Jim Lewis vs. The System: How College Station Officials Derailed a Visionary Entertainment Center
A local businessman's dream to revitalize College Station was crushed when city officials sabotaged his plans, wasted millions in taxpayer money, and left the community with nothing but an empty building and mounting costs.
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Listen to the Full Story
Listen to our in-depth investigation into how a promising entertainment center project in College Station was derailed by local officials, leaving taxpayers with the bill. This exclusive podcast features interviews with key players and never-before-heard details about what really happened behind closed doors.
The Email That Exposed Everything: 'You Screwed Me'
A trail of correspondence reveals how College Station officials deliberately undermined a local entrepreneur's vision, culminating in Jim Lewis's devastating confrontation with the truth—and the city officials who betrayed him.
//The Vision
A local entrepreneur envisioned a vibrant entertainment center, breathing new life into College Station.
The Vision
Jim Lewis's Plan
Jim Lewis, a dedicated local entrepreneur, developed an ambitious plan to transform the vacant Macy's building into a 100,000-square-foot entertainment destination featuring:
  • An arcade
  • Bowling alley
  • Roller rink
  • Esports arena
  • Indoor karting track
Benefits
This private investment would have immediately generated tax revenue and attracted visitors from across the region, creating a vibrant community space at no cost to taxpayers.
The Betrayal
City Manager Bryan Woods
Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz
Economic Development Manager Brian Piscacek
Instead of supporting this local initiative, city officials secretly undermined Lewis's negotiations and pursued their own project. They contacted the California-based seller directly, causing the company to shut Lewis out of discussions and effectively killing his deal.
The Failed Government Scheme

1

Overpayment
Paying $7.3 million for Macy's (more than double market value)

2

Additional Expenses
Budgeting another $4 million for Beall's

3

Repairs
Spending over $1 million on building repairs

4

Leasing Plan
Leasing space to Texas A&M's esports program at $600,000+ annually

5

Recreational Center
Creating a recreational center

6

Deal Collapse
The entire speculative investment falls through, costing taxpayers millions in wasted funds
When negotiations for additional mall space collapsed, Texas A&M withdrew from the project, leaving taxpayers holding an overpriced, empty building that continues to drain public funds through maintenance costs while generating zero tax revenue.
The Aftermath

1

Blocking a local businessman's private investment

2

Misusing millions in taxpayer dollars

3

Failed negotiations with multiple parties

4

Creating ongoing maintenance expenses

5

Leaving the community with nothing to show for their investment
⚠️ Following this financial disaster, Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz conveniently "retired," but nobody has been held accountable for these actions.
Timeline of Events: Post Oak Mall Redevelopment, College Station

1

January 2021
City of College Station begins working with a listing broker to purchase a building for a Future City Recreation Center, considering the former Macy's building at Post Oak Mall.

2

September 2021
Strategic Planning Study initiated by the City of College Station to explore high-density mixed-use development potential for Post Oak Mall.

3

January 2022
City meets with stakeholders including Chris Rhett and CBL regarding the redevelopment plans.

4

March 11, 2022
Douglas Architects submits a proposal to the City of College Station to assist in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CBL Properties for the Post Oak Mall redevelopment.

5

May 11, 2022
Brian Piscacek and Jim Lewis meet with Chris and propose the Area 12 Entertainment concept.

6

June 9, 2022
Jim Lewis sends an email expressing his frustration, claiming the City interfered and derailed his deal to purchase the Macy's building.

7

December 5, 2022
A Draft Letter of Intent for a potential e-gaming facility is created by the City of College Station for space in the former Macy's building, with Texas A&M University considered as a potential tenant.

8

Date ?
Texas A&M University withdraws from the project after negotiations for additional mall space collapse, leaving taxpayers with an empty building and ongoing maintenance costs.
Cast of Characters and Bios
Click to expand:
Natalie Ruiz, CEcD, AICP
Chief Development Officer, City of College Station. Key contact for the city in the Post Oak Mall redevelopment project.
Brian W. Piscacek, MPA
Economic Development Manager, Economic Development & Tourism Department, City of College Station. Involved in the day-to-day coordination and communication for the Post Oak Mall project.
Bryan C. Woods
City Manager, City of College Station. Approves contracts and provides overall leadership for city initiatives.
Lewis Hilton
Vice President - Redevelopment, CBL Properties. Represents the mall owner in discussions with the City of College Station.
Jim Lewis
Developer, Area 12. Initially pursued the purchase of the Macy's building for redevelopment. Claims to have been outmaneuvered by the City.
Mandy Stark
Executive Assistant to the Dean, Interim Dean Tim McLaughlin, School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, Texas A&M University. Involved in coordinating potential tours of the former Macy's building for Texas A&M officials, seemingly related to the potential e-gaming facility.
Who is Jim Lewis? Local Champion & Visionary Entrepreneur
Jim Lewis is a cornerstone of the Bryan-College Station business community, bringing over two decades of entrepreneurial leadership and community investment to the Brazos Valley.
As the visionary behind multiple successful ventures, Jim combines business acumen with a genuine passion for creating spaces where community thrives.