Waco Development

69,411 Views | 827 Replies | Last: 4 yr ago by Wichitabear
CammoTX
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Waco seeks proposals for mixed-use development at Heritage Square

Waco city council members are seeking proposals from developers to build a mixed-use development with hotel, office, residential and retail space on a city-owned 2.3 acre site near Heritage Square. The proposal calls for the winning developer to lease or purchase the downtown property near the Waco Convention Center, city hall and the banks of the Brazos River. The 2.3 acre site is currently used for surface parking with a corner of the property established as a monument to those killed and injured in a 1953 tornado that swept through that city.

City officials are also offering to sale or lease additional land near Heritage Square for the mixed-use development and are asking that the design be compatible with the distinctive design of the area. To be eligible for consideration, the developer must submit a site plan with proposed structures, open spaces, parking, fences, walkways and landscaping. The plan must also include a design narrative that describes the scale of structures interior and exterior finishes and building systems along with the number of proposed hotel rooms, the number of jobs to be created and a projection on revenue the project might raise for the city. The proposals must be submitted to the city by May 31 and council members expect to review and make a recommendation on a proposal by June 21.
Joecool114
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Unfortunately they've been trying to find developers for this place for 2 years now... Not sure whats different about this one though

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/city_of_waco/heritage-square-development-process-attracts-potential-suitors-for-downtown-waco/article_4d761ccb-0955-56ed-9f28-d4c034a19740.html
BaylorGuy314
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They actually have several developers that want to submit proposals but they felt the need to repost the RFP since it was so out of date before considering anything.
Grinnin bear
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314, what are your odds on this thing taking shape?

Also, any updates on the River development for those of us who unfortunately cannot see it everyday?
bankerbear
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River Development is happening. Was in a meeting this week where the developers presented an update. Not far from "sticks and bricks", but primary challenge right now is site cleanup. TCEQ needs to sign off.

Development takes time, but this will happen.

Herotage Square is the last "best" developable parcel the city owns. This too will happen. Both local and out of town developers are interested. Like anything else, the economics have to work for all parties.

These city RFPs are bureaucratic by nature and take time to meet all of their requirements.
BaylorGuy314
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Grinnin bear said:

314, what are your odds on this thing taking shape?

Also, any updates on the River development for those of us who unfortunately cannot see it everyday?

Odds of it getting developed? Very high. To what extent is a better question.

No matter what happens, it will take some time. The City wants something substantial there and this is going to take years to put together.

Riverfront is moving along, as BankerBear said. Just a lot of site work regarding cleanup to happen first before you'll notice anything of note going vertical.
ydre2
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I'm curious to see what happens to the handful of local events if/when the HQ property is developed. there are a couple of great annual attractions that take place there. would be sad to see them move, but it is a pretty good chunk of land to just let go to waste
BaylorBJM
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BaylorGuy314 said:

Grinnin bear said:

314, what are your odds on this thing taking shape?

Also, any updates on the River development for those of us who unfortunately cannot see it everyday?

Odds of it getting developed? 50/50. To what extent is a better question.

FIFY. Anything more is disengenious.

The retail/restaurant interest isn't there yet.

Edit: In the short-term. Long-term it will happen but as mentioned there is a lot of hair on this one.
Wacolegend
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I saw the pitch designs the other day.
Greenbear
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Never seen a city that needs hotels worse than Waco. In addition, I was at Cameron Park last week for the first time in 40 years. It was beautiful. Saw things in a different light than when I was a student. That park and surrounding area along the river should become prime real estate with the growth and expansion of Waco. Tons of old homes near downtown redone, but still some bad areas in Waco.
boxster
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Greenbear said:

Never seen a city that needs hotels worse than Waco. In addition, I was at Cameron Park last week for the first time in 40 years. It was beautiful. Saw things in a different light than when I was a student. That park and surrounding area along the river should become prime real estate with the growth and expansion of Waco. Tons of old homes near downtown redone, but still some bad areas in Waco.
"The poor you will always have with you"...and that's not a bad thing. I want economic prosperity for Waco, but areas that have nothing but affluence for miles in any direction are not perfect situations either. Regardless of how Waco evolves, I'm confident there will always be "mission fields" just around the next corner to minister to.

And you're right, Cameron Park is a one-of-a-kind treasure in Texas. A difference-maker for Waco.
BaylorGuy314
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BaylorBJM said:

BaylorGuy314 said:

Grinnin bear said:

314, what are your odds on this thing taking shape?

Also, any updates on the River development for those of us who unfortunately cannot see it everyday?

Odds of it getting developed? 50/50. To what extent is a better question.

FIFY. Anything more is disengenious.

The retail/restaurant interest isn't there yet.

Edit: In the short-term. Long-term it will happen but as mentioned there is a lot of hair on this one.

There is hair on this one and the City is going to be picky given it's location right in the heart of the downtown. That said, I think the odds are much better than 50/50 that something happens. I also think it will take years before a speck of dirt is moved because some of these big pieces (like the riverfront as well) are going to really set the tone for the future and the City wants to get it right.
Bear15
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Wacolegend said:



I saw the pitch designs the other day.
ButterflyFX
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Old300Bear
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This may be total fiction, but I heard that the Buzzard Billy's property has sold to a local family and will cease to operate. Plans are to make it a very nice upscale eatery along the lines of Diamondbacks.
Joecool114
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Old300Bear said:

This may be total fiction, but I heard that the Buzzard Billy's property has sold to a local family and will cease to operate. Plans are to make it a very nice upscale eatery along the lines of Diamondbacks.


This is the worst news I've gotten all month. I guess I know where I'm going to dinner tonight while I still can...
3ptSpecialist
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Old300Bear said:

This may be total fiction, but I heard that the Buzzard Billy's property has sold to a local family and will cease to operate. Plans are to make it a very nice upscale eatery along the lines of Diamondbacks.
that property is a goldmine
kcarlson
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For some reason, I felt like Buzzard Billy's was never the same once it moved to the current location.
Yahtzee!
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kcarlson said:

For some reason, I felt like Buzzard Billy's was never the same once it moved to the current location.
Speaking of which, where is Big Daddy's located now? Told my woman all about it. Get to Waco. Gone.
Brian Ethridge
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Staff
Yahtzee! said:

kcarlson said:

For some reason, I felt like Buzzard Billy's was never the same once it moved to the current location.
Speaking of which, where is Big Daddy's located now? Told my woman all about it. Get to Waco. Gone.


Been gone for 15 years
UBBY
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boxster said:

Greenbear said:

Never seen a city that needs hotels worse than Waco. In addition, I was at Cameron Park last week for the first time in 40 years. It was beautiful. Saw things in a different light than when I was a student. That park and surrounding area along the river should become prime real estate with the growth and expansion of Waco. Tons of old homes near downtown redone, but still some bad areas in Waco.
"The poor you will always have with you"...and that's not a bad thing. I want economic prosperity for Waco, but areas that have nothing but affluence for miles in any direction are not perfect situations either. Regardless of how Waco evolves, I'm confident there will always be "mission fields" just around the next corner to minister to.

And you're right, Cameron Park is a one-of-a-kind treasure in Texas. A difference-maker for Waco.


I'm hopeful the new minor league baseball stadium will help bellmead become a little nicer.
Very excited for the development that's going to start on the river next year. Also news about the 350 acres next to i-35 on loop 340 will be developed eventually. Then, 635 acres across from that. Fun stuff.
BearChick
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Brian Ethridge said:

Yahtzee! said:

kcarlson said:

For some reason, I felt like Buzzard Billy's was never the same once it moved to the current location.
Speaking of which, where is Big Daddy's located now? Told my woman all about it. Get to Waco. Gone.


Been gone for 15 years


They were operating out of a hotel for a while, but wanted to get out of the feast or famine cycle of being tied to when classes were in and out, so they moved into catering. Not sure if they're still doing that or not.

They did cater our wedding. Winning.
Brian Ethridge
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Staff
BearChick said:

Brian Ethridge said:

Yahtzee! said:

kcarlson said:

For some reason, I felt like Buzzard Billy's was never the same once it moved to the current location.
Speaking of which, where is Big Daddy's located now? Told my woman all about it. Get to Waco. Gone.


Been gone for 15 years


They were operating out of a hotel for a while, but wanted to get out of the feast or famine cycle of being tied to when classes were in and out, so they moved into catering. Not sure if they're still doing that or not.

They did cater our wedding. Winning.


Yes, he did.
Grinnin bear
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Big Daddy's sourdough chicken parmesan sandwich was magical. My life has never really been the same...
Gunny Hartman
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3ptSpecialist said:

Old300Bear said:

This may be total fiction, but I heard that the Buzzard Billy's property has sold to a local family and will cease to operate. Plans are to make it a very nice upscale eatery along the lines of Diamondbacks.
that property is a goldmine

That property across 35 from McLane? How so? In my 46 years of going to Waco, no restaurant has ever survived there. I thought since the stadium opened that might change, but if something as established as Buzzard Billy's can't make it, then I don't see how anything will. Seems like a prime location but something ain't right.
3ptSpecialist
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I just say it is a goldmine based on the stadium and what is coming in terms of downtown development.
TREX
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Bring back Waterworks!!
Bahamabear
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TREX said:

Bring back Waterworks!!


Yes, and the Killer B's while at it, maybe even David Garza
Bodhibear
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What, no love for Burgers and Blues?
Brian Ethridge
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Staff
Bahamabear said:

TREX said:

Bring back Waterworks!!


Yes, and the Killer B's while at it, maybe even David Garza


Oh my... No love for The Spin or Jack O' Pierce?
BearlyHeardFrom
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Look up The Spin on facebook. They're planning a reunion show in Dallas sometime this fall.
A Grateful Bear
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How did mention of Waterworks turn into a discussion of bands? That restaurant wasn't a music venue, was it?
Brian Ethridge
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Staff
A Grateful Bear said:

How did mention of Waterworks turn into a discussion of bands? That restaurant wasn't a music venue, was it?


During our time it was a get your drink on and listen from the balcony.
Weston Rogers
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UBBY said:

boxster said:

Greenbear said:

Never seen a city that needs hotels worse than Waco. In addition, I was at Cameron Park last week for the first time in 40 years. It was beautiful. Saw things in a different light than when I was a student. That park and surrounding area along the river should become prime real estate with the growth and expansion of Waco. Tons of old homes near downtown redone, but still some bad areas in Waco.
"The poor you will always have with you"...and that's not a bad thing. I want economic prosperity for Waco, but areas that have nothing but affluence for miles in any direction are not perfect situations either. Regardless of how Waco evolves, I'm confident there will always be "mission fields" just around the next corner to minister to.

And you're right, Cameron Park is a one-of-a-kind treasure in Texas. A difference-maker for Waco.


I'm hopeful the new minor league baseball stadium will help bellmead become a little nicer.
Very excited for the development that's going to start on the river next year. Also news about the 350 acres next to i-35 on loop 340 will be developed eventually. Then, 635 acres across from that. Fun stuff.


I personally will be shocked if that stadium or the new independent league they're trying to start ever actually happens.
1outawayBear
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Weston Rogers said:

UBBY said:

boxster said:

Greenbear said:

Never seen a city that needs hotels worse than Waco. In addition, I was at Cameron Park last week for the first time in 40 years. It was beautiful. Saw things in a different light than when I was a student. That park and surrounding area along the river should become prime real estate with the growth and expansion of Waco. Tons of old homes near downtown redone, but still some bad areas in Waco.
"The poor you will always have with you"...and that's not a bad thing. I want economic prosperity for Waco, but areas that have nothing but affluence for miles in any direction are not perfect situations either. Regardless of how Waco evolves, I'm confident there will always be "mission fields" just around the next corner to minister to.

And you're right, Cameron Park is a one-of-a-kind treasure in Texas. A difference-maker for Waco.


I'm hopeful the new minor league baseball stadium will help bellmead become a little nicer.
Very excited for the development that's going to start on the river next year. Also news about the 350 acres next to i-35 on loop 340 will be developed eventually. Then, 635 acres across from that. Fun stuff.


I personally will be shocked if that stadium or the new independent league they're trying to start ever actually happens.


Me too. Part of the reason I bought my hat already
 
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