College Station, TX, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Northgate District in College Station has recently faced several notable business closures, including Starbucks and VooDoo Brewing Company. Despite these changes, officials remain optimistic due to a surge in population growth of 17% and a robust tax base. New ventures, such as the Rush nightclub, aim to revitalize the nightlife scene. Ongoing construction is expected to enhance pedestrian traffic, which will further support local businesses.
College Station – Northgate District Experiences Business Changes Amidst Economic Growth
The Northgate District in College Station has recently undergone significant business changes, with several closures including well-known establishments such as Starbucks, VooDoo Brewing Company, Shiner Park, and Foundation Lounge. Despite these closures, local officials are optimistic, citing positive economic developments and a strong growth in the area’s population and tax base.
College Station’s Chief Development Officer, Michael Ostrowski, emphasized that the economic landscape in Northgate remains robust. The rapid “backfilling” of spaces left by closed businesses supports the notion that the economy is thriving. Notably, Northgate is experiencing a 17% increase in residents, which contrasts with the overall city increase of just 5%. This demographic shift indicates a growing interest in the area, particularly among college students and younger residents.
The tax base per acre in Northgate is reported to be the highest within the city, largely attributed to a combination of existing businesses and new student housing developments. As new residents arrive, demand for local services and entertainment is anticipated to rise, further enhancing the area’s economic prospects.
Changing Bar Culture
Justin Manning, co-owner of C&J BBQ and Rough Draught Whiskey and Pizza Bar, observed ongoing transformations in Northgate’s bar culture. Manning remains optimistic about the future of the district, understanding that while changes are underway, they will take time. Continuous construction in the area is expected to further impact local businesses and the overall vibe of Northgate.
District Manager Jennifer Luna highlighted the city’s efforts in revitalizing Northgate, which include improvements such as refreshing picnic tables and repainting public restrooms. This initiative aims to foster better communication between city officials and business owners, ensuring collaborative efforts to support the area’s entertainment district.
New Ventures on the Horizon
Adrian Moreno, a local business owner, is set to open a new nightclub called Rush Northgate. This establishment will occupy the former location of Foundation Lounge and will operate as a cocktail bar in the early evening before transitioning into a nightclub. Moreno plans to bring diversity to the nightlife scene by rotating different DJs each week, aiming to create a unique experience for patrons.
Barry Ivins, owner of The Corner Bar & Grill, reflected on the historical challenges facing Northgate, noting the closure of Starbucks after nearly two decades of service in the area. The decision of VooDoo Brewing Company to close was influenced significantly by ongoing construction, which hampered operations. Nevertheless, city authorities are determined to reshape Northgate into a pedestrian-centric environment, encouraging foot traffic and bolstering local businesses.
Future Developments
Construction projects within Northgate are projected to be completed within the next 18 months, with expectations that increased pedestrian activity will offer significant support to local businesses. These enhancements and continued investment in the district are seen as key factors in sustaining Northgate’s vibrant community and economy in the face of recent business changes.
Summary of Key Factors in Northgate’s Transformation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population Growth | 17% increase in Northgate, compared to 5% for College Station |
| Business Closures | Starbucks, VooDoo Brewing Company, Shiner Park, Foundation Lounge |
| New Business Ventures | Rush Northgate nightclub and cocktail bar |
| Tax Base | Highest tax base per acre in College Station |
| Planned Improvements | Pedestrian-centric projects, refreshing public spaces |
FAQ
What businesses have recently closed in the Northgate District?
Recent closures include Starbucks, VooDoo Brewing Company, Shiner Park, and Foundation Lounge.
What is the current economic situation in Northgate?
Economic development remains positive, highlighted by a 17% increase in residents and the rapid backfilling of vacant businesses.
What improvements are being made in Northgate?
The city is focusing on making Northgate more pedestrian-friendly and enhancing public spaces with improvements like new picnic tables and painted restrooms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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College Station City Council to Address Midtown Development Plans
College Station ISD Approves New School Boundaries
College Station City Council Proposes Small Area Plan for Midtown
College Station Council Weighs Major Data Center Proposal
Texas A&M Students Face Frustrations on Move-in Day
Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- The Battalion
- Google Search: Northgate District College Station
- KBTX News
- Google Scholar: College Station business closures
- KBTX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Station development
- KBTX News
- Google News: Northgate District update
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
