Saturday, July 29, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Anonymous Response to Stonebridge Lover's Comments
I received this response to a comment left by another visitor.
Re: Stonebridge Lover's comments.We reside in a lakefront home in the Waterbury community. While we don't regard it as a "mansion", we do love our home and spend considerable time outside enjoying our lake view. We keep our thermostat set above 80 degrees, so I don't think we should be accused of "wasting electricity". By the way, we drive a Buick Regal and a minivan. Please check your facts before making any further accusations regarding our lifestyle!
Re: Stonebridge Lover's comments.We reside in a lakefront home in the Waterbury community. While we don't regard it as a "mansion", we do love our home and spend considerable time outside enjoying our lake view. We keep our thermostat set above 80 degrees, so I don't think we should be accused of "wasting electricity". By the way, we drive a Buick Regal and a minivan. Please check your facts before making any further accusations regarding our lifestyle!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
P&Z Panel Rejects Adriatica's Dobrovnik
By KRYSTAL DE LOS SANTOS, McKinney Courier-Gazette
The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission voted, 6-1, to approve most items within a zoning change requested by the developers of Adriatica.However, before approving the zoning request, commissioners removed an item that allowed the developers to anchor a boat permanently in the surrounding harbor to serve as a coffee and ice cream shop and vowed to “revisit” the developer's plans to screen a parking garage with irrigated planters.A group of Stonebridge residents raised concerns about the changes that allowed construction of a replica of the Galleon Dobrovnik in Adriatica, a development on Stonebridge Lake modeled after a European fishing village on the Island of Brac, Croatia.Also, the citizens had qualms about plans to modify the development standards for three tracts within the development: one for a small office building at the northeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Mediterranean Drive, one for the harbor district and one for a veterinarian's office along Virginia Parkway, as well as several other standards that would apply to the overall development.Jerry Gantzer, a resident of the Waterbury subdivision, asked commissioners to table the requests.“I think most of us remain cautiously optimistic about Adriatica and the potential that it has. However, I think everything I have to say falls in the category of some unanswered questions about the proposed changes ... I don't think I have heard yet a satisfactory explanation for all of those,” he said. “I haven't heard any real justification for the increase in height, from what has been approved to this date to what they have been asking for.”The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposed height increase of a bell tower from 90 to 128 feet; for the planned hotel, from 50 feet to 56 feet and for two mixed-use retail buildings from 50 feet to 68 feet.“I think if you boil it down, the biggest issues are increasing the height. Having five-story buildings among other three- and four-story buildings. That's bigger than anything McKinney has in that area,” said Howard Hodges. “It creates an anomaly that people are concerned about.”Meredith Sillers addressed the Galleon Dobrovnik, and concerns she and other residents have with its long-term maintenance and the possibility that it could pollute Stonebridge Lake.“One of my main concerns is having a structure in the water. They're calling it a galleon, we're calling it a boat, but it's being zoned as a restaurant. Now I think having a restaurant designation, while they say it's a coffeehouse or an ice cream shop are planned, it could also in the future become any kind of restaurant the owner wants to see,” she said. “Then we have to look at the issue of waste, trash and grease runoff, all that stuff that's going to go into the lake and will affect the ecosystem of our lake.”Though Sillers said she, like many of her neighbors is “very impressed” with the development, “I, too, have some questions that need to be addressed to our satisfaction before it can go forward.”Though city planning staff supported the up to 90-foot structure because according to city documents, “it will help to create the character and feel of a Croatian fishing village,” planning and zoning commissioners removed it from their approval of the list of requests, citing questions about the maintenance of the ship.Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim Staif voted against the motion, because he said he wanted the developer to adhere to a rule requiring a 10-foot landscaping buffer between the parking garage and other buildings. He also said that using planters in the design of a parking garage was structurally a “big no-no.”The 45-acre development will include shops, entertainment, a hotel, townhomes and lofts, a bell tower, a harbor and chapel.The $200 million investment is modeled after Supetar, a Croatian fishing village that is centered on a harbor. In addition to intricate carvings ornamenting the cobblestone buildings, art and sculptures have been imported from Europe for use in the development. A central fountain of a dove grasping an olive branch is being hand-carved on site. Steven Johnson, who spoke on behalf of developers The Blackard Group, said the company may ask council to disregard the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission, but “ultimately that would be Mr. (Jeff) Blackard's decision when he gets back from the Amazon.” He added that the company could be flexible on its requests “depending on what it is.”“Some things we can't tweak,” Johnson said
The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission voted, 6-1, to approve most items within a zoning change requested by the developers of Adriatica.However, before approving the zoning request, commissioners removed an item that allowed the developers to anchor a boat permanently in the surrounding harbor to serve as a coffee and ice cream shop and vowed to “revisit” the developer's plans to screen a parking garage with irrigated planters.A group of Stonebridge residents raised concerns about the changes that allowed construction of a replica of the Galleon Dobrovnik in Adriatica, a development on Stonebridge Lake modeled after a European fishing village on the Island of Brac, Croatia.Also, the citizens had qualms about plans to modify the development standards for three tracts within the development: one for a small office building at the northeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Mediterranean Drive, one for the harbor district and one for a veterinarian's office along Virginia Parkway, as well as several other standards that would apply to the overall development.Jerry Gantzer, a resident of the Waterbury subdivision, asked commissioners to table the requests.“I think most of us remain cautiously optimistic about Adriatica and the potential that it has. However, I think everything I have to say falls in the category of some unanswered questions about the proposed changes ... I don't think I have heard yet a satisfactory explanation for all of those,” he said. “I haven't heard any real justification for the increase in height, from what has been approved to this date to what they have been asking for.”The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the proposed height increase of a bell tower from 90 to 128 feet; for the planned hotel, from 50 feet to 56 feet and for two mixed-use retail buildings from 50 feet to 68 feet.“I think if you boil it down, the biggest issues are increasing the height. Having five-story buildings among other three- and four-story buildings. That's bigger than anything McKinney has in that area,” said Howard Hodges. “It creates an anomaly that people are concerned about.”Meredith Sillers addressed the Galleon Dobrovnik, and concerns she and other residents have with its long-term maintenance and the possibility that it could pollute Stonebridge Lake.“One of my main concerns is having a structure in the water. They're calling it a galleon, we're calling it a boat, but it's being zoned as a restaurant. Now I think having a restaurant designation, while they say it's a coffeehouse or an ice cream shop are planned, it could also in the future become any kind of restaurant the owner wants to see,” she said. “Then we have to look at the issue of waste, trash and grease runoff, all that stuff that's going to go into the lake and will affect the ecosystem of our lake.”Though Sillers said she, like many of her neighbors is “very impressed” with the development, “I, too, have some questions that need to be addressed to our satisfaction before it can go forward.”Though city planning staff supported the up to 90-foot structure because according to city documents, “it will help to create the character and feel of a Croatian fishing village,” planning and zoning commissioners removed it from their approval of the list of requests, citing questions about the maintenance of the ship.Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim Staif voted against the motion, because he said he wanted the developer to adhere to a rule requiring a 10-foot landscaping buffer between the parking garage and other buildings. He also said that using planters in the design of a parking garage was structurally a “big no-no.”The 45-acre development will include shops, entertainment, a hotel, townhomes and lofts, a bell tower, a harbor and chapel.The $200 million investment is modeled after Supetar, a Croatian fishing village that is centered on a harbor. In addition to intricate carvings ornamenting the cobblestone buildings, art and sculptures have been imported from Europe for use in the development. A central fountain of a dove grasping an olive branch is being hand-carved on site. Steven Johnson, who spoke on behalf of developers The Blackard Group, said the company may ask council to disregard the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission, but “ultimately that would be Mr. (Jeff) Blackard's decision when he gets back from the Amazon.” He added that the company could be flexible on its requests “depending on what it is.”“Some things we can't tweak,” Johnson said
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Tuesday's P&Z Meeting
If you read through the P&Z agenda for the 7/25/2006 meeting there are some interesting items. My favorite?
3. Allow 4 horses to be stabled at the southeast corner of Lot 1R, Block A, (Tract B), subject to compliance with City codes.
• The applicant is proposing to have horse drawn carriages within the development. Staff is currently drafting an ordinance that addresses horse drawn carriages, which the applicant will be required to adhere to once the ordinance is adopted. The applicant is further requesting that 4 horses be kept permanently on the subject property, with the associated horse stables.
• City code requires a minimum of 1/3 of an acre for every each adult horse. With the 4 horses the applicant is proposing to stall, 1.3 acres of land will need to be designated for the horses. The applicant has indicated that the 2.2 acre open space area to the west of this lot will provide the acreage needed to accommodate the horses.
• While this provision will allow the horses to be stabled on the property, the applicant will still be required to meet all applicable City codes regarding the stabling and keeping of horses, including fencing requirements. Staff is not in opposition to this item as horse drawn carriages are permitted in other areas of the City, such as downtown McKinney.
3. Allow 4 horses to be stabled at the southeast corner of Lot 1R, Block A, (Tract B), subject to compliance with City codes.
• The applicant is proposing to have horse drawn carriages within the development. Staff is currently drafting an ordinance that addresses horse drawn carriages, which the applicant will be required to adhere to once the ordinance is adopted. The applicant is further requesting that 4 horses be kept permanently on the subject property, with the associated horse stables.
• City code requires a minimum of 1/3 of an acre for every each adult horse. With the 4 horses the applicant is proposing to stall, 1.3 acres of land will need to be designated for the horses. The applicant has indicated that the 2.2 acre open space area to the west of this lot will provide the acreage needed to accommodate the horses.
• While this provision will allow the horses to be stabled on the property, the applicant will still be required to meet all applicable City codes regarding the stabling and keeping of horses, including fencing requirements. Staff is not in opposition to this item as horse drawn carriages are permitted in other areas of the City, such as downtown McKinney.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Opposition to the Galleon Dobrovnik ship raised by homeowners
A group of Stonebridge residents are concerned about changes in the zoning that would permt construction of a replica of the Galleon Dobrovnik in Adriatica, a development on Stonebridge Lake modeled after a European fishing village on the Island of Brac, Croatia.
The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday will conduct a public hearing on Pogue Engineering and Development Company's request -- on behalf of SB Harbor Market Joint Venture -- to modify the development standards for three tracts within the development: one for a small office building at the northeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Mediterranean Drive, one for the harbor district and one for a veterinarian's office along Virginia Parkway, as well as several other standards that would apply to the overall development.
The proposal involves a replica of a galleon docked permanently within the harbor. The structure, no more than 90 feet in height, will house a coffee shop or ice cream parlor.
“Staff supports this request, as it will help to create the character and feel of a Croatian fishing village,” according to a report by city planners.
However, nearby homeowners believe the boat will pollute Stonebridge Lake, and that taller buildings will disturb their view of the lake.
Kathryn Gonia, who lives in Autumn Ridge, wrote a letter to the city calling for denial of the proposed changes to Adriatica.
“I do not believe that the developer has given enough consideration to his proposed changes. I would like to better understand how he plans to handle the disposing of raw sewage from the restrooms on the galleon, the grease and garbage from the kitchen, the run-off from all the plumbing, including dishwashers, sinks, general cleaning and maintenance of the ship, its decks, the sails, etc., so that it will not end up in our Lake Stonebridge,” Gonia wrote. “What about the fire potential and other safety precautions (such as drowning and safe evacuation) that come from having a building on the water? How will the noise from the ship, which is amplified over water, affect the neighbors across the lake, especially in the evenings? And then there is the issue of the sea galleon's masts and sails. Under the current (and even the proposed) height restrictions, how can he be permitted to have masts that are 128 feet and contain a full set of sails?”
The maximum height of the ship will be 90 feet and it will not include sails, according to city documents.
Planning director Brian James said that city planners have known about plans for the Galleon Dobrovnik, though the city has never formally received submitted information asking for permission for it until recently.
“It didn't come as a surprise to me,” he said.
And while many of the other requested changes are minor “clean-up” items, he said, others are “adjustments we didn't think would have much of an impact.”
Many of the building height increases are for architectural ornamentation, and others are to screen a parking garage from public view.
Though building height increases are major changes, James said, “what we've seen develop so far is clearly in keeping with the zoning and the designs he laid out initially.”
“I think McKinney has always prided itself on being a unique community, having unique developments, and this is in keeping with that,” James said. “Clearly it's a one-of-a-kind projectŠI think that's why there was initial support for it.”
City officials have long lauded the project as a development that fits well with the vision of McKinney.
The 45-acre development will include shops, entertainment, a hotel, townhomes and lofts, a bell tower, a harbor and chapel.
The $200 million investment is modeled after Supetar, a Croatian fishing village that is centered on a harbor.
In addition to intricate carvings ornamenting the cobble stone buildings, art and sculptures have been imported from Europe for use in the development. A central fountain of a dove grasping an olive branch is being hand-carved on site.
Adriatica developer Jeff Blackard could not be reached for comment.
Dan Hoff, who has followed closely the construction of Adriatica and has sent e-mail updates to dozens of area residents, said he believes the site will be developed responsibly and has set about trying to dispel misinformation being circulated via fliers throughout Stonebridge.
Hoff has been in contact with city planners and said he was told that the hull of the galleon is designed so it would not require maintenance for 20 years. To facilitate maintenance, should it be required, individual planks would be removed and replaced while in the water. There will be no restrooms on the galleon, he said, and all trash will be contained on the ship and moved manually to land-based trash compactors.
“The entity most interested in keeping our lake pristine is the developer and businesses/residents within Adriatica,” he said. “The developer is committing resources to make sure our lake remains free of trash.”
Residents do not realize that had The Blackard Group not developed the property, it could have become a generic retail center, Hoff said.
“Personally, I do not see a downside to Adriatica. What does it matter if a building is 50 feet or 68 feet? As elevations go, many nearby residents and buildings rival the elevations of buildings within Adriatica,” he said. “Would you rather be looking at another sea of rooftops? I, for one, would like to see some variation and look forward to this village. I am convinced this development is good for McKinney and its citizens"
The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday will conduct a public hearing on Pogue Engineering and Development Company's request -- on behalf of SB Harbor Market Joint Venture -- to modify the development standards for three tracts within the development: one for a small office building at the northeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Mediterranean Drive, one for the harbor district and one for a veterinarian's office along Virginia Parkway, as well as several other standards that would apply to the overall development.
The proposal involves a replica of a galleon docked permanently within the harbor. The structure, no more than 90 feet in height, will house a coffee shop or ice cream parlor.
“Staff supports this request, as it will help to create the character and feel of a Croatian fishing village,” according to a report by city planners.
However, nearby homeowners believe the boat will pollute Stonebridge Lake, and that taller buildings will disturb their view of the lake.
Kathryn Gonia, who lives in Autumn Ridge, wrote a letter to the city calling for denial of the proposed changes to Adriatica.
“I do not believe that the developer has given enough consideration to his proposed changes. I would like to better understand how he plans to handle the disposing of raw sewage from the restrooms on the galleon, the grease and garbage from the kitchen, the run-off from all the plumbing, including dishwashers, sinks, general cleaning and maintenance of the ship, its decks, the sails, etc., so that it will not end up in our Lake Stonebridge,” Gonia wrote. “What about the fire potential and other safety precautions (such as drowning and safe evacuation) that come from having a building on the water? How will the noise from the ship, which is amplified over water, affect the neighbors across the lake, especially in the evenings? And then there is the issue of the sea galleon's masts and sails. Under the current (and even the proposed) height restrictions, how can he be permitted to have masts that are 128 feet and contain a full set of sails?”
The maximum height of the ship will be 90 feet and it will not include sails, according to city documents.
Planning director Brian James said that city planners have known about plans for the Galleon Dobrovnik, though the city has never formally received submitted information asking for permission for it until recently.
“It didn't come as a surprise to me,” he said.
And while many of the other requested changes are minor “clean-up” items, he said, others are “adjustments we didn't think would have much of an impact.”
Many of the building height increases are for architectural ornamentation, and others are to screen a parking garage from public view.
Though building height increases are major changes, James said, “what we've seen develop so far is clearly in keeping with the zoning and the designs he laid out initially.”
“I think McKinney has always prided itself on being a unique community, having unique developments, and this is in keeping with that,” James said. “Clearly it's a one-of-a-kind projectŠI think that's why there was initial support for it.”
City officials have long lauded the project as a development that fits well with the vision of McKinney.
The 45-acre development will include shops, entertainment, a hotel, townhomes and lofts, a bell tower, a harbor and chapel.
The $200 million investment is modeled after Supetar, a Croatian fishing village that is centered on a harbor.
In addition to intricate carvings ornamenting the cobble stone buildings, art and sculptures have been imported from Europe for use in the development. A central fountain of a dove grasping an olive branch is being hand-carved on site.
Adriatica developer Jeff Blackard could not be reached for comment.
Dan Hoff, who has followed closely the construction of Adriatica and has sent e-mail updates to dozens of area residents, said he believes the site will be developed responsibly and has set about trying to dispel misinformation being circulated via fliers throughout Stonebridge.
Hoff has been in contact with city planners and said he was told that the hull of the galleon is designed so it would not require maintenance for 20 years. To facilitate maintenance, should it be required, individual planks would be removed and replaced while in the water. There will be no restrooms on the galleon, he said, and all trash will be contained on the ship and moved manually to land-based trash compactors.
“The entity most interested in keeping our lake pristine is the developer and businesses/residents within Adriatica,” he said. “The developer is committing resources to make sure our lake remains free of trash.”
Residents do not realize that had The Blackard Group not developed the property, it could have become a generic retail center, Hoff said.
“Personally, I do not see a downside to Adriatica. What does it matter if a building is 50 feet or 68 feet? As elevations go, many nearby residents and buildings rival the elevations of buildings within Adriatica,” he said. “Would you rather be looking at another sea of rooftops? I, for one, would like to see some variation and look forward to this village. I am convinced this development is good for McKinney and its citizens"
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Thursday, July 20, 2006
So Long Hank Haney Golf Ranch
For those of you who drive by the Golf Ranch regularly, you may have noticed surveyors and little orange flags going up. Well, it looks like approval has been made for DR Horton to develop the site. The information below is from the City of McKinney website....
1. Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Petsche & Associates, Inc, on Behalf of D. R. Horton – Texas, Ltd., for Approval of a Preliminary-Final Plat for 352 Residential Lots and 9 Common Areas, Haney Ranch, 53.45 Acres, Located on the Northeast Corner of Custer Road (F.M. 2478) and Future Silverado Parkway.
1. Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Petsche & Associates, Inc, on Behalf of D. R. Horton – Texas, Ltd., for Approval of a Preliminary-Final Plat for 352 Residential Lots and 9 Common Areas, Haney Ranch, 53.45 Acres, Located on the Northeast Corner of Custer Road (F.M. 2478) and Future Silverado Parkway.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The picture below is what appears to be the foundation for the chapel that is being built in the harbor district. There is a bridge that will link this island to the harbor area. Starbucks has been busy as expected.There is one remaining retail space in the Starbucks building and the permit says it is "Kasteli Office", whatever that may be.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Star Community Newspapers
Starbucks pre grand opening Please note that this event has already passed.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Starbucks Visit
According to the employee I spoke with, the opening was on Friday. I visited Sunday morning and the place was really busy. The staff seemed nice, but they seemed overwhelmed. As busy as I anticipate this location to be, there really is not a whole lot of seating available inside the store. There is a lot of seating in the patio areas, but when it is 105 degrees out, that doesn't help. I also noticed that there were ashtrays on almost every table on the patio. I am not a smoker, and second hand smoke irritates my allergies, so I don't know why they are so eager to promote smoking on the patios. The store next to Starbucks is going to be Adriatica nails and day spa, so I was incorrect in a previous post that it would be a nail shop only. Signs were up a Zin Zen stating that they were hiring. I found a small prototype of the Dove sculpture that the artist must be using to sculpt left on the scallfolding. This gives a good idea as to what the finished product will look like.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Cheryl responds:
Oh dear. Yes, I do understand their concern. I personally am glad to see the Starbucks, but would be displeased as well if a Chili's were to appear. Starbucks, though a corporate chain tends to add to a locality. It seems to me that Adriatica would/should be more "European" in spirit (community focused) than in providing a realistic European village. I mean, after all, this is Texas, and we are not Croatian. I do hope that Adriatica will be able to offer the best of both worlds.
Oh dear. Yes, I do understand their concern. I personally am glad to see the Starbucks, but would be displeased as well if a Chili's were to appear. Starbucks, though a corporate chain tends to add to a locality. It seems to me that Adriatica would/should be more "European" in spirit (community focused) than in providing a realistic European village. I mean, after all, this is Texas, and we are not Croatian. I do hope that Adriatica will be able to offer the best of both worlds.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Comment intended for Blackard??
I receieved the following response:::
Hello,We moved to Stonebridge Ranch this February from Belgium, where we lived for 4 years. We live quite close to the new Croatian Village and I was under the impression that you were trying to create a "European" atmosphere in this village. After seeing the Starbucks sign appear the other day, you have destroyed any chance of achieving this. Don't get me wrong. I like Starbucks, but they have no idea of how coffee is served in Europe. I rarely even saw a Starbucks while we were traveling throughout Europe. I had hoped you would have a small café serving some nice coffee on small trays with little pitchers of cream and some small biscuits, but not now. What are your plans for the other restaurants, Chili's, McDonald's? Who is your consultant on this project? Have they ever been to Europe?Kind regards,Jim
Hello,We moved to Stonebridge Ranch this February from Belgium, where we lived for 4 years. We live quite close to the new Croatian Village and I was under the impression that you were trying to create a "European" atmosphere in this village. After seeing the Starbucks sign appear the other day, you have destroyed any chance of achieving this. Don't get me wrong. I like Starbucks, but they have no idea of how coffee is served in Europe. I rarely even saw a Starbucks while we were traveling throughout Europe. I had hoped you would have a small café serving some nice coffee on small trays with little pitchers of cream and some small biscuits, but not now. What are your plans for the other restaurants, Chili's, McDonald's? Who is your consultant on this project? Have they ever been to Europe?Kind regards,Jim
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Texas Millionaire's
Developer Jeff Blackard ended up at the head of his own business because of adversity. Blackard had come to Dallas and landed a job in development in the early 1980s. Blackard started in the development business because it was what he liked, and what his family had done back in Illinois.
The savings-and-loan debacle and the Dallas real estate crash led him out on his own. Now, as president of the Blackard Group Inc., he's developing Adriatica, a 45-acre community in McKinney complete with its own winery.
"It's purely a passion project. Hopefully it will make money," Blackard said
Full article
The savings-and-loan debacle and the Dallas real estate crash led him out on his own. Now, as president of the Blackard Group Inc., he's developing Adriatica, a 45-acre community in McKinney complete with its own winery.
"It's purely a passion project. Hopefully it will make money," Blackard said
Full article
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Update
By DANNY GALLAGHER McKinney Courier-Gazette (Created: Saturday, July 8, 2006 10:33 PM CDT) McKinney Police said a 40-year-old sales representative was found dead in a model home by a couple looking for information on neighborhood homes. Sarah Anne Walker was found dead Saturday afternoon in the kitchen of a model home owned by D.R. Horton in the Hemmingway at Craig Ranch community located in the 5700 block of Conch Train Road, according to a statement released by the McKinney Police Department. The couple, whose identities were not released, found Walker and called 911 at 1:23 p.m. Police determined she suffered "very serious injuries from an unknown type of weapon" and died as a result of those very serious injuries, according to the statement. Detectives are still on the scene collecting evidence and interviewing people who lived in the area and acquaintances of the victim. As of Saturday evening, police have not identified any suspects and do not have a motive for the murder. McKinney Police Capt. Randy Roland could not be reached for comment by press time. Read www.scntx.com and the Monday edition of the McKinney Courier-Gazette for further updates. Contact Danny Gallagher at danny.gallagher@scntx.com.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Donna K. Blackard
Until recently there has been little information on Mr. Blackard's wife.This bio is from the Blackard Groups website. I was told that they were recently married at the Adriatica site on the island that has been carved out where the chapel will be built.
The Independent Bank
The following is the detailed plan information on the Independent Bank that is being built in Adriatica.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A nail salon in Adriatica??
The following floorplan for building one, or the Starbucks building, shows a very large portion (2100 SF) earmarked as Adriatica Nails.So now it is Starbucks,UPS,Nail shop and a wine bar.It looks like the rental rate may have decreased from the initial listings, which I recall were $30-$35 psf. Is it possible the retail isnt leasing as fast or at the price predicted? Nothing against nail shops, but not what I would expect in Adriatica...nor will I ever need their services.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Hola from Mexico
My wife and I have escaped the heat and drought in McKinney. How? We are at the Fairmont MayKoba, about 45 minutes South of Cancun. We had a little shower last night and it has been some what overcast. If you are headed to Mexico you MUST stay here. The property will hold the PGA golf tornament next year. The hotel opened about a month ago and the property has been built in a jungle, with carts or bikes that take you to the beach. Our bathroom is almost the same size as the living area, with a soaking tub, a waterfall shower and granite counters. I will post pictures when we return. You can Google Mayakoba and get some great info on this development. For now.....Have to grab a Corona and head to the beach!
Starbucks Opening Date
I was in the dentist office yesterday and overheard the manager of the Adriatica Starbucks saying that the Grand Opening of the store would be July 13th.
So I assume it will be open for business a few days before the Grand Opening.
So I assume it will be open for business a few days before the Grand Opening.
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