By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Historic Brown Plaza, the heart of Del Rio’s San Felipe neighborhood, reopened Wednesday with a ceremony celebrating its role as a cultural center.
Following a performance by Mariachis Del Rio, Mayor Al Arreola welcomed those attending and recognized local dignitaries and sponsors.
“Welcome to the grand reopening of the historical Brown Plaza. We are proud of the hard work that has been done, and we cannot wait to see all the new memories that will be made here. We thank the community for being patient, and we thank you for being here tonight,” Arreola said.
Arreola said the work completed at the historic plaza constitutes the first phase of the reconstruction project.
District III Councilwoman Alexandra Falcon Calderon also spoke to those attending the event.
“I am so glad to see you all here tonight. I am very, very glad that you all made the time to come and be part of this very much-needed change. As the representative for District III, I am delighted to see the city of Del Rio stepping up to restore this historical landmark.
“First, I would like to thank everyone who worked on this project, from city staff to the contractors. They did such a wonderful job. Thank you to the current and past city council and our past mayor, Bruno Lozano, that approved the funds to make this restoration project possible,” Calderon said.
She reminded everyone the Brown Plaza site was donated to the city and that it was the people of San Felipe who came together to clear the land and build the first kiosko – bandstand – and construct the plaza.
“One hundred fifteen years ago, Mr. Brown saw the need for a community center for the people of San Felipe. For the last 115 years, this site has been the epicenter of Cinco de Mayo and Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations, as well as other celebrations for the whole city. Now that the restoration is complete, we can hope to use this gathering area for the next 115-plus years,” Calderon said.
Michael Diaz, executive director of the Whitehead Memorial Museum, came to the podium to speak about some of the historic photos he had brought to display during the ceremony.
Next, Sonia Moreno, field representative for Texas Rep. Eddie Morales (D-Eagle Pass), presented a proclamation made on behalf of the Brown Plaza to Arreola, City Manager John Sheedy and city council members present, including Mayor Pro-tem Steve Webb, Calderon, Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. and Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez.
Sheedy spoke about the work done at the plaza.
“As city manager, I’m always very proud to see all of our departments come together to work on projects for the betterment of our community. We know that this renovation has been some time coming, and we appreciate everybody’s patience, and we especially want to
thank the Brown Plaza Association for its help and support,” Sheedy said.
Sheedy said much of the renovation work was done on “the basics” – replacement of the pavers, electrical system, plumbing, landscaping and concrete.
A new set of lighted flagpoles was also installed and a series of elegant streetlights was placed around the plaza.
Sheedy said more than $400,000 was spent on the renovation.
“We are very thankful that you all came out and joined us here tonight,” Sheedy said.
Arreola then invited dignitaries, sponsors and the queens attending the event to join him at the front of the kiosko for the ribbon cutting to signify the grand reopening of the plaza.
Those attending the event also enjoyed free snacks and aguas frescas, as well as performances by Ciudad Acuña’s Aquetzalle Grupo Folklorico dancers.
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