TEXAS GULF COAST | Thread

[NIKKI]

South Padre/Corpus Christi/Galveston/all points in between

Thread updated with a rundown list created by Kevin and edited into this first post by Troy.

If Nikki or anyone else knows of any other project or runs across one later, post away. The info in this first post can be updated at any time.



Corpus Christi

Name: Buena Vista
Height: 9-story tower
Size: 70 condominiums
Status: unknown
Links: To article
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?threadid=75164&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4264/corpus6kh.jpg




Galveston

Name: The Trade Winds
Height: 382 feet tall - 27 floors
Status: Start 2005 - End 2007 Status: Unknown, it may be under construction.
Facts: This one, along with it's twin, will be the two tallest buildings on Galveston Island.

______________________________________________________

Name: The Beach Club
Height: 382 feet tall - 27 floors
Status: Unknown was suppos to breakground in 2005 - End 2007.

______________________________________________________

Name: Palisade Palms 3 & 4
Height: Two towers, one 26-story tower, the other 21-story tower.
Status: Currently Under Construction.

http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/7343/glvpalisadepalms27tx9gy.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: The Emerald, (also known as Emerald by the Sea)
Height: 15 floors
Size: 93 condominiums
Status: Under construction - Start 2004 - End 2006.
Links:
http://www.emeraldbythesea.com

http://img125.echo.cx/img125/1115/emerald0xk.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name:Texas Medical Arts Building Lofts
Height: 142 feet tall with 11 floors.
Status: Unknown
Facts: Building originally built in 1912.

______________________________________________________

Name: Ocean Grove Condominiums
Height: 10 floors
Status: Under Construction.
Links:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?threadid=75164&perpage=25&pagenumber=2

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/7562/fotoedif0wd.jpg




South Padre Island

Name: Sapphire Condominiums.
Height: Twin 30-story towers.
Status: Unknown, currently approved
Facts: The two towers will become the tallest buildings in South Padre Island beating the Bridgepoint Condos which has held that title since the 80s.
Links:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?threadid=75164&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
http://www.alicedonahue.com/Sapphire.aspx

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20renderings/SouthPadreIslandTheSapphirerenderin.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: Ocean Tower SPI
Height: 470 feet / 31 floors
Size:134 condominiums
Status: Under Construction
Links:
http://www.alicedonahue.com/OceanTowers.aspx
http://oceantowerspi.com

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/732/oceantowers7nj.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: The Peninsula
Height: 17 story condominium tower and two 6-story towers.
Status: Under construction, should be finished by Summer of 2005. May actually be completed already.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/The_Peninsula-2004.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: Isola Bella Condominiums
Height: Twin 17-story towers
Status: completed in 2004.
Links:
http://www.alicedonahue.com/IsolaBella.aspx

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/Isola_Bella-2004.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: Azul Island Loft Condominiums
Height: 10 fllors
Status: Under Construction
Links:
http://www.alicedonahue.com/Azul.aspx

http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Azul.jpg

______________________________________________________


Name: Laguna Bay Condominiums
Height: Twin 7-story buildings
Status: Completed in 2005.
Links:
http://www.alicedonahue.com/RealEstate/MLSListingsSouthPadreIsland/tabid/80/CategoryID/1/Category/Residential,%20Townhome,%20Condo/City/South%20Padre%20Island/PropertyType/Condominium/Default.aspx

http://img133.echo.cx/img133/7894/lagunabay6bp.gif

[Llyod Banks]

I think Gulf Coast gets talked about more then East Texas area my section

but pro's and cons's

I'll Talk about Galveston since I really never been to South Padre or Corpus Christi

Galveston
1.Pros-not to far from Houston...right by the gulf...great history.. Moody Gardens and Kemah Boardwalk in the same area

Cons-nightlife could be a little better...Galveston could be a better vacation spot but it's not completely there yet

[texboy]

m

[texboy]

Corpus Christi vs Galveston vs The Valley


Corpus:

The Beaches here are decent. I would always find Sea Weed though and lots of it on the beach. Mustang Island is prob the top of the chain in this area. Corpus has a small downtown, with not a whole lot of night life in comparison to say San Antonio or Austin. Growth in Corpus is steady. It won't be a HUGE City anytime soon. I believe it is sitting somewhere around 300,000 at the moment if I am not mistaken. Getting around in Corpus is easy. Just take the SPID or Crosstown Expressways to get from one side of the city to the other. Traffic is never that bad in comparison to other cities in Texas.

Galveston:

Nice town with lots of history. Its proximity to Houston is what makes it a nice destination, especially for the cruise industry which has taken a strong hold on the economy. Beaches, again, are nothing fabulous, but very do-able. Restaurants and shopping here are pretty decent too. Mardi Grah is ALOT of fun here. This also won't be a huge city anytime soon, but really it doesn't need to be.

RGV/South Padre Island

You want to talk exploding population, just go down to the Rio Grande Valley. This is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. Overall, this is not a pretty area, unless you hit South Padre Island. South Padre Island has some of the prettiest beaches in Texas, and deep blue water to match! Commercialism has not really hit South Padre yet. There are still alot of "mom and pop" shops on the island, and truthfully those shops are what make South Padre so special bc of the unique store fronts.

Quite frankly, all three have their unique atribute. I don't think one has the upper hand over the others. Right now, I would have to say that South Padre has the brightest future in terms of growth. Corpus Christi and Galveston are growing too and are both nice cities.

Wish I had pictures. Sorry!

[NIKKI]

---

[BrownsvilleTx]

Here's a few pics of SPI, since I live about 20mins from it:

Sky line view of SPI from Laguna Vista.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/SPI_Skyline.jpg

Bridge Point Condos-The tallest building in RGV at 28 stories!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/Point_Bridge-2004.jpg

Isola Bella Condos-Recently Built-18 stories
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/Isola_Bella-2004.jpg

The Peninsula-17 stories-Under Construction.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/The_Peninsula-2004.jpg

To see more buildings of SPI, please see my journal at: http://www.greatestcities.com/users/spi/

SPI is definately growing!! I believe it has the best beach in Texas (my opinion!!!).

[NIKKI]

---

[CTroyMathis]

Lots of great/cool stuff in this thread. Right on.

[BrownsvilleTx]

I saw more construction of a couple of mid or high rises going up or about to on SPI. I took some pics but it'll be a while before I get it posted.

[CTroyMathis]

Well, look forward to it.

[texasboy]

http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/05/05/20/bz-padre.jpg




May 20, 2005, 12:34AM

Towers to rise on South Padre
At 30 stories each, structures will be island's tallest
By NANCY SARNOFF
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Randall Davis, a Houston loft developer who recently started building his first condominium project in Galveston, is heading to another coastal market: South Padre Island.

The Randall Davis Co. is planning to build a pair of condominium towers and 11 beachfront bungalows in the South Texas resort town. Each tower will have 30 stories, making the project his tallest yet.

The new project is part of a wave of development sweeping the island in the Gulf of Mexico, which locals call the "tropical tip of Texas."

In the past five years, the island has changed dramatically, with new condos, hotels and businesses, said Alta Monroe of Alta Monroe Real Estate.

"We're becoming more and more of a year-round resort," the Padre Island real estate broker said.

Monroe said at least six condominium projects are in the pipeline there.

The demand, she said, is coming from buyers from all over Texas as well as from places as far away as Florida and California.

"Their real estate has been so expensive that when they come to Padre and see what they can get for half of what they sold their house for, they can't believe it," Monroe said.

That includes people from Florida who began looking at South Texas after the recent onslaught of hurricanes in their home state, she said.

This new crop of buyers, Monroe said, is willing to spend more than $400,000 for a

Padre Island condo.

Davis said the South Padre project is in keeping with his "current theme of building on the coast."

One of the buildings will be called the Sapphire, but Davis hasn't picked a name for the second. Prices will range from $375,000 and reach $1.8 million for a 4,600-square-foot penthouse.

Davis said he has already received more than 100 deposits on units, using leads generated from a mailing.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic about the response," said Davis, who will throw a party for prospective buyers Monday on South Padre.

The 182-unit project will be built next to the Sheraton on Padre Boulevard. The Sheraton's owner, Mexico-based Posadas USA, owns the land and is a partner with Davis on the development.

The hotel will provide services to condo residents, including concierge, valet and room service. Residents will have access to the Sheraton's pool.

The two towers will also have their own swimming pools, with cabanas and an outdoor bar.

Every unit will face the Gulf of Mexico and contain two balconies — one with an outdoor kitchen and grill.

Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects designed the project. Construction is expected to start by November.

Last year, Davis announced plans to build beachfront condominiums in Galveston at the corner of Seawall Boulevard and Broadway. The project, Emerald by the Sea, is a 15-story building with 93 units. Prices range from around $250,000 to $1 million.

[BrownsvilleTx]

^Hey! Why hasn't this news reached SPI? I'm always on the look out for this construction news but you really blew me away with this one. Finally, a building that's at least 30-stories and I bet this is just the beginning.

Just think of the Florida boom happening on SPI within a few short years. Even better is that we don't get pounded as frequently as Florida has been lately (4 times in 1 year! Ouch!!). SPI is the perfect place for the next boom cuz it's really beautiful and very affordable.

I just hope that some of the construction boom touches B'ville.
We need some needed height here desperately!!

Thanks texasboy for the info! Any pics?

[Mopacs]

Does anyone have information on the proposed second causeway connecting SPI with the mainland? I'm curious as to the location of the bridge.. will this connect to the southern tip of the island?... or east-west across the Laguna Madre (to the north of the current causeway)?

[BrownsvilleTx]

Right now, there's a huge fight between SPI and Port Isabel over the location of the 2nd causeway. SPI wants it at the far northern end and PI wants it built next to the existing causeway.

If you ask me, the preferred location is the northern part cuz PI just can't handle the traffic and not to mention those bastard PI cops who are waiting in every freakin corner waiting to give you a ticket. That's how PI survives and if the 2nd causeway is built farther north, they will loose that income and also for the retailers.

Why build a 2nd bridge next to the existing one? Doesn't that sound stupid?? In that case, expand it. Here's the deal. There is a developer on SPI that is about to build the Ocean Tower 24-story condo and wants the causeway to be built near the condo just like the Bridge Point Condos. PI won't here of it even though the developer asked PI to annex the norther part of SPI (which they did!) and this is another fight brewering between the two. Pi not only annexed the north but the south as well, which is Isla Blanca Park where the jetties is at. This effectivaly trapped SPI with no hope for future expansion.

To make a long story short, don't hold your breath for the 2nd causeway. It's held up in the Legislature and even if it gets built, your looking at about 10 years! Don't turn blue. So there is greed, anger, and confusion over this bridge to last a life time.

[NIKKI]

---

[NIKKI]

South Padre Island


http://img201.echo.cx/img201/3016/33rz.jpg

http://img201.echo.cx/img201/5962/45gj.jpg

- *not my personal photos*

[Llyod Banks]

nice pics

I'll have to make it to SPI one day

[BrownsvilleTx]

Here's what the new twin 30-story buildings on SPI will look like. Construction is said to start by late november.

One of the buildings will be called Sapphire.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/SPI-Sapphire.jpg

Thanks Texasboy for the article. It was just a matter of research to find the pics.

[NIKKI]

Nice! Randall Davis has got something going with the jewel themes for his projects. :tup:

[BrownsvilleTx]

It's official, the 30-story Sapphire Condos are coming to SPI! It finally came out in The Brownsville Herald.

Sapphire to change Island skyline
By Gilberto Salinas
The Brownsville Herald

June 3, 2005 — South Padre Island already has the tallest structures in the Rio Grande Valley but when construction crews break ground for the Sapphire Condos this summer, the 30-story twin towers will soar above the rest.

“It will change the island’s skyline. (The towers) will be one of the first things that tourists will see when they come off the bridge,” said Melissa Zamora, communications coordinator for the SPI Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Sapphire will be the latest addition to a list of hotels and condos that have moved to the island in the last couple of years.

Since the late 1990s, Island hotels and other available rooms have increased by 41 percent, according to convention bureau statistics.

Since 1998, the island has seen a 41-percent increase in hotel room occupancy.

Last summer, the island enjoyed one of its busiest hotel occupancy seasons, renting nearly 4,000-plus available rooms, city figures show.

The four-story Holiday Inn Express opened in March and crews continue working on other condominium projects along the bay and gulf sides of the island.

The Sapphire towers will stand at 310 Padre Blvd., next to the Sheraton Hotel.

The towers will have 91 two- to three-bedroom suites. Two 11-story bungalows will stand adjacent to the towers.

“All of them are going to have a balcony facing the gulf and a balcony to the west, facing the bay,” said Charlene Goebelt, Sapphire’s director of sales.

“Everybody will have beautiful sunset views of the bay and sunrises of the gulf,” she said.

Crown Jewel penthouses will be installed atop each tower. The two-story units will offer about 4,700 square feet.

The towers will have a covered walkway that will connect with the Sheraton Hotel. Residents of Sapphire will have access to the Sheraton amenities, such as the swimming pool and restaurant.

The first four floors of the towers will house such a fitness club, a spa and a locker area, which will provide space for people to place their beach equipment.

“There isn’t anything like this anywhere else on the island,” Goebelt said.

Goebelt estimated the price per square foot would be around $335, pricing the smallest unit at about $430,000. Penthouses are priced at about $1.5 million.

The project is one of several by Houston developer Randall Davis. His signature architecture is neo-classical high rise condominiums.

Davis has built the Gotham, Renoir and Manhattan condominiums in Houston. In Las Vegas, he started building the Metropolis Las Vegas, also a condo high-rise.

[NIKKI]

Schlitterbahn will be next to Moody Gardens in Galveston

New Technology, GM Unveiled at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
View Artwork

Using a 40-foot-wide working scale model, Schlitterbahn Waterparks designer and owner Jeff Henry demonstrated the state-of-the-art river system that will encircle and connect 15-acres of attractions. �The idea is to maximize guests� entertainment time in the water,� Henry explained. �We�ve created an innovative man-made river that has many of the features found in natural rivers, including eddies and rapids. Three interconnecting sections carry guests around the park and the experience is never the same twice,� he said.

Henry explained that the technology is the next evolution of the award-winning Transportainment� river system introduced at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark will also have a covered section that will allow part of the park to remain open year-round. In addition, the park will feature more than 20 attractions including body slides, tube slides and speed slides, plus a wave pool and children�s activity pool. Fans of the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels will find some of their favorite rides such as a bodyboarding ride, Tidal Wave River� and Master Blaster� uphill water coaster.

The indoor portion of the park will open this winter, including tube and speed slides, hot tub, children�s activity pool and a Tidal Wave River�. The rest of the park will be open by the 2006 summer season...

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/corp/media/media-photos-gal.asp

[texasboy]

The Eibands Building, once home of the Texas Supreme Court, is being transformed into 24 luxury condos by Karam Development Interests. Located at 2201 Postoffice St., the building was originally constructed around 1870 by Ballinger & Jack, a prestigious Galveston law firm that also founded the State Bar of Texas.

The building housed the Texas Supreme Court from 1875 until 1890, and was known as Eibands Department Store from 1900 until the end of the 20th Century.

Plans call for that retail tradition to continue on the first floor, while condos will be located on floors two through four. Units will range in size from 1,523 square feet to 2,012 square feet, and range in price from $313,530 to $486,240.

Amenities of the Eibands Luxury Condominiums will include gated parking, storage units, a rooftop overlook deck and a fitness center. Units will feature granite kitchen countertops and backsplashes, modern stainless appliances and custom build-outs.

Karam's development team consists of Pinnacle Construction Industries Inc., Joe Rozier of Eubanks Group Architects, interior designer Mikel Reper and V.J. Tramonte of Joe Tramonte Realty. Karam also developed the Ice & Cold Storage Building on Harborside Drive in Galveston.

[Llyod Banks]

Schlitterbahn being so close to Moody Gardens like that should really bring some new excitement to the Island..I always thought Galveston should be like Texas version of Orlando.

[CTroyMathis]

Sapphire looks good. Great for South Padre Island.

[NIKKI]

---

[KevinFromTexas]

I saw a few of those up top during the Hurricane Emily coverage.

[Great_Hizzy]

Any idea of the growth rate for Galveston? Will it surpass 60K again? Last I "heard", the population was estimated at about 59,200, up from its 2000 number of ~ 57,300.

[fla_tiger]

NIKKI: What are those pyramid shaped structures in Galveston?

I recall trips to Galveston and enjoyed its history and preservation of older buildings.

[texasboy]

http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/05/07/28/palace.jpg

http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/05/07/28/diotime.jpg

THE BISHOP'S PALACE
New era awaits historic gem
The mayor of Galveston is heading a $5 million drive to buy and refurbish the 112-year-old landmark, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions
By LOUIS B. PARKS
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

GALVESTON - Growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, Lyda Ann Quinn lived only a block from the Bishop's Palace. She attended church and school right across the street, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

"From the earliest time I can remember we walked past the Bishop's Palace, every Sunday and sometimes every day of the week. As a child, it looked like a palace, like a king and queen should live in the building. It was like a fairy-tale castle out of books to me."

As mayor of Galveston, Lyda Ann Thomas will spearhead a $5 million fund-raising campaign for the city to purchase and refurbish the 112-year-old Chateauesque home, which towers above Broadway, the island's main street. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has owned the historical home since 1923 and operated it as a museum since 1963.

Thomas and Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza have agreed in principle to the sale of the structure to the city, they said Wednesday.

"Historically, it is one of the most important buildings in the country," Thomas said. "It attracts more visitors than any of our other house museums on the island."

The city and the archdiocese have not yet agreed on a sale price for the building, which is in need of repairs, including work to stop a leaking roof. No tax money will be used for the purchase or restoration, the mayor said.

"We can see from the street the deterioration that has been occurring," Thomas said. "I just decided to go up and talk to the archbishop and see if the archdiocese would be willing to let the citizens begin to raise money to restore the building, since the church was struggling with it."

Fiorenza conceded that the Bishop's Palace is a financial burden on the archdiocese, adding that running a museum is "not particularly our mission." He said he thinks the city can do a better job of maintaining it.

"The city has great experience in managing historical homes and museums," Fiorenza said. "We feel under the direction of the Galveston Historical Foundation that beautiful architectural gem will be better preserved as a great tourist attraction for the city of Galveston."

Although the foundation operates several Galveston attractions, including three home museums, it has not been determined whether it will run the Bishop's Palace.

"That is a possibility down the road," said Marsh Davis, head of the historical foundation. "It's going to take some time to gauge the feasibility of it all. But the foundation will be part of the planning process."

The foundation wants to ensure covenants attached to the deed in perpetuity "protect every square inch inside and out" of the structure, Davis said.

The Friends of the Palace campaign, announced at a news conference Wednesday, intends to raise approximately $5 million during the next five years.

"Initially, we will be looking for around $3 million, part of which will be for the purchase," Thomas said. "Part of that $3 million will be used for immediate repairs."

Fiorenza said he does not yet have a sale price in mind. He said the archdiocese had not planned to sell the building before he was approached by the mayor. "We haven't done the proper appraisals of the building and the furnishings," he said. "We will be doing that in the coming months."

The money that the archdiocese receives from the sale will remain in Galveston, according to Thomas and Fiorenza. Some of it will go toward the continuing restoration of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, which was built in 1847.

When Col. Walter Gresham began construction of his home in 1887, he spared no expense making it the supreme structure in Galveston. Having made a fortune in cotton and railroading, Gresham was able to import the finest materials from around the world, hire the best craftsmen and put it all under the design of acclaimed architect Nicholas J. Clayton.

The home opened in 1893, grandly showy on the outside, richly detailed inside. Its modulated facade features sculpted native Texas granite, white limestone and red sandstone.

Its unusual skyline is formed by jutting towers, dormers and gables. Inside, doorways, mantels and a grand central staircase feature elaborately carved rosewood, satinwood, white mahogany, oak and maple.

Gresham died in 1920, and the home was purchased by the Diocese of Galveston in 1923 as a residence for Bishop Christopher E. Byrne. It soon became known as the Bishop's Palace. Byrne died in 1950.

In the 1960s, a group of Galveston citizens persuaded the diocese to open the home to tourism. It became one of the city's most popular attractions. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

"Before 9/11 there were about 50,000 (visitors) a year," Fiorenza said. "Now it's down some, but they hope for that to pick up again."

Income from tours is not enough to cover maintenance costs, so the city will try to make it profitable in other ways.

[texasboy]

Another project for the seawall!

Seawall seconds?: Rumor has it that island developer Miguel Angel Prida, riding high on strong sales at his 11-story Seawall condominium project still under construction, is planning a second residential development nearby.

Prida, who could not be reached for comment, is developer of the $14 million Ocean Grove, 9420 Seawall Blvd. Sources say he purchased land just west of Ocean Grove for a second multi-family project. Stay tuned...

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?...06d8912fdf0c9fd (http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=006d8912fdf0c9fd)

Progress on Ocean Grove July 12th 2005
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/6295/july2012th8zr.jpg

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/651/july12th3rp.jpg

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1996/fotoedif9re.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I hadn't noticed that Corpus Christi project the other day when I checked this thread. I read about it today, but this is the first rendering I've seen of it. I'll keep an eye on it.

Corpus Christi did get a major building last year. They finished a 10=story hospital near the location where they were talking about in that article that NIKKI posted above. I wasn't aware that they were planning a 2nd hospital project next to that first one. I took some pictures of the 10-story tower when I was there last, and got a little info about it. I need to add that to Skyscrapers.com as soon as I can. I'm still trying to catch up on all the work I have to do at the site. I had also heard a while back, like 2 years ago that they were wanting to build a new hotel along Shoreline Boulevard. I haven't heard anything else about that. Have any of you?

[Great_Hizzy]

I think it will look better if/when other highrises go up around it. As it stands now--that is, sort of on its own--the design makes it appear somewhat dull. It needs to be placed in context with something else, I think.

[KevinFromTexas]

NIKKI: What are those pyramid shaped structures in Galveston?

I recall trips to Galveston and enjoyed its history and preservation of older buildings.

That's the Moody Gardens. It has an aqarium in the big blue pyramid, 128 feet tall with 10 floors. There's a walk through tunnel. Not sure how big the aquarium is, but it's one of the largest in Texas. There's a "cold room" where they have penguins. The other pyramid has a rainforest in it with tropical plants. It also has wildlife in the rainforest. The last pyramid contains a planetarium.

[CTroyMathis]

Kevin, do you think you could help in making a list for projects in this thread that I or the thread-starter (whoever sees it first) can put into the first post?

[KevinFromTexas]

Sure, check your messages Troy.

[CTroyMathis]

So, anything new up in this joint?

[kazpmk]

So did sapphire ever begin construction ??

And exactly which towers are UC in Palaside Palms. I know the Trade Winds and the Beach club are UC, but what about the rest of the towers? They are not mentioned in the Palaside Palms website.

[Cory]

And exactly which towers are UC in Palaside Palms. I know the Trade Winds and the Beach club are UC, but what about the rest of the towers? They are not mentioned in the Palaside Palms website.

The project is being built in phases. The other two towere are not near construction.

[BrownsvilleTx]

Construction hasn't started on the Saphirre condos. I think construction will begin in 2006 or so.

[Zerton]

The Texas coast is so polluted and nasty. I have no idea why anyone would want to vacation there.

[BrownsvilleTx]

^Yeah, like the rest of the US coast isn't polluted yet people swim and live near the sea. But I don't hear you complaining about the other coastlines!

How bout the air you breathe where you live, full of particulates from all the pollution from the northern part of the country, especially when the wind blows south. From all the industries, power plants, etc. You may not see it but it's there.

I really think your comment was off base here. Stick to the thread next time.

[KevinFromTexas]

^ Well, the beach has it's good days, and bad days around Corpus Christi/Port Aransas. We've gone down and seen some trash on the beach, of course stuff that has washed up possibly from the jetty. And other times when there wasn't any at all. Overall the beaches are clean, it's the intercoastal channels and the like that get nasty at times. I've seen some nasty pictures of Galveston waters in Texas Parks & Wildlife magazines. These articles of course were zeroing in on the trash though since that was the topic of the article.

Far South Texas is still generally clean. Anything south of Corpus Christi is really quite nice. Some of the most untouched land in the entire state is around there. There's places along the southern tip of Texas where you can walk the beach for HOURS, all day even and not see another person anywhere.

[jaga185]

Are there any renderings of the 30 story condos yet?

[BrownsvilleTx]

Yup. here it is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/brownsvilletx/SPI-Sapphire.jpg

Cool building.

[NIKKI]

Island Grove Condos

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6958/islandgrove7us.jpg

www.islandgrovecondos.com

[CTroyMathis]

^ Right on.


Here's a newsbit about 'Azul Island Loft Condominiums':

Developers unveil plans for new, resort-style condominiums
By DAISY MARTINEZ
Island Breeze
Posted on Apr 13, 06 | 12:00 am
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/community_comments.php?id=70215_0_3_0_C

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, April 13, 2006 – Developers announced the construction of the 10-story Azul Island Loft Condominiums, which will offer a resort-style living.

Last week, developers, brokers and the team working on this development hosted a reception at Amberjack’s Bayside Bar and Grill to unveil the concept and design of the $20 million project, to be constructed at the 5201 Padre Blvd.

Developer Zeeve Tasel said his inspiration for this concept came from his visits to Miami.

“I travel often to Miami and saw the developments going on there,” Tasel said. “I saw there was a similar opportunity (on the Island) because it is growing and there are more people looking to invest money here.”

The developer said the bay side condominiums will be affordable to people who can’t or don’t want to pay for beach front condominiums.

“I think a bay view is nicer than a beach view,” Tasel said. “You can see the breeze and enjoy it at night as well.”

One of the brokers of the project, Marie Ferrier of Gulf Coast Fine Coastal Properties, said this development will explore an “unanswered need for this particular kind of condominiums on the Island.”

“This project has a more creative design with resort quality amenities,” Ferrier said. “And the prices are better than the beach-view condos.”

[CTroyMathis]

How 'bout that!

Future SPI condo to rise 470 feet
By AMANDA HARRIS
Island Breeze
Mar 07, 2006 - 08:45:08 CST
http://www.valleystar.com/articles/2006/03/07/local_news/local_news4.txt

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - The highest structure from South Padre Island west to Laredo will soon stand upon the north end of the Island, developers said last week.

The future high-rise condominium, beach spa and club known as Ocean Tower SPI will rise 470 feet.

At a ground-breaking ceremony last week, Antun Domit, the owner of Ocean Tower SPI, spoke of the importance of continuing to make the Island a popular destination for vacationers from throughout the United States and the world.

"People are starting to realize where (South Padre Island) is and that we do exist," Domit said.

Almost 100 units of the tower's planned 158 condos have been sold prior to the start of construction, Domit said.

There will be 1,480-square-foot two-bedroom units, 1,808 and 1,856-square-foot three-bedroom units and 3,025 and 3,615-square-foot five-bedroom penthouses available, Domit said.

The two-bedroom condo prices start at $599,000 and the three-bedroom prices start at $675,000. About $1.7 million is needed to call the penthouses home, according to the project's Web site.

The tower is outside SPI's town limits and falls in the jurisdiction of Cameron County. But before the tower is completed in two to two and half years, the property will be annexed by SPI, Domit said.

Annexation would allow the Island to supply emergency services to Ocean Tower's future residents.

Construction plans follow the county's building codes, which Domit said are similar to the town's codes.

The developers plan to install windows capable of resisting winds as high as 160 mph, and the structure is designed to withstand wind speeds as strong as 250 mph, Domit said.

Domit said his goal for the project is to construct a luxurious structure with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a movie room, a playroom and playground for children, a restaurant and a business center.

"Everything is going to be top-of-the-line," he said.

[CTroyMathis]

Oh, I also noticed on the oceantowerspi.com site that it lists 31 floors, with floors 25-31 being penthouse level.

[CTroyMathis]

New development planned for port
April 26, 2006 04:28 PM
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4817616

CORPUS CHRISTI - 6 News has a sneak peak at a new retail, residential, and recreational project planned for the port area. It's going to be called "The Cotton Yard at the Port of Corpus Christi" and will sit right next to Whataburger Field.

The new project, is one more piece of the development plan for the port area. It's being described as a hybrid project, with office, retail, and eventually residential units.

It's a two part project with Phase I consisting of 40,000 square feet of office and condominium space in three separate buildings, which basically overlook the right field fence of Whataburger Field. Phase II would be another 40,000 square feet in one building. The idea of the plan is to stimulate activity in the area, much how Whataburger Field has already done.

"I think anything that's people friendly, that brings more pedestrians into the waterfront is a big plus for the entire city, not just the Port of Corpus Christi," said port chairman Ruben Bonilla.

Organizers thinks the project will capitalize on the success of Whataburger Field, with nearly 5,000 cars coming through the area some nights for a Hooks game - restaurants could flourish. By the way, the hotel planned for that area is still in the works.

As for a time table on the project, that will depend on the pre sale of the units inside those buildings, so basically a quicker response, will mean a quicker ground breaking.

[Boris]

Here's a couple of other projects for Corpus:

___________________________________________


Developer shares Padre Island plans with residents
April 14, 2006 05:35 PM CDT

PADRE ISLAND - The developer who plans to build a world class resort next to Packery Channel shared some of the plans with residents who live on Padre Island.

The sketches shown to island residents on Thursday represent somewhere between $400 million and $1.3 billion of Padre Island Development. The northern end will be called "The Village at North Padre Island" Complete with a world class hotel, which could stand 10 stories high, along with numerous condos and shops.

On the south end, you'll find "Beach Walk Village" with about 400 beach houses, a small hotel and more stores and restaurants. A boardwalk connects the entire project, but don't expect to find your typical restaurants.

"We think it's much more interesting to have people run them that you know and when you come back next year you remember you visited with them the year before. We very much believe in local content," said Gulf Shores Venture developer Paul Schexnailder.

The developer said a beach free of cars was necessary. Now a petition drive is trying to get the cars back on the beach.

"This resort is not gonna go in, at the quality that we have planned, nor the scale we have planned if the beach does not become pedestrian resort quality," he said. Developers said opposition is not a deal breaker, "I think it's an issue that been alive for a long time in the community and I'm not surprised at it. Everybody has difference of opinion, that's part of where we live, the country we live in, I don't think it's unique to Corpus Christi." What would be unique is the type of resort never before seen here in Corpus Christi.

There's been speculation that a company called Intrawest will manage the resort. While Schexnailder didn't confirm that, he did say anyone interested in the company's track record could check out it's Web site Intrawest.com. The company currently runs resorts in places like Aspen, Colorado, Orlando, Florida and Napa Valley, California.

http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4769436&nav=menu192_2


http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4769436_BG5.jpg

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4769436_BG3.jpg

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4769436_BG4.jpg

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4769436_BG5.jpg

________________________________________

BOARDWALK BY THE BAY

CORPUS CHRISTI (Caller.com) – A major amusement park called Boardwalk by the Bay is coming to Shoreline Drive on Corpus Christi Bay. The Corpus Christi City Council selected TRT Holdings to redevelop the dilapidated Municipal Coliseum, and company officials are in ongoing negotiations with the city about the details. The outdated coliseum will likely be razed for parking for the amusement park.

TRT Holdings is owned by multibillionaire Robert Rowling, a former Corpus Christi resident who owns 550 Gold’s Gym health clubs; Waldo’s, a dollar store chain in Mexico; and 40 Omni Hotels.

Preliminary plans call for a carousel, game arcade, bumper cars, go-cart racing, miniature golf, an entertainment venue, rolling chair swing, spinning coaster and boutique retail shops. A controversial 100-foot Ferris wheel is also part of the plan.

TRT has no experience in developing amusement parks, so it has contracted with Minick Associates and William L. Haralson Inc., both of which have experience in the field.

TRT Vice President Michael Smith says the development is part strategy and part hometown loyalty for Robert Rowling. The strategy is to entice tourists to downtown, where TRT owns 22 percent of the surface area of the Downtown Management District including two Omni hotels.

http://www.minickassociates.com/images/news.jpg

http://www.minickassociates.com/images/P5_popup13.gif

____________________________________

Here are images of the Cotton Yard project:

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4817616_BG2.jpg

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4817616_BG3.jpg

http://kris.images.worldnow.com/images/4817616_BG4.jpg
____________________________________

[KevinFromTexas]

Troy, can you switch the Azul Island Loft Condominiums to under construction in NIKKI's thread? Or NIKKI, can you do that?

Also the Ocean Towers SPI should be listed as under construction now for this thread.


Some encouraging news there in Corpus Christi also. Although I'm not sure about that amusement park at the coliseum location. I don't know. The article mentions a hotel also, I had heard something about that. Possibly a new convention center hotel. That's been a while though, like 2 years ago.

Does anyone know the exact location for that 10-story hotel in Corpus Christi, "The Village at North Padre Island". Is that actually in Corpus Christi, in a suburb?


By the way, I've sent some emails to try and get more information about the Ocean and Island Grove Condominiums. The Ocean Grove Condominiums is being designed by Morgan Spear Associates. They're the firm that designed the Shoreline Plaza Towers in Corpus Christi.

Check Emporis, I've updated these building's pages.

[CTroyMathis]

^ First post of thread is updated now.

[kazpmk]

Has actual foundation work begun for Ocean Tower SPI?

[Tiger Beer]

great pictures! great region to focus on as well.

been to other similar forums/websites.. but this one actually has posters who know a bit about this area.

i've been in curious in Corpus for awhile now.. and from these pictures.. I gotta say I'm even more curious about San Padre Island!

[KevinFromTexas]

I gotta say I'm even more curious about San Padre Island!

^ That's South Padre Island. And actually South Padre Island is referring to the town of South Padre Island, Texas. The island itself is called just "Padre Island".

However, Corpus Christi isn't on Padre Island, it's on the mainland. Padre Island is a barrier island less than a mile offshore. And Padre Island is actually located about 50 miles down the coast from Corpus Christi. The nearest islands to Corpus Christi are Mustang Island, (this is where Port Aransas is located), and San Jose Island which is undeveloped and is privately owned.

Map of the Texas Gulf Coast. Padre Island isn't listed, but it lies south of Corpus Christi and stretches all the way to Mexico.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/gulf_coast/

Another map, this one doesn't show Mustang Island.
http://www.texasoutside.com/images/maps/bwbigcoastal.GIF

The area about 50 miles down the coast from Corpus Christi is one of the most remote and natural areas of the state. This is where Padre Island National Seashore is located. It starts in Kleberg County about 10 miles down coast from Corpus Christi and runs for about 100 miles along the coast in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties. There's over 300 bird species located here. Corpus Christi is located in Nueces County, south of there is Kleberg County, and south of there is Kenedy County. Kenedy County is the least populated county in the state with something like 300 people living in a 1,000 square mile county There's only 3 towns in the whole county. The beaches there are beautiful and wild. You can walk the beaches there for literally hours and not see another person. Kenedy County only has one highway going through and and no roads lead to the beach. Instead you have to take a ferry there which drops you off. The ferry only comes and goes every 48 hours.

Googled Padre Island National Seashore pictures. Have a look:
http://images.google.com/images?q=Padre+Island+National+Seashore&btnG=Search&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=

[BrownsvilleTx]

Has actual foundation work begun for Ocean Tower SPI?




Yup. The foundation is being laid as we speak.

[KevinFromTexas]

Here's a couple of other projects for Corpus:

BOARDWALK BY THE BAY

CORPUS CHRISTI (Caller.com) – A major amusement park called Boardwalk by the Bay is coming to Shoreline Drive on Corpus Christi Bay. The Corpus Christi City Council selected TRT Holdings to redevelop the dilapidated Municipal Coliseum, and company officials are in ongoing negotiations with the city about the details. The outdated coliseum will likely be razed for parking for the amusement park.

TRT Holdings is owned by multibillionaire Robert Rowling, a former Corpus Christi resident who owns 550 Gold’s Gym health clubs; Waldo’s, a dollar store chain in Mexico; and 40 Omni Hotels.

Preliminary plans call for a carousel, game arcade, bumper cars, go-cart racing, miniature golf, an entertainment venue, rolling chair swing, spinning coaster and boutique retail shops. A controversial 100-foot Ferris wheel is also part of the plan.

TRT has no experience in developing amusement parks, so it has contracted with Minick Associates and William L. Haralson Inc., both of which have experience in the field.

TRT Vice President Michael Smith says the development is part strategy and part hometown loyalty for Robert Rowling. The strategy is to entice tourists to downtown, where TRT owns 22 percent of the surface area of the Downtown Management District including two Omni hotels.

http://www.minickassociates.com/images/news.jpg





This picture shows the City Coliseum which is where the amusement park is planned for. If it's anything like the one we had in Austin then it had holes in the roof and most certainly did have leaks...I've been in there but it's been a long time.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h11/ElmoPancakes/53f2bd3e.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I found a new rendering for The Sapphire, a 30-story condo planned for South Padre Island.

Very nice design here. These are destined to be the tallest in South Padre Island, Texas.

I found this rendering at Ziegler Cooper Architects' website, the firm designing the tower.

Link to their site, with rendering and info on the project.
http://www.zieglercooper.com/sapphire.htm

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20renderings/SouthPadreIslandTheSapphirerenderin.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

More news about development in South Padre Island, Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. More highrises? $3 billion worth.

From GlobeSt.com
http://www.globest.com/retail/news/southwest/20003-1.html

Developers Plan $3B Gulf Coast Projects
By Amy Wolff Sorter
Last updated: May 22, 2006 07:33am

PORT ARANSAS, TX-Two Sunbelt developers have joined forces to acquire 1,226 acres of undeveloped property on the Texas Gulf Coast. The build-out plan has an all-in development cost of $3 billion and will take 20 years to complete.

ZOL Development of Houston has picked up 672 acres on South Padre Island for the Renace and 554 acres in Port Aransas and Mustang Island for the Deseo. The development partnership is made up of Fred Zohouri of Atlanta and Jose Lora, a Houston-based real estate executive making his first investment in Texas. ZOL also is working a development in Florida.

ZOL Development of Houston will open a sales center in the near term in the area although both mixed-use communities, with high-density retail components, are still in the planning phases. Morris Architects of Houston is crafting the designs.

Connie Dando, marketing director for ZOL Development, says Deseo's first phase of residential development will break ground this year while the South Padre-Mustang Island development is still in the initial stages. "We're already starting on preliminaries on South Padre," she adds. The amount of retail space and mix of the residential density have not yet been determined for either site.

Zol Development, the firm mentioned in in that article.
http://www.zoldevelopment.com/


From Businesswire.com
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060518005496&newsLang=en

ZOL Development Purchases Two Undeveloped Parcels Totaling Over 1,200 Acres of Pristine Waterfront Property on the South Texas Coast; Plans Announced for Separate Master Planned Communities on Each Site

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2006--Houston-based ZOL Development today announced the purchase of two parcels totaling over 1,200 acres of prime, undeveloped waterfront property on the Texas Gulf Coast.

One of the sites, totaling 554 acres, is located throughout several parcels of land in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi on Mustang Island, and features miles of waterfront land.

The second site, totaling 672 acres is a contiguous parcel of land located on the northern tip of South Padre Island and features miles of beach and bayfront.

The purchase makes ZOL Development, a partnership between Atlanta-based developer Fred Zohouri and long-time real estate industry executive Jose Lora, one of the largest landowners of Texas waterfront property.

ZOL will develop two separate, large-scale master-planned residential communities called Renace and Deseo which will be complete with town centers, offering retail shops, services and restaurants. The two communities will be developed simultaneously, and exceed $9 billion in total sell-out.

Renace, on South Padre Island, is a contiguous parcel and will incorporate high-rise, mid-rise and cabana type homes. Long recognized as one of the world's premier beach destinations with lush unspoiled dunes, South Padre Island lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, near Brownsville about 30 miles north of the Mexican border. The carefully-selected variety of residences will enrich the overall environment, with a special focus on maintaining the area's acclaimed natural beauty.

Deseo, located on land in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi, on Mustang Island, encompasses a number of separate parcels, and will offer just as broad a variety of residential designs and complete set of community amenities, clustered around a mixed-use town center. Deseo's location on parcels of undeveloped waterfront throughout the renown Gulf Coast, is sure to establish it as one of the nation's most desirable coastal communities.

In both Renace and Deseo, the options for residential living are numerous. Owners may choose from several types of condominium residences located throughout each development. Single-family home buyers can purchase a home site and have the option of choosing from a portfolio of custom designed homes or selecting their own design team from ZOL's list of approved architects and builders.

"We expect to move ahead very quickly with our development plans for both of these exceptional communities on the Gulf of Mexico," said Jose Lora, president of the Houston-based development company. "There is no doubt that both of these master-planned communities will further the concept of 'North America's third coast,' providing a unique coastal living experience."

Lora further adds: "With the economies of scale we will generate developing such substantial developments simultaneously, we are confident that our price points will be extremely competitive when compared with similar Gulf Coast communities from Florida to Texas. Deseo and Renace will simply offer the same lifestyle, for less."

ZOL is opening a sales center in Houston this coming June, as well as on-site centers at both Renace and Deseo this Fall. For more information visit http://www.zoldevelopment.com.

About ZOL Development

Houston-based ZOL Development is a leading developer of coastal communities along Florida's panhandle and North America's Gulf of Mexico, known as the 'emerging third coast,' where they are one of the largest owners of gulf-front land in Texas. ZOL Development's portfolio of master-planned communities currently includes Deseo on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, Renace on South Padre Island and Aquatera at South Walton Beach in Florida's Panhandle. The principals of ZOL have decades of experience within the real estate arena developing projects throughout Texas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Mexico. Their expertise includes new residential communities, condominium conversions, commercial office space, raw land and resort developments. For additional information on ZOL Development please visit http://www.zoldevelopment.com.

[OfCourse]

Los Corales @ The Shores of South Padre Island
South Padre Island, Tx

According to the developer's site http://www.pagadesarrollos.com/, construction started on May 1, 2006.

http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/LosCoralesCondominiums.jpg
http://www.alicedonahue.com/LosCorales.aspx

[JAM]

BTW, I think the USA Highrise Construction list. (295ft+, and construction began in 2006), might be in error with Endeavour. It says Pasadena, TX. But I'm pretty sure that is Seabrook.

[KevinFromTexas]

Thanks Ofcourse, I'll get them added to the databases.

[OfCourse]

I just found this. This is one of the failed original renderings for Los Corales. I don't like the barf salmon color or the East side part, but I like the height and the penthouses at the top. Which do you all like better - the design that is going to be built or this failed rendering? Just wondering.

http://www.loscoralesspi.com/index.htm

http://www.loscoralesspi.com/west-bay-street-elevation.jpg
http://www.loscoralesspi.com/East-Beach-Gulf-Elevation.jpg

[OfCourse]

These two will certainly stand out considering they are far away from most everything on the Island.

http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/LosCoralesCondominiums.jpg
http://www.loscoralesspi.com/Las-Dunas---Los-Corales.pdf.jpg
http://www.loscoralesspi.com/Map.htm

[KevinFromTexas]

Well, heightwise definitely the first proposal. It looks like they revised their proposal quite a bit. I'm thinking I like the original design more. BUT, I think the new design fits in better with South Padre Island's skyline. The old design though, wow, 27 floors. That would look good in Houston or Dallas, even Galveston depending on the location.

[Boris]

Very cool info, Ofc.

But Kevin, I have to disagree with you. Though the original buildings were much taller, I think there design was horrendous.

[Shasta]

Pointe West Condos and Beach Club

The first phase is now open on the far West end of Galveston Island. Here's a look...
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/58/hr1728058-8.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/58/hr1728058-9.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/58/hr1728058-10.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/58/hr1728058-1.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/83/hr1574483-18.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/63/hr1620063-2.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/50/hr1584950-18.jpg

[NIKKI]

Downtown Beaux Art Building
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8725/ui90vh3.jpg
Regatta Galveston Towers
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/9374/dddzr4.jpg
Diamond Beach Galveston
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5323/fgxbfgcz4.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4439/cgyjkdyhhz6.jpg

[OfCourse]

^^^ Wow, they're all nice. SPI should take some notes.

[Mopacs]

Thought you guys might find this of interest. The following are articles appearing in this morning's Austin American-Statesman about the hot Texas Gulf Coast real eastate market, particularly Galveston and Port Aransas:

First Article, Galveston:

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/07/22coastal.html

Growth wave hits Galveston

Signs of transformation mingle with small-town charms in coastal community.

By Shonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Saturday, July 22, 2006

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/09/22/44/image_4644229.jpg
The twin 27-story towers of the Palisades Palms condominium project rise above Galveston's East Beach. How hot is the market here on the Gulf Coast? Of the project's 288 condos, 237 already are sold.


GALVESTON — It's all still there.

Institutions such as Gaido's, serving fresh seafood since 1911. Timeworn hotels. Oceanfront beachwear stores and tackle shops. Stately historic mansions. Balmy brown saltwater and the sense of calm that comes as the Gulf of Mexico announces itself and the rest of Texas disappears behind the causeway into town.

Galveston retains much of its old character and charm, just as it has for decades.

But there are jarring signs that a transformation is under way in this coastal city of 60,000 southeast of Houston.

Two giant cranes — not the avian variety — soar over the island's eastern end, where twin luxury condominium high-rises are under way.
Signs hawking $500,000 residences are posted on the Mayflower Inn, which will be razed to make way for the luxury Tuscany Beachfront Condominiums on Seawall Boulevard. Elsewhere along the eastern seawall, Emerald By the Sea is rising, a 15-story condominium with units called Topaz, Diamond, Princess, Sapphire and Ruby.

On the west end of the city, the lime-green-and-white 10-story Ocean Grove Condominiums urge prospective buyers to call 1-866-SEE-GULF. Developers are charting a new course for Galveston, one that is bringing high-rises, new businesses, more residents and new challenges for city leaders. The surge of new development is ushering in new businesses, including chain restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Mexico such as Chili's, Saltgrass Steak House and soon, a Hooters.

Residential development, propelled by an aging population looking for retirement, second-home and resort properties near saltwater, is also booming: An additional 9,500 residential units are expected to be built here by 2014.

"Islandwide, we have not seen this rate and growth of development since post 1900," said Alicia Foyt, public information officer for the City of Galveston, referring to what locals call the "Great Storm" — the hurricane that destroyed many of the homes and killed more than 6,000 people at the turn of the century.

Last year, the city issued building permits for new residential and commercial construction valued at $2.5 billion. During the first five months of this year, the value more than doubled, with $5.3 billion worth of new construction permitted.

Brandon Wade, Galveston's assistant city manager, said the city is prepared to meet this growth head-on.

"We have been working diligently since 1996 to prepare for potential development on the island," Wade said. "Major expansions of our water system and sewer system have been necessary in order to address the demands today. Had we not started 10 years ago to expand our infrastructure, we would not have been able to keep up with the explosive development."

The city completed about $25 million in water and sewer improvements, Wade said. The city is now implementing a $30 million water and sewer bond program, and plans to begin charging developers and customers fees for new water and sewer taps to offset the cost of expanding city services.

"We have approximately $125 million in additional infrastructure needs on the five- to 10-year horizon," Wade said. "It is a very busy time for all of us at the City of Galveston."

The signs of what's to come aren't hard to miss.

Of the more than a dozen mid- and high-rise projects being built or planned, the highest-profile are the twin 27-story condo towers, Palisade Palms, under construction on the far east end of the island.

Other than an adjacent 14-story project, the Palisade Palms being developed by Houston-based Falcon Group is on a part of the island that has remained largely undeveloped — until now. It is the first residential project on East Beach since the 1980s, but it's not likely to be the last.

Falcon Group has purchased adjacent acreage for future projects, including more residential towers.
Of Palisade Palms' 288 condos, 237 already are sold, with Texans snapping up more than half of those units.

One of those is Austin software engineer Tai Ly, who is buying a $700,000 condominium on the 24th floor of one tower. He and his family moved to Central Texas from San Jose, Calif., two years ago and plan to use the condo as a summer getaway. Like many buyers, Ly views his Palisades condo as an investment. He settled on Galveston after ruling out overheated markets in Florida and Hawaii.

"Galveston right now is the best deal I can find," Ly said. He expects the condo's value to climb by $300,000 in the next five years.
Many areas along the East and West Coasts have seen sharp run-ups in property values and home sale prices.

As a result, many home buyers are looking at alternative locations, such as Galveston, said Arnold Tauch, Falcon Group's president and chief executive, in a Houston Business Journal article last year.
Jim Gaines, a research economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, confirmed the trend.

"If you want to buy anywhere up or down the East or West coasts, the market is extremely expensive, much more expensive than the Gulf Coast," Gaines said. "We're hearing that people from the East and West coasts are discovering the Third Coast because it's the only coast that has 'affordable' prices."

The remaining units in Palisade Palms range in price from $430,000 to $1.6 million, with the average unit selling for about $425 a square foot. By comparison, Falcon Group officials say, residential towers in Miami are selling for $1,200 to $1,500 a square foot.

Ly opted for a unit in a high-rise, seeing it as less vulnerable than a house during a hurricane, although he said he's not overly concerned about the storm threat. "We lived in California for 12 years, and you don't know when an earthquake will strike," Ly said. "A hurricane is a very manageable risk."

For longtime residents, the surge in development is a double-edged sword.
"There's a lot of construction, new buildings, new people moving in," said Mercedes Cortez, who was born on the island in 1940. "That's good for the economy."
But like many sizzling real estate markets across the country, property taxes in Galveston are rising along with home prices.

In 2001, Galveston's median home sales price was $115,750. So far this year, the median stands at $186,750, according to the Galveston Association of Realtors.

The 65-year-old Cortez said she pays nearly $3,200 a year in property taxes, up 42 percent since 2001; another resident said his property taxes have doubled in the past seven years.

"It's just staggering," said Cortez, who is on a fixed income. "If this house wasn't paid for, I don't think I could afford to live here." Driving along her tree-canopied street in Galveston's desirable and nationally recognized East End Historic District, Cortez points out several houses that Houston residents have purchased as second homes. On a nearby street, six houses are for sale with prices from $425,000 to $475,000.

Like her neighbors, Cortez also has thought about selling her home, one of the few left standing after the 1900 hurricane. But, so far, she always has reconsidered.

"I love my house," said Cortez, who inherited the home from her parents. "That house has seen and held a lot of people, a lot of memories."
The growth also has a negative effect on the environment, said Bob Stokes, president of the Galveston Bay Foundation, a nonprofit conservation group.

"Habitat loss, from wetlands to coastal prairie to uplands, is already the biggest issue facing Galveston Bay," Stokes said. "It really impacts all the bird and fish species that live on and around Galveston Island. Basically they're losing places to live."

Conservation groups have been working to acquire some large tracts to preserve as parks or open space, but skyrocketing property values have made this a difficult proposition, Stokes said.
For Steven Creitz, who lived in Austin for 23 years before moving to Galveston in 2003, the city today is what Austin was like in 1981.

"Galveston is a really cool place — it's hip, it's got it going on," Creitz said. "It's Texas' best-kept secret that everybody is finding out about now." Creitz is spending about $60,000 to renovate a 750-square-foot house in the East End Historic District. He paid $70,000 for the 136-year-old home in August 2005, buying it from owners who paid about $20,000 five years ago. He expects the house to triple in value in the next four years.

Like many locals, resident Nina McKenzie, 21, hopes Galveston's building boom doesn't ruin the city's edgy character and supplant its local hole-in-the-walls with an overabundance of national chains.

"I hope it stays raw," she said. "We like the brown sand and the murky water. Even though it isn't perfect, it's still home."

[Mopacs]

Next Article, Port Aransas and Mustang Island:

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/07/22mustang.html

Mustang Island braces for a wave of retirees

Fishing villages, birding centers will make way for condos, golf courses.

By Rich Oppel
AMERICAN-STATESMAN EDITOR
Saturday, July 22, 2006

PORT ARANSAS — Alan and Kim Fon of Round Rock so loved being near the Gulf that in 2000 they bought a second home in Island Moorings, a yacht club and marina community on the southern end of Port Aransas.
But when Alan, an executive with Dell Inc., was transferred to Atlanta, the couple had to sell the house.

When it seemed as if they would return to Texas last year, they began looking at lakefront properties in Central Texas.
Then Kim Fon received an e-mail from a Port Aransas friend: "Don't know if you'd be interested, but your old home here is about to go on the market."
The next morning, Kim was on a plane. They are now retired — he's 50, she's 49 — and living full time in Port Aransas.

"I really didn't look at this as retirement," he said. "I looked at this as an opportunity to do what I want to do next. I see it more as a transitory place."

The Fons are among the early arrivals in a wave of baby boomers and early retirees expected to transform Mustang Island and its environs from historic fishing villages and birding centers into retirement communities, golf resorts and condominium towers.

Port Aransas anchors the north end of the 18-mile-long Mustang Island, a barrier island near Corpus Christi.
Growth and the expectation of growth are driving up real estate prices along the glistening quartz sand beaches.

While growth brings jobs, it is starting to overwhelm the village's storm sewers and clog the roads — locals joke that making a left turn in this three-light town has become an unforgivable sin. Environmentalists warn that the growth threatens the island's delicate balance.

Along Texas 361 south of Island Moorings, a golf resort called Newport is being developed by Sunny Castor of Port Aransas and Craig Millard, retired president of Merrill Lynch Real Estate. They are partners in Texas Gulf & Land Harbor Ltd.

Their plans include hotels, a marina, an Arnold Palmer golf course and 4,000 residential units. Condominiums will be offered from $400,000 to $1 million, houses from $500,000 to "millions," said Millard, who lives in Palm Beach, Fla.

He hears the boomers' footsteps.
"I saw a recent report that 78 million baby boomers are about to retire, and 71 percent want to live near salt water," he said. "For the first couple of years, this land will be affordable by coastal standards. That will not last."

On each day in 2006, 7,918 people will turn 60, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their average household income ranges from $56,500 for those born between 1956 and 1964, to $58,889 for those born from 1946 to 1955, according to Met Life.
The growth on Mustang Island already is putting pressure on residents like 28-year-old Christina Williams, a front-desk supervisor at an older condominium in Port Aransas.

She and her longtime boyfriend, who runs a lawn service, share a house in downtown Port Aransas. The house was valued by tax officials at $64,000 in 2003. They have just received a preliminary 2006 valuation of $129,081.
Can they afford to stay? "Probably not in the next 10 years, not on the pay we get," she said.

Among many in the service and construction industries, there is fear that rising prices will force them off the island. That's why Williams was pleased when Claude Brown was elected mayor May 15. The 48-year-old Brown is the son of a cowboy who herded cattle in the prairie grasses of Mustang Island.

Brown is a suntanned and sturdy man with penetrating blue eyes. He works as a commercial diver, welder and maker of boat trailers and served on the City Council before he ousted the incumbent mayor.
"It's to the point now where working people can't afford to be here," Brown said. "I tried to make (the issue) real shiny for City Council: If you make $10 an hour and pay $1,600 a month for a place to live and utilities, there's nothing left to eat on or drive in."


Growing prosperity


Prosperity abounds in Port Aransas. Restaurants such as the Venetian Hot Plate charge up to $32.95 an entree. Pre-construction contracts on condos where rickety boat sheds once stood are being purchased for up to $1 million.

Despite this growing prosperity, the town and surrounding coastal areas retain evidence of their working-class roots. Rusting trailers can be found in the center of town, and most mornings supply boats rumble out to oil rigs in the Gulf with replacement workers and gear.
Tattooed and tanned men and women still snooze in pickups parked alongside pop-up tents on the beach.

Yet development pressures are increasing, in part because Mustang Island offers one of the few stretches along the Gulf Coast open to development.
Texas has a coastline of 375 miles. As of 2003, 56 miles were developed and 26 miles, much of it on Mustang Island, were available for development, according to State Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.

National seashore land, wildlife refuges and parks make up 143 miles, and the remaining 150 miles is considered "coastal barrier resource" lands that won't be developed because they are not eligible for federally subsidized insurance.
Because of this, Port Aransas is "absolutely exploding," said Ann Vaughan, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. This in turn is driving up housing prices.

Between 1995 and 2005, the price of the average house lot increased more than 600 percent, from $19,264 to $141,991. At the same time, the average sales price for houses increased more than 200 percent, from $109,321 to $354,110, while prices for condos increased more than 160 percent from $75,303 to $199,296. The rental rate for two-bedroom beach condos now averages $250-$350 a night, says Bud Baker, general manager of The Dunes Condominiums. He predicts that rates will rise 2 percent to 3 percent per year.

Port Aransas is connected to the mainland by six Texas Department of Transportation ferries. The free trip takes three minutes, but during peak commuting times lines can stretch for two miles, with the wait taking an hour, said Mayor Brown said.

Said Vaughan: "It scares me when I think of the service personnel it will take to accommodate the growth. Right now, merchants are at their wit's end" because it is so difficult to hire people.


Ecosystem affected


How all of this affects the delicate balance of the barrier island's ecosystem concerns Tony Amos. A research fellow at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Amos has surveyed a 7.5-mile stretch of beach about once every two days for 29 years. His findings are mixed.

Great blue herons are down. Piping plovers are relatively stable. People are up. Way up. Milk jugs are down, but plastic bottles are up.
Cars are down because, said Amos, "the condo is becoming the main method of access" to the beach.

The people this development attracts do not always understand the consequences of their behavior on the island's wildlife, Amos said.
They let their dogs chase the plovers and feed Cheetos to the laughing gulls. They complain that the sargasso weed, which piles up along the beach, stinks and impedes their walk to the water's edge.
So city and county officials respond by sending front-end loaders to scoop the grass and pile it atop dunes.

Long term, that's a problem, Amos contends. The grass captures sand while on the flat beach, and provides nutrients for birds. Plowing back the grass changes the character of the dunes, a defense line against storms. The weed and sand might bury turtle nests.
"I believe it will decrease the natural diversity of life on the beach," Amos said.

As for those big developments, "the coastal prairie is about to disappear," he added. "Some people think it looks better landscaped."
City Manager Michael Kovacs, 33, said he is working to balance growth amid the influx of new residents. Expanding the city's storm sewer system is a priority. On one recent day when the city was drenched by 4 inches of rain, water stood axle-deep in many streets.

Some streets, sewers and other infrastructure will be built over time. But don't expect suburban-like amenities: Environmental considerations limit the island's ability to install infrastructure.

Yet that isn't stopping the influx of new residents and developers.
"We've been found," Kovacs said. "We have national developers really interested in doing something here."


Rich Oppel has been visiting the Texas coast for more than a decade and recently purchased a condo at Port Aransas.

[KevinFromTexas]

I have mixed feelings about the growth in Port Aransas. Call me a nimby if you must. I love that place and would hate to see it change and hustle and bustle. My family has been going down there for over 35 years going fishing and going to the beach. Now, the skyscraper geek in me says yes, build some, while at the sametime I'd hate to see it change much. I love the place. Outside of Austin I feel most at home in Port Aransas. I love the slow paced atmosphere and laid back feel of the place.

[Zerton]

^Yeah, like the rest of the US coast isn't polluted yet people swim and live near the sea. But I don't hear you complaining about the other coastlines!

How bout the air you breathe where you live, full of particulates from all the pollution from the northern part of the country, especially when the wind blows south. From all the industries, power plants, etc. You may not see it but it's there.

I really think your comment was off base here. Stick to the thread next time.

How the hell was that off topic? We're talking about shore development in Texas. I think the texas coasts environment is extremely relevent.

Plano air sucks... That doesn't change my previous opinion at all. Now that's 'off base'.

____________

anyway nice stuff.

[NIKKI]

This project will occupy prime Seawall Boulevard property and overlook the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Containing 250 units of varying square footages and types, the project will also incorporate amenities such as separate adult and child pools, an exercise/fitness center, spa and theater facility. A planned Phase Two will add 100 additional units to the site.

Seahorse Condos - Galveston

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/5624/sskz5.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/113/ss3zq2.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4066/ss2of7.jpg

[NIKKI]

WesternGulf

Beachtown Galveston

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6910/agn5.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9522/aakv8.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5060/aa2jw8.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5765/aa3la4.jpg

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/8623/aa4hx6.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9108/aa7gw3.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7125/aa9ef2.jpg

[OfCourse]

Wow, this is pretty!


The 500-unit high-rise condominium near Mustang Island State Park will be called Maravilla Del Mar, said Pat Walters, managing partner of Mustang Island Investment, LLC, a group of Wisconsin mortgage brokers who are the developers on the project. Plans call for the development to include three buildings, each more than 30 stories high.

......

As envisioned, Maravilla Del Mar will consist of three buildings on about 23 acres of land just north of Mustang Island State Park, Underbrink said. The tallest building is expected to be 34 to 36 stories high, and the buildings on each side of that structure will be 32 to 34 stories. That would make all three buildings higher than any building in Corpus Christi or the surrounding area.
http://corpuschristi-portaransas.alicedonahue.com/RealEstate/NewConstruction/tabid/125/ctl/ArticleView/mid/708/articleId/23/Maravilla-del-Mar.aspx
http://corpuschristi-portaransas.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Maravilla_Front%20view.jpg
http://corpuschristi-portaransas.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Maravilla_Back%20View.jpg

[OfCourse]

http://www.portasouthjetty.com/news/2006/1109/Front_Page/006p1_xlg.jpg


Development to change skyline
Proposed Mustang Island resort boasts tallest structures in area
BY DAN PARKER SOUTH JETTY REPORTER

An architectural rendering of a high-rise condominium complex being planned for property just north of Mustang Island State Park. The sketch says "42+ main structure," but that is outdated information, according to David Underbrink, the project engineer. Also, the buildings don't look like they're more than 12 stories high, the way they're drawn in the sketch. Underbrink said developers expect the main building to be 34 to 36 stories high and the buildings on each side to be 32 to 34 stories high, Underbrink said. That still would make them the tallest buildings in the Coastal Bend. The tallest building at One Shoreline Plaza in Corpus Christi is 28 stories high.
Developers are planning to build the three tallest buildings in the entire Coastal Bend on Mustang Island.

The 500-unit high-rise condominium near Mustang Island State Park will be called Maravilla Del Mar, said Pat Walters, managing partner of Mustang Island Investment, LLC, a group of Wisconsin mortgage brokers who are the developers on the project. Plans call for the development to include three buildings, each more than 30 stories high.

David Underbrink, the project engineer, said the developers "are not interested in a total ban for traffic" on the beach in front of the development. The developers will seek to have bollards installed to limit traffic to an area near the dunes in the same style as beaches in Port Aransas, said Underbrink, who is with Naismith Engineering in Corpus Christi.

Walters, too, said he wants to see some sort of traffic control including some no-parking areas. But, he said, "we have no intentions of requesting a (vehicle) ban."

The development has a Web site: www.maravilladelmar.com. On one page of the site, it says:

"Reserve the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets that one can imagine at your own condominium resort on Mustang Island. Miles of gorgeous, private beach frontage and incredible panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico await you."

Asked if the Maravilla Del Mar really will seek to make the adjacent beach "private," with only condominium owners and their guests allowed, Walters said the development will not do that.

Walters said the word "private" was "probably a typo, to be honest, or a misinterpretation by our marketing firm." He said he would have the word "private" removed from the Web page.

As envisioned, Maravilla Del Mar will consist of three buildings on about 23 acres of land just north of Mustang Island State Park, Underbrink said. The tallest building is expected to be 34 to 36 stories high, and the buildings on each side of that structure will be 32 to 34 stories, he said. That would make all three buildings higher than any building in Corpus Christi or the surrounding area, Underbrink said.

The tallest building at One Shoreline Plaza, which dominates the Corpus Christi skyline, is 28 stories.

"The reason (Maravilla Del Mar) is going up is, they're also including a lot of amenities outdoors that take up space, so they had to build up in order to allow that," Underbrink said. "They have three different swimming pools, one has a (large) slide for the kids, there's a big deck that goes along with those pools, places where you can sit outside and eat.

"This is a five-star resort, and it's meant to be a place where people can go, and they don't have to leave while they're there," Underbrink said. "Everything will be provided for them. There'll be spas, exercise rooms, restaurants, little shops where you can buy groceries, corner store-type shops."

Developers still must obtain a dune permit from the county and a building permit from the city, according to county and city officials.

The developer is seeking a building permit from the city of Corpus Christi because the development is planned for a portion of Mustang Island that is inside the Corpus Christi city limits.

Underbrink said the developers "are in the feasibility portion of the project. They are trying to make sure there are not bugaboos, no fatal flaws that will prevent them from developing. They're looking at permitting, how they can use the land, any constraints to that usage."

The developers are expected to close on the property in December,

Underbrink said. Walters confirmed that but would not say who the seller is other than to say the owner is from the Corpus Christi area.

Construction likely will begin in mid-2007, Underbrink said. Project officials hope to open the development for business in summer 2009, but sales of condo units might take place before that.

The development will include one- two- and three-bedroom condominiums. Total value: About $350 million, Underbrink said.

Asked how much the condominiums might cost, Walters said market studies have shown one-bedroom units could be "in the $400,000 range" and penthouses about $1.5 million.

Walters said plans for the development are much more than just talk.

"We have been in discussions with a number of very large national developers to work with to build this project," Walters said. "We have spent about a year and a half so far researching, getting approvals in place, invested a large amount of money, and we are very confident this structure will be built."

Underbrink said the dredging of Packery Channel was not the lynchpin for the decision to go forward with the project.

"The prices in Florida have gotten so high that the land and the cost to build (in the Coastal Bend) is much more reasonable, and I think that is what has brought people to this coast," Underbrink said. "Packery just happened to line up in the same time frame."

The Nueces County Commissioners Court is scheduled to consider a dune permit for the development during the court's regular meeting scheduled for Nov. 15.

Asked about his opinion of the planned Maravilla Del Mar, Commissioner Chuck Cazalas said, "I am hopeful that a reasoned development will occur on the island without developing into a Miami Beach or unduly disturbing wildlife habitat." Cazalas represents Precinct 4, which includes Port Aransas and the area where Maravilla Del Mar is planned.

Asked whether he thinks Maravilla Del Mar will be good or bad for Mustang Island, Cazalas said, "I think it's a huge development, and it will have an impact."

Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 met with the developer earlier this year, said Mary Moss, district manager of the agency. The district has ample water and sewer services for the development, Moss said.

Walters said Mustang Island represents "a golden opportunity" for his development group.

"We've looked at a large number of projects," Walters said. "We've done a market study, and we specifically test marketed local to Texas and did some national surveys and received a very warm response to the project."http://www.portasouthjetty.com/news/2006/1109/Front_Page/006.html

[KevinFromTexas]

^ That project is going to be amazing. If it really will be the tallest along the Texas coast, we're talking about it being over 470 feet tall then. Currently Corpus Christi has the tallest at 411 feet with 28 floors. South Padre Island is currently building a new tallest that will be 470 feet with 25 floors. These will easily show up in view from across the bay in Downtown Corpus Christi.

Thanks for that article, OfCourse.


EDIT: So these will actually be inside the Corpus Christi city limits?

[OfCourse]

I'm not sure...I was looking it up and the property has a Port Aransas address...but the article says they had to get permits from CC b/c the part of Mustang Island the development will be on is inside CC city limits. Hmmm!

[Boris]

Looks like this project will be a go:

____________________________

Mustang resort gets approval
High-rise construction could begin this summer

By Jaime Powell Caller-Times
December 13, 2006


Mustang Island's first skyscraper - a $350 million resort development - will move forward after Nueces County Commissioners voted Tuesday to grant a permit necessary for construction on the condition that the city address questions about the project from the General Land Office.

The 35-story, 500-unit resort will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom condos for an estimated $750,000 or more and will include tennis courts, a children's water park, health spa, boardwalk to the beach and multi-level covered parking.

http://www.caller.com/ccct/local_news/article/0,1641,CCCT_811_5210540,00.html

[KevinFromTexas]

I'd say if Corpus Christi's city council is voting on it, then it will be within Corpus Christi. Interesting, that means a new tallest for the city, even though it's not downtown. Imagine the views of that thing from across the bay.

Great news, they've approved it. The ball is the developer's court now.

[OfCourse]

Hmmm...ran into this yesterday. I couldn't find anything else on it, so I don't know if this is a go or if it is being used to generate buzz and then maybe build it if there is enough interest.


http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Catalina_FrontView.jpg
http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Catalina_Interior.jpg
http://www.alicedonahue.com/Portals/0/Catalina_Map.jpg

Catalina is located on the quieter northern side of South Padre Island. It is just 2.3 miles from the SPI Convention Center and near the prestigious Shores development. Units at Catalina enjoy doorstep proximity to the beachfront and easy access to the bayside of the island. To the north of Catalina grounds are miles of pristine seashore. From sunrise to sunset Catalina is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of this unique island location.

Starting Price: $450,000.00

Unit Features
* 12 to 14 foot ceilings
* Granite Countertops
* Stainless Appliances
* Private Balconies
* Master Suites with Spa Tubs and Separate Showers
* Choose from Three Professional Design Packages
* Wired for Cable and High Speed Internet
* Walk-in Master Closets

Building and Grounds
* Lush Landscaping
* Media Room / Movie Theater (Choose and schedule films online)
* Computer Lab / Business Center
* Private Owner’s Club
* Game Room / Arcade
* Covered Reserved Parking
* Private Beach
* Conference Facilities
* Private Meeting and Dining Rooms
* Elegant Public Areas

Services
* Upscale Retail
* On-site Convenience/Grocery Retail
* Zero-Horizen Pool
* Multi-Level Decks
* Full-Service Spa
* Workout and Weight Room
* Juice and Coffee Bar
* Concierge
* Valet Parking http://alicedonahue.com/RealEstate/NewConstruction/tabid/62/ctl/ArticleView/mid/1143/articleId/110/Catalina-South-Padre.aspx

[Urbannizer]

Galveston
We are pleased to report construction is moving full steam ahead at Diamond Beach Condominiums. Although we continue to experience some issues relating to Hurricane Ike, specifically as it relates to delivery of materials and supply of power, telephones and internet, the construction in place was relatively undamaged. The Seawall, parts of which were built 100 years ago to protect the Island from just such a storm, performed admirably. Despite the reports you may have seen in the news, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was quoted saying, “the surge peaked at 11 to 12 feet on the west side. “ According to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the seawall was built to withstand a 15-foot surge.

The National Hurricane Center put the track of Hurricane Ike directly over Diamond Beach. Despite this direct hit, the work in place did very well. We have attached some photos taken directly after the storm so you can appreciate for yourself how well the building performed. Construction completion will undoubtedly be later than projected due to the storm. However, Diamond Beach does not anticipate that the storm will impact how wonderful the completed building will be.

-Randall Davis

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/photo1.jpg

http://www.diamondbeachgalveston.com

[NThomas]

^ It's in a good location.

[KevinFromTexas]

And so the Flagship Hotel is planned for demolition. :(

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Galveston_landmarks_will_be_back_but_altered.html


Galveston landmarks will be back, but altered

By Harvey Rice - Houston Chronicle

GALVESTON — Hurricane Ike changed forever many of the landmarks built on pilings seaward of Galveston's sea wall: Some will disappear and others will look different when they are rebuilt.

Nine months after the storm, a few broken pilings are the only signs that the historic Balinese Room and the 61st Street Pier existed.

The Flagship Hotel, built on a pier that juts into the Gulf of Mexico, is an eyesore with broken walls revealing vacant rooms. The Galveston Fishing Pier is missing a 200-yard chunk, its thick concrete pilings ripped away by the storm.

The only landmark under reconstruction so far is the 99-year-old Murdoch's Pier.

Owners of the properties say they are overwhelmed by the thousands of e-mails urging them to rebuild.

“We've had some thousands and thousands of comments,” said J.W. Little, who owns Murdoch's Pier along with his wife, Suzanne. “It's every day, every single day.”

Owners of all the landmarks except the Flagship Hotel are planning to rebuild.

• The Flagship Hotel, one of the most prominent features along the sea wall since it opened with 240 rooms in 1965, will be torn down by owner Landry's Restaurants Inc., said Jeff Cantwell, Landry's senior vice president for development.

The four-block-long pier that the hotel sits on is structurally sound and will be strengthened and used for a project that is in the formative stages, Cantwell said. He declined to reveal the uses under consideration.

He estimated that demolition would probably begin before the end of summer.

[KevinFromTexas]

The Flagship Hotel back in 2007.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston/P1130533EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston/P1130532EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston/P1130343EDIT.jpg

Some photos I took of it in April.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston%204-5-09/P1270724EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston%204-5-09/P1270720EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Galveston%204-5-09/P1270716EDIT.jpg

[Raining Inside]

The last time I spent a weekend in Galveston I stayed at that hotel. It was a dark and stormy night... The waves outside our balcony were pretty high.

[Thymant]

Is something going to replace the flagship?

[weatherguru18]

There's long been talk of a pleasure peer there complete with a roller coaster and other rides. I think that's what is destined to replace the Flagship...thankfully. Gosh, what an eyesore.

[StoOgE]

There's long been talk of a pleasure peer there complete with a roller coaster and other rides. I think that's what is destined to replace the Flagship...thankfully. Gosh, what an eyesore.

I would be in strong favor of this..

I love pier amusement parks out in Cali.

[AstrosFreak]

:previous: I definitely agree, and it's exactly what Galveston needs - More tourism to help boost its economy.

One thing the city should do, is open the doors for big Casinos to come in. Most license plates on cars parked at the Lake Charles Casinos are from Texas, who wouldn't want a shorter drive to have a good time? Galveston becomes a new age, Southern style version of Atlantic City, coupled with other family style attractions of Moody Gardens and whatever Kemah style boardwalk Landry's has planned for the Flagship pier. The city of Galveston would also reap huge rewards from all those tax dollars.

[MasonsInquiries]

the texas gulf coast is really making alot of strives!

[Boris]

New condo Complex on SPI called: KIRANA

Will be located next to the Isola Bella high-rise.

www.kiranasouthpadre.com


http://www.kiranasouthpadre.com/News/tabid/54/ctl/ArticleView/mid/370/articleId/1/Announcing_The_Kirana_Beach_Highrise_on_South_Padre_Island.aspx


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana1.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana2.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana3.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana4.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana5.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana6.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana7.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana8.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana9.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana10.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana11.jpg


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana12.jpg

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


From Alice Donahue:

Prices start at $655,000 and go up to 3 M for the 5100 square foot Penthouse. The developer is planning to start construction in December and will be finished at the end of 2011.


...

[Urbannizer]

New condo Complex on SPI called: KIRANA
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana11.jpg

I like the design! :banana:

[hookem]

I like the design!

I like the asymmetry, the maximization of outdoor spaces and views, and the fact that the design makes for a nice mix of different unit floorplans (no cookie cutter condos).

However, something about the design... my mind keeps wanting to fill in the box -- looks kinda like a rectangular building with a chunk sheared off diagonally... still, I'm all for something new, will definitely be a signature addition to the SPI skyline!

[AstrosFreak]

I like the design! :banana:

I agree! I think this looks great, and it should be a new tallest for the island if i'm not mistaken. :cheers:

It'll also help break up the wall of small 80's looking buildings on that side of the island.

[JACKinBeantown]

38 stories. Wow, that's like Miami Beach height.

[KevinFromTexas]

:previous: I definitely agree, and it's exactly what Galveston needs - More tourism to help boost its economy.

One thing the city should do, is open the doors for big Casinos to come in. Most license plates on cars parked at the Lake Charles Casinos are from Texas, who wouldn't want a shorter drive to have a good time? Galveston becomes a new age, Southern style version of Atlantic City, coupled with other family style attractions of Moody Gardens and whatever Kemah style boardwalk Landry's has planned for the Flagship pier. The city of Galveston would also reap huge rewards from all those tax dollars.

Well, it isn't up the City of Galveston to legalize gambling in Texas. It would have to be a state government action, and since the government is conservative, it probably won't ever happen. Also Texas has the economic power in place already and isn't exactly struggling.

[KevinFromTexas]

And yeah, this new tower in South Padre Island should be a new tallest, not only for that city, but for the whole Texas coast. And really, there's nothing on Louisiana's coast that could match it, so the next tallest building would be in Mobile, Alabama probably.

In this rendering it seems to be taller than Sapphire, so surely this will be about 500 feet tall or more.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana8.jpg

[Urbannizer]

And yeah, this new tower in South Padre Island should be a new tallest, not only for that city, but for the whole Texas coast. And really, there's nothing on Louisiana's coast that could match it, so the next tallest building would be in Mobile, Alabama probably.

In this rendering it seems to be taller than Sapphire, so surely this will be about 500 feet tall or more.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Misc/Kirana8.jpg

I think it may be the tallest tower on the Gulf Coast. Mobile is not on the coast. (which means Mobile does'nt count.) Its by Mobile bay and there are small barrier islands and a peninsula south of Mobile. The next building would be in Florida.