Leigh Linden – Downtown Brenham

Main Street Brenham Hosts Imagine the Possibilities Tour in Downtown

Main Street Brenham, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission, invites residents, investors, developers, and entrepreneurs to participate in the Imagine the Possibilities Tour in downtown Brenham on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The event begins at 11:00 a.m. with check-in at the Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theatre. Guests will enjoy a self-guided tour of three highlighted properties featured on Brenham’s DowntownTX.org portal, which showcases available properties in historic downtowns across Texas.

In addition to exploring unique properties, attendees will have the chance to connect with experienced downtown development professionals, learn about business resources and incentives, and discover opportunities to invest, develop, or even live in downtown.

Launched in 2017, DowntownTX.org is a statewide initiative designed to connect available historic properties with interested parties. The Imagine the Possibilities Tours bring this program to life by offering participants exclusive access to properties, insider knowledge, and inspiration to be part of revitalizing Texas’s historic downtowns.

“The tour is an exciting way for people to envision themselves owning, investing, or opening a business in downtown Brenham,” said Main Street Brenham Manager Leigh Linden. “This event allows the community and potential investors to see what’s possible and learn about the resources available to make those possibilities a reality.”

For more information, contact Leigh Linden, Main Street Brenham at llinden@cityofbrenham.org or 979-337-7239.

Discover your next Texas adventure in Downtown Brenham!

Our beautiful historic downtown is more than just a place to visit—it’s a vibrant destination filled with rich history, a thriving culture, and endless things to see and do.

Here, you can:

Taste your way through local eateries, from casual cafes and classic BBQ joints to upscale dining and craft breweries.
Explore a unique mix of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries, all housed within beautifully preserved historic buildings.
Discover our fascinating past at museums like the Brenham Heritage Museum, or uncover hidden stories at Toubin Park and Belle’s Alley, which tell the powerful history of our community.

In Downtown Brenham, every street corner has a story, and every visit offers something new. Come see for yourself why our downtown is the perfect place to explore, sip, shop, and stay awhile.

Stop by the Visitor Center!

Our friends at Visit Brenham, the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Brenham and Washington County, are your go-to source for all things local. You’ll find them in the heart of Downtown Brenham at 115 W. Main St. Their friendly staff is always excited to help you plan your perfect trip. They have plenty of brochures, maps, and can even share their favorite spots to visit.

They’re open seven days a week:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Main Street Brenham Designated as a 2025 Accredited Program

Main Street Brenham has once again been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by Main Street America. This national recognition is a testament to the program’s commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of designated programs to honor those driving strong community impact. Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation —Affiliate and Accredited— with the latter representing the highest level of achievement. These designations serve as a powerful indicator to local stakeholders and funders at all levels that the accredited programs are making a measurable difference in communities.

“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”

Main Street Brenham’s performance was evaluated by its board of directors and program personnel, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program, which works with Main Street America to ensure local programs meet the network’s rigorous national standards. To achieve Accredited status, Main Street Brenham demonstrated strength across six core areas: community engagement, inclusive leadership, sustainable funding, strategic programming, economic development rooted in preservation, and clear, documented impact.

In 2024, Main Street Brenham supported transformative initiatives that revitalized the heart of Brenham, raising almost $50,000 used as reinvestment into the preservation, rehabilitation, and beautification of our Downtown Main Street District. The program supported opening seven new businesses, ranging from boutique retail to an innovative wine tasting room, adding 20 new jobs in the downtown area. Main Street Brenham supported rehabilitating historic buildings through grants, protecting our architectural heritage, and boosting the district’s appeal. Our community’s dedication was evident; over 250 volunteer hours were committed to these revitalization efforts.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the 2024 Accredited Main Street America designation. It’s a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and city leadership to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and economically thriving downtown,” said Leigh Linden, Main Street Manager. “This Accreditation demonstrates the importance of Main Street and its efforts to strengthen our community’s identity and economic vitality.”