BLVD Place/Hanover Towers/Apache Headquarters

[TheNiche]

If all goes as planned, construction should start in the next few weeks.

Source?

[TheNiche]

ok. i will. But any grocery store seems odd for the tenant mix...i think it takes away more than ads to that location ? not sexy...

This isn't a podunk Kroger. This is a flagship Whole Foods store, like the one at their headquarters in Austin. This will make food sexy. Whole Foods will bring in traffic, and by virtue of it being a high-end-grocery-anchored shopping center, smaller retailers will follow.

The only thing that I'd be concerned about is whether BLVD Place or the Oaks District is able to break ground first. The one would likely negate the other. ...but right now, my money is on BLVD Place.

[Houston19514]

This isn't a podunk Kroger. This is a flagship Whole Foods store, like the one at their headquarters in Austin. This will make food sexy. Whole Foods will bring in traffic, and by virtue of it being a high-end-grocery-anchored shopping center, smaller retailers will follow.

The only thing that I'd be concerned about is whether BLVD Place or the Oaks District is able to break ground first. The one would likely negate the other. ...but right now, my money is on BLVD Place.

What is Oaks District? Don't recall hearing of that one before.

[WesternGulf]

I am guessing he is talking about the River Oaks mixed use on Kirby and Westheimer?.?.

[fernz]

ok. i will. But any grocery store seems odd for the tenant mix...i think it takes away more than ads to that location ? not sexy...

Do you think Central Market is sexy enough for Highland Village?

[what]

This isn't a podunk Kroger. This is a flagship Whole Foods store, like the one at their headquarters in Austin. This will make food sexy. Whole Foods will bring in traffic, and by virtue of it being a high-end-grocery-anchored shopping center, smaller retailers will follow.

The only thing that I'd be concerned about is whether BLVD Place or the Oaks District is able to break ground first. The one would likely negate the other. ...but right now, my money is on BLVD Place.

oh i enjoy reading this stuff. next we will hear about a race to the Galleria Mall amongst grocery stores. they have the demographics for a grocery store in their high-end retail location certainly. i am surprised that nobody else thought about it . yeah-right !!!!!

[largeTEXAS]

The only thing that I'd be concerned about is whether BLVD Place or the Oaks District is able to break ground first. The one would likely negate the other. ...but right now, my money is on BLVD Place.

Oaks District is nowhere near ready to break ground while BLVD Place is very close. To me what is really interesting is what will happen if and when all these developments are complete. Since they all want to create Houston's version of Rodeo Dr. or 5th Ave., one or more will likely have to change scope (unless this city can all the sudden supports multiple high end districts). I think West Ave has the chance to be the most accessible of the developments, simply because the mix of tenants will likely be less couture-only. While I'm excited I might finally be able to buy a pair of Miu Miu's or Paul Smith shoes here in Houston, being able to walk around and hang out without getting hit by a car (hopefully) is what I'm most excited about.

[largeTEXAS]

oh i enjoy reading this stuff. next we will hear about a race to the Galleria Mall amongst grocery stores. they have the demographics for a grocery store in their high-end retail location certainly. i am surprised that nobody else thought about it . yeah-right !!!!!

Well, the city that invented the mall, Milan, sure thinks grocery stores are good anchors.

Milan Elan

Shopping Centers Today, January 2007

MILAN

Edited March 8, 2007 by largeTEXAS

[Houston19514]

Oaks District is nowhere near ready to break ground while BLVD Place is very close. To me what is really interesting is what will happen if and when all these developments are complete. Since they all want to create Houston's version of Rodeo Dr. or 5th Ave., one or more will likely have to change scope (unless this city can all the sudden supports multiple high end districts). I think West Ave has the chance to be the most accessible of the developments, simply because the mix of tenants will likely be less couture-only. While I'm excited I might finally be able to buy a pair of Miu Miu's or Paul Smith shoes here in Houston, being able to walk around and hang out without getting hit by a car (hopefully) is what I'm most excited about.

Since The Niche hasn't answered, I'll ask you. What is the Oaks District? And what is the West Ave. development?

[what]

Well, the city that invented the mall, Milan, sure thinks grocery stores are good anchors.

Milan Elan

Shopping Centers Today, January 2007

MILAN

[ProHouston]

That's really nice and all, but i think it is not fair to compare a small grocery store in italy to the local market, just like i don't think that one can say that concepts that work in Florida are going to work or are appropriate for Houston. If you think about it Auchan was a Belgian company that believed in grocery stores that came to town a while back and it didn't work. Additionally, grocery stores are found all over this town, many of which are closed today and they traditionally pay some of the lowest rent which once again doesn't jive with high-end. i am sure that the galleria is out looking for a grocery store to do a build-to-suit for. on the other hand maybe a grocery store should have been placed in the vacant 100,000 sf + old Saks store...building neat things is groovy, but filling them with warm bodies is a diff. ball game. hmmmmmmm

Why is it that your comments in every thread have to be catty and egotistical? You make yourself appear to be stuck up and elitist. Neither is appreciated on HAIF.

[TheNiche]

oh i enjoy reading this stuff. next we will hear about a race to the Galleria Mall amongst grocery stores. they have the demographics for a grocery store in their high-end retail location certainly. i am surprised that nobody else thought about it . yeah-right !!!!!

When Whole Foods and Central Market first entered the Houston market (and even to a certain extent, this applies to the present), they were destinations for households within a very large trade area. Whole Foods has been expanding at a fairly rapid pace, diluting the 'special' nature of their first store and dividing up its original trade area. By building a flagship store in a location that is essentially central to Houston's wealthy households, they are able to once again take advantage of a huge trade area. This isn't a neighborhood grocer. Not only will it attract other retailers, but it will attract residents to BLVD Place. It may even have a small synergistic effect on office demand, but I'm not going to go out on a limb with that kind of an assertion.

Additionally, grocery stores are found all over this town, many of which are closed today and they traditionally pay some of the lowest rent which once again doesn't jive with high-end.

You don't seem to understand the importance of a grocery store to other retailers. It is the concept of an anchor, which is a large traffic-generating establishment within a retail center that acts as a destination and makes convenience-oriented retail and other in-line tenants more viable.

Basically, developers give away the grocery space so that they can lure the bread and butter tenants that pay high rents.

What is Oaks District? Don't recall hearing of that one before.

Can't say almost anything at all because I'm bound to confidentiality twice over, but it was briefly discussed in an article in Sunday's edition of the Chronicle.

Oaks District is nowhere near ready to break ground while BLVD Place is very close.

Is confidence high with respect to BLVD Place? Source?

[Houston19514]

Can't say almost anything at all because I'm bound to confidentiality twice over, but it was briefly discussed in an article in Sunday's edition of the Chronicle.

LOL Well, of course you are... You never disappoint.

For those interested, the Oaks District is what was formerly known as the Westcreek project. It's located at Westcreek and Westheimer just inside the loop. It consists of about 15 acres; they plan 350,000 sq. ft. of retail; 300 luxury apartments; 200,000 sq. ft. of office; and two "major" hotels

Estimated completion: Spring 2010

The development company's website doesn't give the name or the estimated completion date, but everything else agrees with what Nancy has reported.

[largeTEXAS]

Is confidence high with respect to BLVD Place? Source?

I'd tell you but I'd have to kill you

[what]

When Whole Foods and Central Market first entered the Houston market (and even to a certain extent, this applies to the present), they were destinations for households within a very large trade area. Whole Foods has been expanding at a fairly rapid pace, diluting the 'special' nature of their first store and dividing up its original trade area. By building a flagship store in a location that is essentially central to Houston's wealthy households, they are able to once again take advantage of a huge trade area. This isn't a neighborhood grocer. Not only will it attract other retailers, but it will attract residents to BLVD Place. It may even have a small synergistic effect on office demand, but I'm not going to go out on a limb with that kind of an assertion.

First of all there is already a grocery store across the street. i am not sure why we are not reading about it yet and its importance to that center. it should be stealing the spot light ! i guess you are basically saying that this should be considered to be like any other strip center that has a grocery store in it and so i will. i thought it was supposed to be a cut above or something. i probably mis-understood. oh well.

You don't seem to understand the importance of a grocery store to other retailers. It is the concept of an anchor, which is a large traffic-generating establishment within a retail center that acts as a destination and makes convenience-oriented retail and other in-line tenants more viable.

Basically, developers give away the grocery space so that they can lure the bread and butter tenants that pay high rents.

Can't say almost anything at all because I'm bound to confidentiality twice over, but it was briefly discussed in an article in Sunday's edition of the Chronicle.

Is confidence high with respect to BLVD Place? Source?

[buildingunbuildingrebuilding]

The only thing that I'd be concerned about is whether BLVD Place or the Oaks District is able to break ground first. The one would likely negate the other. ...but right now, my money is on BLVD Place.

Oaks District is about 2 years out, at least. Considering they are both planning luxury hotel and residential, I would think there is plenty of retai l to go around.

Both these developments will really add to the overall strength of the Uptown area- right now other than Galleria itself there is really not that much upscale retail in Uptown when compared to other cities our size (Uptown Dallas, Lenox/Buckhead in Atlanta, for instance).

[TheNiche]

Oaks District is about 2 years out, at least. Considering they are both planning luxury hotel and residential, I would think there is plenty of retai l to go around.

Both these developments will really add to the overall strength of the Uptown area- right now other than Galleria itself there is really not that much upscale retail in Uptown when compared to other cities our size (Uptown Dallas, Lenox/Buckhead in Atlanta, for instance).

On-site residential won't support many retail tenants by itself. I reviewed some numbers in response to some HAIFers being upset about losing the residential component of Houston Pavilions, and even under unreasonably optimistic assumptions, only a small fraction of the retail component would've been supported by on-site residential. Hotels are supportive as well, but really only of certain types of retail for the most part. Oaks has to be a destination, and that will be the challenge.

I've said too much...

[buildingunbuildingrebuilding]

On-site residential won't support many retail tenants by itself. I reviewed some numbers in response to some HAIFers being upset about losing the residential component of Houston Pavilions, and even under unreasonably optimistic assumptions, only a small fraction of the retail component would've been supported by on-site residential. Hotels are supportive as well, but really only of certain types of retail for the most part. Oaks has to be a destination, and that will be the challenge.

I've said too much...

Point is that with part of each site dedicated to residential and hotel there is not that much additional retail, it is at great location in cool projects, and will be a couple years minimum before the bulk of it comes online. I would expect these would be a destination. Let's not forget that Galleria is Houston's #1 tourist venue. People get excited about retail downtown, but Uptown is Houston's top retail zone.

[TheNiche]

Point is that with part of each site dedicated to residential and hotel there is not that much additional retail, it is at great location in cool projects, and will be a couple years minimum before the bulk of it comes online. I would expect these would be a destination. Let's not forget that Galleria is Houston's #1 tourist venue. People get excited about retail downtown, but Uptown is Houston's top retail zone.

Is this Uptown? I know some folks that might not think so...

Let us also not forget that a retail component of this size is no small feat as of right now (today), but that the market will be even more competitive as this nears completion. This will be no walk in the park.

[buildingunbuildingrebuilding]

Is this Uptown? I know some folks that might not think so...

Let us also not forget that a retail component of this size is no small feat as of right now (today), but that the market will be even more competitive as this nears completion. This will be no walk in the park.

BLVD Place is Uptown, judging by the flying saucers hanging from the intersections. Oaks District doesn't have the UFOs hovering, so perhaps not. Considering its proximity to West Loop as well as Highland Village/River Oaks, however, its situated pretty well.

Edited March 9, 2007 by buildingunbuildingrebuilding

[TheNiche]

BLVD Place is Uptown, judging by the flying saucers hanging from the intersections. Oaks District doesn't have the UFOs hovering, so perhaps not. Considering its proximity to West Loop as well as Highland Village/River Oaks, however, its situated pretty well.

I must admit, it is situated pretty well even if it isn't in Uptown...but then again, so are its prospective competitors that are in Uptown.

I won't count it out, but I'm cautious on this one.

[what]

Why is it that your comments in every thread have to be catty and egotistical? You make yourself appear to be stuck up and elitist. Neither is appreciated on HAIF.

you seem very soft-skinned like one of those realtor-men or something. don't read it if you don't want to. thanks sweetie !

i think everyone knows what a grocery store is, and i don't dispute that or the fact that everyone eats food rich or poor,etc. i am thinking more in terms of highest and best use coupled with sophistication. my understanding is that this was targeted towards high end tenants, not grocers, and cleaners that i am sure we all agree are desireable tenants in retail centers. However, in my estimation the highest and best use at this time for that particular property, specifically the Saks portion would probably have to be Class "A" office space. A grocery store just doesn't seem to be a "fit" for high-end use, but if thats what they are going to have to "try" to ride in with then great, if it even makes it to ground-breaking in the first place.

ps-

it does make me giggle when people try to compare this first of all to a project that has actually broken-ground (houston pavilions), but not only that has a far more sophisticated feel in terms of truly one of a kind national credit tenants, design, and has a 200,000 sf office building on top of the high-end retail. the grocery store just doesn't cut the mustard because it's not quite as sexy as having an office building, house of blues, lucky strike, etc. word.

Edited March 9, 2007 by what

[KinkaidAlum]

What-

Whole Foods is the store that everyone wants to include in their developments nationwide. As far as groceries go, it doesn't get any higher ended. Additionally, this wont be a typical Whole Foods store. This will be HUGE and will include a large prepared foods area, coffeeshop/cafe, and other amenities that will appeal to not only the area's wealthy grocery shoppers but also the THOUSANDS of people who work in the area for lunch and dinner.

Additionally, you apparently haven't read much about the BLVD Place project. It isn't a retail outlet only. It is an integrated mixed-use space that will include retail (yes, that includes Whole Foods), condos, a hotel with condos attached, apartments, and OFFICE SPACE. If you think that a Whole Foods wont attract condo buyers, renters, and employees of the hotel and office towers, then you are NUTS.

Why do you think Mr. Finger is touting his high-end market/wine store in his One Park Place apartment tower?

[what]

What-

Whole Foods is the store that everyone wants to include in their developments nationwide. As far as groceries go, it doesn't get any higher ended. Additionally, this wont be a typical Whole Foods store. This will be HUGE and will include a large prepared foods area, coffeeshop/cafe, and other amenities that will appeal to not only the area's wealthy grocery shoppers but also the THOUSANDS of people who work in the area for lunch and dinner.

Additionally, you apparently haven't read much about the BLVD Place project. It isn't a retail outlet only. It is an integrated mixed-use space that will include retail (yes, that includes Whole Foods), condos, a hotel with condos attached, apartments, and OFFICE SPACE. If you think that a Whole Foods wont attract condo buyers, renters, and employees of the hotel and office towers, then you are NUTS.

Why do you think Mr. Finger is touting his high-end market/wine store in his One Park Place apartment tower?

I think thats great. I just kind of think that grocery stores tend to get just so neat and while they attract apartment dwellers, condos, and residential types, but not sold on it attracting high-end retailers ? Central market is groovy and it has foods area or what we call "delis" in Houston. In fact lots of Grocery stores in Houston and all over the country have these "delis" that you are talking about and they even have "coffee-shop" "cafes" called "Starbucks", so I don't think this will be as much of a novelty for some as you might find it to be. It seems this project is currently being centered around a grocery store as you pointed out that will have a " deli/coffee-donut-sandwich-shop-boutique-for wealthy-people-only". Eatzi's ? i don't think there has ever been anything so amazing to come to Houston ? i bet this grocery store/deli isn't even a sure thing yet. i just think its nuts as you put it to have a grocery store as the thrust of a project as you put it. Once again Fingers is happening, Pavilions is happening and this has not/may not and that's the reality of it. Fingers can because it is actually happening and your point is what exactly ? Hello ???

Edited March 9, 2007 by what

[KinkaidAlum]

I think thats great. I just kind of think that grocery stores tend to get just so neat and while they attract apartment dwellers, condos, and residential types, but not sold on it attracting high-end retailers ? Central market is groovy, but it seems this project is currently centered around a grocery store (maybe) and not much else, and i would bet that is contingent upon a lot of other factors materializing first i'm sure...i just think its nuts as you put it to have a grocery store as the thrust of a project as you put it. Once again Fingers is happening, this has not/may not and that's the reality of it. Fingers can because it is actually happening and your point is what exactly ? Hello ???

Yeah, this is just one big Whole Foods and little else...

The Whole Foods will contain 100,000 square feet of space

There will be 400,000 thousand square feet for other retail/restaurant space

There will be a 225 room luxury hotel

There will be EIGHT HUNDRED high-rise condos

And yet, all you see is a grocery store. Unbelievable.

Edited March 9, 2007 by KinkaidAlum

[Pumapayam]

And yet, all you see is a grocery store. Unbelievable.

And a convenient one too, one that the 800 condo dwellers can visit to shop for groceries without getting in a car!

I'm anxious for this project to get started, I want afton oaks to get swamped with traffic.

Are you posting this everywhere?

[MyEvilTwin]

Whole Foods is the store that everyone wants to include in their developments nationwide. As far as groceries go, it doesn't get any higher ended. Additionally, this wont be a typical Whole Foods store. This will be HUGE and will include a large prepared foods area, coffeeshop/cafe, and other amenities that will appeal to not only the area's wealthy grocery shoppers but also the THOUSANDS of people who work in the area for lunch and dinner.

IIRC, when the Central Market site was first razed, it was supposed to make room for Central Market plus a lot of smaller retail spots -- much smaller scale than the BLVD Place plan, but not entirely dissimilar (maybe more like Uptown Park). In the end, it turned into a Central Market with an enormous parking lot. Now, I'm optimistic about BLVD Place as a comprehensive mixed-use project -- BUT while this flagship Whole Foods may be a little more upscale than Central Market, it sounds more like Saks vs. Nordstroms than Saks vs. Sears. Why should we be more confident that a flagship Whole Foods can be a much more successful lure for upscale retail than Central Market?

(Don't get me wrong -- I'm not a complete skeptic like What. I think and hope that the slightly better location, better name recognition, better planning will help. I want to believe in this place, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high.)

[what]

Yeah, this is just one big Whole Foods and little else...

The Whole Foods will contain 100,000 square feet of space

There will be 400,000 thousand square feet for other retail/restaurant space

There will be a 225 room luxury hotel

There will be EIGHT HUNDRED high-rise condos

And yet, all you see is a grocery store. Unbelievable.

What i see is more coming soon banners being hung up eventually. maybe the ground-breaking of this can be coordinated with the demasis banner being removed from the window downtown. all show..no go.

[Pumapayam]

Hopefully this is not a repeat but here is a presentation video.

BLVD PLACE VIDEO

and a photo of the site plan

[what]

neat. there really is a show to watch. maybe there will be one showing how wealthy consumers select rotisserie chicken in the deli. word is that Walmart has deli's in their european and asian stores with rotisserie chickens and coffee shops...

[Pumapayam]

BLVD PLACE

HOUSTON PAVILIONS

I am more excited about BLVD place now than I am about the Pavilions.

The Pavilions is looking more and more like Fame City/Fun Plex of the 80's

Thank god BLVD Place did it right and included residential and a grocery store, TRUE live/work/play envirionment!

That is what a mixed-use/life style center should be!

[ProHouston]

What i see is more coming soon banners being hung up eventually. maybe the ground-breaking of this can be coordinated with the demasis banner being removed from the window downtown. all show..no go.

I hope you're willing to eat your words like semipro did concerning HP once this project breaks ground. Otherwise your rants and whines are truly useless here.

Edited March 9, 2007 by ProHouston

[KinkaidAlum]

People expect things to just go up over night.

Calm down, people. It takes years to acquire the properties, wait for leases to expire, facilitate the needs of existing restaurants and stores so that they have as little disruption as possible, work with the city/county to get the necessary permits to CLOSE A CITY STREET, buy out individual home owners on that street, work with the architecture/design/engineering firms to get the project out of the ground, develop a marketing strategy, etc...

This is a MASSIVE undertaking on one of the busiest interesections in town.

The last thing we need are a bunch of skeptics piping in that this will never happen (ala the Houston Pavilions thread) because it doesn't fit their timeframes regardless of the fact that they have NO CLUE.

Wulfe is a BIG TIME DEVELOPER. This will happen. I was right on the Mosaic thread and the H.P. thread because a development has as much to do with the developers' reputation and skill as anything else.

[what]

BLVD PLACE

HOUSTON PAVILIONS

I am more excited about BLVD place now than I am about the Pavilions.

The Pavilions is looking more and more like Fame City/Fun Plex of the 80's

Thank god BLVD Place did it right and included residential and a grocery store, TRUE live/work/play envirionment!

That is what a mixed-use/life style center should be!

once again...Did what ? What's to get excited about when there is Nothing even there and may never be. i have never seen so much excitement about a grocery store that has a deli. some people really could stand to get out a bit. Secondly, wasn't the Fame/City Fun Plex concept (that you apparently are very familiar with) used by the same realtor-men handling Blvd Place today that ultimately ran Saks Center in the ground shortly after Radler(sp) bought it ? Now it is slated to be torn down. right ? maybe ?

[Clio]

I am new to this list but I could not resist replying. I am amused by the questions raise about the impact of the Whole Foods market in Blvd. Place. THe national press, namely the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, have published several articles on developers who solicit Whole Foods to take space in their residential/office/retail developments, and the postive impact Whole Food's presence has on sales/rental prices and the speed space is rented.

As far as the appropriatness of a grocery with a little deli in a major mixed use project, take a look at the massive project at Columbus Circle in Manhattan where a "flagship" Whole Foods anchors the project, which includes upscale retail and restaurants, as well as residential and office space. The dining/take-out section in this Whole Foods makes Eatsi's look like the food counter in the corner Mini Mart.

[2112]

I'm anxious for this project to get started, I want afton oaks to get swamped with traffic.

HAHAHAHAHA

A little bitter, are we?

[2112]

neat. there really is a show to watch. maybe there will be one showing how wealthy consumers select rotisserie chicken in the deli. word is that Walmart has deli's in their european and asian stores with rotisserie chickens and coffee shops...

HAHAHAHHAAHAHA

ROFL!!!

I think it had something to do with listening to the video peresentation with that serious voice commentator, then following up with this post latent with all the chicken references.

[nmainguy]

As far as the appropriatness of a grocery with a little deli in a major mixed use project, take a look at the massive project at Columbus Circle in Manhattan where a "flagship" Whole Foods anchors the project, which includes upscale retail and restaurants, as well as residential and office space. The dining/take-out section in this Whole Foods makes Eatsi's look like the food counter in the corner Mini Mart.

Exactly. Whole Foods TWC is constantly packed with breakfast, lunch and dinner patrons in addition to afternoon commuters taking home a quality meal. This could be on a smaller yet similar and profitable scale at the San Felipie/Post Oak location.

[Pumapayam]

What were the expected start and completion dates on this this, I saw no reference.

[houstonfella]

But on a sweeter note ... BLVD Place and Houston Pavilions are both happening in Houston. Uptown & Downtown. That's not to mention the dozen(s) of other cool urban villages that are on the drawing board. We can't lose.

[what]

I am new to this list but I could not resist replying. I am amused by the questions raise about the impact of the Whole Foods market in Blvd. Place. THe national press, namely the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, have published several articles on developers who solicit Whole Foods to take space in their residential/office/retail developments, and the postive impact Whole Food's presence has on sales/rental prices and the speed space is rented.

As far as the appropriatness of a grocery with a little deli in a major mixed use project, take a look at the massive project at Columbus Circle in Manhattan where a "flagship" Whole Foods anchors the project, which includes upscale retail and restaurants, as well as residential and office space. The dining/take-out section in this Whole Foods makes Eatsi's look like the food counter in the corner Mini Mart.

That's a fair point. However in researching the WSJ articles specifically with regard to whole foods,

it seems having whole foods was in much greater demand back in 2005. They also seemed to be actually located within the first floor of high-rise condos in other cities. I think timing is important, and sometimes by the time a development actually materializes several years have passed and so have the likes and dislikes of people, and what was in then, may actually be way out by the time a project materializes. I am not saying this is the case, but i have heard about this saks project for a years now...i don't think it is fair to piggy-back off of Houston Pavilions success in breaking ground and moving ahead with their project. Houston has not seen a trophy property like this developed in years from a retail standpoint... Houston Pavilions did a great job of not name-dropping all along the way. Houston Pavilions came and bought the property and it appeared from their drive that failure was not an option. They are the Real Deal. Generally, in cities where House of Blues go in they are really the buzz in the town. Grocerys just aren't quite as sexy, and I don't anticipate any buzz about it. Now moving forward I have not heard much about the "Whole-Foods Avenue" project in terms of securing any other "real" tenants other than the grocery store, nor have I heard about a date for ground-breaking.

[what]

Exactly. Whole Foods TWC is constantly packed with breakfast, lunch and dinner patrons in addition to afternoon commuters taking home a quality meal. This could be on a smaller yet similar and profitable scale at the San Felipie/Post Oak location.

Similar, smaller, profitable like Eatzi's ? Didn't Eatzi's go out of business ? i read somewhere that people couldn't get their meals on Turkey-Day at Eatiz's because they had been closed down un-expectedly. What would make this a better location all of a sudden now for other small grocery store chains ? Even the much nicer and larger center across the street from this center seems to be struggling to get places filled. Then you have the high-end Rice grocery right across from this place and that store doesn't seem to get an over-whelming amount of business either and it is immediately across the street from those 2 super-high-rise condo Four-Leaf buildings, and there already is no lack of neighborhoods in this area that i'm aware of. a good tenant mix might make all the difference in the world, but when there is already so much duplication in tenants already you might have to take a grocery store instead of a book store, or a chester-chicken instead of a cafe express, etc. LOL !

[suzerain]

I am new to this list but I could not resist replying. I am amused by the questions raise about the impact of the Whole Foods market in Blvd. Place. THe national press, namely the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, have published several articles on developers who solicit Whole Foods to take space in their residential/office/retail developments, and the postive impact Whole Food's presence has on sales/rental prices and the speed space is rented.

As far as the appropriatness of a grocery with a little deli in a major mixed use project, take a look at the massive project at Columbus Circle in Manhattan where a "flagship" Whole Foods anchors the project, which includes upscale retail and restaurants, as well as residential and office space. The dining/take-out section in this Whole Foods makes Eatsi's look like the food counter in the corner Mini Mart.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. If anyone ever goes to DT Austin look at the impact the Whole Foods has there. That grocery store brings so much foot traffic and basically anchors that area of DT. Additionally, residential is happening in that area. The good thing about Whole Foods is they make the store a destination. This is why they are so successful. In Austin around lunch time, there is a ton of traffic in and out of the store. Not to mention the concerts occurring there, and the push of the stores to become a part of the neighborhood.

As for the stores being more in demand in 2005, go to the store on West Alabama and see if the demand there has slacked off. My wife and I have to wake up early on the weekend just to be able to ensure we get a parking spot. I just wish they would build in Midtown!

[what]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. If anyone ever goes to DT Austin look at the impact the Whole Foods has there. That grocery store brings so much foot traffic and basically anchors that area of DT. Additionally, residential is happening in that area. The good thing about Whole Foods is they make the store a destination. This is why they are so successful. In Austin around lunch time, there is a ton of traffic in and out of the store. Not to mention the concerts occurring there, and the push of the stores to become a part of the neighborhood.

As for the stores being more in demand in 2005, go to the store on West Alabama and see if the demand there has slacked off. My wife and I have to wake up early on the weekend just to be able to ensure we get a parking spot. I just wish they would build in Midtown!

If the demand is as great as some think then Whole Foods might decide to find another better location that is a sure thing, so they can go ahead and get started. Go to the one on Westheimer, always parking...I don't believe it changed up the entire area. I think more people go to HEB?Central Market anyway...and they would probably do the same at this location too if it even breaks ground or if they don't end up somewhere else first. In fact, I think bellaire would be a great area for Whole Foods with much more demand than Midtown and with fewer quality stores. There are a lot of properties along S. Rice,near Sams...very close to the Galleria.

[KinkaidAlum]

Where is there a Whole Foods on Westheimer?

I know there is one on Kirby near West Alabama and there is one on Woodway near Voss but I am unaware of one of Westheimer. Additionally, the Woodway Store will close once the new one is built. Whole Foods doesn't saturate the market with stores unlike most other chains.

[ricco67]

I don't think that will be a problem in that particular part of town. as the area gets more densely populated, people would be less inclined to drive further than necessary. plus you're actually talking about 3 different markets, demographically they're the same, but different neighborhoods.

[TheNiche]

it seems having whole foods was in much greater demand back in 2005.

They have simply matured as a company, just like nearly every other successful retail chain before them. That's how a product cycle works. Introduction is tough, but it gains appeal. They roll out the format to new test markets, slowly at first, then building in speed as the concept is proven, and then they enter a period of rapid expansion. At a certain point, they tap out most of their core demographic, and slow down the pace of new store openings, taking care to choose sites that are at least marginally profitable. At some point, things level off. Depending upon the appeal of the brand, it may last a few years or for decades, but it'll likely decline at some point due to mismanagement (from operational inefficiencies, failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences, failure to quash the imitators, etc.).

The point is, though, that they've just gotten to the point that most of the viable markets are tapped. That doesn't mean that their concept is any less in demand, just that they've satiated the market and now have emerging competition.

[what]

Where is there a Whole Foods on Westheimer?

I know there is one on Kirby near West Alabama and there is one on Woodway near Voss but I am unaware of one of Westheimer. Additionally, the Woodway Store will close once the new one is built. Whole Foods doesn't saturate the market with stores unlike most other chains.

I believe it was actually the second store Whole Foods opened in Houston and it has been located at Westheimer/Wilcrest for over 7-10 years now...across the street from Randalls.

[The New Juniper]

Prediction on BLVD Place:

Wulff (sp?) waits too long and misses the market for the upscale hotel he has been trying unsuccessfully to court for the past 2+ years. He realizes the land prices in the market have increased so dramatically that he (gasp!) ends up selling off out parcels to other developers who are willing to actually develop the site.

I know, I know. He has a plan and has everything under control, yet under wraps.

I know Whole Foods is a done deal. Hanover (allegedly) is a done deal. However, nothing else seems to be moving.

The longer nothing happens, the more this deal smells.

Greetings and salutations.

TNJ

[ProHouston]

Prediction on BLVD Place:

Wulff (sp?) waits too long and misses the market for the upscale hotel he has been trying unsuccessfully to court for the past 2+ years. He realizes the land prices in the market have increased so dramatically that he (gasp!) ends up selling off out parcels to other developers who are willing to actually develop the site.

I know, I know. He has a plan and has everything under control, yet under wraps.

I know Whole Foods is a done deal. Hanover (allegedly) is a done deal. However, nothing else seems to be moving.

The longer nothing happens, the more this deal smells.

Greetings and salutations.

TNJ

Wow, there sure are a lot of pessimists on this board. It sounds like HP all over again. You needn't worry though, BLVD will be built.