Felix Espinoza, Brownsville's "Maytag Repairman," Operating the Mitte District Visitor's Center

Brownsville's New Visitor Center on E. 6th 

"We're up to about seven," was the response by Felix Espinoza to my question about the daily traffic visiting the new Visitor's Center on E. 6th St. and Ringgold.  

"That's up from three," Espinoza added.  

The old railroad scale station is one of a dozen properties purchased by the City Commission in 2012 with $3,500,000 in taxpayer dollars.  Until now, NONE of have been utilized by the city in any way, just laying idle, deteriorating and off the tax rolls.  

Felix Espinoza

"But, the Mitte Cultural District was looking for an office where information about the various museums and attractions in the city could be disseminated," offered the Administrative Manager of the Brownsville Tourist's Bureau.  "Mr. Ayala thought about this building and knew we could get the funding to remodel." 

Espinoza thought my recollection of $40,000 to remodel was correct.  The city paid $100,000 for the property, which includes a small warehouse.

"We have our official opening November 5.  We'll be making a presentation to Winter Texans.  We hope to have signage up soon on E. 6th.  That, of course, is up to the city."

   Although Espinoza may occasionally feel like the Maytag repairman, in this computer era, actual work can be done from Borneo or even a former railroad scale house.