HTX

I'm not sure I like the thought of the 90's being "historic"  I did not think of myself as old until this thread.

I shop the Randalls on Louisiana and Kroger on Montrose when I am in town,  I really don't see a lot of price difference but I do think that the "Safeway Select" brands are higher quality than the comparable Kroger or HEB house products.  I would hate to see the  Louisiana store close for that reason.

Another thought on the same subject.  If Safeway pulls the plug I think that Walmart's Neighborhood Markets would be a natural fill in for a lot those boxes.  

Htx 

I don't think we can really count fountains at apartment complexes or corporate buildings as public.  If that is the case then there are thousands more fountains all around in the myriad retention ponds, residential developments out in the "burbs" and elsewhere.

We might very well be the retention pond capital of the world.  Why not capitalize on it?

"If you actually went over there, you would see the grass is almost dead from foot traffic cutting a path on that side of the street. People are using it. The only people who aren't using it are handicapped people. But it isn't like there is a federal law protecting their right to access public places."

If all of the Heights was so opposed to WM as you have implied why is the grass dead?

HTX

Can't wait to see the ad that touts the benefit of being close to the a major transportation hub.

You did not take a picture of my place,  Should I be offended?

Htx

We need a Sam's Club.

I'd vote to do away with the Super Block park to make space for Sams

Anyone know why the bridge did not qualify for some of that "shovel ready" project money that was floating around a while back?

Because there were none. As evidenced by the thread that I linked, virtually everyone in the Heights welcomed the Target. Non-resident s3mh was not here to complain. Not that it matters, because even he would have applauded Minneapolis based big box Target. It is only hillbilly Arkansas based Walmart that offends him.

I don't think that the "hillbilly Arkansas" is what galls the anti Walmart crowd. Walmart is the villain because they were targeted by unions and Walmart won that battle. Ever since then the progressive left has done every in their power to vilify a company that is one of the greatest American success stories of all time never mind our time. Google "Ben Franklin + Sam Walton" if you don't know the connection you might be surprised.

Htx

excellent decision! Truly in keeping with your historic meme, I fully expect you to downgrade back to an old dial modem as well...I believe there may be one provider left still offering dial up service...somewhere....Ahhh to hear the squeals of an old modem again - reminiscent of days gone by...

Obviously you did not buy your duck hunting license this year at local Heights mom & pop or Walmart. :-)

Htx

Yeah, you are right. Developers never ever pass on their costs to purchasers/lessees. It just doesn't happen. Ainbinder never considered the 6 mil it was getting from the City when it negotiated its development deal with Walmart. You nailed that one. Too bad it is absolutely false.

You do not know crap about retail centers. The only reason this one is going forward without tenants lined up is because Ainbinder is going to own it and lease it. Most retail center developers build to sell and cannot sell (much less fund and start construction) without having a % pre-leased. 50% won't get that done. Of course, it is way easier to ride out some lean leasing interest when you get 6 mil from tax payers to build a development that I hate..

Annexation gave the City a marginal uptick in population numbers (people still flock to the burbs). Annexation had nothing to do with the rapid economic development that has taken place well inside the City in the Galleria area, Med Center, Downtown, Midtown, and Upper Kirby--all of which took place without a single 380 agreement.

Fixed it for you.

So no, you don't have any hard evidence that they don't have jobs, just that you see people during the day. You don't know if they work nights, if they're retired, or whatever? For the record, welfare is pretty hard for men without children to get, so I'm not sure what you think they're living on.

Sorry but that is just being naive. It may be more difficult for a man without children to qualify but not for the momma's of those children. Do you really not realize that they demand their 'cut' of that Lonestar Card?

I think the wedge defined by 45S, 288 and the coast outside of the beltway is a good bet for industrial growth in Harris and Galveston County long term. Three ports and allot of undeveloped farm land down there.

"The argument is just a red herring because there is no good argument for Walmart."

Uh. They stock lot's of stuff, and sell it at a price low enough that even the most unfortunate of our citizens can afford big screen TV's?

Maybe I am missing something but it seems that the one thing that is not addressed is a bicycle friendly way to access the park from the south side of Allen Parkway.

Are they ever going to open Bagby back up? I thought the closure was only for a month but now I am beginning to wonder when or if

I noticed a new variance request sign on the empty lot bounded by these streets. Anyone know what they are planning?

Life Sciences in TMC, pretty sweet:

http://www.archastic...-science-center

Top row far left. First thing I thought when I opened the link was "toilet bowl with the brush right there." Glad the design evolved

This Tysons Corner Walmart reminded me of this thread. Maybe if Walmart adds a fitness center on top, everything will be OK.

I think a multi level apartment complex would have to be added to make everyone happy.

The Montrose (Ghetto, Disco) Kroger has stripped their aging flooring. According to the cashier, they're planning a complete renovation, to be completed in 7-8 months.

Guess the coming competition from H-E-B has roused them from their coma. While some fresh paint will be welcome, I hope they'll also become more conscientious about replacing wilted produce and forego their tradition of unmarked or overcharged items.

Per Swamplot:

" The construction will be contained entirely within the store’s current footprint — though a 2,400 sq.-ft. mezzanine “lounge” will up the store’s interior space to more than 43,800 sq. ft. "

And a bigger "wilted produce" section.

Finally made it over to the lot and put a pic of the Magnificat rendering on my new blog: Rendering I actually like the look of it a lot. It would be nice if a multi-story had made it to Elgin... but this looks fairly decent at least.

Good luck with your blog. I have it book marked and will look forward to checking in.

What? No gas station at this one? I want the gas station! Is there a petition some where to make Walmart put one in as a requirement to building on this site?

Anyone know when we can use it?

I seem to remember January being the opening date but don't remember where I heard that. What ever color they paint it it will be a welcome addition.

Isn't this the exact same spot where the old Southern Pacific bridge was located? Why didn't they just keep the old rail bridge in place and modify it for pedestrians. It couldn't have been in that bad of shape.

I thought the same thing. I have also wondered if it would be possible to add a crossover under the Sabine St. bridge using the existing foundations for pedestrians and bikes since there are no ramps, just steps to get from street level down to the bayou path.