Complexities: It’s no mystery that Hurricane Ike did a number on the island’s apartment scene. The real puzzler is what property owners plan to do about it. Some residents have grown impatient with the lack of progress at some complexes. Here’s the latest:
To the pointe: As previously reported, apartment complex The Pointe, 7301 Stewart Road on the island, has a date with demolition crews.
Representatives have met with city planning officials to discuss tearing down and rebuilding the 168-unit complex. Before the storm, The Pointe had 168 units.
Owners plan to rebuild a 144-unit complex with 72 “lockout units.” Lockout units are two separate units next to each other separated by a door. But first, architect Michael Gaertner must sort out complicated height and density issues.
Seen and Heards: Meanwhile, a Dallas firm has two major apartment properties under contract — the 192-unit Bay Walk Apartments, 7200 Heards Lane, and the 256-unit Marina Landing Apartments, 7302 Heards Lane.
If all goes as planned, Odyssey Residential Holdings will strip both properties down to the studs and build anew, investing from $20 million to $40 million in returning multifamily units to the island, Gaertner said. Stay tuned.
Date with wrecking ball: Disaster tourists regularly stop by Bayou Shores Apartments, 1400 Bayou Shore Drive, to get a good look at Hurricane Ike damage.
Neighbors have for months complained that the 77-unit complex, where the grounds were neglected and weeds overgrown, is a rodent magnet. After warnings by the city and a trip to municipal court, Shiraz US Galveston Inc., has begun preparing the 60-year-old property for demolition.
Omri Shafran, managing partner of the group, blamed lack of insurance and strict regulations on removing asbestos as reasons for the slow progress.
Shiraz US Galveston plans to rebuild another multiunit project on the property, Shafran said. Stay tuned.
Reef grief: Finally, Buzz has made inquiries about the status of the Reef Resort Apartments, 8502 Seawall. Stay tuned.
Law and order: A long vacant League City property has a new owner.
Attorney Larry M. Tylka renovated and earlier this month moved into the 60-year-old gray house at 1104 E. Main St. in the city’s historic district.
Tylka’s firm had long been on the island. But the storm damaged its offices at 5316 Broadway. Hurricane repairs are complete on the island, where the firm will maintain a presence. But the League City office would allow the law firm to serve clients displaced by the storm, Tylka said.
Renovation included new floors and shutters and new landscaping on the 14,000-square-foot lot.
“We think it adds a great deal of ambience and aesthetic value to the historic portion of League City,” Tylka said. For information, call 281-990-8641.
Dishing it: Noting a lack of progress, residents are asking about the status of Santa Fe Seafood & Grill, planned for Santa Fe Business Park, FM 1764 and state Highway 6.
Firming up plans took a little longer than expected, Don Farmer, developer of the center, said. But Bunna Hong, who also owns the popular Manvel Seafood & Grill, still plans to open the restaurant in about three months.
Joseph Sebesta of DAC Realty Group Inc. represented both Hong and the landlord. Stay tuned.
On the burner: Meanwhile, there’s more good food news simmering in Santa Fe.
Look for Melissa Leavings, whose fare is popular at area farmers markets, to open Mellies Happy Bellies at 12460 Highway 6, in shopping center with Big Chief Food.
Mellies Happy Bellies will offer heat-and-eat meals for two and organic baby food. Most of the food will be from area farmers. Catering also will be available.
For information, call 281-727-8074.
A thousand stories: The island’s Del Papa Distributing Co. will mark 100 years in business next year.
In preparation for the milestone, the company is undertaking a campaign of historical research and is calling on residents and organizations to help by sharing any photos of events, milestones or occasions of any kind involving the company.
E-mail photos to Matthew Sweat at Matthew.
sweatt(at)delpapabud.com. Photos that need to be scanned can be brought to Matthew Sweatt at the Del Papa Coastal Distribution Center, 6702 Broadway, or mailed to Sweatt at 6702 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77554.
All original copies will be treated with care and returned to their owner, Sweatt said. For information, call 888.433.5727.
