Waco Development

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UBBY
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10:03a, 10/11/17
[url=http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/tif-board-approves-million-for-brazos-commons-riverfront-project/article_8cbd8107-7786-511b-bee6-583a1501e025.html][/url]http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/tif-board-approves-million-for-brazos-commons-riverfront-project/article_8cbd8107-7786-511b-bee6-583a1501e025.html

The Brazos Commons riverfront project won Tax Increment Financing Zone board approval for a $7.9 million public investment to aid the proposal for an 11-story full-service hotel, retail space and 400 residences.

Partners Joe Beard and Rick Sheldon plan to start late next year on the $129 million mixed-use complex between Clifton Robinson Tower and the city-backed Brazos Promenade project, now underway.
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beardoc
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10:20a, 10/11/17
Johnny Qubty is a Lubbock guy that has the local Walkon's franchise. It is ALWAYS busy. It has decent food and a good atmosphere but is pricey. He told me Brees lends his name and some cash for a share in the company but doesn't really do anything but show up.
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Knight Bear
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In reply to Bearicade • 11:44a, 10/11/17
Bearicade said:
bularry said:
NOVA Bear said:
I saw some fun bands at Waterworks. It was a great place.


I remember seeing stand up acts there, would have been 1989 I think. Go early before they started carding people and then get hammered


Saw Rodney Carrington there when he was a nobody. Greatness


Sing you bastar..!

Chicken song

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ydre2
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In reply to Joecool114 • 10:13a, 10/12/17
the Franklin spot should be cool. I'll likely be opening something there
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Beardown1919
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10:27a, 10/12/17
Is that saying Robinson tower has more sq footage than the Alico?

Lots of exciting development, would be huge for long-term downtown stability to have strong office space like that.
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UBBY
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In reply to Beardown1919 • 11:15a, 10/12/17
Beardown1919 said:
Is that saying Robinson tower has more sq footage than the Alico?

Lots of exciting development, would be huge for long-term downtown stability to have strong office space like that.
Yes. Alico building is around 135,000 sq. feet. They had two proposals and this was the one they chose. Nothing is set in stone though. A lot of questions still remain but they're further along on negotiations than I thought they would be at this point. Plus the Brazos Promenade and Brazos Commons projects look good to go which will be the largest development in downtown in decades.
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BearDroppingsBU
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11:44a, 10/12/17
"Of the $7.9 million contribution to the Brazos Commons project, $2 million is earmarked for the city of Waco to use in working with Oncor Electric Delivery to relocate transmission lines that cross the river between the two riverfront developments"

Is this quote from the article saying the large power lines crossing the river by the stadium will be relocated?
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Bearicade
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In reply to BearDroppingsBU • 11:51a, 10/12/17
BearDroppingsBU said:
"Of the $7.9 million contribution to the Brazos Commons project, $2 million is earmarked for the city of Waco to use in working with Oncor Electric Delivery to relocate transmission lines that cross the river between the two riverfront developments"

Is this quote from the article saying the large power lines crossing the river by the stadium will be relocated?


Just lines that cross the river? Or that entire electric substation by Buzzard Billy's
I know you believe you understand what I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!
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CHIbear
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In reply to Bearicade • 12:21p, 10/12/17
Bearicade said:
BearDroppingsBU said:
"Of the $7.9 million contribution to the Brazos Commons project, $2 million is earmarked for the city of Waco to use in working with Oncor Electric Delivery to relocate transmission lines that cross the river between the two riverfront developments"

Is this quote from the article saying the large power lines crossing the river by the stadium will be relocated?


Just lines that cross the river? Or that entire electric substation by Buzzard Billy's
Hopefully this. That thing has been an eyesore for years. It needs to go especially with the new stadium right by it.
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Old300Bear
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12:59p, 10/12/17
I read somewhere that the cost to relocate the substation is around $35 million. Don't see it moving at that price.
Fred Barber
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3ptSpecialist
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In reply to Old300Bear • 1:00p, 10/12/17
Old300Bear said:
I read somewhere that the cost to relocate the substation is around $35 million. Don't see it moving at that price.
that just seems ridiculous. I have no clue what is involved in such a move but that price seems astronomical to me for that.
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Old300Bear
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1:02p, 10/12/17
Pretty sure I read that somewhere, but then I'm old so who knows
Fred Barber
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baylrballa
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1:14p, 10/12/17
surely you could build several new ones for that number.
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Bearicade
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In reply to Old300Bear • 1:56p, 10/12/17
Old300Bear said:
I read somewhere that the cost to relocate the substation is around $35 million. Don't see it moving at that price.


Yes, that's why I question the $2 million figure
I know you believe you understand what I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!
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UBBY
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1:40p, 10/17/17
Austin Meeks took time out of his day to respond to an email I sent to answer some questions from me. I asked...

1) What information do you have on the Heritage Square Project and also the future plans listed in the Civic Center Plan for more proposed buildings?

2) What new entertainment venues are being considered downtown and in Waco?

3) Any news on the project on loop 340?

4) Any news on how close the Brazos Commons is to being a done deal?

His answers:

1) Currently the City is negotiating with the Civic Center over incentives for the Heritage Square project. There is a lot of sub-surface public infrastructure that needs to be completed for this project to become a reality, and that is quite expensive. There are a number of big ticket items on the City's ledger and I'm sure they're weighing in which order to proceed. The city knows that improvements must happen for future growth, so it's more of an issue of when, not if. No construction dates have been set yet. The buildings you mentioned are for a future phase assuming the first buildings are a success. The Civic Center hopes to develop the parking between the Hilton/City Hall and the shops across the street into a mixed use project that would bring more living spaces and green space to downtown. The decision to choose the Civic Center over Heritage Crossing, which reportedly would've brought a Trade Joe's to downtown, were difficult for many City Council Members; the ones with whom I've spoken said that the scope of the Civic Center Project outweighed the practicality of Heritage Crossing. If Civic Center is able to fill half a million SF of office, then the Council's bet will look prescient.

2) The only entertainment venue new that I know of is the expansion of the Hippodrome. Once they build the additional theaters for showing films, they'll be able to dedicate the main stage to live performances, its former intent. I am very excited about this and hope it will spur growth in the live entertainment scene. Part of the problem is that there are not many appropriate venues in town; once there are, however, We'll have the issue of changing the perception that there are not many venues in town. Making Waco a must-stop on artists' tours will be a years-long project requiring vision and participation from both venue owners and the community.

3) No new news on the Loop 340 project but I'd imagine they're still trying to acquire financing and secure leases before moving forward.

4) Brazos Commons has submitted their application to TIF so the project is "finalized" in that sense. Between Joe Beard's and Rick Sheldon's deep pockets, they will not run into financial issues. The only issue I foresee is the length of time to clean up the area. TCEQ is very strict about areas where people will live and much of that area was used as a landfill after the tornado. Environmental issues may slow down their timeline, but I'd imagine that most of the brunt has already been shouldered by the Promenade project and Commons crew will take pages out of their playbook to avoid the same pitfalls.

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Brian Ethridge
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In reply to Ludwig von Missi • 1:42p, 10/17/17
Staff
Crash Davis said:
I once went up to Drew Brees and asked him if he was Reid Brees' brother. He laughed and confirmed that he was in fact Reid Brees' brother. Asked him for his autograph and had him sign it Reid Brees' brother. He loved it...probably a nice change of pace from the same ole same ole.

/csb
Played craps with him in Omaha and he had about 10K in $5 chips.
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Tuegel
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In reply to UBBY • 3:14p, 10/17/17
The city should have gone with Heritage Crossing rather than the Civic Center project they chose. The infrastructure costs to even get the Civic Center project going are prohibitive. Because of that, it likely won't get built.

Heritage Crossing would have been built by the time the Civic Center project starts, assuming it ever does.
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WILLIS
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5:20p, 10/17/17
Risk reward. Would rather see some serious office buildings take off. That would truly transform the city entirely.
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Yogi
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In reply to WILLIS • 5:32p, 10/17/17
WILLIS said:
Risk reward. Would rather see some serious office buildings take off. That would truly transform the city entirely.
I also would like to see them roll the dice on getting some more workers in the downtown/ Silos districts.

The county is going to have to move courtrooms pretty soon as the McLennan County Courthouse is too small and inadequate to host 21st century courts.

2 ideas I have heard are:

1. A new 6 story justice center built next to the old jail building downtown; and

2. Moving the two criminal courts (19th and 54th) to a new criminal justice center located out near the county jail.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
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Bearicade
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In reply to Yogi • 7:47p, 10/17/17
Yogi said:
WILLIS said:
Risk reward. Would rather see some serious office buildings take off. That would truly transform the city entirely.
I also would like to see them roll the dice on getting some more workers in the downtown/ Silos districts.

The county is going to have to move courtrooms pretty soon as the McLennan County Courthouse is too small and inadequate to host 21st century courts.

2 ideas I have heard are:

1. A new 6 story justice center built next to the old jail building downtown; and

2. Moving the two criminal courts (19th and 54th) to a new criminal justice center located out near the county jail.
#1 much better, imo
I know you believe you understand what I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!
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UBBY
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4:16p, 10/19/17
Does anybody know how quickly they will be able to get I-35 expansion done? I thought I had read it would be done in 2 phases. One phase in 4 years and another phase in 3 years for a total of 7 years to finish the project. If that's true it's gonna be hell driving down I-35 for 7 years.
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Brian Ethridge
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In reply to UBBY • 4:17p, 10/19/17
Staff
UBBY said:
Does anybody know how quickly they will be able to get I-35 expansion done? I thought I had read it would be done in 2 phases. One phase in 4 years and another phase in 3 years for a total of 7 years to finish the project. If that's true it's gonna be hell driving down I-35 for 7 years.
It's been that way for 20 now...
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Yogi
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In reply to Bodhibear • 4:18p, 10/19/17
Bodhibear said:
What, no love for Burgers and Blues?
Maybe when it was Franklin's...
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
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UBBY
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In reply to Brian Ethridge • 4:21p, 10/19/17
Brian Ethridge said:
UBBY said:
Does anybody know how quickly they will be able to get I-35 expansion done? I thought I had read it would be done in 2 phases. One phase in 4 years and another phase in 3 years for a total of 7 years to finish the project. If that's true it's gonna be hell driving down I-35 for 7 years.
It's been that way for 20 now...
I just meant it's gonna be a little worse.
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Yogi
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In reply to UBBY • 4:29p, 10/19/17
UBBY said:
Brian Ethridge said:
UBBY said:
Does anybody know how quickly they will be able to get I-35 expansion done? I thought I had read it would be done in 2 phases. One phase in 4 years and another phase in 3 years for a total of 7 years to finish the project. If that's true it's gonna be hell driving down I-35 for 7 years.
It's been that way for 20 now...
I just meant it's gonna be a little worse.
You are correct.

Phase I = 11th Street to Loop 340 North. Construction begins 2019.

Phase 2 = South Loop 340 to 11th Street. Construction slated for around 2023.

To put the scope of this project into context, consider the complete rebuild of IH-35 through Temple and then double the cost.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
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SSadler
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7:49p, 10/19/17
Banker or 314,

I know at one time ANY development on the river that required deep-drilled pylons was negged because of the instbility of deep soil instabiilty. Seems Waco Tornado carnage was all dozed and buried toward the river, and now engineers say there is too much airspace sub-firma ever to allow permits that require deep foundation depths.

Is that still an issue? and does that "area" of "no-build" coincide with downtown prime?

You've probably answered this, but I don't remember the parameters of what surface area could never be developed with deep-pylon requirements? I.e. what is the surveyed topsoil area that sits atop the deep loose soil?
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Yogi
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9:17p, 10/19/17
In four and a half years of undergrad, I managed to go to Pizza Inn, Wrap N' Roll and Fazoli's for the trifecta.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
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Old300Bear
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In reply to SSadler • 11:11p, 10/19/17
SSadler said:
Banker or 314,

I know at one time ANY development on the river that required deep-drilled pylons was negged because of the instbility of deep soil instabiilty. Seems Waco Tornado carnage was all dozed and buried toward the river, and now engineers say there is too much airspace sub-firma ever to allow permits that require deep foundation depths.

Is that still an issue? and does that "area" of "no-build" coincide with downtown prime?

You've probably answered this, but I don't remember the parameters of what surface area could never be developed with deep-pylon requirements? I.e. what is the surveyed topsoil area that sits atop the deep loose soil?
There is bound to be bedrock down there somewhere.
Fred Barber
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SSadler
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5:29a, 10/20/17
300, it's not quite simple. cars, gas tanks. paritally copressed concrete buildings . . . think it through
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SSadler
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In reply to Alan Lefever • 5:34a, 10/20/17
Alefever said:
All of my this stated after the Texas Baptist Historical Collection moved from Dallas to downtown Waco....coincidence? I think not!
It 's because Waco wanted so many nice places to "get away from you!"
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Old300Bear
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4:01p, 10/20/17
Steve,
Question. Wouldn't most of that been put on the Baylor side of the Brazos? Surprised they would truck it across the river. Isn't there a big dump site over by Floyd Casey site as well? Not arguing just seeking knowledge from the Prof.
Fred Barber
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Brian Ethridge
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In reply to Old300Bear • 8:08p, 10/20/17
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Old300Bear said:
Steve,
Question. Wouldn't most of that been put on the Baylor side of the Brazos? Surprised they would truck it across the river. Isn't there a big dump site over by Floyd Casey site as well? Not arguing just seeking knowledge from the Prof.


Downtown was pushed toward the river.
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UBBY
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10:53a, 10/23/17
This is from the Trib in August on the Texas Ranger museum.

"Still, Johnson said the museum's future expansions will mostly be vertical. He envisions a three-story addition to replace the aging hall of fame area. He said the museum will present a revised master plan proposal to the city council this fall."

Also this from 2015.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/city_of_waco/texas-ranger-museum-campaign-gets-ok-aims-to-raise-m/article_4130ace1-d190-5555-a154-8b50a5df2dd7.html


Leaders of the city-owned museum want to raise $30 million to $50 million to double the size of the existing facilities on Interstate 35 with a multistory complex overlooking the Brazos River. They say the new facility would allow them to tell the story of the country's oldest law enforcement agency in a new way.
they might be able to have refreshments or dinner on a terrace upstairs overlooking the Brazos River and the new McLane Stadium, he said.
The Waco museum has been designated as the organizer for the Texas Ranger bicentennial celebration in 2023 and is timing its fundraising campaign to coincide with the celebration. In anticipation of the bicentennial, Dodge Ram in recent months has partnered with the museum, with plans to donate $100,000 a year for improvements.

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Deloso33
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11:20a, 10/23/17
Saw Uninvited Guests and Blue Saint Kick many times at Waterworks. Fun times from what I remember.
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Friscobear
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In reply to Old300Bear • 12:20p, 10/23/17
Old300Bear said:
Not arguing just seeking knowledge from the Prof.

Barely...
“At the end of the day, for 40 minutes, we just kicked their ass.”

- Mark Vital
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