bwj

Think about folks relocating. They get a rental near downtown and spent 6 mos to a year figuring out where to buy. A houseload of stuff won't fit into an apartment. Not all of their tenants come from that, but I have some stuff in storage for that reason, at least.

Another vote of approval for the Darkhorse. Friendly staff and nice vibe.

I dig it since I can walk there. There's just so much darn great Mexican food around the area, it is hard to say this is outstanding stuff, but there are a few things on the menu that I like. Odd - I dig the salsa, not necessarily the freshest stuff in the world, but tasty. The ritas aren't too shabby, either, which is important. But, true, once I move out of the apt, I'm sure I wouldn't purposely drive this way to eat there.

any help decyphering this code, then?

If you're asking if I think they'll be around a while, yes. I don't have any detailed info, but they seem to be wisely keeping their costs down while still providing good equipment in a nice atmosphere. That's the key to sustainment while membership picks up. They're main appeal is location for the neighborhood right there, since most members seem to walk there to work out. That's a huge perk, as I know I wouldn't go to any place I'd have to drive far to get to - and why I joined.

Metamorphocise (click for map), a locally owned joint.

You can see it from Elgin and Labranch if you look towards town. It is on the East side of the street and is an orangish color.

They have weights, cardio, a few classes, manicure, pedicure, massages, etc. Pretty big space that looks like it will be able to grow with the population moving there. Nice owners, too.

I think (and hope) the traffic generated from High Fashion Home may spill over to this new retail space. HFH has enjoyed a good steady flow of traffic from my observation - I drive past it a couple of times a day. From the look of the folks walking in and out of there, they seem to have a nice amount of disposable income.

The fact the new place will have the parking garage for customers - around 300 parking places - should make it attractive for shops that tend to get a good amount of traffic.

The space in HCC seems a little hard to notice to me. If I were evaluating space, I wouldn't find that area as attractive as this new space popping up.

Yeah, the Cactus faces the back side of Specs on Brazos and the Clover is next door towards Bagby, but it faces Mcilhenney. They have a pretty cool little patio with a waterwall on the Bagby side.

I actually went in the day it opened after dinner next door and just hit it again for happy hour the other day.

The Tipsy Clover is a new little pub on the other side of the Thirsty Cactus. Pretty cool vibe - clean, with a masculine lounge feel. The staff and owner have been super friendly the couple of times I've stopped by.

It is @ Mcilhenny and Bagby.

Either I haven't noticed it before, or a new sign popped up at Louisiana and Elgin, next to the big parking garage. They are advertising commercial leases available in 2006. Hopefully it will be something comparable to the new High Fashion Home, which I've been impressed with.

I could always dream we could score a Trader Joe's in South Midtown, too.

Ah, yeah, saw the sign back up today. Good luck getting things rolling, I'll stop by once you open.

I'm moving to La Branch and Elgin, pretty close to the Collective in the next couple of weeks. The park is looking great these days and the Collective should bring more folks and retail. There is a nice little gym within walking distance, too. I think that stretch of Elgin shows promise of a good future. Personally, I like the lack of rentals and more focus on owned residences. That helps you get a bit of a yard.

Whether or not you like the coffee at Starbucks, this is good news for the area. Starbucks' success is not only due to its fantastic marketing, but also its real estate brilliance. If they are willing to invest in a new shop, that is just another affirmation that there is a growing affluent population in the area.

Here is some more info on Startucks' real estate strategies - a review of a book by EVP of Real Estate with Starbucks:

http://brandautopsy.typepad.com/brandautop...ucks_real_.html

500 Westheimer will be Dolce Vita Pizzeria Enoteca by DaMarco chef-owner Marco Wiles.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/d.../digest/3313419

They advertise in the Houston Press already, also.

That sounds like a great opportunity for the students, I'm impressed!

I actually just ran into this Wikipedia entry the other day, too. Definitely could use an update.

By the way, I'm a newbie over here. I'm waiting for my house in Midtown to be completed right now, so will be a new neighbor early next year. Right now I'm in the Montrose area.

On another note, I made a place for Midtown residents and those interested in the area to chat - a neighborhood intranet site. I have a fairly wide vision for it, but right now it is just a forum. Feel free to head over there and join up, if you'd like.

http://www.midtownintranet.com/community/