Waco-Temple-Killeen Development Thread

[JoninATX]

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.

[JoninATX]

Waco Downtown Plan

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

Frankiln Place downtown Waco, TX


http://www.thereidco.com/listings.cf...=Detail&ID=193

Bayor new research facility


http://www.baylor.edu/bric/

Baylor new stadium


http://www.kxxv.com/story/17149150/b...or-new-stadium

[KevinFromTexas]

Wow. That stadium is sweet. I like that bridge. That link didn't work, though. Gotta another one?

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Wow. That stadium is sweet. I like that bridge. That link didn't work, though. Gotta another one?

Here you go... http://www.baylor-stadium.com/

[JoninATX]

Mary Hardin Baylor University in Belton has alot going on.

New football stadium U/C


The new student union building which in next to the new football stadium U/C


Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center U/C


Baugh Center for the Visual Arts U/C


http://www.umhb.edu/masterplan/

[JoninATX]

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Fort Hood

http://www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/def...p?page=newhosp

Progress taken June 15, 2012

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

[JoninATX]

Sparetime entertainment center Temple TX


http://www.tdtnews.com/index/news/sh...back+to+Temple

200 unit complex coming to Temple


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

S&W Bone and Joint Institute breaks ground Temple TX


http://www.sw.org/bone-joint-institu...e-construction

[JoninATX]

Downtown Killeen to get face-lift

Friday, Jun. 22 2012 10:14 PM

As part of its efforts to revitalize downtown, Killeen is expected to begin work on revamping streets, sidewalks and extending a local hiking and biking trail.

The construction, scheduled to begin next month, will include a number of major "streetscaping features" such as pavement reconstruction, light and crosswalk installation, landscaping and the relocation of some traffic signals along parts of Fourth, Eighth and Gray streets, and avenues C and D.

The project also will make the area's sidewalks more accessible for those with disabilities.

"Many of the areas and sidewalks are in disrepair," said Jill Hall, the city's senior planner and heritage preservation officer. "(The project) will help us rehabilitate those areas, and work toward a downtown with a consistent look and attractive ambiance."

The price tag for the entire project is approximately $5.1 million. The money comes from general obligation bonds passed by Killeen voters. The Texas Department of Transportation will reimburse the city for about $2.5 million of the project's total cost.

"This is just one more step in the right direction," said Hall. "It shows the city is committed to the future of downtown."

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=67307

[JoninATX]

Leaders break ground for new IH 35 bridge over brazos river



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

[KevinFromTexas]

Wow. Go Waco! That'll be neat.

[JoninATX]

The National Museum of Mounted Warfare and Soldier Center



http://www.mountedwarfarefoundation.org/location.html

[JoninATX]

Growth anticipated for Killeen’s hotel industry

y Mason Lerner

Killeen Daily Herald

There have been several question marks surrounding Killeen's hotel industry over the last few years. It looks like they are about to be answered.

Occupancy rates have been solid year in and year out. The industry contributes more than $1.5 million to the city's tax base annually. But there has not been any new construction in the past four years.

The Plaza and Howard Johnson hotels are gone. The upscale Shilo Inn opened its doors in 2007, only to file for bankruptcy in 2011. Despite all this, insiders expect the industry to grow by leaps and bounds in 2012. And they say growth will be felt in the form of new hotels and increased capital investment.

The most concrete evidence pointing toward growth might be the amount of hotel construction currently under way in Killeen. Kuehl said there were about 30 hotels in Killeen when she started her job 11 years ago. There are 41 now, but new construction slowed over the last few years. "They built a bunch in a short period of time, but there has not been a new (hotel) in about four years," she said.

Kuehl said there could be as many as five new hotels across Killeen over the course of the next year.

"We're supposed to be getting some more," she said. "The Plaza has been bought. That is going to be a Marriott Courtyard. That is the best location in town, and it will be very, very nice."

"I expect one at the airport before too long," she continued. "I know there is a plot out there designated for a hotel. Also, by the old airport there is a retail business that has a plot for a hotel. So there are several on the way. And don't forget, Texas A&M is going to be a really big deal in the area. Things are already starting to pop up down (State Highway) 195."

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=67690

[JoninATX]

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://austin.ynn.com/content/top_st...diatric-clinic

[JoninATX]

Panda Power Funds Secures Financing for Temple Power Plant

Panda Power Funds Secures Financing for Temple, Texas Power Plant - 758-megawatt facility will add needed capacity for Texas - Plant expected to contribute up to $1.6 billion to area economy; create 700-800 jobs

DALLAS - July 18, 2012 - Panda Power Funds today announced that its affiliate Panda Temple Power, LLC has successfully completed the financing on its planned 758-megawatt natural gas-fueled, combined-cycle power plant in Temple, Texas. The company will immediately start construction on the 250-acre site and expects commercial operations to begin by the end of 2014.

The state-of-the-art plant will utilize the latest, most advanced combustion turbine and emissions-control technology, making it one of the cleanest, most efficient natural gas-fueled power plants in the United States.

"It has been an uphill battle, in a very difficult financial market, to get this project off the drawing board and out of the ground," said Todd W. Carter, president and senior partner of Panda Power Funds. "Since the beginning, our team never lost sight that Texas needs the power. Thanks to our financial partners, our Panda team and the strong backing of state and local officials, the State of Texas will soon be the beneficiary of critically needed electricity, more jobs and greater economic development."

Temple, Texas Mayor Bill Jones said the generating facility will provide the power necessary to locate future industries and jobs in the Central Texas area. "Equally important, this plant will enhance Temple's economy in the near term as well."

Lee Peterson, president of the Temple Economic Development Corporation added, "The Panda Temple plant will enlarge payrolls, expand the tax base and drive revenues for contractors, suppliers, service providers, hotels, restaurants, retailers and a host of other businesses."

According to an economic impact analysis conducted by Impact Data Source of Austin, Texas, the construction and ongoing operation of the plant is expected to contribute up to $1.6 billion into the area's economy during construction and the plant's first 10 years of operation.

http://www.kwtx.com/home/misc/162882...device=android

[JoninATX]

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...most-a-reality

[JoninATX]

City officials hope to revitalize east Temple

Jul 21, 2012 10:56 PM CST by Adam Shear

TEMPLE - Temple city officials are hoping what they consider a "diamond in the rough" in east Temple will turn into something that can benefit residents and the city's economy.

Saturday morning a passionate group of residents and city officials met to discuss the possibility of revitalizing and developing east Temple into a more vibrant community.

"There is so much resources in east Temple that have not been tapped," said Judy Morales, the Temple City Councilman representing the area. "[There are] places where people could really benefit because they could move their families here and that we could grow businesses."

www.kxxv.com

[TexasBoi]

I am not shocked about the hotels for Killeen. First off, that Park Inn or HoJo needed to close. Terrible hotel. But I knew once that new TAMU-CT and airport were built, more hotels were going to come.In fact, I thought there would be more once that airport was finished years ago. Now considering that they knew TAMU-CT projects to over 20,000 plus students in the next few decades and the growth of the 195 corridor, it's a no brainer now. Wondering what hotels they are considering.

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by TexasBoi

I am not shocked about the hotels for Killeen. First off, that Park Inn or HoJo needed to close. Terrible hotel. But I knew once that new TAMU-CT and airport were built, more hotels were going to come.In fact, I thought there would be more once that airport was finished years ago. Now considering that they knew TAMU-CT projects to over 20,000 plus students in the next few decades and the growth of the 195 corridor, it's a no brainer now. Wondering what hotels they are considering.

More likely your typical hotel brand like Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott.

[JoninATX]

Regents reveal goals for new stadium, plan for the old

By Linda Wilkins
August 20, 2012

Construction is under way on the new Baylor Stadium after a $35 million contribution from the Waco City Council passed unanimously. The first vote took place July 17. Both votes unanimously supported contributing the TIF funds which includes the public contribution. The Waco City Council voted Aug. 7 during a public hearing to provide the Tax Increment Financing Zone funds to the stadium project, which was the second of two required votes. According to Dr. Reagan Ramsower, Baylor’s senior vice president for operations and chief financial officer, the TIF funds will be used to build a portion of public infrastructure around the stadium, such as harbors, utilities, parking, bridges, electrical lines and a new marina. In addition to the Waco City Council votes, the Baylor Regents also voted to move forward with the stadium project, with the condition the Waco City Council approved the funds during the second vote, Ramsower said. The regent vote took place July 19. In a July 20 press release, Baylor regent chairman Richard Willis said, “The Baylor Stadium complex will be a tremendous asset for both Baylor and the greater Waco community. We’re proud to be partnering with the city in this remarkable project.” According to Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan, the TIF funds, begun in 1982, are intended for building public infrastructure. He also said the money for the stadium project is not coming from new taxes; the funds are an accumulation of money from increased property taxes since TIF began.

http://baylorlariat.com/2012/08/20/r...n-for-the-old/

[JoninATX]

New $19.5 million cancer center planned for Hillcrest

By CINDY V. CULP cculp@wacotrib.com

Wednesday September 5, 2012

Scott & White Healthcare today will publicly announce its plan to build a $19.5 million cancer center at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco.

The project will significantly increase the level of cancer care available in Central Texas, officials with the hospital system said.

While some people with complex cases still will need to go to Scott & White’s main center in Temple, about 85 percent of patients will be able to get all of their treatment here, they said.

The facility, which will be called Scott & White Cancer Center —Hillcrest, is set to open sometime next fall.

The two-story, 34,400-square-foot building will sit on 3.8 acres of what now is the front lawn of Hillcrest’s main campus at Interstate 35 and Loop 340.

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/168566946.html