I want to start a new thread on the central Texas region, The Waco, Temple, Killeen area is one of the fastest growing regions in the State with appox. 630,000 residence reside here.

Waco Downtown Plan

http://www.frego.com/images/projects/waco/waco1.jpg

Waco, Texas
Greater Downtown Waco is poised to become a focal point of the central Texas region, boosted by a renewed interest in revitalizing downtown Waco, the appearance of new housing and businesses, mixed-uses and infrastructure investments. Fregonese Associates worked with citizens through public workshops, stakeholders, the City of Waco, and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce to develop a vision and guiding principles for Waco's future. This Vision describes how Greater Downtown Waco will develop, function and feel over the next 20 to 40 years. Fregonese Associates worked with the team to create a plan that details near and long term strategic actions to make the Vision a reality. Fregonese Associates created exciting visualizations to illustrate the what the result of implemented strategies could have on Waco's future.


http://www.frego.com/projects/waco.html

Baylor Research Facility Waco

http://www2.baylor.edu/baylorproud/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/bric-oct09.jpg

http://www2.baylor.edu/baylorproud/2009/10/bric-to-improve-research-efforts-at-baylor-and-bring-economic-boost-to-central-texas/

Waco Convention Center

http://www.waco-texas.com/images/bond/convention.jpg

http://www.waco-texas.com/bond-convention.asp

University Lofts Waco, TX

http://lh2architecture.com/images/general/MorganHouse1.jpg

University Lofts, an off campus student housing project with proximity to Baylor University, is comprised of 274 residential units with a combined total of 1080 beds. The ten story structure was designed utilizing a concrete tunnel form system and pre-cast insulated panels.

http://lh2architecture.com/html/student_housing.html

Frankiln Place in downtown Waco, TX

http://www.thereidco.com/listingphotos/main.JPG

http://www.thereidco.com/listings.cfm?Mode=Detail&ID=193

This is one of the first of many urban renewal projects slated for downtown Waco.

Concept of what Waco Waterfront could be.:)

http://www.ricksheldonrealestate.com/images/waco-rendering-bright-md.jpg

They should add more height and density by the river...

http://www.ricksheldonrealestate.com

Texas A&M Central Texas Classroom/Office Building Killeen, TX

http://www.austin-ind.com/files/imagecache/project_full/North%20Elevation%20Rendering.jpg

http://www.austin-ind.com/commercial/experience/browse-projects/projects/texas-am-central-texas-classroomoffice-building

High Pointe Center Killeen, TX

http://evstudio.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/high-pointe-center-479x394.jpg

http://evstudio.com/clear-creek-medical-office-complex-killeen-texas/

Toyota says planned Temple plant will still be built

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6882679.html

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s new football stadium

http://www.tdtnews.com/images/photos/9107.jpg

by Eric Drennan | Assistant Sports Editor
Published: March 27, 2011

BELTON - What started out as a dream of a much-needed football stadium at Mary Hardin-Baylor has pushed through the bounds of imagination for a mere gridiron venue.

Make no doubt about it. When construction is completed, the 125-year-old campus will have a palatial landmark designed by perhaps the world's foremost leader in sports architecture.

UMHB hopes to break ground early next year on a $20 million stadium that at least one expert believes could become the gold standard for universities nationwide.


http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/03/27/73351

no Belton love? ;)

Killeen is icky. good to see the Waco plans. Temple needs some renovations downtown, it's ripe with potential.

-

I give much love to Belton:)... and amire it the most for it's chram. Also I agree Killeen is sprawlville:ohno: and hope that one day they'll understand that it's important to have an urban downtown. Temple & Waco both on the verge of a big urban renewal and see big things coming from them in the near future.

Council Approves Largest Development in Belton History

by Justin Cox Thursday, December 30, 2010

After three years of planning, the City Council gave the green light Tuesday to what will be the largest housing development in the modern history of Belton.

The proposed subdivision, called La Cachette, will consume a 540-acre swathe on the eastern edge of the city near the intersection of Farm-to-Market 1670 and Auction Barn Road with a small portion abutting the Lampasas River.

The City Council approved a development agreement to support the extension of utility and infrastructure lines into the largely unincorporated area bordering the city. The utility lines will not only power the 1,500 estimated homes in La Cachette, but allow the city to expand its borders for the foreseeable future in an area ripe for annexation.

The project, still in the earliest of planning stages, will be a mixed-use, made up of single family and multi-family homes

Killeen developer Bruce Whitis owns the property and will be developing the project in the coming years.

Whitis is one of the most active and long-term developers in Central Texas, mostly in the Killeen area. In recent years, he sold land to Harker Heights that is now the Market Heights shopping center, and is currently in the third phase of the Yowell Ranch a 1200-home subdivision on the southern side of Killeen.

Whitis said the process is in its infancy, but he's encouraged by the latest step, which will allow him and his team to seek approval for a Municipal Utility District (MUD) from the state or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The extension of utilities from the city of Belton into this new area will serve as a major growth tool for the city, which cannot annex any of the connected areas until the proper utility delivery is in place.

Whitis said it's been a long process, and much is yet to come, but he anticipates construction on the development to begin in the second quarter of 2012.


http://www.beltonjournal.com/index.php?id=1196:council-approves-largest-development-in-belton-history&option=com_content&catid=35:news&Itemid=53

Anticipation builds as Belton prepares for the new H-E-B Plus!

http://www.beltonjournal.com/images/stories/2011/0310/Breaking-New-Ground.jpg

After more than six years of careful planning and collaboration with the City of Belton and area residents, Belton Mayor Jim Covington and H-E-B Vice-President and General Manager Jeff Thomas joined members of the community to break ground on the area's first H-E-B Plus! on Thursday, March 3 at 11:30 a.m. The 117,000 sq.-ft. store, located at the intersection of Sparta Road and Main Street, will feature both H-E-B and Central Market products favored by Belton, Morgan's Point and Salado residents. Serving area shoppers since 1985, the existing H-E-B store in Belton will close its doors when the new store opens.

"Ever since this store was approved by the city in 2004, we have been looking forward to bringing Belton residents a new, improved H-E-B," said Jeff Thomas, senior vice president and general manager, H-E-B Central Texas Region. "The store plan is bigger and better than ever, bringing area residents outstanding products and departments – some never before seen by H-E-B customers! This store will be specifically tailored to this community."

"It is time for a new store in Belton. My first question is who is running the City of Belton right now. This is such a strong turnout from the community here today. The growth of the school district is an indicator we are making the right investment here."

"H-E-B is so happy to be here today to announce the new Belton H-E-B. Belton, you are kind of hard to keep up with. You deserve the best H-E-B we can build and we are going to just that. There are new additions to this store that you won't find anywhere else," said Leslie Sweet Public Relations Director for H-E-B in the central Texas area.

The new store will create a local destination for product freshness, quality and variety while continuing to offer the lowest possible prices. A few highlights of the store include:


http://www.beltonjournal.com/index.php/business/1327-anticipation-builds-as-belton-prepares-for-the-new-h-e-b-plus

Funny to see them breaking ground with a fork and spoon instead of a shovel :)

Follow the signs: Temple group hopes new signs will steer traffic into downtown.

by Brennan K. Peel
Published: April 6, 2011
Downtown Temple business owners and interested citizens met Tuesday to discuss ways to drive visitor traffic downtown and help revitalize the area that was once the hub of the city.

The Temple Downtown Development Alliance, a committee of business and property owners, proffered ideas on how to increase downtown Temple's viability as a tourist destination and suggested steps to get there.

One method will be to install signs along the city's major thoroughfares that direct traffic downtown, show visitors where they can park and highlight businesses that keep the old town alive.

Nancy Glover, Temple Convention and Visitors Bureau manager, said the city is planning to erect several signs to start the process.

The signs will point the way to downtown from Interstate 35 down Central Avenue and along Texas 53, she said.

"We're looking at doing a comprehensive re-do of all the signs," she said. "Our goal is to have everything done and installed by the end of this fiscal year."

The city's fiscal year ends Sept. 30.


http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/4/6/73575

Bell County one of the most diverse counties in the country

by Carroll Wilson | Managing Editor
Published: April 3, 2011
Bell County is one of the most diverse in the country, according to an index developed by USA Today.

It's one of nine in Texas that ranks high in diversity, the index shows, according to a Texas Tribune report.

The index calculates the probability that two people chosen at random from a county would have different races or ethnic origins, The Tribune says, adding that the state's overall score was 46.

About 65 percent of Bell County's population is white, about 20 percent is black, about 19 percent claim Hispanic roots, and 3 percent say they are Asian. Eight percent say they are some other race. Those figures are from the 2010 U.S. Census headcount report issued last month.

The most diverse census tract in Bell County is a 2.54 square mile section in southwest Killeen near Fort Hood. The residents there are largely associated with the military.


http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/4/6/73508

Bell County Courthouse gets a face-lift

http://www.kdhnews.com/images/story/53510_Bell-county-courthouse-2.jpg

Posted On: Thursday, Mar. 31 2011 10:37 PM

By Sonya Campbell
Harker Heights Herald

BELTON — Maintenance on the historic Bell County Courthouse is under way in Belton.

The work is being handled through Corporate Facilities Management, LLC, according to County Judge Jon Burrows.

"They have done several projects for the county in the past. The work being done is part of the periodic maintenance of our historic 1885 courthouse," he said.

Burrows noted the last significant maintenance/repairs were done more than 12 years ago. "To continue to preserve and maintain this great structure, we have done or are doing several projects."

A number of the projects in the interior of the courthouse have already been completed, including repainting the interior public areas, remodeling the auditor's area; replacing the entrance doors; upgrading the audio/visual equipment in the courtroom; applying foam in the attic to stop HVAC condensation, replacing the boiler and HVAC equipment, refurbishing all pipe insulation, replacing all HVAC controls and tinting the windows to reduce heat.

The exterior renovations and repair project under way include repainting the exterior, inspecting it for possible water infiltration, recaulking and reglazing windows; repairing soffits and gutters; verifying roof integrity, removing unneeded roof vents, repairing and/or replacing damaged areas to the clock tower, replacing

hand rails and remodeling/stone capping window wells.


http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=53510

New Headquarters underway in Temple's Airport Park at Central Point

http://www.wallace-group.com/image/Fikes.jpg

TEMPLE, Texas -- Temple's Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) and the City of Temple announce the ground breaking news concerning Fikes Wholesale, Inc. and their new office complex to be built in Airport Park at Central Point in Temple. The office will be a 2-story, 42,000 square foot complex sitting on over 19 acres and will house the corporate office staff. Currently the corporate office staff is located in three different offices in the Temple area. This new office building will unite the entire staff under one roof.

http://www.fikesinc.com/News.htm

UMHB campus to see changes over the next few years

In response to the significant growth that the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has experienced over the years a new master plan has been proposed that will transform the university forever.

The plan was approved and adopted by UMHB trustees who are convinced that this will be a step in the right direction for the school. The master plan is comprised of renovations and new construction of $100 million in new facilities set to be completed within the next three to five years.

The welcoming atmosphere of the campus, the highly successful athletic department, the faculty's professionalism and care and the demand for Christian higher education have contributed to the school's growth over the years. The past two years have recorded the highest number of freshmen enrollment in school history, and Fall 2011 is expected to have even more freshmen enroll.

Subsequently, the increase in enrollment has resulted in plans being formulated to cater to the growth.

The construction and renovations will include:

• Performing Arts Center with a 500-to-600 seat performance hall for musical and theatrical productions

• 70,000-square-foot academic building for the nursing program

• Visual Arts Center with classrooms, faculty offices, studios and gallery space

• a Student Union building offering more than 100,000 square feet for residential dining, a banquet hall, a modern bookstore, student organization rooms and social spaces for student interaction and learning

• an on-campus football stadium with seating for 8,000 to 10,000 spectators;

The estimated $100 million in new facilities is the largest capital investment in the history of UMHB. University trustees have recommended that the plan be underwritten through a combination of gifts and grants, debt, and funds already set aside for campus improvements UMHB has constructed several buildings over the years but never has it devised a project of this nature. It has always completed building projects by constructing one building at a time. The largest project to date is $17 million Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center which was completed in 2005.


http://www.beltonjournal.com/index.php/news/1280-umhb-campus-to-see-changes-over-the-next-few-years

Revitalization of Downtown has ups and downs for local businesses

Revitalization of Downtown Belton has been welcomed by both residents and businesses as it compliments the overall expansion and development of the city.

Belton continues to attract tourists and various families who consider residing here, and as a result, the City Of Belton has responded to the needs of the city. Road construction was implemented on Central Avenue last year with the intent of remodelling the area to keep up with the trend of progression in the city. Belton has grown in population and in commerce and the City of Belton did not want infrastructure to be an exception to the city's development.

Road construction is paramount to any city's development however it is a process that takes a considerable amount of time.

Joaquin Santana has been the manager of Sonic Drive-In on Central Avenue for four years. He relocated from Sonic Drive-In on 57th Avenue in Temple after nine years there. He has been thoroughly impressed with the people of Belton and he loves serving them. Santana's store has been greatly affected by the road construction that began in April 2010. Sonic's sales were knocked down by 25% and this has left Santana dissatisfied.

"Construction has blocked out traffic from coming through Central. It has redirected traffic and as a result business has slowed down considerably," Santana explained.

Construction has been a hassle for Santana's employees and customers; however he is appreciative of how construction has beautified the area. "Trees have been planted, drainage systems have been upgraded and the sidewalks look nice." Santana said.

He anticipated the construction ending in November but the flood in September slowed down the construction workers progress.


http://www.beltonjournal.com/index.php/news/1242-revitalization-of-downtown-has-ups-and-downs-for-local-businesses-

CEO chosen for new Seton hospital near Killeen

http://assets.bizjournals.com/austin/news/Seton%20killen.jpg?v=1


Austin Business Journal
Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 12:41pm CDT - Last Modified: Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 12:45pm CDT
Related:Health Care

Matt Maxfield was named CEO for Seton Family of Hospital's planned Killeen-area facility.

The $100-million project, called Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, broke ground at 850 W. Central Expressway on April 4. It is scheduled to open in fall 2012. The 83-bed facility will total 192,400 square feet and create 1,967 jobs within 10 years, officials estimate.

Maxfield will assume the top position on April 25. He worked previously with Brownwood Regional Medical Center, where he served as CEO for nearly seven years. The Temple native was also assistant administrator and associate executive director of operations for Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic. In the past, he held CEO positions at Coryell Memorial Hospital and Burleson Memorial Hospital.

Read more: CEO chosen for new Seton hospital near Killeen | Austin Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2011/04/13/ceo-chosen-for-setons-new-killeen.html

Temple region ranks eighth in growth


by Carroll Wilson
Published: April 16, 2011

The region that includes Temple and Belton ranked eighth in population growth among 26 metropolitan statistical areas between 2000 and 2010's census, according to new data from Texas A&M University.


http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/04/16/73800

Belton City Council approves 80-foot flag pole for Central Avenue

It will certainly be an eye-catcher.

But that's what the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce had in mind when they approved the design concept for a towering 80-foot tall flag pole at its meeting earlier this month, designed to hoist an American Flag and be the centerpiece for the Central Avenue Gateway.

The Belton City Council Tuesday, March 22 eagerly approved a resolution for the design concept plan, which will be part of what will become Patriot Way Plaza at the intersection of Central Avenue and I-35.

Trae Sutton, a consulting engineer with the engineering firm of Kasberg, Patrick & Associates (KPA), has been working with the city for years on a variety of projects, including some current, such as the Safe Routes to Schools project, approved March 8 by the City Council.

Sutton said the feature will be lit by bright, white LED spotlights at all times, assuring that passersby will undoubtedly notice this city when driving by.

"It'll look like the sun is shining 24-7," Sutton chuckled when addressing the City Council Tuesday, drawing similar responses from the excited council members viewing a concept graphic rendering on the projector screen. "There will be an engraved plaque for all those who donated to the plaza - it will have city of Belton on there. We do plan to have parking there, but not a great deal. This really needed to be handicapped parking for veterans that are handicapped."

Surrounding the flagpole, which should be completed this year, will be a star emblem with each of the Armed Services recognized in the concrete.

The design is not unlike the star emblem that can be seen outside the Bell County Justice Center on Loop 121.

City Manager Sam Listi he hopes the flag and surrounding decorative items will spurn some tourism in the area.

If nothing else, it will certainly get people's attention.

Listi openly hoped that $135,000 of the project, the bulk of the cost, could be shared by private donations, as a number of interested parties have come forward with open interest.


http://www.beltonjournal.com/index.php/news/1340-belton-city-council-approves-80-foot-flag-pole-for-central-avenue

Brazos River Bridge Hearing This Thursday

http://www.1000friendsofwaco.com/wp-content//waco-bridge-rendering.jpg

By Chris McGowan · February 1, 2011 · Filed in Uncategorized
The Texas Department of Transportation will hold its final public hearing on Thursday, February 3rd, at the Texas Ranger Museum Education Center to discuss construction of signature frontage road bridges over the Brazos River. Funding for this projects is approved and allocated. The construction of these bridges will further enhance the image of Waco, the Brazos River Corridor and Baylor University.

We strongly encourage you to attend and express your support for this very important project.


http://www.1000friendsofwaco.com/?p=243

New trail in Temple will connect TC with S&W

Temple may not be a pedestrian paradise, but the city continues to take strides in making getting around town easier for walkers.

http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/4/24/73937

cool stuff. I grew up in cove. Its nice to see things actually happening besides new big box stores, which is all that was being built in the early 2000s when my family left the area. Where/when/is? the High Point 5-story office building going to be constructed? Also that TAMU building will be big too, it looks like. But yeah, Temple is getting an auto manufacturing plant? wow that's huge.

I agree with the previous poster about Temple, its old downtown seems to have the most potential of historic areas. The central part of Killeen is pretty marginal.

double post plz delete

I'll sticky this for you. Waco-Killeen-Temple is indeed a fast rising area in Texas and news from here is much appreciated! :)

Cool to see all the development in the Waco-Killeen-Temple-Belton areas.

Central Texas College Student Center

http://www.freese.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/project-detail/CTC08222-Northwest.jpg

The New Student Center at CTC is located just south of the original facility built over 40 years ago. Student Dining Services and the Campus Bookstore will relocate to the first floor of the new building, while the second floor will include a public meeting room, support functions for the Board of Trustees and a Conference Center capable of holding up to 450 people in multiple room configurations

http://www.freese.com/our-work/central-texas-college-student-center

I give much love to Belton:)... and amire it the most for it's chram. Also I agree Killeen is sprawlville:ohno: and hope that one day they'll understand that it's important to have an urban downtown. Temple & Waco both on the verge of a big urban renewal and see big things coming from them in the near future.

I grew up in Killeen and don't really care to return there. But to be fair for the city, it grew to big to fast. No way did they believe that city would have 127,000 people as of today with 41,000 moving there this past decade. It had to be the fastest growing city between DFW and Austin. Unfortunately, I don't think they will understand urban development there. Love to see them prove me wrong.

cool stuff. I grew up in cove. Its nice to see things actually happening besides new big box stores, which is all that was being built in the early 2000s when my family left the area. Where/when/is? the High Point 5-story office building going to be constructed? Also that TAMU building will be big too, it looks like. But yeah, Temple is getting an auto manufacturing plant? wow that's huge.

I agree with the previous poster about Temple, its old downtown seems to have the most potential of historic areas. The central part of Killeen is pretty marginal.

Yeah I wonder where that High Pointe office will be.

Waco,Texas:

Doris Miller Memorial:
http://www.kwtx.com/waco/headlines/Cultural_Arts_of_Waco_announces_Doris_Miller_Memorial_Design_Finalist_113391789.html

http://www.wacoartsfest.org/

The rendering of the design is in the second link.

Cameron Park construction:
http://www.waco-texas.com/cms/videos/player.aspx?v=cnRtcDovL3MxaXppcHpkOTRweG01LmNsb3VkZnJvbnQubmV0L2NmeC9zdC9Cb25kL0JvbmQtVXBkYXRlLUJyYXpvcy1QYXJrLUVhc3QtTWFyY2gtMjAxMS5mbHY=

You also have the lofts getting ready to be built in downtown.

Development and construction is really picking up in Waco. Lots of foundation and ground is being broken. Love it!

Panda Temple Power Project

http://pandaenergy.com/Portals/0/Rendering-Header.gif

http://pandaenergy.com/Projects/Temple/tabid/87/Default.aspx

University Lofts Waco, TX

http://lh2architecture.com/images/general/MorganHouse1.jpg



http://lh2architecture.com/html/student_housing.html

Really cool looking as in retro. But you have to be really careful designing such projects as they never fit in with the modern stuff around them. As people tend to be "what have you done for us lately," this project could be demonlished rather quickly as out of date.

It could go out of date but I wouldn"t worry, most buildings get renovated.

Pactiv plant to add jobs; expansion planned

Pactiv Corporation announced a major expansion project at its Temple plant expected to draw close to 100 new jobs to the city and the surrounding Bell County region.

In Temple, the company employs 700 full-time workers.


http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/6/28/75185

Developers tour Hawn hotel, explore possible restoration

Multiple developers have recently toured the Hawn Hotel in downtown Temple, and some of those developers are exploring options to move forward with revamping the 82-year-old building to its former eminence.

http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2011/06/23/75157/

Belton's new 6 screen movie theatre.

http://tdtnews.com:8080/main/p1669hc5a71dgl1p1odo1vee101k8.jpg

BY CRISTINA WAITS | TELEGRAM STAFF

Thursday, Aug 4, 2011 6:00 AM

A new six-screen movie theater is planned in Belton by local investors. Grand Avenue Theater will open before next summer less than one-half mile from the new H-E-B Plus in Belton.


http://www.tdtnews.com/index/news/show/76452

^that looks nice. too bad it'll probably be an island in a huge parking lot and not downtown, or adjacent to downtown.

-

It would have look nice downtown but it's to bad they had to put it behind walgreens where no one can hardly see it. Right now it's U/C I bet in a few years that part of Belton going to be a hot spot for develepment.

H-E-B to Build Multi-Million Dollar Cold Storage Facility

http://griffcodesignbuild.com/images/sub/project/HEB_Refrigerated_01.jpg
http://griffcodesignbuild.com/HEB_Refrigerated.php

September 1, 2011

Media Contacts
Cyndy Jackson, TEDC

Temple, Texas have announced H-E-B is ready to break ground on a $20 million, 300,000 square foot cold storage building. The new facility will be built adjacent to H-E-B'sTemple Retail Support Center, a 450,000 square foot warehouse and transportation facility, that opened in July 2010. When complete, the new facility is expected to employ 40 people and serve more than 50 H-E-B retail stores across the region, an area that extends from Austin to Dallas.

The City of Temple and the Temple Economic Development Corporation know the importance of local companies as the foundation of the community's economic base. Retention and expansion of Temple's businesses will always be a high priority. To that end, the City of Temple approved at Thursday night's city council meeting a Chapter 380agreement with H-E-B for tax abatement on future real property improvements to their tract on Wendland Road.


http://www.choosetemple.com/index.php/press-releases/109-h-e-b-to-build-multi-million-dollar-cold-storage-facility

Franklin Place Delayed

The $20 million downtown project called Franklin Place will get built but not as quickly as backers first expected because of changes.

http://www.wacotrib.com/#lead_story_top

I hope it's not to far delayed..

Franklin Place Delayed



http://www.wacotrib.com/#lead_story_top

I hope it's not to far delayed..

Ugh, I hate how Wacotrib has changed their page to where you now have to be a subscriber to see the stories!

Anyways, more developments going on around Waco:

Waco water park expansion; working with Hawaiian Falls (http://hfalls.com/):
http://www.kxxv.com/story/15509703/possible-takeover-and-expansion-of-waco-water-park

At a price tag of $5 million, the Waco Water Park could double in size, draw thousands of visitors from Central Texas and boost Waco's economy.

Hawaiian Falls would take over managing the park and would oversee its daily operation. As many as 175 new jobs would be available at the park.

Groth added that the proposed park would be comparable to other large water parks, but would include "some features" that other Texas parks don't have.

David Alby, spokesman for Hawaiian Falls Water Parks, hinted that thrill rides, taller sliders and a larger, longer and deeper lazy river may be in store for Waco.

Hawaiian Falls breaks ground for new waterpark in Texas

http://www.themeparkpost.com/resources/hawaiifallswaco.jpg

Posted by on Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Heralding a new era of economic revitalization and a new approach to tourism and family entertainment in central Texas (USA), business and community leaders joined Hawaiian Falls president David Busch, Waco Mayor Jim Bush and city officials to celebrate the ground breaking for the new Hawaiian Falls waterpark. Hawaiian Falls Waterparks is a family-friendly waterpark chain in Texas, USA and is composed of sevearl waterparks. The new park will open Memorial Day weekend 2012.

Hawaiian Falls Waco will employ more than 150 seasonal workers and is expected to draw more than 70,000 tourists to the area each year. The park is projected to have a total annual attendance of 150,000 guests. Hawaiian Falls Waco will be three times larger than the existing aquatic facility.


http://www.themeparkpost.com/index/hawaiian-falls-breaks-ground-on-new-waterpark-in-texas

Waco Bike Lanes:
Cycling to work gaining speed in Central Texas (http://www.kcentv.com/story/14670050/cycling-to-work-gaining-speed-in-central-texas)

Baylor regents to study viability of on-campus stadium

By John Werner
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Saturday November 5, 2011

http://www.baylor.edu/content/imglib/157211.jpg

Baylor University officials hope a new on-campus football stadium on the banks of the Brazos River will become a reality in the near future.

And they are banking on fans being on board with it.

The school's board of regents on Friday approved a fan survey and feasibility study to gauge interest in a state-of-the-art riverfront stadium that could cost $250 million.

The survey will be sent to Baylor season ticket holders and Baylor Bear Foundation members, and will be conducted by Conventions, Sports and Leisure. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in December, Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw said.


http://www.baylor.edu/nation/index.php?id=86133

Belton belts out 350 jobs, $5M facility

BELTON - CGI Group Inc., a global information technology firm, will create 350 new jobs at the $5 million onshore delivery center planned for the Belton Business Park. The 40,000-sf facility should be completed and fully staffed within three or four years, according to Belton Mayor Jim Covington.

Average salaries for the new positions will be above $40,000, which will mean an annual economic impact of $50 million with multipliers, Covington said.

CGI will open in temporary space within four weeks with recruiting starting as early as next week, according to Linda Odorisio with CGI.

The new Belton center will provide software development services, support and maintenance, and testing as well as network engineering and data management support.


http://recenter.tamu.edu/newstalk/newstalkSearch.asp?CID=58350

Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center

The new home for one of the university’s premier academic programs will include clinical labs, practice exam rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and support spaces totaling 76,100 square feet. Technology will play an important role in this facility: the clinical labs will offer a total of 24 stations where high fidelity “patient” mannequins will provide feedback for students learning nursing skills. A hospital simulation area will include a nurses’ station, four standard hospital rooms, an ER/trauma room, a labor and delivery room, a room for critical care, and a home health simulation room.

http://www.umhb.edu/masterplan/isabelle-rutherford-meyer-nursing-education-center

New Entertainment Complex will bring bowling back to Temple

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BY JESSICA PRIEST | TELEGRAM STAFF

Saturday, Jan 7, 2012 4:30 AM

Here’s something that will get Temple residents — especially bowlers — smiling from ear to ear. A new entertainment complex, featuring 24 lanes for the sport, laser tag and much more, plans to start construction soon on about 5 acres of land on Loop 205.


http://www.tdtnews.com/index/news/show/82819?title=New+Entertainment+Complex+will+bring+bowling+back+to+Temple

200 unit complex coming to Temple

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Wednsday, Jan 18, 2012 4:30 AM

Hilliard Crossing, at the corner of West Adams Avenue and Hilliard Road, will include 200 apartment units, a new CEFCO gas station with Pizza Hut and Subway restaurants, and space for other retail stores and restaurants.

http://www.tdtnews.com/sub/news/11

Those look nicer than the average apartment complex.

Its easy to forget that Temple is growing west towards the lake, I always think of the city as only being the old part of town and the area by the hospital and mall.

Groundbreaking Scheduled For New UMHB Football Stadium

http://d3football.com/images/2011/umhb-stadium-north.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D225%26max_width%3D400

BELTON (January 25, 2012)—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced Wednesday that it has hired a construction firm to build its new football stadium and a new student union building, which will serve as an anchor to the visitor’s side of the new facility.

Ground will be broken for the $50 million project at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 on the lower parking lot south of the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center on University Drive.

Plans call for an 8,000 to 10,000 seat stadium and student union building near the center of the Belton campus, close to the Mayborn Center, which houses the school’s arena and to intramural fields, creating a student activity zone surrounded by residence halls and apartments, UMHB said.

http://www.kwtx.com/news/headlines/Groundbreaking_Scheduled_For_New_UMHB_Football_Stadium_138059788.html?ref=788

Those look nicer than the average apartment complex.

Its easy to forget that Temple is growing west towards the lake, I always think of the city as only being the old part of town and the area by the hospital and mall.

Growing up in Killeen, I obviously visited Temple many many times and I can count on one hand how many times I went west of 35.

Economic boom for the Temple area.

http://www.kxxv.com/category/163320/video-landing?clipId=6797180&topVideoCatNo=116555,84204&topVideoCatNoB=154628&topVideoCatNoC=116838&topVideoCatNoD=117582&topVideoCatNoE=138849&autoStart=true

Some nice projects. Looks like good times for the area.

TEMPLE MEDICAL EDUCATION DISTRICT – TEMPLE, TX

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http://tbg-inc.com/folio/temple-medical-education-district-temple-tx/

Baylor receives largest capital gift in university history; kicks off fundraising initiative for new stadium

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Posted: Mar 13, 2012 2:41 PM CDT

WACO - Baylor University's Board of Regents announced today that the university has received a leadership gift - the largest capital gift in university history - from Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. for Baylor's new on-campus football stadium alongside the Brazos River. With this naming rights gift, the McLane family asked that the new football facility be named Baylor Stadium. The generous gift will lead on-going fundraising to support stadium construction.

"We are fortunate to be a family that includes a number of proud Baylor University alumni," said Drayton McLane Jr., a 1958 Baylor graduate. "We believe strongly in the University's distinct and important role as a Christian institution dedicated to academic excellence at the highest level. Our son Drayton III, a 1996 graduate of Baylor, and his wife Amy, and their sons Drayton IV, Brooks and Walker, as well as our son Denton, who graduated from Baylor in 1999, and his wife Amy, and sons Jeff and Jake, join us in joyfully making this gift to Baylor. As a family, we wanted to do something that would shine a light on the University we love, while enhancing student life at Baylor and impacting positively the city of Waco and Central Texas. This is an incredible time to be a Baylor Bear and all the McLane family is excited to part of the momentum that is leading Baylor to new heights."

http://www.kxxv.com/story/17149150/baylor-receives-largest-capital-gift-in-university-history-kicks-off-fundraising-initiative-for-new-stadium

Fort Hood unveils new solar field

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Posted: Mar 27, 2012 7:31 PM CDT

By: Chris Cheng

Fort Hood – Fort Hood along with Universal Services Inc. activated their massive solar panel field, Tuesday.

The new project consists of 3,000 photovoltaic panels spread out across four acres near the Liberty Village military housing community.

Officials expect the panels to generate one million kilowatt-hours annually.

The energy produced will help generate about 20-25 percent of the power for the 300 nearby homes.

Universal Services, the company who owns Liberty Village, approached the Army with plans for the solar park, last March.

The Corps of Engineers secured the four-acre location while Universal Services footed the bill.

The joint venture took only a year, from conception to completion, to finish.

To give the field a second, and more educational, purpose officials installed information plaques on solar energy along a nearby walking trail.

The new solar panel field is only the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to Fort Hood's plan on using renewable energy.

http://www.kxxv.com/global/story.asp?s=17270459

Firm to bring high-tech jobs to rural Texas

By WILL WEISSERT

BELTON, TEXAS

Gov. Rick Perry scooped up a shovel full of dirt Wednesday, helping to ceremonially break ground on a private firm's new $7 million information and technology facility that promises to create at least 350 jobs in a rural corner of Texas not usually known for high-tech opportunities.

CGI Group Inc. is building a 40,000-square-foot center providing technology services in Belton, about 60 miles north of Austin. It is receiving $1.8 million from the governor's Texas Enterprise Fund, which is designed to attract major business expansion and create jobs statewide.

George Schindler, president of CGI in the U.S., said the company looked at 30 communities across five states before settling on Belton. He said the area offers a skilled workforce trained at several nearby colleges and universities -- but one that won't demand the top salaries required by applicants in larger cities.

"We're getting access to talent that is untapped," Schindler said.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-04/D9U30LAO3.htm

S&W Bone and Joint Institute breaks ground

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While the Bone and Joint Institute has provided expert care to patients for decades, that care will soon be enhanced and expanded with the construction of a new, stand-alone building on the Temple campus, which will combine all of the orthopedic resources and specialties in one location.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 10 on the Temple campus. Scott & White officials and community leaders were on hand to celebrate the construction of the newest Scott & White facility.

In our new state-of-the-art facility, complete medical, surgical and rehabilitative care will be coordinated and delivered in one location by experts who diagnose and treat disease and injury of the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons that help our bodies move. Medical and surgical specialists include physiatrists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons.

http://www.sw.org/bone-joint-institute/institute-construction

Scott and White pumps more construction into Temple

TEMPLE - Scott & White has received a large gift from Elizabeth and Drayton McLane that will allow the health care provider to complete renovations to the McLane Children’s Hospital, purchase equipment and build a 100,000-sf pediatric specialty clinic on the 40-acre campus, according to Robert W. Pryor, president and CEO of Scott & White Healthcare.

Scott & White has filed for a permit to build a four story 80,000-sf professional office building and a single story 8,000-sf cancer clinic on the children’s hospital campus located at 1901 S.W. H.K. Dodgen Loop, according to state filings.

Estimated cost of construction is $18 million and is expected for completion in November 2012.

http://recenter.tamu.edu/newstalk/newstalkSearch.asp?CID=59528

Riverfront site eyed for $35 million hotel complex

The owners of a riverfront property on Franklin Avenue are moving forward with ambitions to build a $35 million hotel and mixed-use complex.

http://www.wacotrib.com/#lead_story_top

Office complex going up in Killeen

By Rebecca Rose Killeen Daily Herald

A new 18,000-square-foot office complex will open as early as December and be available for professional office space.

When completed, the Central Professional Plaza on South W.S. Young Drive could house at least 12,000 square feet of space for medical or other professional offices, but the developer behind the property isn't a familiar local name in real estate or construction.

Dr. Joseph Drinkwater, a dentist, is making the leap from managing his own business to acting as landlord to other prospective medical professionals and specialists.

Drinkwater, a dental officer in the Army Reserve, moved to Killeen more than seven years ago from California. "Killeen was a very attractive area. There was a lot of need, as far as services for military families. I thought it would be a good place to grow my practice."

Since then, his practice rapidly expanded and outgrew its 2,000-square-foot space. He bought the land from a private party and realized he had a unique opportunity to expand more than just his practice.

"My vision is a medical professional plaza," he said. "I'd like to have different specialties in dentistry and medical doctors be part of it."

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=66994

I-35 BRUCEVILLE-EDDY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BEGINS

Jodi Wheatley Phone: (254) 867-2836 Date: June 12, 2012

Cost of the project is $120.7 million, and includes replacing the crossover bridges at Big Elm Road, Old Blevins Rd., and FM 107/3rd St. A new overpass will be constructed north of FM 107, to be called Eddy Drive. Additionally, new access-road bridges will be built over the Union Pacific railroad crossing as the highway there is widened. Four permanent dynamic message signs will be installed over the mainlanes, to give real-time, accurate highway travel information to drivers passing through the district.

The project includes the construction of new access roads, which will be one-way, in accordance with current federal interstate highway safety regulations. The mainlanes will be increased from two to three lanes in each direction. The southern end of the project will be started first, and construction is expected to be complete by summer of 2016.

http://www.my35.org/news/021-2012.htm

I-35 SALADO CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BEGINS

Contact: Jodi Wheatley Phone: (254) 867-2836 Date: June 4, 2012

James Construction Group, contractor for the project, will begin setting traffic barriers today in preparation for the start of construction. The project runs about 3.33 miles.

Cost of the project is $70.4 million, and includes replacing the crossovers at N. Main St. (which will be moved south to connect to Salado Plaza Dr./Williams Rd.), Thomas Arnold Rd., and FM 2268. A new exit connecting to Main St. on the south side of town will be added.

The project includes the construction of new access roads, which will be one-way, in accordance with current federal interstate highway safety regulations. The mainlanes will be increased from two to three lanes in each direction. The southern end of the project will be started first, and construction is expected to be complete by summer of 2016.

http://www.my35.org/news/020-2012.htm

Progress on Fort Hood new hospital

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http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=9354

new pediatric clinic Temple

A new pediatric clinic is coming to Scott & White McLane Children's Hospital in Temple.

The new multi-story clinic will be built next to the main children's hospital. It will house specialty services to treat cardiac patients, as well as a neurosciences center that will include behavioral and speech specialists.

Right now these services are spread out, but officials say having them under one roof will improve coordination between different pediatricians.

The hospital opened last year as the only stand-alone children's hospital between Dallas and Austin.

"As a pediatrician, it is truly a dream come true,” Dr. Reddy Beeram with Scott & White Healthcare said. “I cannot imagine how families feel, I'm just a provider. Imagine families who seek the help from these institutions and it's an amazing thing."

A $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation made the new clinic possible. To receive the grant, Scott & White had to raise $2 dollars itself.

They expect to break ground on the building in late August.

http://www.tdtnews.com/index/news/show/89910?title=Grant+gives+children%E2%80%99s+hospital+$4+million+boost

New Baylor stadium almost a reality

Waco leaders have tried to do something with the north shore of the Brazos River since the 1970s. Every idea they have had has come up short, until now.

"We've been talking about bringing something to District One, and boy, do you bring something to District One," Waco City Council Member Wilbert Austin said.

The new Baylor Stadium and Community Center will fill 93 acres along the north Brazos riverbank. The project will have many amenities including a boat harbor and pedestrian bridge.

"This great stadium and community complex is going to be one of the great showcases of the United States," Baylor University President Judge Ken Starr said.

The City of Waco will kick in $35 million for water, sewer, electrical and roads. The money will come from the city's Tax Increment Financing Zone.

"I believe we can justify this investment solely on the improvement to the quality of life in an area that we have been working on for 30 years," Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan said.

Waco City Council Member Toni Herbert agrees.

"This is the project that we've been talking about for decades," he said. "What I think we're doing is 'paying it forward.'"

The stadium project is coming just as construction begins on a major bridge redesign at Interstate-35 near the river.

http://austin.ynn.com/content/sports/285867/new-baylor-stadium-almost-a-reality

East Village Residential Community U/C

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At its annual Homecoming meeting, the Baylor Board of Regents approved $120 million in capital improvements, the largest investment in construction on the Baylor campus since the Baylor Sciences Building in 2004. Construction will be financed through the issuance of bonds and will include a new 700-bed residential complex and dining facility on the east side of campus, the renovation of the Marrs McLean Science Building, and Phase 2 of initial construction on academic and research space in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC).

The $70 million, 238,715-square-foot East Village Residential Community will consist of two four-story facilities: the 354-bed North Residential Community that will include the Engineering and Computer Science Residential College and the 347-bed South Residential Community that will include the Science and Health Living-Learning Community. The facilities will feature a variety of living spaces, from semi-suites to apartment-style living, as well as study and seminar spaces, student lounge areas, media and game rooms, faculty offices, staff apartments and faculty master apartments. The East Village Residential Community will be built along Bagby Avenue between Second and Fourth streets.

The East Village Residential Community is part of the 21st Century Project of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International, an innovative national effort to plan a prototype residence hall of the 21st century. Baylor was chosen in 2009 as one of only three higher education institutions to participate in the project.

The East Village project also includes the construction of a 33,170-square-foot, two-story dining hall, which will accommodate more than 500 students on the east side of campus.

http://www.baylor.edu/alumni/magazine/1002/news.php?action=story&story=105990

Progress on the new IH 35 signature bridge expansion, & the new Baylor Stadium.

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http://m.facebook.com/pages/Baylor-U...178681026&_rdr

Waco officials approve $2 million for intersection project near new Baylor Stadium

By J.B. SMITH

Wednesday October 24, 2012

Local transportation authorities Tuesday signed off on a $2 million upgrade to the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard underpass at Interstate 35 near the future Baylor Stadium.

The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization board unanimously approved the addition to the $11.7 million project to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard toward La Salle Avenue.

Work will begin soon on the five-lane road known as Loop 574, which will access the new stadium.

Local Texas Department of Transportation officials said the intersection upgrade is needed because of I-35 improvements planned for the near future.

Work already has begun on extending I-35 frontage roads over the Brazos River up to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and the frontage roads will be extended north of the intersection next year.

The state also is planning to widen the main lanes of I-35 through that section in the next few years. To prepare for that project, engineers said they need to lower the grade of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard under the I-35 bridge.

That segment also will be widened to align with the Loop 574 work, said Andy Petter, interim district engineer for the state transportation department.

The state will pay for the project from a $2 billion fund it amassed through savings on other transportation projects.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/175535791.html

Mike Copeland: Lakewood Center gets more tenants, new Karr dealership and more

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MIKE COPELAND Tribune-Herald staff writer

Sunday August 26, 2012

Tenants continue to sign on the dotted line for space in Lakewood Center, at Wooded Acres and Valley Mills drives, where heavy equipment and construction crews have gathered.

Real estate agent Mike Meadows said deals recently were struck with Smashburger, a restaurant chain founded in Denver five years ago that quickly is spreading nationally; and Fantastic Sams, a full-service hair-care chain.

The Tribune-Herald earlier reported that Austin-based Mama Fu’s Asian House also has signed a lease.

“These three will occupy an 8,500-square-foot strip and we’re waiting on a signature for a fourth,” Meadows said, adding negotiations continue with “food and non-food prospects” that would build on outparcels.

On this same corner, a German-based grocery chain called Aldi continues site work for a 16,000-square-foot store that could open by winter, according to Waco real estate developer Gordon Harriman III.


http://www.wacotrib.com/news/167457115.html

Don-Nan to pump up Temple economy

By Christopher Calnan, Staff Writer
Date: Friday, October 26, 2012

A Midland company is building a $4 million pump manufacturing facility in Temple to capitalize on the exploration boom in West Texas and the surplus of workers from nearby Fort Hood.

Don-Nan Pump & Supply Co. plans to start construction this year on the 45,000-square-foot manufacturing, warehouse and distribution center. The facility, which would be on an 8-acre tract at the Temple Economic Development Corp.’s Enterprise Park, is scheduled to be completed by summer 2013.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/print-edition/2012/10/26/don-nan-to-pump-up-temple.html

High Point Elementary Belton, Texas

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http://bisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

Crane base has been installed for the new 5st. pediatric clinic. Temple, TX

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Rendering
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http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/285810/scott---white-to-build-new-pediatric-clinic

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8411816801_4b3f9be520_z.jpg

Crane up for the new Pediatric clinic. Temple, TX

Waco recruiting developers for major Brazos riverfront project

By J.B. SMITH jbsmith@wacotrib.com
Tuesday February 5, 2013

The city of Waco is seeking a master developer to turn 16 acres of downtown riverfront land into a mixed-use complex that could rival the Baylor Stadium project in scope.

A new request for proposals for the Brazos Commons property calls for a publicly accessible waterfront that connects to “a variety of residential, retail and commercial opportunities, including destination restaurants and hotels.”

Developers have until June 7 to present a proposal, and Waco City Council could choose one by July 9 for a long-term land lease.

The city of Waco has owned the site since the city was founded, and leaders for decades have envisioned a signature urban development there.

The Baylor Stadium project and the momentum of other downtown development inspired city leaders to market the property.

“That is a prime location for what we see as the next step of developing the river,” Mayor Malcolm Duncan Jr. said. “The timing is right, the location is right, and we hope it will lead to more development.”

The site on University Parks Drive includes a vacant fire station, which would be razed, and the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, which could be relocated or preserved.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/money/189778671.html

Not sure if you seen this Jon. Pulled off Greater Waco Ch. of Commerce website.

http://www.tinsleyplace.com/blog/

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I'm an Austin kid but this is cool to see going on up north.

http://greaterdowntownwaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Waco-Plan-V15small.pdf

I'm an Austin kid but this is cool to see going on up north.

http://greaterdowntownwaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Waco-Plan-V15small.pdf

I like this too, but it is sort of old news.

Still, there really isn't that much on this part of the state....

Baylor Stadium: New Aerial Views On The Brazos

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/wacotrib.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f5/ef51c4be-8a90-11e2-a4ec-0019bb2963f4/513e49aaeb098.image.jpg

http://www.wacotrib.com/photos/sports/baylor-stadium-new-aerial-views-on-the-brazos/collection_19a070d6-8a95-11e2-9fd3-0019bb2963f4.html

Suitors show interest in Waco riverfront development

By J.B. SMITH jbsmith@wacotrib.com

A pre-bid conference Wednesday for the development of the city of Waco’s prime riverfront land drew more than 30 people from around the state, including three to five potential bidders, city officials said.

City leaders discussed the Brazos Commons project and answered detailed questions for nearly an hour, portraying a grand vision of an urban waterfront with pedestrian access and commercial and residential development.

“This would be the project that sets the tone for the whole area,” said Bill Falco, a former city planning director who is working for the city on the project. “It’s seen as a critical link to the river to take advantage of the momentum we have going.”

The attendees were a mix of builders, contractors, engineers, attorneys and developers, and it was unclear how many planned to submit development proposals by the June 12 deadline.

The applicants have to line up financing and devise a master plan for the 16-acre site, which the city is offering for a long-term lease. The land lies between Interstate 35 and the Union Pacific rail line, with an additional tract across University Parks Drive.

Commercial developer Rick Sheldon, of Waco, who attended along with members of his development team, said he definitely plans to submit a bid.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/suitors-show-interest-in-waco-riverfront-development/article_62f93bf5-1dda-56d2-b120-226274b25589.html

City to Construct Downtown Signage to Direct Residents and Visitors Alike

The Temple City Council voted today to authorize the construction and installation of directional signage in the downtown area. This high quality, attractive signage will direct residents and visitors to, and around the downtown area of Temple

http://www.ci.temple.tx.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=676

Hot dog cart brings touch of New York to Waco

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/wacotrib.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/e6/be6295da-d105-56fa-9c47-d6483afd5584/515fbabdaf9e0.image.jpg

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/hot-dog-cart-brings-touch-of-new-york-to-waco/article_7a40b43b-6d0f-53f6-b759-bfacdf88ced1.html?mode=story

Upscale apartment complex planned for 2014 opening

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BY CRISTINA WAITS | TELEGRAM STAFF

Thursday, Apr 4, 2013 4:30 AM

BELTON — A $10.43 million River Springs at Barge Ranch apartment complex is expected to open in north Belton next year, developers said.

The upscale, 232-unit community will be off Texas 317 near the River Fair retail and entertainment area, said Mike Beevers, who represents Belton property owner and developer Bill Barge of Barge Properties.

The project was permitted March 26 and awaits loan closure, he said.

Construction is expected in the next 60 days and should be completed in June 2014, Beevers said. The first residents could move in as soon as nine months after work starts.

The “high-end” community is expected to appeal to a broad range of residents including young professionals, college students, young couples, families and empty nesters, he said.

“It’s a beautiful, heavily wooded area with rolling hills,” Beevers said. “It’s going to be attractive to a broad spectrum of the population.”


http://www.tdtnews.com/show/news/98836/

Panda Power will now double in size

TEMPLE (April 4, 2013)—Dallas-based Panda Power Funds says it will double the size of the 758-megawatt natural-gas-fueled power plant it’s building in Temple, creating as many as 800 construction jobs.

The company announced Thursday it has completed financing on a 758-megawatt expansion of the plant.

The Temple I and Temple II generating stations will have a combined capacity of 1,516 megawatts, which the company says is enough power to supply the needs of about 1.5 million homes in Central and North Texas.

Panda broke ground on the plant in September.

The construction of a project on the scale of the Temple II plant will contribute about $1.6 billion to the area economy during construction and the first 10 years of the plants operation, according to a study by Impact Data Source of Austin.

“Approximately 700-800 jobs will be created to construct the Temple II plant at peak construction,” the company said in its announcement Thursday.

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Size-Of-New-Local-Power-Plant-Will-Double-800-Jobs-Could-Be-Created-201451541.html

American Bank to open downtown Waco location

By MIKE COPELAND
April, 30, 2013

American Bank, a 61-year-old area banking institution, will open a branch in Waco Town Square, putting it in the middle of continued development near the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s $4 million headquarters and along Austin Avenue. “We’re very excited about having a presence in the downtown-Baylor-Lake Brazos corridor,” said David Hicks, president of American Bank, which has other locations off Interstate 35 in Bellmead and in American Plaza at 200 West State Highway 6. He said American Bank will lease space beside the Jimmy John’s sandwich shop at South Fourth Street and Franklin Avenue, nearly right across the street from the 7,500-square-foot banking center Wells Fargo built in 2009 after leveling the former Heart of Texas Council of Governments building. “We will have a 1,500-square-foot lobby where all business will be transacted,” Hicks said, noting that banks are trending toward smaller branches that can offer a full line of services through advances in technology. He said the facility will feature a conference room and space for tellers, lenders and a 24-hour ATM in a secure location. “It is our intent to use this location as a launching pad for our active backing of downtown and those involved in making it grow,” Hicks said during an interview Tuesday. “This will be a high-quality development, something that I think everyone in downtown can view with pride.” Brandon Warford, a vice president and six-year employee with American Bank, will oversee marketing and business development efforts for the branch.

http://m.wacotrib.com/mobile/news/business/american-bank-to-open-downtown-waco-location/article_40bd1e88-37f0-5685-86aa-59b0ebc55a4f.html

New Temple homeless shelter set to open in early 2015

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By Colby Howell
April 30, 2013

TEMPLE, TX — On Monday afternoon, the Salvation Army broke ground on a homeless shelter in Temple.

The builiding aimed to help the needy and less fortunate is the first of its kind in Bell County.

The Salvation Army McLane Center of Hope will be located at West Avenue G and 9th Street.

The 22,000 square foot facility will accommodate up to 100 people at once.

Some of the services to be offered include shelter, meals and job training.

The center is slated to open by February 2015.

http://www.kyle28.com/news/new-homeless-shelter-set-open-early-2015