Walgreens on Magazine – Update 12/6/12
Both interior and exterior work are progressing at a good pace this month. As the photo indicates the address precast stone was placed at the roofline just this week and the brick veneer on Magazine Street is nearly complete. This will be striking when the scaffolding is removed and when all the fine stucco detail work is complete in the next few weeks. Interior work is a combination of drywall installation, initial floor prep, electrical rough-in and final HVAC ductwork connections. The rear wall facing the parking lot is now covered with stucco and will have the finish coat in place this coming week. Things are coming together, stay tuned.
East Coast, West Coast…Emergence of the Third Coast
I wanted to share this recently published article, “The Rise of the Third Coast,” by Joel Kotkin, an internationally-recognized researcher and author on global, economic, political and social trends. In the piece, Kotkin describes the “Third Coast,” in large part driven by a “resurgent New Orleans” region, as “one of the major forces in twenty-first-century America.”
One quote in this article that is particularly striking to me is regarding the education system:
In a new report, government efficiency expert David Osborne describes New Orleans’s reforms as a “breakthrough.” The results, he says, are “spectacular: test scores, graduation rates, college-going rates, and public approval have more than doubled in five years.” He adds, “I believe this is the single most important experiment in American education today.”
Walgreens on Magazine – Update 11/2/12
The project is still moving along at a fast pace. Following the setting of the base cast stone, you can now see that the front façade brick veneer is going up quickly. The large windows facing Magazine street are taking shape and it will not be long before this phase is complete. The interior work is progressing with the installation of drywall, completion of framing, HVAC Ductwork, Electrical Rough-In and the concrete decking work at the second floor.
Sam’s Club Opening a Record-Breaking Success!
Yesterday morning I spoke briefly at the official ribbon cutting for the Sam’s Club in our River Chase development. The parish president, all of the area mayors, several council members and a crowd waiting for the doors to open were all gathered. It was great to see so many people excited about the store opening.
Monday night was the store’s soft opening and it was equally crowded. The Sam’s Club parking lot was full, plus there were about 300 extra cars parked on the street and in nearby lots. The manager, Chris Cuevas, told me that the soft opening was a record for Sam’s Club.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this store sets many more records.
Walgreens on Magazine – Update 10/25/12
Things are moving fast at Magazine Street Walgreens. We now have laid the starting course of cast stone on the front elevation, from there on up we will see the brick veneer going up which will help define the window openings. The roofing is now complete, building totally dried in and HVAC Units are in place. Ductwork is now underway inside as well as a flurry of activity of Drywall Studwork, Electrical Rough-in and some of the remaining selective demolishing work. The Walgreens specified tile flooring is being manufactured and due to ship from Italy in early December, this store will not look like your typical Walgreens….we can’t wait to see it either!
Stirling Properties Welcomes Mac Bauer to Its Development Team
COVINGTON, LA– October 25, 2012 – Stirling Properties, expands the depth and breadth of its Development Team by announcing the addition of Mac Bauer as a Development Associate.
In this position, Mr. Bauer will work directly with Lewis Stirling and Townsend Underhill. Mac brings to Stirling several opportunities for historic inner-city developments. Mac’s experience includes international asset and investment management, as well as developing and operating New Orleans’ first urban RV Park.
“The industry is seeing an upswing in activity and it is crucial to have the right people in place to capitalize on growth opportunities. This is why we are pleased to be able to bring someone of Mac’s caliber on-board,” said Lewis Stirling. “His previous experiences and expertise will play a significant part in Stirling Properties’ development goals as we continue to expand our services in the Gulf South.”
