Cool Co-Op Coming

New marketplace development will transform historic New Braunfels site

The Co-Op Marketplace is coming to historic downtown New Braunfels in 2024.

Rendering by Mogas + Gonzalez Associated Architects

Changes are ahead for historic downtown New Braunfels, with a new 2.5-acre mixed-use development set to transform and repurpose the former New Braunfels Producers Co-Op. Announced via press release November 16, and slated to open in 2024, the new Co-Op Marketplace will feature a biergarten, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail, and park space with a stage for live music.

The site transformation is the brainchild of New Braunfels-area entrepreneurs and business owners, so local residents can take heart that the project was made by locals, for locals. The late, notable New Braunfels businessman Ron Snider was one of the entrepreneurs behind the Co-Op Marketplace idea, working in tandem with his business partners, attorney Mike Myers and real estate developer Fred Heimer.

Now, Snider's wife, Carol, and their son, Chris, owners of nearby Krauses Cafe + Biergarten, are leading the project in honor of Snider's original vision."This is a very exciting project to be involved with and it has evolved a lot along the way while still holding true to what my dad and his partners originally envisioned by bringing something unique to downtown New Braunfels that the community can enjoy," Chris Snider shared in the release.

New Braunfels Co-Op Marketplace The Co-Op Marketplace will transform and repurpose the former New Braunfels Producers Co-Op. Courtesy photo

With construction set to begin in 2023, the new co-op space will be roughly 2.5 acres and feature more than 25,000 square feet of indoor space for guests. The release shared plans to adapt the existing agricultural buildings for the development, transforming structures like the 65-foot-tall grain silo, which will become the market's west entrance.

Plans for the space include more than an acre of outdoor space for guests to enjoy good weather days, with a splash pad and 4,000 square feet of artificial turf, seating, and shade trees.

Co-Op Marketplace New Braunfels The new development will feature a biergarten, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail, and park spaces.Rendering by Mogas + Gonzalez Associated Architects

San Antonio-based architectural practice Mogas + Gonzalez have been heavily involved in the plans for the space.

"Mogas + Gonzalez Associated Architects has worked closely with the owners’ vision to repurpose and recycle the existing and historically designated agrarian Co-Op structures to craft a campus of indoor and outdoor spaces that invite the city and its visitors to relax, dine, and celebrate right in the heart of Downtown New Braunfels," said architect Richard Mogas in the release.

The exciting new space will be located at 210 S. Castell Ave. Guests can grab authentic German fare down the street at Krause's and walk down to the Co-Op, which will also have a 13,000 square foot marketplace for restaurants, vendors, and more.

new braunfels co-op local business downtown new braunfels city life

high-flying luxury

American Express to triple size of members-only Houston airport lounge

American Express Centurion Lounge IAH rendering

Courtesy of American Express

A rendering previews the new bar coming to IAH's Centurion Lounge.

American Express is dramatically expanding its Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). When the work is completed in 2028, the lounge will nearly triple in size to more than 23,000 square feet.

More room means more amenities, including the addition of Blue Roast by American Express Co]ee and Wellness Bar, a new dining area serving dishes inspired by Houston and the Gulf Coast, and a second full-service bar with craft cocktails and wines by-the-glass.

Other improvements include refreshed restrooms and shower suites. An array of seating areas will cater of different kinds of travelers, whether they want to work or socialize before takeoff. The lounge’s design will take inspiration from “the surrounding landscape and coastal influence,” according to press materials.

American Express opened the Centurion Lounge in IAH’s Terminal D in 2016. It’s an amenity for the card’s platinum and black (Centurion) card holders.

"Houston is a global gateway, and we're committed to delivering a world-class airport experience that reflects the energy and diversity of our city," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, said in a statement. "The expansion of The Centurion Lounge at IAH Terminal D is an important investment in the traveler experience, and we're proud to continue our partnership with American Express to welcome eligible CardMembers into this new and modern space."

Along with the announcement about expanding Houston’s lounge, American Express also announced plans to expands its presence at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), expand and renovate its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and add a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

“Since opening our first Centurion Lounge more than a decade ago, we continue to find ways to meet the growing demand for our premium airport lounge experiences," said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel. “As the Centurion Lounge Network grows, we’re investing in the lounges our Card Members already know and love while continuing to open new spaces. We can’t wait for Card Members to experience what’s next in Philadelphia, Houston, and London.”