Biz Buzz

Photo taken November 19, 2008 by Karina Ramírez

Accessory Superstore owner Bryce McCallum finally opened his shop for business today.

After a fire engulfed his store located at 3939 South I-35 E in Denton last December 22, McCallum and a crew of three, continued to operate the truck accessory store from a temporary shop set behind the building while the damaged building underwent repairs.

"I was waiting on signage," McCallum said about the reason why he had not publicly stated he had re-opened his shop. To make the repairs complete, he still has to place the yellow and green jeep on top of the roof.

His first shop was declared a total loss after the blaze late last year with damages estimated at $500,000, according to records.

The inside of the new building is similar to the first, but it is now 1,000 square feet smaller to accommodate building restrictions.

"It is amazing that people don't even know we burned down last year," McCallum said about his recent customers who have visited his shop, "They think we renovated."

McCallum and his wife, a real estate broker, opened their Accessory Superstore in 1997 and outgrew two others before they acquired the building on the 2-acre lot on Interstate 35E near Pockrus Paige Road in May 2003.

More information about Accessory Superstore is available online at
http://www.accessorysuperstore.net/

Near the intersection of S Loop 288 and Spencer Road, construction is well under way on a new 45,000 square foot workout facility, L.A. Fitness Sports Club.
And it will be one of the largest L.A. Fitnerss locations in Texas, said Terry "Buzz" Buzzards Jr, the weekend general manager for L.A. Fitness. The facility will have thousands of cardio machines, a basketball court, a volleyball court, five racquetball courts, spinning rooms, a 25-meter junior Olympic swimming pool, hot tub and separate saunas, among other amenities, "Buzz" said.
About 300 charter members from Krum, Argyle and Aubrey have already signed up at the location, he said.
The club is scheduled to open betyween Jan. 5 to Jan . 25, just in time for New Year resolutions, "Buzz" said.
"Denton is a booming area," he said. "It's a good central location, a perfect fit."

Construction vehicles have demolished the empty building at the corner of Locust Street and Prairie Street near downtown Denton to make way for phase two of the Victoria Heights apartment complex.
About 42 efficiencies and 1-bedroom apartments will be added by next May, said Jack Bell, president of Jack Bell Properties and resident of the city.
Bell owns about 400 to 500 different addresses in Denton ranging from apartments to office space to storage space. In the area near the intersection of Locust Street and Prairie Street, Bell will own about 100 apartments with the new phase.
Property management isn't something Bell wants to take outside of Denton, he said.
"If I can't drive by and see the property, I can't manage it," Bell said. "There are very few properties that are owner operated."

Dirt was seen flying Friday on the site of Rayzor Ranch Marketplace off University Drive and Interstate 35N as promised by developers of the project last month.
The movement of construction vehicles comes after a period of rest on the land, which was razed last year.
Many Denton residents expressed concern to this newspaper about the lack of progress on the estimated $1 billion project after the dirt remained stagnant and construction vehicles stopped moving.
Rayzor Ranch Marketplace, is scheduled to open in Oct. 2009 with three large retailers and other shops, according to developers of the project. About 250,000 square feet in retail stores are expected to open Aug. 2010, developers said.

Parkland Development Corporation — through its affiliate, Cypress Denton Station, Ltd. — is starting construction on The Forum at Denton Station, an apartment community designed for college students.
The development at Center Place Drive and Interstate 35E will feature 348 apartments and will be managed by Greystar, a national residential management company.
Andrew Sanderson with The Weitzman Group handled negotiations for acquisition of the property on behalf of Parkland. The 26-acre development is expected to open in the fall of 2009. The apartments will be fully furnished and rented by the bedroom, which enables students to be responsible only for their own rent, according to a news release. Housing options include one bedroom/one bath, two bedroom/two bath, three bedroom/three bath, and four bedroom/four bath. Other amenities will range from a swimming pool and hot tub to a conference center, game room and recreation sports center.

Keeping you in the loop!

Dawn Cobb
Managing Editor
Denton Record-Chronicle
940-566-6879
dcobb@dentonrc.com

Building and construction continues to look up in Denton.

We learned today that Scott Brown Commercial will host a ribbon cutting and open house for the recently renovated Stemmons Professional Building located on 490 S. I-35E between Ft. Drive and Teasley.

Ginny Brummett with company said they are excited about the upcoming event for the new 20,000 sq. ft. facility, which features multiple private entries with convenient parking. Also, she informed us that Scott Brown Commercial is offering move-in incentives for the new location of up to six month’s rent for interested tenants.

For more information, please contact, Steve Watkins by calling 940-300-3003 or by e-mail at stevew@sbpcommercial.com.

Event Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 a.m.
Open House: 4-6 p.m.

Keeping you informed,

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com

The building that once hosted the Texasdelphia restaurant (at University and Carroll Blvd.) will be renovated into a new shopping center. The developer is Randy Holcombe, owner of Holcombe Properties LLC of Dallas.

If you come across any other new construction, please let us know.

Keeping you informed,

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com

A Comfort Inn and Suites will be built at the corner of Swisher Road and I-35. The new project will feature 60 rooms and an indoor pool.

The hotel, part of Choice Hotel's International chain provides customers with free Comfort Sunshine® breakfast, free high speed internet access and upgraded bedding.

In the March/April 2008 newsletter, Dallas Magera, economic development coordinator states that the Corinth Development Corporation was instrumental in helping the project get off the ground. The cost for the project - $3 million.

The grand opening is scheduled for the Fall of 2008.

Keeping you informed.

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com

I've received several inquiries about what is going on at the Loop and McKinney as well as on Spencer Road.

Linda Ratliff, director of economic development for the City of Denton told us last week that she (is not sure) but heard a rumor that there might be a McDonalds coming to Loop 288 and McKinney. As far as Loop 288 and Spencer, she said that is going to be a retail center with LA Fitness as its anchor.

As soon as we learn more, we will definitely let you know.

Keeping you informed,

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com

There will be a new Courtyard Marriott coming to Denton. The new hotel will be located at 2800 Colorado Blvd. behind Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden. According to their website, it will open July 2008.

More information is available at:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwde-courtyard-denton/

Keeping you informed,

Karina Ramírez
940-566-6878
kramirez@dentonrc.com