The College Station City Council is poised to take action on three significant real estate developments that could reshape key commercial areas in the city. The decisions, expected following a Thursday executive session, concern large parcels of land near Costco and the former Macy’s building at Post Oak Mall.
Key Takeaways
- The City Council will consider proposals for three separate real estate projects in College Station.
- Projects include a new baseball complex, a mixed-use retail and residential development, and the redevelopment of the former Macy's property.
- These developments are centered around the Midtown Business Park and Post Oak Mall areas.
- Separately, Dave & Buster’s is confirmed to be opening a new location at the Post Oak Mall.
New Baseball Complex Planned for Midtown
A major proposal on the council's agenda involves an 80-acre tract of land located behind the Costco warehouse in the Midtown Business Park. The city is collaborating with a private developer to construct a state-of-the-art baseball complex on this site.
The facility is envisioned as a premier destination for regional tournaments and high-level competitive play, aiming to attract visitors and sports enthusiasts to the area. This project represents a strategic shift in the city's recreational development plans.
Shift in Strategy
This Midtown Park proposal follows the city's decision to end a previously planned baseball project at Veterans Park. The move indicates a new focus on leveraging private-public partnerships to develop large-scale community amenities in burgeoning commercial zones.
The partnership model allows the city to share the financial burden and operational responsibilities with a private-sector entity that has experience in developing and managing such venues. The goal is to create a facility that not only serves local residents but also generates economic activity through sports tourism.
Mixed-Use Development Gains Momentum
Adjacent to the proposed baseball complex, another significant development is under consideration for a 28-acre parcel of land next to Costco, situated along Corporate Parkway and State Highway 6. This project has evolved since its initial conception.
In January 2025, the City Council first approved a plan to utilize 13 of these acres for retail and restaurant spaces. However, the vision for the site has expanded considerably over the past year. Updated renderings from September 2025 now show a comprehensive plan that incorporates both commercial and residential uses across the entire 28-acre lot.
Project Growth
The plan for the 28-acre site has more than doubled in scope, evolving from a 13-acre retail-only concept to a full 28-acre mixed-use project that includes housing. This change reflects a modern approach to urban planning, where living, shopping, and working spaces are integrated.
The inclusion of residential units is a key element, suggesting a move toward creating a more vibrant, walkable community in the Midtown area. If approved, this development would add a significant number of new housing options and commercial storefronts, fundamentally altering the landscape near one of the city's busiest retail hubs.
Future of Post Oak Mall in Focus
The third item on the council's agenda concerns the future of the former Macy’s property at Post Oak Mall. The city acquired the building and has since been working to identify a suitable use to revitalize the anchor space.
The acquisition has not been without scrutiny. Public records revealed that the city paid more than double the price the previous owner had paid for the property just one year prior, leading to public criticism. City officials have maintained that the purchase was a strategic investment to control the future of a critical piece of real estate and prevent the mall from declining.
The council's upcoming discussions will likely focus on the progress made in securing tenants or development partners. The city has stated its commitment to finding a use that will breathe new life into the site and complement the existing retail environment.
New Entertainment Option Arrives
While the Macy's property remains under discussion, Post Oak Mall is set for a different kind of boost. Officials confirmed that the popular entertainment and restaurant chain Dave & Buster’s has pulled permits to open a new location in the mall.
The new venue will occupy the space formerly held by Conn’s HomePlus. The arrival of a major entertainment brand like Dave & Buster's is seen as a significant win for the mall, adding a new dimension to its offerings beyond traditional retail.
This development is expected to increase foot traffic and enhance the mall's appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors from surrounding areas, potentially creating a positive ripple effect for other tenants.
