I'm Not a Robot

I saw some people doing some surveying on the property today. Had not seen anyone working there for a bit. 

16 hours ago, JBTX said:

I think the biggest problem with Gatsby's was less the price (which I agree was not in line with what it should have been) but their wildly inconsistent food, overt mismanagement, and poor service. All of which likely stemmed from trying to open two new restaurants at once.

 I know for a fact that Jonathan's The Rub is very good food and Jonathan has been a part of the Houston food scene for nearly 2 decades. I'm excited that someone who could open somewhere like the Heights and thrive, chose to come to this part of Houston. You need people like him with actual connections in the food community to take this risk for the neighborhood to get where I think it can be. 

On 11/14/2023 at 10:42 AM, Naviguessor said:

Folks go the Navigation and are willing to pay-up so they can go to Ninfa's.  They don't go to Navigation to look for a place to spend a lot of money for a meal.  Hope Jonathan's does great...but, I have my doubts.  I just don't think that the demand is there yet.   

With the article specifically saying a focus on a pizza, I think they are pretty aware of the demographics. I do think something like local foods would have worked better there but at least this time, it's a known commodity. 

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/jonathans-the-rub-restaurant-east-end-1/

Very good restaurant. Sounds like they are leaning into pizza. I'm in. 

On 8/21/2023 at 3:00 PM, linearmovement said:

A Local Foods would be an incredible replacement for Gatsby's. 

I think I would get the crunchy chicken sandwich at least twice a week if they took that spot. 

13 minutes ago, J.A. said:

I'm wondering if Midway should aim for tenants that aren't quite as 'high end' as what we might expect to find at City Centre... More businesses local-ish to the East Side of town would probably be more appropriate for the area anyway? I have no idea what those might be as far as a gym or movie theater (1st inner loop Alamo Drafthouse?)... For a grocery store, maybe Foodtown, Fiesta or similar? Maybe Midway is looking for this tenant mix already... but from afar it seems like it's probably out of their comfort zone.

Alamo Drafthouse would make any future tenant just icing on the cake for me. 

I don't think Foodtown or Fiesta is what they should aim for but maybe a smaller Whole Foods, Amazon was already looking at the area for their headquarters during that process. I know Trader Joes has a required house hold income that the area doesn't meet and I think HEB is way too risk averse to do it. 

This development is so close to Downtown and with EaDo eventually becoming more connected to the East End, I feel that these companies are missing an opportunity to get a foothold in this neighborhood that is so close to just bursting. This is the closest thing Houston has to the opportunity that Brooklyn was in the early 2000s. Cheaper land, plenty of room and an already existing artistic community. Whole Foods popping up everywhere in Brooklyn was a trademark of the dialogue surrounding that area. 

Broham is the one tenant I see on the list that fits the area, everything else (besides the ice cream spot because I always will welcome more dessert) just feels a bit redundant. I think Midway is failing but honestly, a lot of the larger local businesses are failing. They are shying away from being a pioneer to the area and staying safe by opening new outposts in the Heights. 

I am curious if we will get an updated tenant list or if what we see is what there is. I have to say, from wanting a grocery store, a gym and a movie theater (which was originally in the plans) to getting another dentist in the area is pretty underwhelming. I would have thought Midway had a little more pull than this, but from what I've heard is there is a lot of apprehension to being an early adopter but that list of tenants is bleak. 

2 hours ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

I think it's odd too. However, the leasing materials are recent. 

Their Instagram has been silent all month and if you read their comments for the last two it mentions they are closed. Not sure what happened but I hope whoever is next has a little more of a casual/ take out vibe.
 

I would love a top notch BBQ place (like Truth but obviously they aren’t coming) or even something like a Torchy’s (would be hysterical next to Ninfa’s and Tiempo)would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood and bring something a bit different.
 

If it’s not something like that, I think a concept that involves a bar would work well there. I selfishly would love a revival of pastry war. 

The Navigation-Jensen-Runnels Roundabout is underway and we wanted to inform you of the latest construction details. 

Important Note: Updated renderings of the project's first quadrant outside of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church are available HERE. 

Here are other key updates:

1. Construction Progress:The first phase of this project will begin the week of July 10th with surveyors walking the area in preparation to improve stormwater drainage at the St. Charles intersection. 

2. Traffic Management: Throughout the construction process, we have diligently managed traffic flow to minimize disruptions to commuters and local businesses. Temporary detours and alternative routes have been established, and traffic control measures are in place to ensure safety and efficiency.

3. Community Engagement:We continue to prioritize community engagement and have held regular meetings with local stakeholders to address concerns and gather valuable feedback. The community's input has played an essential role in refining the project's design and implementation.

4. Environmental Impact:Environmental considerations are paramount in our project planning. We have implemented measures to minimize the environmental impact of construction and ensure the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

We understand the importance of open communication and transparency throughout this project. Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

The project's completion will be around the end of Summer 2024 contingent on weather, materials, and other factors. Make sure to visit our website to stay up to date on the latest happenings in East End. 
 

Looks like work may be starting. There are trees that are fenced off near the sidewalk and they were using machinery to tear up some sidewalk. There is fiber optics signage along the sidewalk as well but I wouldn’t imagine they would rip up pavement to install fiber optic cables and then do it all over again when the actual work begins. 

18 hours ago, JBTX said:

Was this on the street right off of Jensen (Bayou Parkview Drive) ? I just went over there to check it out but there was no signage. I can’t quite make out what the Proposed Land Use is and wanted to check it out myself. What does that say? Thank you. 

I’m hoping this isn’t more HHA housing because there are already two in the direct area being developed and I’d prefer something with retail, but that’s what I’m expecting. This is all I can find and it mentions low income housing, maybe things have changed.  
 

https://www.aghaengineering.com/jensondriveprivatesitedevelopment

Almost 100% that Phase 2 goes forward.

Here is a great interview with some additional information including a general timeline for phase 2. 

On 1/10/2023 at 10:03 AM, IntheKnowHouston said:

 

 

 

 

 

I find it curious that the building in the northwest corner in the first photo is not in most of their layouts, but from what we do know it's likely that that the buildings to the right of that building are the build to own spots, which are also missing from most layouts. I may just be full of optimism, but if there were going to be a grocery store it would need to be accessible to major streets for ease of access. I'm guessing they are either saving that location for when HEB or another major grocery chain steps up or with the highest level of hope, they are keeping it under wraps and they will deliver the grocery store during the first phase.  

Gatsby's Grill to take over the Acadian Coast space with a projected opening date of December 2022 according to Acadian Coast's Facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/acadiancoast/?ref=page_internal

It's mentioned in the owner's Instagram bio.

https://www.instagram.com/luis_gatsby/?hl=en

A lot of work is being started at this intersection, probably in conjunction with the construction at The Mill. It's so strange to see all of this happening at once between the Mill, this intersection and East River. 

14 hours ago, 79ta said:

I don't think this one was posted above. From the Chronicle. 

 

 

 

This is Forth across the street

Quote from article under this photo “Across the street from The Mill site, Chicago developer Marquette opened a new 300-unit upscale apartment project called Forth at Navigation.”

2 hours ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

Thanks for the correction! I appreciate it.

thank you for sharing the blurb about Broham! 

I'm excited to see what does end up as GFR in this building as well. 

27 minutes ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

I forgot to include this blurb here last week about EaDo Navigation at 2311 Canal St:

 

Broham, the boutique grocer and market from chef Jonny Rhodes coming next year to the East River development at 100 Jensen, will temporarily operate at 2311 Canal in the coming months. 

More below:

 

"Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries...plans to open a temporary 1,270 square-foot location early fall in a nearby building owned by Midway at 2311 Canal Street. Once Phase One construction is complete, the self-sustainable boutique bodega will relocate to their permanent 4,000 square-foot space in The Depot (the ground level of the garage)."

 

https://realtynewsreport.com/east-river-signs-retailers-to-redevelopment

I think 2311 is the building where the Maritime Museum is currently housed rather than the complex owned by Marquette. In my opinion that's even better because it's a temporary location for a temporary building. The more infill the better and this means we will get something at the complex and at this location. 

https://secrethouston.com/meow-wolf-houston/?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-secrethouston&utm_content=later-26772521&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio

I honestly didn't know Saint Arnold's was considered to be in the 5th Ward after all of these years of going there. When I read that I assumed it would be at East River or somewhere along Clinton over there. This area in general sure is blossoming.

5 hours ago, JBTX said:

Sign with realtor info for the GFR was put up today. Looking for two restaurants, it seems.

https://www.colliers.com/en/properties/for-lease-two-restaurant-opportunities-at-forth-at-navigation/usa-2404-navigation-boulevard-houston-tx-77003/usa1105383

I drove by today and was thinking about what the GFR was going to be and when the GFR was going to fill in. I really do hope Marquette reconsiders and ends up building by the bayou at 400 Jensen. They did a fantastic job on this development.

Happy to see they are going to stay in the area. They have solid distribution all over the city. I always am on the lookout for Great Heights cans when I'm at the store but never seem to see them and end up with something from True Anomaly. 

Quote

30. ORDINANCE appropriating $117,002.15 out of Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund; approving and authorizing Advance Funding Agreement between City of Houston and TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for Roundabout Construction at the intersection of Navigation Boulevard at Jensen Drive and Runnels Street; providing funding for CIP Cost Recovery relating to construction of facilities financed by the Water & Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund - DISTRICT H - CISNEROS

https://houstondaily.com/stories/619616637-city-of-houston-city-council-met-jan-25-26

Work has been done on the water system near the bayou on Jensen, I'm not sure if it's related to this but they are still doing work along Jensen. 

Two interesting notes from updated retail and general project guide books. 

On the document below, if you go to unparalleled access they are hinting at a proposed rail line. While I've heard of this other places, this is very up to date and it makes me think that Midway is in someway involved now as it runs through the entire north side of East River. I hope they get it done, it can't hurt to have some people with pull getting involved in the proposal. I would love this if it happens, easy access to EADO, which oddly enough is kind of annoying to get to and very annoying to walk to even from the second ward due weird intersections and train tracks.

https://global-uploads.webflow.com/60fabed9899a525885269ae4/61f9af8e2a73b579793241f2_220201 East River_Project Guidebook_digital_compressed.pdf

on the site plan below it mentions that most of Phase 1 is planned for Q2 2023, while the remainder is planned for Q4 2023. That's very ambitious and I hope they meet that timeline. Whether the Golf Course is ready by this Summer should give an indication on their time line's accuracies. 

https://global-uploads.webflow.com/60fabed9899a525885269ae4/62015bc858102c686839cae4_221028 East River Retail_compressed.pdf

@HOUHOU83you just have to make that decision for yourself. 

I have my days where I feel a little out of my comfort zone when walking my dog but I also have days where I just feel lucky to be so central to everything and surrounded by potential on top of the existing charm. I don't know how close you are the train tracks and what smells you are suffering but neither of those things greatly affect me. Smells fine where I am except for maybe a day or two a year where the wind brings in something and the train while audible does not keep me up at night anymore. 

I moved in a few years before you did and have had moments where I felt like I wanted to move. If it was all about money, I probably would leave but I personally am enjoying watching the area take shape and hope to be here to reap the benefits that East River, The Mill and other developments bring to the area beyond financial gain.