The Waco Business Newsletter: October 29, 2019

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A bi-monthly newsletter investigating the people, places, and policies shaping Waco’s economy.

I'm Austin Meek, Vox of Waco Business News and host of "Downtown Depot," the radio show and podcast where we track the ins and outs of Waco business. Listen live on Fridays at 11:30AM on 103.3 KWBU-FM or stream previous episodes of "Downtown Depot" anytime via Apple Podcasts, NPR, and Waco Business News.

The Waco Business Newsletter: October 29, 2019

The Behrens Lofts, located on 4th Street between Mary and Franklin Avenues, have been converted from apartments to condominiums to address the public’s desire for purchasable housing stock in downtown Waco.

The Behrens Lofts, located on 4th Street between Mary and Franklin Avenues, have been converted from apartments to condominiums to address the public’s desire for purchasable housing stock in downtown Waco.

LOCAL LINKS

  1. In this month's "Residential Recap" on Downtown Depot, housing expert Austin Hooper discusses the City's institution of impact fees and highlights increased living options in downtown Waco, including the Behrens Lofts on 4th Street. Earlier this year, developer Bill Wetterman Jr. changed his model by turning the for-lease apartments into for-sale lofts; now, available units are listed between $224,000 and $513,000. (Waco Business News)

  2. There's a ton of activity along the Elm Avenue corridor in East Waco and, in his monthly Downtown Depot segment, commercial real estate expert Gregg Glime hits the major topics, including TFNB's newest bank branch and Nancy Grayson's for-sale building. (Waco Business News)

  3. Magnolia Press opened its doors to customers during the Silobration weekend and brings another quality option to the city's bean scene. The design is impeccable, as you'd imagine; I particularly like the walk-up window option. (Magnolia)

  4. A consultant is in town determining the City's need for a performing arts venue. Say it with me: "Arts and culture spur economic development!" (The Waco Tribune-Herald)

  5. "Lost In Waco" is a photography and storytelling platform from Adam Moore, a Baylor employee and an October 2018 Downtown Depot guest. He's launching a print publication and tried to raise $5,000 to cover costs; they quickly exceeded their goal, which is a testament to Waco's appetite for cultural offerings such as these. However, the not-for-profit is still accepting donations which will be used for future issues of the Lost In Waco magazine. (Lost In Waco)

  6. Folks at City Center Waco and elsewhere are working in earnest on a TIF application to raise funding for the Cotton Belt railroad bridge, which would provide another connection point on the Brazos between East and West Waco. To me, this project is a no-brainer; it allows for greater activation of the City's already-existing trail system and would beautify a portion of riverfront property in downtown that's sorely underutilized. And remember, TIF funds are disbursed from a pot of money collected through taxation on property located within the TIF zone, which is largely located in downtown; the tax is not levied upon any people or businesses outside of the zone. (The Waco Tribune-Herald)

  7. Early voting is upon us, and I encourage you to consider a "Yes" vote for the expansion of Cameron Park Zoo. Also, keep an eye out for Proposition 5, which would allow all 100% of the sporting goods tax already in place to be given to Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas State Historic Association. Mike Copeland of the Waco Trib wrote about the subject for Sunday's paper and was gracious enough to ask for my two cents. (The Waco Tribune-Herald)

  8. A Chicago-based company is developing a $500 million, 500-megawatt solar farm in Falls County. The project will place 1.6 million solar panels across 6,000 acres in the Mart and Riesel Independent School Districts, making it among the largest solar projects nationwide. (Texas A&M Real Estate Center)

In New York City: Molly Dilworth’s rippling mural helps reimagine Times Square as a car-free place. Molly Dilworth

In New York City: Molly Dilworth’s rippling mural helps reimagine Times Square as a car-free place. Molly Dilworth

OTHER LINKS

  1. When the street is the canvas, the city comes alive in a unique way. The Asphalt Art Initiative shows how design can make city streets safer and more vibrant. (Curbed)

  2. The world's largest urban rooftop farm will open next year in Paris. The 150,000-square-foot grow space should provide more than 2,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables every day during high season. Returning to the basics, remembering a time when humans lived agrarian lifestyles, is better for mental, physical, and environmental health of every living thing. (Curbed)

  3. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, could be the first city lost to climate change, namely due to rising sea levels threatening the city's core. This is a story about the race to find the requisite political will for a solution. (Wired)

  4. Related to the worsening situation in Jakarta: a new report finds that few cities are considering long-term risks of climate change. (Smart Cities)

  5. In California, 2.5 million people have had their power cut off due to fears that electrical lines might ignite wildfires. With wind expected to pick up in Northern California, that number could balloon to 4 million Californians living in the dark by tonight. The wildfires already raging have created dense pollution from Los Angeles to the Bay area; 10,000 students in the Santa Monica and Malibu areas were forced to stay home from school on Monday. This is what climate change looks like; a major downturn in economic activity, limited freedoms, and a diminished quality of life. (CBS)

  6. Despite a rapidly growing population, the capital of Austria remains at the top of most "quality of life" lists ranking global cities. Vienna's secret, according to lawmaker Maria Vassilakou: an emphasis on making the city better for children and families. (CityLab)