A Dash of Beauty and a Sprinkle of Charm…
Today, we continue our journey of taking The Dechiro from a dream to a reality. We received a rendering of the building from the architect, so it seems logical to start with how we came up with the design and style. One of the biggest challenges in the recipe of creating a place where people […]
Dare to Dream
As someone who dreams big, I am limited by my own vision. I admire those who can see and communicate the future with great clarity. It just so happens that is not my gift. It sounds a little ironic to be in the business of renovating and designing houses and dreaming up developments but admit […]
Downtown Took a Tough Hit Last Week
Downtown took a tough hit last week when the closing of Market 1023 was announced. For the past three years we have had a wonderful downtown retail shop in Market 1023. Gabe & Robby are the owners and have a vision that embraces the vibrancy of a thriving downtown. They sought out and curated unique […]
Don’t Be One Dimensional
Where Did The Magic Go? We spent the weekend in Downtown Dallas for my daughter’s volleyball tournament. When we travel, I try to stay in the heart of the downtown. Admittedly, my preferred experience, is one of a smaller town with a population that can support a vibrate downtown and provide some variety, but the […]
Nothing Unique Here…
Have you ever noticed that a typical teenager wants to be perceived as unique and authentic, while fitting in and finding comfort with a sense of belonging. Can both co-exist? Across the country there is a migration of people back to the city centers. The popularity is resulting in a renaissance for small to […]
Do You Hate The Parking Downtown?
Visiting with friends about eating and shopping downtown, the subject of parking comes up quickly as their main objections to coming downtown to engage in commerce. There isn’t enough parking. The parking is always full. And truthfully, I know exactly what they mean. Leaving the office multiple times a day to check on job sites, […]
Grocery Store in Downtown Bryan?
The Wall Street Journal featured an article highlighting a new kind of convenient store popping up in larger downtowns. In places like Denver, Portland and Chicago. Anytime I ask locals living or working downtown what we need to help the livability and vibrancy of Downtown Bryan, top on the list is a small grocery store or Walgreens.
Amazon, Friend or Foe?
Amazon, intuitively, is the antithesis of the hometown revivals, where there is a renewed sense of the philosophy to eat, shop and play local. However, it is the delivery prowessness of Amazon that enhances the urban lifestyle in these smaller towns with 24 hour delivery of just about anything to your door step.
Are Realtors a Stumbling Block to People Living Downtown?
Realtors serve as the ambassador to the city. As people move into the town they rely on the realtor’s knowledge of the “best” neighborhoods to live in. Over the past 10 years our downtown, like many small to mid-sized downtowns across the country, has seen a massive transformation. Shuttered business and boarded up windows have […]
Where Did The Front Porch Go?
Why are front porches a thing of the past in new developments? We have taken our life to the backyard. When the front porch was replaced with a garage and activities were moved from the front yard to the backyard with tall privacy fences, personal jungle gyms, trampolines and pools, we exchanged a sense of […]