A recently announced planned Bass Pro Shops and mixed-use development could bring millions of dollars in new taxable sales and spur additional development in midtown College Station, as city officials outlined proposed agreements and incentives Sept. 10.

The overview: As previously reported by Community Impact, Bass Pro Shops' 20th location was announced at the Aug. 27 meeting by College Station Mayor John Nichols. The city also sold 14 acres to the Corinth Group for mixed-use retail, restaurants and events. 

Breaking it down: City officials said Bass Pro guaranteed $20 million in locally taxable sales from the facility. In return, it asked for a 60% tax abatement for 10 years.

The city is expected to receive $10.9 million from the land sale.

Going forward: The council is set to formally review and take action on the agreements on Sept. 24. Afterward, Bass Pro and the Corinth Group will then have 180 days to review the terms and elect to agree or disagree.

A 9,200-square-foot antique mall with over 150 booths and a coffee and tea lounge is opening in Bryan-College Station soon.

The gist: The Timeless Cup Treasure Mall sells a variety of antiques and collectible goods, along with artisan and handcrafted products and aims to create a community-oriented space, according to its website. The mall also plans to host live music and game night events for guests.

As previously reported by Community Impact, the city of Bryan has seen several thrift store and coffee shop openings throughout the year. Brightside Thrift opened in June and Lucky Goat Coffee and House of Rain opened the same week in August.

Stay tuned: According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation listing, the $200,000 renovation is set to take place in the Townshire Shopping Center next to Cici’s Pizza and King Dollar supermarket.

• Opening in November

• 1905 Texas Ave. S., Bryan

The city of College Station has opened several cooling facilities to help residents escape excessive post-summer Texas heat. According to a Sept. 14 news release, the city is encouraging residents who may be struggling with air conditioning to drink water and use available public spaces.

The options: The following facilities are available to the public during regular business hours:

• College Station City Hall, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Halter Nature Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Lincoln Recreation Center, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Meyer Senior and Community Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Southwood Community Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Ringer Library:

  • Mon-Thu., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Fri-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Sun., 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Before you go: The city recommends frequent hydration and checking on elderly or handicapped neighbors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and lack of sweating; suspecting heat stroke requires calling 9-1-1 immediately.

Two candidates are challenging incumbent College Station City Council member Mark Smith in the race for Place 1.

Smith, Howard Mayne and Roy May will appear on the ballot for College Station voters to consider on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Get to know the candidates: Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents.

One question Community Impact asked was, "What challenges does College Station face?" The candidates answered in part:

• Mark Smith*: "Traffic congestion is the top challenge facing College Station according to the latest citizen survey."

• Roy May: "Managing rapid growth without losing what makes our community special."

• Howard Mayne: "College Station is growing, putting pressure on family budgets, roads, infrastructure, public safety, and neighborhoods."