BROWNSVILLE, Texas — September 3, 2026 — The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, together with its Bienvenidos Committee, community leaders, representatives of SpaceX, and project representatives, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Courtyard by Marriott – Brownsville South Padre Island Airport and Hyatt Studios Brownsville/Boca Chica on Wednesday, September 2, marking another significant investment in Brownsville’s continued economic and hospitality growth.
Strategically located on Boca Chica Boulevard, the two hotels are ideally positioned to serve three of the region’s major economic and transportation hubs — the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, the growing space industry centered around Starbase, and the Port of Brownsville — while also serving the area’s expanding leisure and cross-border travel markets.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future hotel site at 3695 Boca Chica Blvd. in Brownsville, where business and community leaders gathered to commemorate the start of the new development. The Chamber welcomed the project as an important addition to the community that will create new hospitality options, accommodate the growing number of visitors to the area and further strengthen Brownsville’s position as a destination for business and leisure travelers.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a new development — it represents confidence in Brownsville and in the tremendous opportunities ahead for our community,” said Esmeralda Villarreal, President & CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to welcome this investment and look forward to seeing these properties contribute to our growing economy, support our visitors and become part of the continued transformation of the Boca Chica corridor.”
The two hotels are being developed and will be managed by ZMC Hotels on behalf of Boca Chica Investors, LLC. Together, the properties will bring 245 new guest rooms to Brownsville, including a 125-room Courtyard by Marriott and a 120-room Hyatt Studios.
“We’re excited to make this investment in Brownsville and bring two outstanding hospitality brands to the Boca Chica corridor,” said Mark Hall, Chairman of ZMC Hotels and Boca Chica Investors. “Brownsville is experiencing tremendous growth and attracting attention from around the world. This location puts both properties at the center of the region’s growing business and leisure activity, while the combination of Courtyard by Marriott and Hyatt Studios allows us to serve a wide range of travelers, from short visits to extended stays.”
Located near the intersection of Boca Chica Boulevard and Galonsky Street, the development will be among the closest lodging options to the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport and is located on the same corridor as SpaceX headquarters at Starbase, positioning the hotels to serve SpaceX employees, contractors and visitors. The properties are also conveniently located near the Port of Brownsville, an LNG shipping terminal currently under construction, Saronic Technologies, and a new petroleum refinery project. Together, these developments are driving significant new business activity and demand for lodging throughout the region.
The location also positions the hotels to serve Brownsville’s significant leisure travel market, including visitors traveling to and from South Padre Island, as well as cross-border travelers entering the United States from Mexico for shopping, dining and other activities.
The Courtyard by Marriott – Brownsville South Padre Island Airport is planned to include meeting space, a full-service restaurant, bar and outdoor patio. Plans also call for a distinctive launch-viewing suite with a rooftop patio, giving guests an opportunity to experience rocket launches from the property.
The Hyatt Studios Brownsville/Boca Chica will provide an extended-stay option for business travelers, visitors and guests requiring longer stays. Both hotels are expected to offer rooms and suites with views of rocket launches from nearby Starbase.
Together, the two hotels will expand Brownsville’s hospitality offerings and help meet growing demand from business and leisure travelers as the region continues to grow.
