The whine of bus engines and the stench of diesel exhaust are gone; Market Square, the heart of the heart of Brownsville, is entering a new phase, one aimed at attracting more people.

The city of Brownsville is handling the exterior makeover for the historic downtown centerpiece, the oldest part of which was erected in 1850.

Two years ago, even before the Brownsville Urban System relocated its buses to the new transit terminal on International Boulevard, the city’s planning department solicited ideas from University of Texas at Brownsville architecture students as to “what this place could look like,” said Ramiro Gonzalez, comprehensive planning manager for the city.

“We have a draft conceptual plan that’s basically been vetted through all the stakeholders,” he said.

Stakeholders include the fire department, Brownsville Historical Association, the planning department itself — any official entity with an interest in Market Square.

What kind of trees to install, lighting, landscaping and other options will be hammered out in the next few weeks, Gonzalez said.

“All those details are being worked through right now,” he said. “That’s where the plan stands. Engineering wise, it’s pretty much done.”

Gonzalez said the makeover will include not just Market Square itself but the alleys leading up to it, on either end, from East 10th Street and East 14th Street.

Locating the money to pay for the renovation is the next task, he said.

Sales tax revenue set aside for community development and Community Development Block Grant funds are among potential sources, Gonzalez said.

“There’s not going to be private grants out there,” he said. “You’re really going to have to be creative with finding the funding.”

Gonzalez said the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ decision to keep UTB downtown bodes well for downtown in general and Market Square in particular. Already more students are venturing downtown, he said.

“The importance of UTB staying where it is and growing into the urban fabric — you couldn’t ask for anything else,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a model that’s been replicated throughout the country. I know the city’s glad that UT made that decision.”

Market Square’s open-air market, with its distinctive, brick archways, was erected in 1852. It remained a working market until 1948, after which the city bricked in the archways and turned the building into city offices and City Commission chambers.

The BUS transit system moved into Market Square in 1984 — seen as a positive move at the time for a neglected area, Gonzalez said.

City hall vacated Market Square in 2007. The following year it was transferred to the Brownsville Historical Association on a 99-year lease under an agreement with then Mayor Eddie Treviño and the city.

The BHA opened its research center in Market Square in 2009 and began gradually renovating and occupying pieces of the complex. The permanent “Into the Wild West” exhibit, with pieces donated by the late Ben Edelstein, was installed in January 2010.

After BUS pulled out last year, BHA went to work on the market area itself.

Priscilla Rodriguez, BHA’s executive director, said a drop-down ceiling was removed to reveal the original ceiling. The interior was stripped down to the original brick walls and flooring as well. Market Square is essentially four buildings tacked together, she said.

“It was just amazing that so much of it was still intact,” Rodriguez said.

Wooden doors were custom-built for the archways. The first-floor renovation will be complete once the floors are sealed.

Rodriguez, BHA’s executive director, said Market Square’s hurricane-proof vaults are ideal for the nonprofit’s historic archives and collections. One vault houses BHA’s paper document and photo collection; another, its collection of historical objects, she said.

Before BHA moved into Market Square, these treasures were stuffed into a cramped space at the Stillman House complex with really no room for researchers, Rodriguez said.

Once the first floor is done, work will start on the second floor — empty now except for the occasional film crew. Rodriguez said the space will eventually serve as a rotating exhibition space for items from the archives, full of artifacts few people know exist.

“This is going to allow us to really showcase some of the awesome stuff we’re storing in our vault,” she said.

The second floor will also serve as a community meeting space. The original commission chambers will remain intact, meaning the mayor and City Commission can hold meetings there if they wish, Rodriguez said.

The mayor’s office, in fact, will eventually be installed in what once housed police and fire department headquarters — upstairs from what used to be the historic Texas Café and is now the Brownsville Heritage Office.

The total interior renovation should be complete within two years, Rodriguez said. The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is picking up the tab, around $180,000. It would likely be many times that if not for the architects and preservationists who have volunteered their time, Rodriguez said.

She said the space will be available free for certain events that are free and open to the public, though BHA also plans to rent it out for private events.

“We don’t want it dedicated to one particular function,” Rodriguez said. “We want it to be a flexible space.”

The whine of bus engines and the stench of diesel exhaust are gone; Market Square, the heart of the heart of Brownsville, is entering a new phase, one aimed at attracting more people.

The city of Brownsville is handling the exterior makeover for the historic downtown centerpiece, the oldest part of which was erected in 1850.

Two years ago, even before the Brownsville Urban System relocated its buses to the new transit terminal on International Boulevard, the city’s planning department solicited ideas from University of Texas at Brownsville architecture students as to “what this place could look like,” said Ramiro Gonzalez, comprehensive planning manager for the city.

“We have a draft conceptual plan that’s basically been vetted through all the stakeholders,” he said.

Stakeholders include the fire department, Brownsville Historical Association, the planning department itself — any official entity with an interest in Market Square.

What kind of trees to install, lighting, landscaping and other options will be hammered out in the next few weeks, Gonzalez said.

“All those details are being worked through right now,” he said. “That’s where the plan stands. Engineering wise, it’s pretty much done.”

Gonzalez said the makeover will include not just Market Square itself but the alleys leading up to it, on either end, from East 10th Street and East 14th Street.

Locating the money to pay for the renovation is the next task, he said.

Sales tax revenue set aside for community development and Community Development Block Grant funds are among potential sources, Gonzalez said.

“There’s not going to be private grants out there,” he said. “You’re really going to have to be creative with finding the funding.”

Gonzalez said the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ decision to keep UTB downtown bodes well for downtown in general and Market Square in particular. Already more students are venturing downtown, he said.

“The importance of UTB staying where it is and growing into the urban fabric — you couldn’t ask for anything else,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a model that’s been replicated throughout the country. I know the city’s glad that UT made that decision.”

Market Square’s open-air market, with its distinctive, brick archways, was erected in 1852. It remained a working market until 1948, after which the city bricked in the archways and turned the building into city offices and City Commission chambers.

The BUS transit system moved into Market Square in 1984 — seen as a positive move at the time for a neglected area, Gonzalez said.

City hall vacated Market Square in 2007. The following year it was transferred to the Brownsville Historical Association on a 99-year lease under an agreement with then Mayor Eddie Treviño and the city.

The BHA opened its research center in Market Square in 2009 and began gradually renovating and occupying pieces of the complex. The permanent “Into the Wild West” exhibit, with pieces donated by the late Ben Edelstein, was installed in January 2010.

After BUS pulled out last year, BHA went to work on the market area itself.

Priscilla Rodriguez, BHA’s executive director, said a drop-down ceiling was removed to reveal the original ceiling. The interior was stripped down to the original brick walls and flooring as well. Market Square is essentially four buildings tacked together, she said.

“It was just amazing that so much of it was still intact,” Rodriguez said.

Wooden doors were custom-built for the archways. The first-floor renovation will be complete once the floors are sealed.

Rodriguez, BHA’s executive director, said Market Square’s hurricane-proof vaults are ideal for the nonprofit’s historic archives and collections. One vault houses BHA’s paper document and photo collection; another, its collection of historical objects, she said.

Before BHA moved into Market Square, these treasures were stuffed into a cramped space at the Stillman House complex with really no room for researchers, Rodriguez said.

Once the first floor is done, work will start on the second floor — empty now except for the occasional film crew. Rodriguez said the space will eventually serve as a rotating exhibition space for items from the archives, full of artifacts few people know exist.

“This is going to allow us to really showcase some of the awesome stuff we’re storing in our vault,” she said.

The second floor will also serve as a community meeting space. The original commission chambers will remain intact, meaning the mayor and City Commission can hold meetings there if they wish, Rodriguez said.

The mayor’s office, in fact, will eventually be installed in what once housed police and fire department headquarters — upstairs from what used to be the historic Texas Café and is now the Brownsville Heritage Office.

The total interior renovation should be complete within two years, Rodriguez said. The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is picking up the tab, around $180,000. It would likely be many times that if not for the architects and preservationists who have volunteered their time, Rodriguez said.

She said the space will be available free for certain events that are free and open to the public, though BHA also plans to rent it out for private events.

“We don’t want it dedicated to one particular function,” Rodriguez said. “We want it to be a flexible space.”

Outdoor parties are a must for warm spring weather. If the weatherman’s forecast is correct, this weekend is a great time to host one. Round up your friends, but cover your bases first, including building an outdoor bar area.

So go on and scroll through our list of DIYs and get ready for party season.

Loading Slideshow

• Hang Outdoor Lights

  Not only are these easy to install, but ambient lighting is a great way to set the perfect mood for an outdoor party. The key to getting the lights to stay up? Screw-in or heavy-duty adhesive hooks. Just drape lights between hooks, making sure that the end plug is near an electrical source. For more details, head over to a href=”http://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/outdoor-decor/lighting/how-hang-string-lighting-outdoor-party” target=”_hplink”Home Garden Ideas/a.

• Create Container Gardens For Your Patio

  From porches to front yards, any space can benefit from a pot of pretty blooms — and your patio is no exception. The key is to use a lightweight soil mix, which will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Head over to a href=”http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/container-essentials/index.html” target=”_hplink”HGTV/a for all the details.

• Create An Outdoor Bar

  Spring weather is perfect for outdoor parties. But if you’re bothered by constantly running in and out to grab drinks, making an outdoor bar is a great solution. The easiest way? Positioning an inexpensive tiered rolling cart off to the side of your entertaining space. Simply stock the heaviest mixers (and extras) on the bottom level, unbreakable glasses or cups on the middle shelf and then line up bottles across the top of the cart, allowing enough space for mixing. Cut garnishes (lemon and limes) in advance, so guests can help themselves.

  For a full tutorial on how to create a great outdoor bar space, visit a href=”http://www.ehow.com/how_6396745_create-outside-home-bar.html
  ” target=”_hplink”eHow/a.

• Get Your Pool Ready

  Now’s the best time to set up your pool before the weather gets too hot (you should be relaxing in it, not working!) After sifting out the debris, give your pool cover a good cleaning before boxing it away. Then you’ll want to check the water and pH levels for good measure before firing up the pump. For more details and a step-by-step tutorial, swing on over to a href=”http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-your-pool-ready-for-summer” target=”_blank”Do It Yourself’s website/a.

• Clean Your Outdoor Umbrella

  If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your patio umbrella, then now is probably a good time. First you’ll want to pull the canvas/fabric off of its base and fill up a garbage bin with a mix of bleach and water (one cup of bleach for every gallon of water.) Let your cloth soak in the solution for fifteen minutes and scrub down the dirtiest parts. While it’s still wet, place it back on the base and make sure it expands (this way you avoid shrinking the material.) For an easy-to-follow visual guide, head on over to a href=”http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-clean-your-patio-umbrella.html” target=”_blank”DIY by Design’s tutorial/a.

• Build A Fire Pit

  It might take the whole weekend to finish, but the end result is something you can admire and use for years. The steps involve digging a trench, filling it will gravel and assembling the walls. For the step-by-step instructions, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html” target=”_hplink”This Old House/a.

• Fix The Fence Gate

  Fence gates that sag into the ground can be difficult to open. First, check if the gate post (the pole that hinges to your gate) is wobbly. If that’s the case, then simply secure crushed stone around the post with a sledgehammer. However, if the post is rotten, you’ll to unhinge the gate, dig up the post and replace it. For the step-by-step guidelines, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20284513,00.html” target=”_blank”The Family Handyman/a.

• Mow Your Lawn The Right Way

  Secure your goggles, keep your kids and pets indoors and fire up the lawn mower. The trick to achieving a nice even gloss is to glide your machine emacross/em the hill, not up and down. Also, be sure to avoid obstacles that get in the way (that includes sprinklers, people!) More details about this project can be found on a href=”http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-mow-your-lawn2.htm” target=”_blank”HowStuffWorks’ feature/a.

Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.

**

Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

Outdoor parties are a must for warm spring weather. If the weatherman’s forecast is correct, this weekend is a great time to host one. Round up your friends, but cover your bases first, including building an outdoor bar area.

So go on and scroll through our list of DIYs and get ready for party season.

Loading Slideshow

• Hang Outdoor Lights

  Not only are these easy to install, but ambient lighting is a great way to set the perfect mood for an outdoor party. The key to getting the lights to stay up? Screw-in or heavy-duty adhesive hooks. Just drape lights between hooks, making sure that the end plug is near an electrical source. For more details, head over to a href=”http://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/outdoor-decor/lighting/how-hang-string-lighting-outdoor-party” target=”_hplink”Home Garden Ideas/a.

• Create Container Gardens For Your Patio

  From porches to front yards, any space can benefit from a pot of pretty blooms — and your patio is no exception. The key is to use a lightweight soil mix, which will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Head over to a href=”http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/container-essentials/index.html” target=”_hplink”HGTV/a for all the details.

• Create An Outdoor Bar

  Spring weather is perfect for outdoor parties. But if you’re bothered by constantly running in and out to grab drinks, making an outdoor bar is a great solution. The easiest way? Positioning an inexpensive tiered rolling cart off to the side of your entertaining space. Simply stock the heaviest mixers (and extras) on the bottom level, unbreakable glasses or cups on the middle shelf and then line up bottles across the top of the cart, allowing enough space for mixing. Cut garnishes (lemon and limes) in advance, so guests can help themselves.

  For a full tutorial on how to create a great outdoor bar space, visit a href=”http://www.ehow.com/how_6396745_create-outside-home-bar.html
  ” target=”_hplink”eHow/a.

• Get Your Pool Ready

  Now’s the best time to set up your pool before the weather gets too hot (you should be relaxing in it, not working!) After sifting out the debris, give your pool cover a good cleaning before boxing it away. Then you’ll want to check the water and pH levels for good measure before firing up the pump. For more details and a step-by-step tutorial, swing on over to a href=”http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-your-pool-ready-for-summer” target=”_blank”Do It Yourself’s website/a.

• Clean Your Outdoor Umbrella

  If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your patio umbrella, then now is probably a good time. First you’ll want to pull the canvas/fabric off of its base and fill up a garbage bin with a mix of bleach and water (one cup of bleach for every gallon of water.) Let your cloth soak in the solution for fifteen minutes and scrub down the dirtiest parts. While it’s still wet, place it back on the base and make sure it expands (this way you avoid shrinking the material.) For an easy-to-follow visual guide, head on over to a href=”http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-clean-your-patio-umbrella.html” target=”_blank”DIY by Design’s tutorial/a.

• Build A Fire Pit

  It might take the whole weekend to finish, but the end result is something you can admire and use for years. The steps involve digging a trench, filling it will gravel and assembling the walls. For the step-by-step instructions, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html” target=”_hplink”This Old House/a.

• Fix The Fence Gate

  Fence gates that sag into the ground can be difficult to open. First, check if the gate post (the pole that hinges to your gate) is wobbly. If that’s the case, then simply secure crushed stone around the post with a sledgehammer. However, if the post is rotten, you’ll to unhinge the gate, dig up the post and replace it. For the step-by-step guidelines, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20284513,00.html” target=”_blank”The Family Handyman/a.

• Mow Your Lawn The Right Way

  Secure your goggles, keep your kids and pets indoors and fire up the lawn mower. The trick to achieving a nice even gloss is to glide your machine emacross/em the hill, not up and down. Also, be sure to avoid obstacles that get in the way (that includes sprinklers, people!) More details about this project can be found on a href=”http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-mow-your-lawn2.htm” target=”_blank”HowStuffWorks’ feature/a.

Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.

**

Do you have a home story idea or tip? Email us at homesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

San Antonio Water System is dangling $100 coupons to entice customers to replace lawn grass with drought-tolerant plants. The Watersaver Landscape Coupon pilot program, which will begin rolling out Saturday, is intended to subsidize the conversion of a 200-square-foot grass area to xeriscape.

SAWS customers can begin applying for the coupons Saturday at the Festival of Flowers, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alzafar Shrine, 901 N. Loop 1604 West. Beginning June 1, applications will be available at www.saws.org and by calling 210-704-7283.

Once the application is approved, customers will receive the $100 coupon, which they can use at a participating nursery. Retailers will be listed at www.saws.org. So far, H-E-B Texas BackYard, Milberger’s Nursery, Rainbow Gardens on Bandera Road and the Arrangement Landscape have agreed to accept the coupons.

Under the program, applicants agree to replace the chunk of lawn with 15 plants chosen from a list of 16 specified by SAWS and purchased from a participating nursery. They also must mulch the planting area and cap any automatic sprinkler heads in that section of their yard.

SAWS conservation director Karen Guz likens the process to paint by numbers for the garden. Narrowing the plant choices, she said, will be especially helpful for those new to gardening in the area.

“There is an infinite variety of plants that could have gone into these two packages,” Guz said. The 16 options that made it were chosen for hardiness and availability from growers. Those selections are divided between two packages, one for sun and one for part-shade. Within each package, the plants are broken into three categories. Homeowners will choose seven plants classified as small evergreens, seven in the spreading perennial category and one large shrub.

The planting could include almost everything on the list or as few as three varieties — one from each category. SAWS will offer layout ideas for different 200-square-foot configurations and will provide information about plants on the lists.

Final cost of the package will vary by retailer and by the size of plants selected.

A survey last week of participating retailers showed that at the Arrangement Landscape, the packages start at about $130, before tax, for 1-gallon plants chosen for sun and 14 bags of hardwood mulch. At Milberger’s, a similar package of 1-gallon plants for part-sun and bagged mulch priced out at about $156.

“We are trying to lower people’s upfront costs and give them the opportunity to get a significant discount off the materials they need to make a transformation in their landscape,” Guz said.

The bigger goal is to conserve water. Total water savings will depend on how liberally homeowners had been irrigating their grass.

“Irrigated landscapes can use … anywhere from 10 to 100 times more” than the 6,000-gallon monthly average for SAWS residential customers, said SAWS conservation manager Dana Nichols. “We have plenty of people who are using 60,000 to 200,000 gallons a month. The difference is landscaping. The indoor use is about the same.”

The specified plants need only hand watering to get established, then little if any water to survive, Nichols said.

“Our direction is to hand water. It’s more effective than running a sprinkler system on new plants, and it just doesn’t take much water at all.”

SAWS officials hope to enroll about 1,000 customers in the coupon pilot. And they envision having as many as four similar offers throughout the year, Nichols said.

SAWS staff will visit the homes to make sure plants are used as intended, and the utility also offers consultations for those needing guidance about plant choices.

“If you’re new to the city or new to gardening, take advantage of the consultation to choose plants best for your microclimate,” Nichols said.

Call 210-704-7283 to schedule a SAWS consultation.

San Antonio Water System is dangling $100 coupons to entice customers to replace lawn grass with drought-tolerant plants. The Watersaver Landscape Coupon pilot program, which will begin rolling out Saturday, is intended to subsidize the conversion of a 200-square-foot grass area to xeriscape.

SAWS customers can begin applying for the coupons Saturday at the Festival of Flowers, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alzafar Shrine, 901 N. Loop 1604 West. Beginning June 1, applications will be available at www.saws.org and by calling 210-704-7283.

Once the application is approved, customers will receive the $100 coupon, which they can use at a participating nursery. Retailers will be listed at www.saws.org. So far, H-E-B Texas BackYard, Milberger’s Nursery, Rainbow Gardens on Bandera Road and the Arrangement Landscape have agreed to accept the coupons.

Under the program, applicants agree to replace the chunk of lawn with 15 plants chosen from a list of 16 specified by SAWS and purchased from a participating nursery. They also must mulch the planting area and cap any automatic sprinkler heads in that section of their yard.

SAWS conservation director Karen Guz likens the process to paint by numbers for the garden. Narrowing the plant choices, she said, will be especially helpful for those new to gardening in the area.

“There is an infinite variety of plants that could have gone into these two packages,” Guz said. The 16 options that made it were chosen for hardiness and availability from growers. Those selections are divided between two packages, one for sun and one for part-shade. Within each package, the plants are broken into three categories. Homeowners will choose seven plants classified as small evergreens, seven in the spreading perennial category and one large shrub.

The planting could include almost everything on the list or as few as three varieties — one from each category. SAWS will offer layout ideas for different 200-square-foot configurations and will provide information about plants on the lists.

Final cost of the package will vary by retailer and by the size of plants selected.

A survey last week of participating retailers showed that at the Arrangement Landscape, the packages start at about $130, before tax, for 1-gallon plants chosen for sun and 14 bags of hardwood mulch. At Milberger’s, a similar package of 1-gallon plants for part-sun and bagged mulch priced out at about $156.

“We are trying to lower people’s upfront costs and give them the opportunity to get a significant discount off the materials they need to make a transformation in their landscape,” Guz said.

The bigger goal is to conserve water. Total water savings will depend on how liberally homeowners had been irrigating their grass.

“Irrigated landscapes can use … anywhere from 10 to 100 times more” than the 6,000-gallon monthly average for SAWS residential customers, said SAWS conservation manager Dana Nichols. “We have plenty of people who are using 60,000 to 200,000 gallons a month. The difference is landscaping. The indoor use is about the same.”

The specified plants need only hand watering to get established, then little if any water to survive, Nichols said.

“Our direction is to hand water. It’s more effective than running a sprinkler system on new plants, and it just doesn’t take much water at all.”

SAWS officials hope to enroll about 1,000 customers in the coupon pilot. And they envision having as many as four similar offers throughout the year, Nichols said.

SAWS staff will visit the homes to make sure plants are used as intended, and the utility also offers consultations for those needing guidance about plant choices.

“If you’re new to the city or new to gardening, take advantage of the consultation to choose plants best for your microclimate,” Nichols said.

Call 210-704-7283 to schedule a SAWS consultation.