DISCOVER THE WUNDER OF DOWNTOWN NEW BRAUNFELS
Known as the heart of New Braunfels, our beautiful downtown combines old-world charm and modern conveniences, boasting a lively retail and entertainment backdrop for visitors and residents alike. Surrounded by the beauty of historic buildings and landmarks, downtown is the setting for numerous festivals, community events, parades, and ceremonies. It is the home of both the city and county governments, as well as a booming marketplace for local business.
WUNDERFUL SINCE 1845
In 1846, Civil Engineer Nicolaus Zink designed the layout for Downtown New Braunfels and the adjoining acreage. He built the town on a human scale, which was designed to be walkable for residents and visitors coming to do business. This original concept of human-scale urbanism is being duplicated in many new shopping centers around the country but can be enjoyed in its most authentic form in Historic Main Street Districts like Downtown New Braunfels.
ABOUT THE NEW BRAUNFELS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors
President | Clarisa DeSanto
1st Vice President, Programs | Carol Johnson, Johnson Furniture
2nd Vice President, Marketing | Cindy Showalter, Camp Landa
Secretary | Jennifer Wilson, Mess Around at the Crosswalk; Schmitz Hotel
Treasurer | Trena Wilkinson, Moody Bank
Membership | Martie Rodriguez, Circle Arts Theatre
At-Large | Beverly Davidek, Davidek Law Firm
City of New Braunfels Liaison | Mandi Scott, City of New Braunfels
Past President | Heidi Aleman, Corridor Title
Director
Pat Butler
Our vision is a clean, safe, vibrant and historic Downtown New Braunfels where locals and visitors can play, shop, eat, stay and do business. To bring that vision into reality, we partner with businesses, organizations, residents, and other interested individuals to promote downtown as the center of a vibrant economy, and preserve our cultural heritage.
> Facilitate communication between our members and government, locals, businesses, and organizations.
> Support efforts to improve the average walkability score of downtown New Braunfels.
> Sponsor and encourage events that bring people downtown.
> Promote and market the New Braunfels Downtown Association.
> Build funding through events, memberships, and strategic partners.
> Build cooperation with businesses for maintaining a safe, clean and vibrant downtown.
> Educate members on local topics and government issues.
A history of helping Downtown New Braunfels businesses succeed.
1967
The first recorded meeting of the DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION was April 24, 1967. The founders had two main goals: promote business for its 25 original members and improve the downtown parking situation. This association is the oldest continually operating downtown association in the state of Texas.
1973
In 1973, the by-laws were amended and the group was renamed NEW BRAUNFELS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION. The requirement for membership was expanded to include not only downtown businesses, but anyone in the community with a keen interest in the continued growth, development and historic preservation of Downtown New Braunfels.
1976
During the New Braunfels Sesquicentennial, bronze and silver commemorative coins were minted and sold. A creative float was designed that depicted the bandstand and was entered in the parade.
1991
New Braunfels Downtown Association worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of New Braunfels to achieve Main Street designation.
1998
The association incorporated and became THE NEW BRAUNFELS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION, INC. a 501 (c)(6) organization.
2002
Donations of trash receptacles and a bicycle rack were made by the New Braunfels DTA from funds raised at the 35th Anniversary Garden Party.
Ongoing
Parking has been improved by working with partners like the Chamber of Commerce, City of New Braunfels, and Comal County. Individual property owners were allowed to remove parking meters, off street parking lots were added, and 2 hour parking limits were instituted for continued parking turnover.