BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A new community center has opened in Brownsville and its goal is to give residents and visitors alike a place to improve their lives.
Called Cannery Public Market, the one-stop center will house several organizations such as the local chapter of The Rio Grande Food Bank, the Brownsville Wellness Coalition and the Farmer’s Market, among others.
A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, Oct. 8, to highlight the construction and the opening of the building that took years to get it done due to some issues that needed to be resolved.
For example, Noble Texas Builders took over the construction from a previous company and completed the project costing more than $3 million.
Rose Gowen, a community leader and former city commissioner, said it took years to see this day.
“ I am thrilled,” she said. “ It finally opened.”
Sofia Gonzalez, the center’s director, said the CPM is the end result of an idea envisioned by city leaders to serve the community better.
Mayor John Cowen the center marks a new chapter for the City of Brownsville .
“A project like this can’t happened without the collaboration of many partners,” he said . “It took a while to get it done and it finally happened.”
Cowen said the 11,200 square feet building was constructed on the site of a 1940 structure.
He said it will have a business incubator, space for the city’s parks and recreation staff, a kitchen, among others things.
City Manager Allan Guard said the CPM will help preserve the city’s heritage.
“This will become a community gathering place, he said, and reminded the large number of people who showed at the event what the city is all about by saying, “People. Purpose. Projects.”
