Community Impact | Rockport Marina

The Community Impact of

Rockport Marina Village

Rockport Marina Village isn't just a construction project. It is a stand for future generations. Rockport Marina Village is designed to provide public access to the Harborfront for the first time in over 100 years. It will include family friendly activities such as playscapes, a music pavilion, a public park and a boardwalk along the entire waterfront. Currently, the public has limited access to the water due to the majority of Rockport's waterfront being privately owned. The only public area currently with waterfront access is Rockport Beach. Developing the Harborfront will allow all of the community, not just private property owners to enjoy waterfront amenities.

In addition, there are imbalances in the community. Many kids, despite growing up in this beautiful and culturally rich town, find themselves leaving Rockport as soon as they graduate, seeking better opportunities elsewhere because of the lack of career opportunities here. Kids leaving after they graduate creates a cycle that leaves gaps in the workforce and diminishes the future of our community. The planned new hotel, retail stores and restaurants will have the potential to create hundreds of jobs and internships, creating more opportunity for kids to create their futures in Rockport. The 2 acre public park on the harbor will be a place for family friendly activities such as playscapes, art and music in the park. It will provide new access to the waterfront for all of Aransas County and become a central gathering place for generations to come.

Mission

Rockport Marina Village is designed to help create opportunities that inspire kids to stay, grow, and thrive right here. Through our College and High School Internships programs, our development intends to collaborate with on site businesses as well as local organizations and non profits such as Del Mar College, the Workforce Development Center and the Education Foundation to promote educational programs and donations to the Foundation. Our development will expand paid internship and job opportunities, giving students hands-on experience in hospitality, culinary arts, landscaping, and business management—career pathways that prepare them for success. These internships not only provide students with practical skills but also connect them to future jobs within their own community.

Vision

Our development aims to foster community-centered activities that engage families and support kids' creative growth. Whether it's the high school music program performing in our public park or culinary students getting real-world experience in the pool bar kitchen, we’re making sure that Rockport’s future workforce is inspired and nurtured locally. By encouraging collaboration with other local developers on attainable housing and expanding high school job training, we’re creating a sustainable cycle that gives kids reasons to stay and contribute, ensuring that Rockport isn’t just where they grew up, but also where they build their future. This holistic approach can slowly turn the tide, keeping our talent in town and helping to build a more vibrant Rockport for generations to come.

Jobs and Internships at Rockport Marina Village

Here’s a breakdown of our projected estimated jobs and paid internships based on the specific components of the Rockport Marina Village development.

1. Residential (262 Condos and Townhomes)

Property Management Jobs: property managers, maintenance staff
Property Management Internships: high school students learning real estate management, building maintenance

2. Restaurants (12-14 Spaces)

Restaurant & Culinary Jobs: chefs, line cooks, servers, bartenders, managers
Culinary Internships: High School Program: high school culinary students—preparing food, serving at the pool bar, kitchen assistance

3. Commercial Space (30,000 sq. ft.)

Retail Jobs: sales associates, managers, customer service, stock clerks
Retail & Commercial Internships: high school students learning customer service, inventory, retail management

4. Public Park (2 acres)

Park Management Jobs: park supervisors, groundskeepers, event coordinators
Landscaping/Park Internships: high school students learning landscaping, park management, horticulture, including the kids' florist program

5. Hotel (87 Rooms with Pool and Pool Bar)

Hospitality Jobs: front desk, housekeepers, pool bar staff, hotel management, maintenance
Hospitality Internships: high school internships in hospitality, pool bar, guest services
Culinary Jobs for Pool Bar: Included in restaurant jobs/internships, with focus on high school culinary students helping at the pool bar

6. Construction (Initial Development)

Construction Jobs: contractors, engineers, laborers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers
Construction Internships: high school internships for basic construction skills, shadowing project managers

7. Creative & Marketing Jobs

Creative Jobs: event planners, graphic designers, photographers, videographers
Creative Internships: high school students assisting with design, events, and media

8. C-Suite and Administrative

C-Suite Jobs: executive positions in real estate development, finance, operations
C-Suite Internships: high school internships in business management and operations

This project creates a diverse range of opportunities for college and high school students, with tailored internships in culinary arts, landscaping, construction, hospitality, real estate, and more, preparing them for future careers or advanced placement opportunities. These internships provide real-world skills while supporting the local economy and encouraging students to stay in Rockport.