Later reports describe a 2011 contract and city approval of the partnership.[1][2][3]

    Wallace Bajjali Development PartnersAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The Amarillo Local Government Corporation began working with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners on downtown revitalization in 2011.[1]

    • ✓ Verified

      In April 2011 Wallace Bajjali Development Partners, as developer of a planned downtown multiuse ballpark/venue, released a request for qualifications from potential owners of a professional baseball franchise to operate the facility.[2]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources reviewed place the city's approval of the Wallace Bajjali partnership in 2011 but do not give a single confirmed date.

      Reported value 1[1]

      Year
      2,011
      Milestone
      LGC begins working with Wallace Bajjali

      Reported value 2[3]

      Approx
      late 2011
      Milestone
      partnership approved 'almost two years' before July 2013

      Reported value 3[4]

      Year
      2,011
      Milestone
      contract with Wallace-Bajjali that anticipated elections (as described by an advocacy outlet)

  2. · Context

    Downtown package reported at $113 million, with deadlines for the hotel and garage

    High Plains Public Radio reported three components: a $69.3 million convention center hotel, a $30.3 million multipurpose event venue and a $13.4 million parking garage, about $113 million in total. Wallace Bajjali was to show proof of financing and permits for the hotel and garage by November 1, 2013 and begin construction by December 31, 2013.[3][5]

    Wallace Bajjali Development Partners

    • ✓ Verified

      In July 2013 the three downtown components were reported as a $69.3 million convention center hotel, a $30.3 million multipurpose event venue and a $13.4 million parking garage, about $113 million in total.[3]

      Total
      $113,000,000
      Hotel
      $69,300,000
      Mpev
      $30,300,000
      Garage
      $13,400,000
    • ✓ Verified

      David Wallace, Wallace Bajjali Development Partners (on timing): Wallace Bajjali was required to provide proof of financing and permits for the hotel and parking garage by November 1, 2013 and to begin construction by December 31, 2013; David Wallace said construction could move to early 2014, which the contract allowed to be negotiated.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      In August 2014 Ballpark Digest reported the overall project at $113 million and the stadium at $30.3 million, with years of contract negotiations pushing a potential opening into 2017.[5]

      Total
      $113,000,000
      Stadium
      $30,300,000

  3. · Precursor

    AEDC-Coca-Cola property exchange for the ballpark site reported finalized

    Documents finalizing a property exchange between Coca-Cola and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation were reported signed; Coca-Cola received incentives and partial property tax abatements it sought, and the city obtained the property for the planned stadium south of City Hall.[6][4]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Documents finalizing a property exchange between Coca-Cola and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation were reported signed; Coca-Cola received the incentives and partial property tax abatements it sought, and the city obtained property for a planned $30 million stadium. The same report listed a planned $69 million convention center hotel and $13 million parking garage.[6]

      Stadium
      $30,000,000
      Hotel
      $69,000,000
      Garage
      $13,000,000
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Accounts differ on the year of the AEDC-Coca-Cola land exchange.

      Reported value 1[6]

      Date
      2014-07-01
      Milestone
      exchange documents reported finalized

      Reported value 2[4]

      Year
      2,013
      Milestone
      land swap 'completed' (advocacy outlet)

  4. · Related development

    LGC board votes to terminate all contracts with Wallace Bajjali

    After city leaders learned the firm had vacated its offices and its managing partners had resigned, the LGC board voted unanimously to terminate the master development agreement, the parking garage lease and development agreement, and two architectural services agreements. City staff took over the construction manager role for the garage. The hotel project with NewcrestImage was described as unaffected.[1]

    Wallace Bajjali Development PartnersAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)NewcrestImage

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 27, 2015 the LGC board voted unanimously to terminate four contracts with Wallace Bajjali: the master development agreement, the parking garage lease and development agreement, and two architectural services agreements.[1]

    • ✓ Verified

      Wallace Bajjali had signed a November 2014 contract to manage construction of a $14 million downtown parking garage.[1]

      Garage
      $14,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Richard Brown, LGC president; City of Amarillo press release: Wallace Bajjali had received more than $1 million; LGC president Richard Brown said the money covered completed work and milestones, and the city said no advance payment had been made for the garage.[1]

      Paid usd min
      $1,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      City of Amarillo: The city stated that the convention hotel being built with NewcrestImage was unaffected, and that the multipurpose event venue remained a priority with no contracts for it apart from the terminated master agreement.[1]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reported cost of the downtown parking garage changed between 2013 and 2015.

      Reported value 1[3]

      Garage
      $13,400,000
      As of
      2013-07-23

      Reported value 2[6]

      Garage
      $13,000,000
      As of
      2014-07-01

      Reported value 3[1]

      Garage
      $14,000,000
      As of
      2015-01-26
      Means
      Wallace Bajjali construction-management contract scope
    • ✓ Verified

      Sources reviewed do not attribute the timing of the MPEV to any single decision; at the January 2015 termination the city stated the MPEV remained a priority, and later cost increases were tied by officials and consultants to Class AA specifications.[1][7][8]

  5. · Related development

    Ground broken on the downtown Embassy Suites convention hotel

    NewcrestImage broke ground on a 226-room, six-story Embassy Suites across from the Amarillo Civic Center. Public partners were the City of Amarillo, the LGC and the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone; private partners included Panhandle Development and SouthWest Bank as primary lender. The city was to build a 750-space garage adjacent.[9]

    NewcrestImageAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Ground was broken on October 16, 2015 for a 226-room, six-story Embassy Suites developed by NewcrestImage; public partners were the City of Amarillo, the LGC and the TIRZ, and private partners included Panhandle Development and SouthWest Bank, the primary lender.[9]

    • ✓ Verified

      A 750-space parking garage was to be built immediately adjacent to the hotel by the City of Amarillo.[9][10]

      Spaces
      750

  6. · Starting point

    Non-binding referendum approves a $32 million ballpark in the MPEV, 52%-48%

    Voters were asked whether the downtown MPEV should include a baseball stadium at an approximate cost of $32 million. The measure passed 11,632 (52%) to 10,812 (48%). The referendum was non-binding; the council retained the decision.[11][12]

    • ✓ Verified

      The non-binding question asked whether the downtown MPEV should include a baseball stadium at an approximate cost of $32 million; it passed 11,632 (52%) to 10,812 (48%).[11][12]

      For
      11,632
      Against
      10,812
      Pct for
      52
      Pct against
      48
      Cost
      $32,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The referendum was non-binding; about 820 votes separated the sides out of roughly 22,000 cast.[12]

  7. · Related development

    Estimates rise to $48.4 million, then $44 million, for a Class AA ballpark

    A consultant presentation put the cost of a ballpark built to Class AA specifications at up to $48.4 million, including a $3.8 million contingency. In April 2016 a $44 million estimate was reported, with about $36 million expected from hotel occupancy taxes under a staff proposal to the LGC.[7][8]

    Elisha DemersonMark NairMichelle BonnerAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      In March 2016 a Brailsford & Dunlavey presentation put the cost of a ballpark meeting Class AA specifications at up to $48.4 million, including a $3.8 million contingency, compared with the $32 million estimate for an independent-league ballpark.[7]

      Estimate
      $48,400,000
      Contingency
      $3,800,000
      Prior estimate
      $32,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Councilmen Elisha Demerson and Mark Nair: Councilman Elisha Demerson said, 'Given the cost-benefit analysis you made … I would like to at least explore it.' Councilman Mark Nair said, 'I struggle with spending more than we told the public.'[7]

    • ✓ Verified

      Michelle Bonner, Assistant City Manager (proposal): In April 2016 the ballpark estimate was reported at $44 million including street and infrastructure work, with about $36 million expected from hotel occupancy taxes and an approximately $8 million gap partly covered by city funds set aside, under a proposal Assistant City Manager Michelle Bonner presented to the LGC.[8]

      Estimate
      $44,000,000
      Hot
      $36,000,000
      Gap
      $8,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The City's published hotel occupancy tax table lists a 6% state rate, a 7% city rate and a 2% Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District rate (15% total) for each fiscal year from 2018-19 through 2023-24, and the City's hotel tax page gives the same 7% city rate plus 2% for the venue district. No fetched source records a council vote changing a hotel tax rate for the MPEV; the April 2016 funding plan that described a raise in the local hotel tax is recorded in this storyline as reported. [13][14][8]

      City rate
      7%
      Venue district rate
      2%
      Total rate
      15%

  8. · Related development

    LGC signs letter of intent with an Elmore Sports Group company

    The LGC signed a letter of intent with a company owned by Elmore Sports Group for the relocating San Antonio Missions (Class AA). Proposed terms included $400,000 annual rent through 2048; the budget was reported at $45.5 million funded by a city hotel tax.[15]

    Bob Cowell Jr.Elmore Sports GroupAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)Populous

    • ✓ Verified

      The LGC signed a letter of intent with a company owned by Elmore Sports Group; proposed terms were $400,000 annual rent, with $225,000 to a capital fund, through 2048, and the budget was $45.5 million ($40 million ballpark, $5.5 million surrounding improvements) funded by a city hotel tax. Populous, hired by the LGC, was the designer.[15]

      Annual rent
      $400,000
      Capital fund
      $225,000
      Budget
      $45,500,000
    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel 10 reported on June 26, 2017 that the Local Government Corporation had approved a letter of agreement with a subsidiary of Elmore Sports Group, and that the LGC had hired Populous to design the stadium for $2.6 million, on top of a total project budget of $45.4 million. Deputy City Manager Bob Cowell said the City Council would finalize lease discussions "over the next few weeks." The report gives no vote count. [16]

      Design fee
      $2,600,000
    • ✓ Verified

      On June 27, 2017 the City Council voted 5-0 to approve and extend the retention of Winstead PC for legal services in negotiating a long-term agreement and related matters with an affiliated minor league baseball team, with a not-to-exceed amount of $110,000. The minutes of that meeting record no council vote on the letter of intent itself. [17]

      Legal services cap
      $110,000

  9. · Context

    Embassy Suites opens with adjoining 750-space city garage

    NewcrestImage announced the opening of the 226-room Embassy Suites; a 750-space parking garage adjoins its south side. The project was described as a public/private partnership with the City Council, the LGC and the TIRZ.[10]

    NewcrestImageAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      NewcrestImage announced in September 2017 that the 226-room Embassy Suites had opened; the 750-space garage adjoins the hotel's south side.[10]

  10. · Related development

    Council approves 5-0 a 30-year ballpark lease with Elmore Sports Group's Panhandle Baseball Club

    Elmore Sports Group and the city came to terms on a lease running April 1, 2019 through December 31, 2048, with $400,000 per year: $225,000 to a capital maintenance fund and $175,000 toward facility debt. The team may request a renovation in 2035 and may leave in 2038 if it is denied.[18][19]

    Elmore Sports Group

    • ✓ Verified

      The lease runs April 1, 2019 through December 31, 2048 at $400,000 per year ($225,000 to a capital maintenance fund and $175,000 toward facility debt); Elmore Sports Group may request a renovation in 2035 and may leave in 2038 if it is denied, and controls facility revenue including concessions, gate, 1,000 parking spots, suites and naming rights.[18]

      Annual
      $400,000
      Capital maintenance
      $225,000
      Debt service
      $175,000
      Term start
      2019-04-01
      Term end
      2048-12-31
    • ✓ Verified

      D.G. Elmore, Elmore Sports Group: D.G. Elmore, chairman of Elmore Sports Group, said the lease was designed to show a 'very long-term commitment to Amarillo.'[18]

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 26, 2017 the City Council voted 5-0 to execute the MPEV agreement between the City of Amarillo and Panhandle Baseball Club, Inc., and voted 5-0 to execute a non-relocation agreement with the same company. Voting yes were Mayor Ginger Nelson and Councilmembers Elaine Hays, Freda Powell, Eddy Sauer and Howard Smith. [19]

    • ✓ Verified

      Jared Miller, City Manager (as summarized in council minutes): According to the September 26, 2017 minutes, City Manager Jared Miller said the lease would run 30 years at $400,000 per year paid by Panhandle Baseball Club, Inc. ($175,000 to service the debt and $225,000 set aside for future capital improvements); the Elmore group would be responsible for maintenance and non-capital stadium repairs; the City would receive 100% of parking garage fees; the team would be allotted 1,000 parking spaces; and "the $45.5 million stadium will be paid by using HOT tax." [19]

  11. · Related development

    LGC and council approve Western-Hunt construction contract

    The LGC and City Council signed off on Western-Hunt, a joint venture of Western Builders and Hunt Construction Group, as builder, with construction not to exceed $40 million plus $5.54 million for streetscape and other work. Ballpark Digest later described this as a construction-manager-at-risk contract.[20][21][22]

    Western Builders of AmarilloHunt Construction GroupAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      On October 2, 2017 the LGC and City Council approved Western-Hunt, a joint venture of Western Builders and Hunt Construction Group, with construction costs not to exceed $40 million plus $5.54 million for streetscape and other development, $45.54 million in total.[20]

      Total
      $45,540,000
      Construction
      $40,000,000
      Streetscape other
      $5,540,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The October 2017 approval was a construction-manager-at-risk contract; concerns about agreeing on a construction price later led the council to let the city manager consider other procurement methods.[21]

    • ✓ Verified

      Minutes of the October 2, 2017 special meeting record that City Manager Jared Miller said one construction-manager-at-risk proposal was received although 38 proposal packages were picked up, and that the Amarillo Local Government Corporation recommended Western Builders and its partner Hunt. The council voted to proceed with a construction-manager-at-risk agreement with Western Hunt; the minutes record a 3-0 vote. The minutes list Mayor Nelson and Councilmember Hays as absent but also list Mayor Nelson among the yes votes. [22]

  12. · Related development

    Council approves the ballpark construction-manager-at-risk agreement, 4-0

    After concerns about agreeing on a construction price, the council had allowed the city manager to consider other procurement methods; the resulting agreement with Western-Hunt set $40 million for construction and $5.5 million in soft costs.[21][23]

    Jerry DanforthWestern Builders of AmarilloHunt Construction Group

    • ✓ Verified

      Jerry Danforth, City of Amarillo director of facilities and capital projects (quote): The January 2018 agreement set a $45.5 million total budget: $40 million for construction and $5.5 million in soft costs such as architect fees, furniture and a scoreboard. Facilities director Jerry Danforth said, 'Our hats are off to Western-Hunt for the work they did to bring this thing back into budget.'[21]

      Total
      $45,500,000
      Construction
      $40,000,000
      Soft costs
      $5,500,000
    • ✓ Verified

      On January 12, 2018 the City Council, at a special meeting, voted 4-0 to approve the construction-manager-at-risk agreement for construction of the Multi-Purpose Event Venue. Voting yes were Mayor Ginger Nelson and Councilmembers Elaine Hays, Eddy Sauer and Howard Smith; Councilmember Freda Powell was absent. [23]

  13. · Related development

    Ground broken on the downtown ballpark

    Officials and Elmore Sports Group broke ground on the $45.5 million ballpark, targeting an April 2019 opening.[24]

    Elmore Sports Group

    • ✓ Verified

      Ground was broken on the $45.5 million ballpark on Thursday, February 1, 2018, with completion targeted for April 2019.[24]

  14. · Context

    Advocacy outlet argues the project required a Type A sales tax election

    The Amarillo Pioneer argued that because the AEDC is a Type A corporation, use of its funds in the land exchange for a stadium required an election that was not held. A May 2018 Texas Scorecard commentary by the Pioneer's editor repeated the argument.[4][25]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard commentary by the Amarillo Pioneer's editor: A Texas Scorecard commentary argued that the lease contract calls for the stadium's total cost to reach almost $60 million.[25]

    • ✓ Verified

      The Amarillo Pioneer: The Amarillo Pioneer argued that because the AEDC is a Type A corporation under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 504, a stadium project using its funds required an election, and that the 2015 non-binding vote did not satisfy that requirement.[4]

    • Unverified

      Texas Scorecard commentary: A May 2018 Texas Scorecard commentary stated that two residents had announced plans to seek an injunction to halt stadium construction until an election was held.[25]

  15. · Context

    Recusal motion heard in a resident's lawsuit over the MPEV

    In a resident's lawsuit against the city alleging improper dealings by city officials in the MPEV's development and construction, an administrative judge heard a motion to recuse 251st District Judge Ana Estevez and said he would rule within two days.[26]

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 6, 2019 Judge Kelly Moore, administrative judge of the 9th Administrative Judicial Region, heard a resident's motion to recuse 251st District Judge Ana Estevez from a lawsuit alleging improper dealings by city officials in the MPEV's development and construction; he said he would take two days to rule.[26]

  16. · Peak

    Hodgetown opens for the Amarillo Sod Poodles

    The ballpark opened as Hodgetown with the Sod Poodles' home opener, the first affiliated baseball in Amarillo since 1982. Official capacity was 6,631; the reported total cost was $45.5 million.[27][28]

    Jerry DanforthElmore Sports GroupWestern Builders of AmarilloHunt Construction GroupPopulous

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The ballpark's total cost was reported as $45.5 million, with sources splitting it differently.

      Reported value 1[21][15]

      Total
      $45,500,000
      Ballpark
      $40,000,000
      Other
      $5,500,000

      Construction vs. soft costs (Jan 2018) / ballpark vs. surrounding improvements (Jun 2017)

      Reported value 2[28]

      Total
      $45,500,000
      Ballpark
      $40,500,000
      Infrastructure
      $5,000,000

      Ballpark vs. associated infrastructure (Apr 2019)

      Reported value 3[20]

      Total
      $45,540,000
      Construction
      $40,000,000
      Streetscape other
      $5,540,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Hodgetown opened April 8, 2019 with the Sod Poodles' home opener, the first affiliated baseball in Amarillo since 1982; official capacity was 6,631.[27][28]

      Capacity
      6,631
    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Opening-night attendance was reported differently.

      Reported value 1[28]

      Attendance
      7,125

      Reported value 2[27]

      Tickets sold approx
      7,200
    • ✓ Verified

      Jerry Danforth, City of Amarillo facilities director: The adjacent parking garage was about 85% full on opening night; facilities director Jerry Danforth said traffic flow 'accommodated the MPEV perfectly.'[27]

  17. · Resolution

    Judge dismisses a resident's lawsuit seeking to halt ballpark construction

    NewsChannel 10 reported on July 12, 2019 that Judge Ana Estevez granted a motion that ended a lawsuit filed in August 2018 against the City of Amarillo and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation over the downtown ballpark. The ruling cited the plaintiff's lack of standing and said the stadium's April 2019 opening made the request to halt construction impossible to grant. The report gives no exact ruling date.[29]

    • ✓ Verified

      Judge Ana Estevez agreed with a motion that ended the lawsuit. NewsChannel 10 reported that the ruling cited the plaintiff's lack of legal standing, found she could not show harm from the real estate deal or as a taxpayer, and said the stadium's April 2019 opening made her request to halt construction impossible to grant. The report does not say which party filed the motion or whether an appeal was planned. [29]

    • ✓ Verified

      The plaintiff, a former mayoral candidate suing as a resident, sued the City of Amarillo and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation in August 2018, alleging they did not follow state law in the land arrangement that cleared the ballpark site, and asked the court to halt construction. [29]

  18. · Resolution

    Council authorizes $4.5 million in hotel tax revenue bonds for MLB-required upgrades

    The council voted unanimously to authorize $4.5 million in hotel occupancy tax and revenue bonds for Hodgetown upgrades required under MLB facility standards, including locker rooms and facilities for women, a dining area and extended netting. Repayment sources include the team lease, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and hotel tax collections through 2043.[30][31][32]

    Laura Storrs

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The amount tied to the 2023 Hodgetown upgrades was reported differently.

      Reported value 1[30]

      Amount
      $4,500,000

      Hotel occupancy tax and revenue bonds authorized by the council

      Reported value 2[31][32]

      Amount
      $4,000,000

      Estimated renovation cost (Laura Storrs; state project registration)

    • ✓ Verified

      On March 28, 2023 the City Council voted unanimously to authorize the bonds for Hodgetown upgrades under MLB facility standards, including facilities for women such as locker rooms, a dining area and extended netting down the first- and third-base lines.[30][31]

    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Assistant City Manager/CFO (HOT share estimate): Repayment sources were described as $175,000 per year from the team lease (drawn from the team's capital reserve), $50,000 per year from the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget, and about $155,000-$157,000 per year from hotel tax collections, through 2043 when the bonds mature.[31]

      Team lease
      175,000
      Cvb
      50,000
      Hot low
      155,000
      Hot high
      157,000
      Maturity year
      2,043
    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Assistant City Manager and CFO: Assistant City Manager and CFO Laura Storrs said 'you must meet the requirements of major league baseball' and that 'no property tax dollars are being used to pay for that facility.'[30]

    • ✓ Verified

      A state accessibility registration for the Hodgetown renovation and expansion, owned by the City of Amarillo, listed an estimated cost of $4,000,000, a start date of October 1, 2023 and a completion date of March 1, 2025.[32]

  19. · Context

    LGC recommends selling the garage's retail section for $1.9 million

    The LGC board recommended that the council approve a contract to sell the commercial section of the downtown parking garage on South Buchanan, including 22,000 square feet of retail space, to Llano Group, LLC for $1.9 million. Council consideration was scheduled for September 12, 2023, with a target closing of January 28, 2024.[33]

    Andrew FreemanAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The LGC board recommended selling the garage's commercial section, including 22,000 square feet of retail space, to Llano Group, LLC for $1.9 million; council consideration was set for September 12, 2023 and closing targeted for January 28, 2024.[33]

      Price
      $1,900,000
      Retail sqft
      22,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Andrew Freeman, Deputy City Manager: Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman said, 'This is an opportunity to get a private sector developer involved.'[33]

  20. · Resolution

    Council approves 5-0 the $1.9 million sale of the garage's commercial space to Llano Group

    On September 12, 2023 the City Council voted 5-0 to approve a commercial contract selling the 22,169 square feet of commercial space in the Amarillo Local Government Corporation parking garage at 600 S. Buchanan to Llano Group, LLC for $1,900,000.[34]

    Andrew FreemanCole StanleyLes SimpsonJosh CraftDon TippsLlano Group, LLCAmarillo Local Government Corporation (LGC)

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 12, 2023 the City Council voted 5-0 to approve the sale of 22,169 square feet of commercial space within the downtown parking garage at S. Buchanan Street and SE 6th Avenue to Llano Group, LLC for $1,900,000, on a motion by Councilmember Les Simpson seconded by Councilmember Josh Craft; voting yes were Josh Craft, Tom Scherlen, Cole Stanley, Les Simpson and Don Tipps. Interim City Manager Andrew Freeman presented the item. [34]

      Price
      $1,900,000
      Commercial sqft
      22,169
    • ✓ Verified

      The LGC's July 17, 2024 minutes record that the sale of the garage's commercial space closed on July 2, 2024; the City's fiscal 2025 annual financial report says it sold in July 2024. The August 2023 LGC report had targeted closing by January 28, 2024.[33][34][35][36]

  21. · Context

    TIRZ board approves incentives for a downtown Hampton Inn, citing Hodgetown

    The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 board agreed to a 10-year property tax abatement and a $900,000 developer streetscape contribution for a planned downtown Hampton Inn, pending council approval. A board member cited the hotel's proximity to Hodgetown.[37][38]

    • ✓ Verified

      Gary Pitner, TIRZ board member (quote): On April 15, 2026 the TIRZ #1 board agreed to a 10-year, 100% property tax abatement (excluding school district taxes) and a $900,000 developer contribution for streetscape work for a downtown Hampton Inn, pending council approval; board member Gary Pitner cited the hotel's 'close proximity to attractions like Hodgetown.'[37]

      Abatement years
      10
      Abatement
      100%
      Streetscape contribution
      $900,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The TIRZ #1 board's April 15, 2026 minutes record the motion passing 5-0 with one board member abstaining, subject to final approval by the City's legal department.[38]

Related storylines: AEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)Financing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)Downtown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)