An approved plan that encourages mixed-use development, Friendswood Downtown Revitalization will stretch along South Friendswood Drive from FM 2351 to Cowards Creek, and two blocks east and west thereof. Building upon the downtown area's solid foundation of museums, churches and various retail shops, the center will feature homes and offices, as well as boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, gardens and public facilities, including the library and post office. Current structures will be updated, while new opportunities for commercial and residential development will abound. Benches, fountains seating tables and pedestrian areas will accentuate the feeling of belonging that friendswood residents have come to cherish.

In the end, Friendswood's Main Street area will become the civic, cultural commercial and emotional heart of Friendswood - giving residents more reasons to spend their time and money shopping, dining and relaxing in the city they call "home."

Downtown Incentives

Chapter 380 Municipal Grant Program
On June 16, 2008, City Council amended the Chapter 380 municipal grant program to include new considerations for downtown projects. The minimum investment requirement of increased real and personal property was lowered to $250,000 to qualify for a grant. In addition to the uses already approved, grant funds may be utilized for downtown improvements such as paved sidewalks, facades, street lighting, signage, and benches.

Please contact the Economic Development Coordinator at (281) 996-3250 for information regarding qualifications.

Neighborhood Empowerment Zone #1
On June 16, 2008, the City Council designated the downtown district as Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) #1. This designation provides the following incentives to encourage development, renovation, and expansion in the downtown district. The City will:
-Waive one hundred percent (100%) of all fees related to construction and development, including zoning, platting, site plan review, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and gas permits;
-Waive one hundred percent (100%) of water and wastewater impact fees; and
- Potentially abate real property taxes in accordance with the City's tax abatement policies.

Map of the Downtown District

Demographics at a Glance:

• Population: 36,000 (est) 
• Median Age: 37 years 
• Average Household Size: 2.85 individuals 
• Average Household Income: $117,000 
• Average New Home Price: $332,100 
• Education Level: 92% with high school degree; 52% with bachelor's degree or higher 
• Superb Education System: 2 public school districts, Friendswood ISD and Clear Creek ISD 
• Quality of Life: numerous parks, hundreds of acres of green space and nature trails; many large, family oriented City events 
• Financial Status: A1 bond rating from Moody's Investor; 7.75% total sales tax rate; assessed property values in excess of $2 billion 
• The lowest crime rate throughout the region 

• Located on FM 518- Friendswood Drive 
• Daily traffic counts- 25,000 cars per day 
• 3-mile radius population 56,000 
• 3-mile radius households 19,400 
• 30% of households have income over $100,000

Friendswood Downtown Revitalization Documents: