IntheKnowHouston

Grace (aka Grace Pizza and Shakes) posted an update to social media yesterday regarding it's Heights location. According to the post, an opening date will be announced soon. Based off a few Instagram and Facebook videos, the restaurant has held a few private family & friends events this month. It's possible Grace may open its doors to the public later this month. Included in the post, is a photo of the restaurant at night. Grace is the pizza off-shoot of Pearland's Grazia restaurant. It's located at 801 Studewood St. Caption from social media: Your new local hangout spot 🍕 Stay tuned as we will have an official opening date announcement soon. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2K9y6rp3yr/

An update regarding the buildout of a shell building at 615 W Gray St: Plans were approved for permitting in early December. Designs and paperwork submitted to the city list the address as 609 W Gray St, though. Below is a screenshot of the plan review inspection report. A commercial development, likely named Shops at West Gray, is in the works for the property.

Thanks for the update @hindesky, but there is already an existing topic for these parcels: https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/50573-419-515-w-gray-st/ @Urbannizer @Triton please merge this topic with the ongoing topic linked above. It's the same properties. Also, @editor has made it clear, he doesn't want entire articles or large portions of articles copied and pasted to the forum.

Conceptual site plan for 5020 Acorn Dr if the proposed Brickyard Development subdivision plat is approved. The site plan is included in materials submitted to the Planning Commission.

Below is the statement of facts. It was submitted with the variance request for the proposed Brickyard Development subdivision plat. 5020 Acorn St is the specified property.  https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/281379/11-16_HoustonPC.pdf (1b) Strict application would make this project infeasible due to the existence of unusual physical characteristics that affect the property in question, or would create an impractical development or one otherwise contrary to sound public policy; The subject tract has existed in its current configuration since before the implementation of the Chapter 42 standards. The proposed development would not change the configuration of the tract. The applicant is proposing a large commercial development, similar to the existing development, which will require the tract to remain one contiguous parcel. The imposition of Section 42-128 would bisect the tract, creating two parcels, and effectively rendering the tract unsuitable for the proposed development. Currently, the stub portion of Costa Rica Street is being utilized by Iglesia Hispana Pentecostal Del Nombre De Jesus as overflow parking for their church. Pushing Costa Rica Street through to Acorn Street or terminating the stub portion in a cul-de-sac would not only deprive the applicant of reasonable use of the land, it would also deprive the church of the additional parking needed for their services. Additionally, on the ground, Hardway Street dead-ends into the T.&B.V. Railroad 521.18 feet east from its intersection with Costa Rica Street, which could negate the need for an addition intersection along Hardway Street. Along Acorn Street to the south, the unique conditions created by the access to the proposed development, the two major points of entry to the neighborhood to the south, and the T.&B.V. Railroad crossing to the east, the addition of another intersection along Acorn Street could pose potential traffic and safety hazards to all parties in the area. (2) The circumstances supporting the granting of the variance are not the result of a hardship created or imposed by the applicant; The circumstances supporting the granting of the variance are not the result of a hardship created or imposed by the applicant as the tract existed in its current configuration prior to the development proposed by the applicant. The circumstances supporting the granting of the variance are the result of unique geographical circumstances, not created by the applicant, ie. Railroad crossings to the north and south, the points of entry to the residential neighborhood to the south, and the configuration of the subject tract requiring access on the south side. (3) The intent and general purposes of this chapter will be preserved and maintained; The intent and general purpose of this chapter will be preserved and maintained in that the purpose of Chapter 42 is to maintain the developability, navigability, and public safety and convenience. (4) The granting of the variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety or welfare; Allowing this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the area. This variance would benefit the residents and business in the surrounding area by not depriving a religious institution of the additional parking needed for its facility, and not creating potential traffic and safety issues in the area around the proposed development. (5) Economic hardship is not the sole justification of the variance. Economic hardship is not the sole justification of the variance. It is the intention of the developer to build a large commercial facility that will crate new jobs and stimulate the local economy, without creating any undue hardship for the residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Below is text regarding the specific variance request for the proposed Brickyard Development subdivision plat. The text is from the application developers submitted to the Planning Commission. 5020 Acorn St is the specified property. (Sec. 42-47 and Sec. 42-81) Specific Variance is being sought and extent of variance: To exceed intersection spacing by not extending nor terminating in a cul-de-sac Costa Rica Street. Chapter 42 Section: 42-128 & 134 Chapter 42 Reference: a) Each class III plat and each general plan that shows local streets shall provide for internal circulation by meeting either of the following requirements: (1) Each local street shall intersect with a street that meets the requirements of subsection (b) at least every 1,400 feet; or Sec. 42-134. - Street extension. (a) A public street that terminates at the boundary of a plat previously approved by the commission without means of a vehicular turnaround shall be extended into the adjacent property at the time the adjacent property is platted unless: (1) The existing stub street is a local street and is not designated as a collector or major thoroughfare on the major thoroughfare and freeway plan; (2) The existing stub street is not shown as a through street on a current general plan approved by the commission for the subdivision in which the existing street is located or the subdivision that is the subject of the application; (3) The existing stub street is only one lot in depth; (4) The proposed subdivision will not extend residential development; and (5) The extension of the street is not required to meet the intersection spacing requirements of this chapter.

Google Earth image of the 5020 Acorn St parcel currently. The parcel's outlined boundaries are approximate.

A plan reviewing fee permit was purchased today for 3401 Harrisburg Blvd, Ste E. Details from the permits: Use: Remodel, mixed use FCC Group: Non-residential alteration As mentioned, Case / Case Chocolates is leasing the unit at The Plant. The Plant is located in Concept Neighborhood's The Plant / Second Ward multi-block development.

Several permits were purchased yesterday for 1541 N Shepherd Sr, Suite 200: Sign plan review permit Sign site inspections permit The permits are for juice shop chain Main Squeeze. It's one of two new tenants for Market at Houston Heights phase two.

Concept Neighborhood shared a progress photo of the forthcoming Slowpokes at 3402 Canal St. The coffee shop is part of Concept Neighborhood's The Plant / Second Ward development. Caption from the post published today: The plant is growing. We're excited to announce that Slowpokes will be coming to Second Ward THIS YEAR! Making use of the former Elizalde Tire Shop building on Canal, this development fits right in and upholds our promise to revitalize this neighborhood, while refusing to tear down and demolish the landscape/history. Second Ward doesn't need to be "fixed" it needs to be filled, and we're so happy to see that through one corner at a time. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2LVfTqJuO_

Instagram account Second Ward HTX (SecondWardHTX aka Concept Neighborhood's The Plant) posted a rendering of the forthcoming Slowpokes at 3402 Canal St. The coffee shop is part of Concept Neighborhood's The Plant / Second Ward development. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2LVfTqJuO_/

1500 Waugh Dr has new owners. County records indicate the property was sold in late December. According to the special warranty deed on record, it's an undivided co-ownership. The owners are listed as 1500 Waugh Realty LTD, G J Braun Corporation, and GZ Montrose Holding LLC. The entities are tied to Braun Enterprises, Zadok Jewelers' Jonathan Zadok, and Madison Commercial Real Estate Services. Wells Fargo bank was the previous owner of 1500 Waugh Dr. As Hindsky posted last year, the bank is building a new facility from the ground up at 1404 W Gray St. It's the parcel adjacent to 1500 Waugh Dr. 1500 Waugh is located near the shopping center River Oaks Plaza at 1414-1576 W Gray St.

Aerial photos of 1500 Waugh Dr and the surrounding area are below. The images are included in sales materials for the property.

The 1500 Waugh Dr parcel was on the market until recently. The property's LoopNet listing shows the property was published to the site last May. JLL marketed the property on behalf of the owner. Wells Fargo bank is located at 1500 Waugh Dr. The property is located next to the shopping center River Oaks Plaza at 1414-1576 W Gray St. Below are details from the listing and sale flyer: ±1.1 acres at Waugh Dr & West Gray St for sale Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”), on behalf of the owner, is pleased to present the opportunity to purchase ±1.1 acres at the signalized intersection of W Gray and Waugh near Downtown Houston, in Houston’s bustling Montrose submarket. The Property is located east of River Oaks, south of the highly acclaimed Buffalo Bayou Park, and just east of Houston’s two highly anticipated mixed-use developments that are under construction. The site sits on a high visibility corner and allows for easy access across the city of Houston along major thoroughfares including Waugh, West Gray, Allen Parkway, Shepherd, Montrose Boulevard and Memorial Drive. The site is ideal for a wide variety of development uses in one of Houston’s most affluent and high growth submarkets. Property facts from the LoopNet listing: Property Type: Land Proposed Use: Commercial Property Subtype: Commercial Total Lot Size: 1.10 Acres https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1500-Waugh-Dr-Houston-TX/28472921/ https://images1.loopnet.com/d2/IlU-tsJ-ZWKbL-kgeL6ZpCLyfkHT_KSMeb04l_bG-3U/document.pdf

Map with the 1500 Waugh Dr parcel outlined:

CultureMap published an article today on Shop X, the latest addition to Post Houston at 401 Franklin St. Shop X, a micro-retail village within Post Houston, opened its doors on January 13... Shop X provides shoppers with a unique selection of over 15 premier retailers and shops each boasting a curated selection of items tailored specifically to the Houston area. ...Shop X is anchored by Houston's first Gachapon Hall, Tokyo Story. Gachapon are Japanese vending machines, found in Tokyo's iconic Akihabara district. https://houston.culturemap.com/news/fashion/post-houston-shop-x-gachapon/

Based on the architectural barriers project filing in the above post, Kokoro's address is 4111 Fannin St, Suite 110. As mentioned last month, Kokoro is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant on the Ion campus. The Japanese eatery currently operates a food stall at Bravery, the chef hall at 409 Travis St. Their forthcoming Midtown location is one of two expansions for the dining concept. Another location is planned for The Woodlands. Below are details from the filing: Estimated Start Date: April 15, 2024 Estimated Completion Date: September 3, 2024 Estimated Cost: $400,000 Type of Work: New construction Scope of Work: Shell space lease interior build out of an restaurant Square Footage: 2,000 sf Design Firm: JT Arc Studio https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Print/TABS2024009349

There was a public hearing last week for the proposed Glenhaven Plaza subdivision plat. The Planning Commission approved the plat upon the following conditions: HPW- TDO- Traffic: 01/09/2024 - Ensure extending the existing sidewalk according to IDM standard. Verify that the fire hydrant will not conflict with the sidewalk, otherwise consider relocation. New development is at the corner intersection, ADA ramps at the street intersection are required as per City (Detail # 02775-02). HPW-OCE- Drainage and Utility: Detention is required. HPW-HW- IDS: For the creation of this reserve, a Wastewater and Water Capacity Reservation letter is required. When applying for wastewater and water capacity for your proposed project, please attach a copy of the proposed re-plat and the latest site survey to the wastewater and water capacity reservation application. The property is located at 6003 Richmond Ave. It has been home to Tabu and Parma in recent years. Prior to those establishments, the property was the longtime home to Barry's Pizza.

You're right. A variance request for the proposed Brickyard Development subdivision was on the Planning Commission's November 16 agenda. As you noted, it's on the 5020 Acorn St parcel. Below is the text from the notice of variance letter sent to area residents in October: The Planning and Development Department has received a subdivision plat application with a variance request for a property located at the southeast intersection of Hardway Street and April Lane, south of Pinemont Drive and east of Antoine Drive. ...Landpoint, the applicant, has filed the request on behalf of the developer of the subject site. The applicant is requesting a variance to exceed intersection spacing by not extending, nor terminating with a cul-de-sac Costa Rica Street. Link to the November 16 agenda: https://storage.googleapis.com/document-uploads-001/uploads/video/agenda_file/281379/11-16_HoustonPC.pdf

There is an architectural barriers project filing for 2028 W Gray St in the River Oaks Shopping Center. It was filed yesterday with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR.) The filing is for Evereve. It's a women's clothing store. Below are details from the filing: Estimated Start Date: May 1, 2024 Estimated Completion Date: July 26, 2024 Estimated Cost: $999,000 Type of Work: Renovation/alteration Scope of Work: Tenant fit out of existing vacant space. Display fixturing throughout. Storefront design & finishes. Distribute existing electrical service. New lighting & power systems. Replace HVAC & Electrical panels. New Plumb systems & fixtures. Square Footage: 5,109 sf Design Firm: OPN Architects https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/Search/Print/TABS2024009257

The proposed Heights Eats subdivision plat now appears on the Plat Tracker page. It's classified as a Class 2 subdivision replat. However, for some reason, the plat isn't accessible at the moment. Maybe this will be on the next planning commission agenda? As mentioned in the above quoted post, the plat consists of the 633 W 20th St and 637 W 20th parcels. A restaurant or some kind of food and/or beverage concept is planned for the property.

Does anyone have further insight as to what kind of commercial development is planned here?

According to county records, 1040 Studewood St was sold in December. A warranty deed shows Level Headed Chow, Inc. purchased the property. Level Headed Chow, Inc. is an entity from the co-owner of shuttered eateries Skinny Rita's (Montrose and Greater Heights area) and Pizza Here (Kemah.)

1040 Studewood St was listed for sale last fall. There was an active LoopNet listing until recently showing October as the publication date. Below are details from the sales listing on LoopNet : Executive Summary - Situated in the heart of The Heights, near the intersection of Studewood and 11th Street. This lot has unlimited potential as either commercial or residential use. It is surrounded by new developments and walkable to some of the best restaurants in the city. Not in 100 or 500 yr floodplain. Vacant lot near intersection of Studewood and 11th Street Total Lot Size: 0.13 acres https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1040-Studewood-St-Houston-TX/29866958/

April 2023 Street View of 1040 Studewood St: