Houston to be ground zero for Reliant, Nissan deal

Houston to be ground zero for Reliant, Nissan deal: "Reliant Energy and Nissan Motor Co. have agreed to work together and make Houston the launch city for the two companies’ efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles. (NRG)

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Lack of Development

Well Ladies and Gentlemen,

Due to the recent economy, suffice to say, there hasn't been much to post on this blog.

So, I'd like your help. If you know of any developments in your area, please email me (alephew at gmail.com) so you can share the good news with everyone! Now since there is much un-development happening, let's report on that as well.

When I created this blog (my first), I did it to help out my previous employers (condo developers) find localized information. This was to aide them in making purchasing decisions, as well as create bank packages to apply for mezzanine funding. My first blog has stretched it's legs since then.

Let's pool our resources to help those who still want to open business in our communities. Anything that you think will help others succeed, or save them from making a poor choice, send it! Pictures, stories, articles, you send it, we'll post it, and of course provide the source (unless anonymity is requested).

Email alephew at gmail.com

Photographer: Unknown

Retail development on Pittsburgh's South Side could lead to residential growth

Pittsburgh Business Times - by Tracy Carbasho

Commercial real estate developers say the brisk retail activity on the South Side has primed the area to be a hotspot of residential growth.

“The South Side has become a desirable residential neighborhood, attracting young people and upscale professionals,” said Peter Sukernek, general manager and vice president of Howard Hanna Commercial Real Estate Services, Downtown. “It offers a combination of everything you want in a neighborhood, including employment opportunities, retail and entertainment.”

Sukernek said the South Side could follow the same trend that occurred in the Strip District, where many old warehouses have been converted to loft apartments. In particular, he believes transforming vacant buildings into avant-garde living accommodations to meet the needs of today’s busy professionals could be a profitable venture.

“There is a high occupancy rate on the South Side in commercial buildings and older industrial buildings. A lot of the bigger buildings have been purchased and torn down,” he said. “The trick is to find a building on property that is not large enough to be torn down and built upon, but something that can be renovated. Banks are interested in financing projects like this.”