Globalarb

A new club/bar looks to have opened up finally on Fannin near Alabama, "Route 66". I bring this up because it seems that a lot of the new attractions in Midtown seem to be opening up in various areas rather than in a concentrated corridor. I think that if we could get a centralizing development going (like Camden's long proposed mixed-use development on the Superblock), it would help attract a critical mass of development.

However, if I had to designate an area as the focal point of activity in Midtown, I agree that it would be the Post Midtown Square area between Brazos and Smith and W. Gray and McGowen.

That said, don't sleep on Elgin. If we see that two-story retail project near the Calais get off the ground and the Collective gets going, I think the retail landscape of that corridor will change rapidly.

I agree, particularly on Elgin. That's the only redeeming part of the east side of Midtown. I sure hope the Collective works out. Anyone heard anything on it? Or Midtown Medical Center? Or Camden? Seems like a lot of stalling, as usual. If those three projects could get off the ground and help anchor different areas of Midtown, I think it would be on its way.

Looks like we'll get our diner -- went by yesterday and it's going to be "H-town Diner". Now Hiring.

New sign up at Austin and Webster says that it's opening late 2007. I can't say I know exactly how long it takes to build something like this...but I imagine two years or so?

Developing those two big blocks will do great things for the immediate area. Maybe no more stabbings at the bus stop.

Does anyone know anything else about this? I'm not sure what the whole delay has been...although I read this article the other day in the HBJ about physician owned medical facilities and wonder if it had something to do with it:

http://www.bizjournals.com/industries/heal...ton_story3.html

Development takes time. It's got some rough areas on the east side, but it's getting a lot better. I've lived here for a year, and the improvements are very visible. Chenevert itself is transforming quite a bit. Give it a few years, the area's not going to crater.

Any word on what's going up here? There's an Amegy Bank sign up front, and the slab is gone, the parking lot is gone, and so is the little house that was to the south of both. I'm excited about this area. Even Elgin is starting to look good, East of Caroline to Chenevert.

I can't find any headlines about this, but am still hopeful! 4.2, which radio station? I'm as anxious as you are.

Not bad, but I'd rather eat at PeiWei

Katy Freeway is not a design build project.  TxDOT only has two projects that are design build.  SH130 and SH45se in Austin are experimentations in design build.  TxDOT is liking the process but is very picking with the QA/QC processes.

Katy Freeway's speed is due to the incentives offered for quick construction.  The project being build now versus several years from now is due to the toll road component in the center of the freeway.

Metro going design build will be a great asset to quickly buiild new lines.

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When is the Katy expected to be completed?

i think you just need a new source:)

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Talk to me, HR! I've been so excited about this project and think it'll do so much for the area. Is it still on? I hope so!

Has anyone heard any updates as to when construction is to start on this, or has the project momentum slowed? I hope it's still progressing, I'm most optimistic about what this will do for the area.

Is that right? I was afraid it was something along those lines. It actually looks like it's kept up fairly well, but what a weird place.

What's the deal with The Downtowner on Hamilton and McGowen? I guess I'll leave it at that.

I pulled to Hoa Binh trifecta today. Pho, sandwich, and a little shopping at the market. Tried the original Givrals -- Fantastic!

By the way, the Pho shop in the same shopping center has the greatest iced coffee drink (french coffee out of a press w/ ice and condensed milk)...10x better than Starbucks, not to mention less than half the price.

Thanks for the help!

I heard a rumor that the ordinance is to be implemented today. Can anyone confirm? I'm curious just how much it will be enforced?

Oh, I love hole-in-the-wall, authentic places. I've tried so many Pho places all over the city, alongside other ethnic cuisine. Any Pakistani food lovers on the board? Savoy is the best.

Thanks for all the clarification, I'll have to try them both!

I've heard good things about this place...and their sandwiches...but I'm clueless as to where it is. Anyone know? Thanks!