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Hey there, Texas explorers! 🤠

We've got some exciting stories lined up, starting with a $54M townhome project set to transform a former Dallas landmark. Whether you're a fan of big real estate moves or curious about the fusion of flavors in Texas barbecue, there’s something here for everyone.

Speaking of flavor, ever thought about trying Texas barbecue with a Lebanese twist? It's a bold new combination that's turning heads, and we’re diving into how it’s redefining the BBQ scene.

So, stick around—this week’s stories are sure to intrigue and inspire!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Why Do So Many Texas Restaurants Have "Jalisco" in Their Names? 🌮

• A Teen Pitmaster Brings Lebanese Flavor to Texas Barbecue 🍖

• Dhanani's Strategic Land Grab in Houston’s Burgeoning Suburbs 🏘️

• Fidelis Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Redevelopment of Baytown’s San Jacinto Mall 🏗️

• Inside Texas Best’s Massive Corsicana Barndominium Build 🏗️

• A Stunning Barndominium in Itasca, Texas 🏡

• Texas' Best-Kept Secret: Colorado Bend State Park 🌿💎

• Serenity Found: Your Retirement Sanctuary Near Top State Park in Texas

📈 Trending news

• Fidelis Launches Redevelopment of Houston-Area’s San Jacinto Mall

• Oxbow Sets Sights on San Antonio’s Southtown for Next Major Mixed-Use Project

• Texas' Ultimate Taco Tour: The 50 Best Tacos You Can’t Miss

• Maxwell Aero Ranch Unveils 576-Acre Luxury Airport Hangar in Texas for $5.5M

• Stylish 4-Bedroom Barndominium Floorplans Designed for Women

$54M Townhome Project Set for Former Potter’s House Tract 🏘️ read the full article here

Article Published: October 15, 2024

The Steinbridge Group is preparing to break ground on a $54 million townhome community in southern Dallas, transforming a 15-acre tract formerly owned by The Potter’s House Church. The 180-unit built-to-rent project will rise in the Capella Park neighborhood, a location previously eyed for logistics warehouses.

This is the New York-based firm’s first development in Dallas and signals their commitment to addressing local housing needs. Construction will begin early next year, with the initial phase focused on infrastructure. The townhomes are expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, offering new housing options in a market experiencing rapid growth.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏗️ Construction starts in 2025: The first phase focusing on infrastructure, followed by 12–18 months of townhome construction.

• 🏘️ 180 three-story townhomes: Will be built at a cost of $300,000 per unit.

• 🌱 Community-driven project: The development reflects input from locals, who opposed earlier plans for warehouses on the same site.

• 🌍 Steinbridge: Opening a regional office in Dallas to support its growing portfolio in Texas.

Why Do So Many Texas Restaurants Have "Jalisco" in Their Names? 🌮 read the full 1,200-word article here

Article Published: October 18, 2024

Ever wonder why so many Texas restaurants feature the name "Jalisco"?
From Taqueria Jalisco to La Tequila Jalisco, the name is everywhere.
But it’s not because they specialize in Jalisco’s regional cuisine.

After some digging, the Texanist found out that the name “Jalisco” is more about signaling authenticity and pride than the specific dishes of that Mexican state.

José R. Ralat, Texas Monthly’s taco editor, believes it’s because Jalisco is often considered the "soul of Mexico," known for mariachi, birria, tequila, and more.
This connection adds a sense of legitimacy to diners—even if there’s not a single Jalisco-style dish on the menu!

Key Takeaways:

• 🌎 "Jalisco" isn’t about regional cuisine: Many Texas Jalisco-named spots serve standard Tex-Mex fare—burritos, enchiladas, tacos—not authentic Jalisco dishes.

• 🎻 Jalisco = soul of Mexico: The state’s cultural impact—home of mariachi, tequila, and birria—adds a layer of perceived authenticity.

• 🏞️ Migration & pride: Generations of Jalisco immigrants in Texas have carried their hometown pride, which influences restaurant names.

• 🍽️ Tex-Mex reigns: Despite the name, most Jalisco restaurants serve familiar Tex-Mex, with only a few offering actual Jalisco dishes like pozole or birria.

A Teen Pitmaster Brings Lebanese Flavor to Texas Barbecue 🍖 read the full article here

Article Published: October 17, 2024

At just eighteen years old, Marc Fadel is merging two rich culinary traditions—Texas barbecue and his Lebanese heritage—at his newly opened food truck, Habibi Barbecue in Arlington. The name "Habibi," meaning "my love" in Arabic, perfectly captures the warmth and passion Marc pours into every smoked brisket and rib platter.

After competing on his high school’s barbecue team, Marc sharpened his skills and caught the public’s eye on BBQ High, a docuseries that follows the intense world of Texas high school barbecue competitions. Now, he’s running a family-backed barbecue truck that’s winning hearts (and stomachs) with its unique fusion of Texas meats and Lebanese side dishes like batata harra and pickled turnips.

Marc balances running his food truck with studying construction management at UT Arlington, all while staying true to his culinary roots and family values.

Key Takeaways:

• 🔥 From high school BBQ to reality TV: Marc competed on his high school team and starred on BBQ High, streaming on Max.

• 🍖 Texas meets Lebanon: At Habibi, traditional brisket and ribs are served with Lebanese sides like pita bread and batata harra.

• 👨‍👩‍👦 Family affair: Marc’s family helps run the truck, with his father financing the venture and his grandmother lending a hand.

• 🎓 Juggling passions: Marc manages both his food truck and his studies, blending ambition with love for barbecue.

Dhanani's Strategic Land Grab in Houston’s Burgeoning Suburbs 🏘️ read the full 700-word article here

Article Published: October 14, 2024

The Dhanani Private Equity Group just made another major move, buying nearly 300 acres in Fort Bend County—one of the fastest-growing areas southwest of Houston. This ambitious plan aims to deliver about 1,000 affordable homes to a region hungry for growth. The project, located at Wernecke Road and Straznicky Road, marks Dhanani’s second-largest development to date, following their massive Heritage community in Needville.

With land prices in Houston skyrocketing, developers like Nick Dhanani are staking claims in the suburbs where home prices can stay within the $250,000 to $300,000 range. This move puts Dhanani squarely in the path of growth, as suburban sprawl continues to push outward, fueled by new master-planned communities and the promise of affordable housing.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏗️ A push for affordability: Dhanani’s project will offer 1,000 homes on 40-50 ft. lots, targeting the $250,000-$300,000 price range.

• 🌆 Suburban sprawl at its finest: Fort Bend County has seen a surge in new communities, including Hines’ Brookewater and Starwood Land’s Emberly.

• 📈 Growth strategy: Dhanani’s aim? Focus on “path of growth” areas in Houston’s suburbs, where land is cheaper, and demand is soaring.

• 🏬 Diversified investments: Beyond homes, Dhanani’s $1.8 billion portfolio includes the First Colony Commons shopping center and a 50-acre mixed-use project.

Inside Texas Best’s Massive Corsicana Barndominium Build 🏗️ watch the full 18-min video here

Video Published: October 19, 2024

Welcome to another ambitious project from Texas Best Barndominium—the Corsicana Barndominium, a sprawling 2,000 sq. ft. living space paired with a 2,000 sq. ft. shop and 850 sq. ft. of porches. The hybrid steel frame design is not without its challenges, from complex rooflines to intricate air-sealing techniques, but the finished result promises to be stunning.

In this update, builder Josh Helm walks us through the structural nuances, highlighting both the creative triumphs and the design hurdles that come with such a unique build. From a vaulted living room to extra storage space and a massive shop, this barndominium is shaping up to be a true Texas gem.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏡 Hybrid steel frame design: Balancing steel and wood elements for strength and aesthetics, especially around roofline challenges.

• 🧱 Custom touches: From vaulted ceilings in the living room to a Gable-designed porch, every corner is meticulously planned.

• 🚧 Air-sealing challenges: Roof and wall integration add complexity, requiring extra effort for proper insulation and air barrier solutions.

• 🛠️ Massive shop space: A 48x40 ft. shop offers ample room for storage and workspace, with 16-ft. eaves and towering doors.

A Stunning Barndominium in Itasca, Texas 🏡 watch the full 25-min video here

Video Published: October 12, 2024

Welcome to Texas Best Barndominium’s latest completed project—a beautiful single-story barndominium in Itasca, Texas. In this video, Josh and Brandy Helm take us on a full tour of this 1,850 sq. ft. home, which boasts three bedrooms, two baths, a massive 1,500 sq. ft. attached shop, and an expansive 1,200 sq. ft. of wraparound porches. This barndominium’s blend of style, functionality, and personalized design choices showcases the best of what country living can offer.

From the bright, open kitchen with quartz countertops and movable island to the luxurious master suite with an en suite laundry connection, this home was built for comfort and versatility.

Key Takeaways:

• 🖤 Stylish contrast: White exterior with black trim and roof creates a striking, modern look.

• 🔧 Flexible features: A movable kitchen island and pantry with plugs offer functional, customizable living spaces.

• 🚿 Spa-like master bath: Features a spacious shower with frameless glass doors, a bench, and sleek porcelain tiles.

• 🛠️ Massive 1,500 sq. ft. shop: This barndominium seamlessly blends living and workspaces with a fully insulated shop and storage areas.

Texas' Best-Kept Secret: Colorado Bend State Park 🌿💎

Tucked away in the heart of the Texas Hill Country lies a natural wonder that many travelers still haven't discovered: Colorado Bend State Park. If you’re an adventurer seeking the thrill of untamed wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and the calming sounds of cascading waterfalls, this park should be your next destination.

The Unseen Wilderness

Stretching across over 5,300 acres, Colorado Bend State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts who crave an authentic outdoor experience. Unlike the polished trails of more commercialized parks, Colorado Bend feels raw, wild, and untouched. The park’s rugged beauty comes alive through its expansive trails, cavernous formations, and dramatic limestone cliffs that overlook the Colorado River. As you step into this vast landscape, you're met with nature in its purest form—remote, serene, and magnificently wild.

Gorman Falls: The Crown Jewel

No visit to Colorado Bend is complete without witnessing the park's showstopper: Gorman Falls. Standing tall at 70 feet, this waterfall looks like something from a tropical rainforest, with lush greenery draping over the limestone, fed by the cool waters that pour into the serene pools below. The hike to Gorman Falls isn’t just a stroll in the park—it’s a moderately challenging trek, but the reward is worth every step. As you approach the falls, the sound of rushing water builds the excitement, and when it finally comes into view, it's a spectacle that stops you in your tracks.

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to catch the falls bathed in soft sunlight for a magical experience.

Caves Beneath the Surface

While the views above ground are stunning, Colorado Bend hides another world below its surface. For the bold and the curious, the park offers wild cave tours where you can explore the subterranean landscape of winding passages, cathedral-like chambers, and striking stalactites and stalagmites. The Gorman Cave is particularly popular, and spelunkers will find themselves crawling, climbing, and squeezing through narrow tunnels to uncover hidden chambers that feel like stepping into an entirely different world.

Adventure at Every Turn

Colorado Bend is not just for hikers or cavers—it's a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The Colorado River carves its way through the park, offering pristine spots for kayaking and fishing. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, sunfish, or catfish, while paddlers will enjoy the serenity of floating along the tranquil waters, flanked by towering cliffs and dense forests.

For hikers, the park offers over 35 miles of trails, ranging from easy riverside strolls to more challenging routes that take you up and down hills, through dense forest, and across creeks. Mountain bikers are also welcome, and with less traffic than many popular biking trails in Texas, riders will often find themselves alone in nature, navigating the rugged terrain with nothing but the sounds of wildlife and the wind.

Camping Under the Stars

For those looking to escape the bustle of everyday life, the park's campgrounds offer a perfect retreat. Whether you're pitching a tent along the riverbank or setting up camp under the canopy of towering trees, Colorado Bend provides the ultimate escape into nature. At night, the sky above transforms into a blanket of stars, undisturbed by city lights—perfect for stargazers who wish to marvel at the Milky Way.

The Call of the Wild

Unlike more well-known state parks, Colorado Bend has managed to maintain its untouched, off-the-beaten-path allure. It doesn’t try to impress with paved paths or man-made attractions. Instead, its beauty lies in its ruggedness, its wildness, and its ability to make you feel like you're a true adventurer. This is a park for those who want to escape the noise, get their hands a little dirty, and discover a part of Texas that feels like it belongs to you alone.

Colorado Bend State Park is the perfect blend of challenge and reward, and whether you're chasing waterfalls, spelunking in hidden caves, or simply losing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the landscape, this park is a reminder that the best adventures often come from the places least traveled.

So, pack your gear, lace up your boots, and answer the call of the wild—Colorado Bend is waiting for you.

Serenity Found: Your Retirement Sanctuary Near Top State Park in Texas

Retirement beckons, and with it comes the allure of leisurely days, adventure-filled escapades, and the serenity of nature. For active adults seeking the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, Texas emerges as an unparalleled haven. Boasting a tapestry of landscapes, vibrant communities, and an abundance of recreational opportunities, the Lone Star State stands as an epitome of retirement bliss.

Colorado Bend State Park near Ledge Stone Ranch

West of Lampasas, just a short drive from Ledge Stone Ranch, lies Colorado Bend State Park, spanning over 5,000 acres above Lake Buchanan. The park is famous for Gorman Falls, a breathtaking 70-foot spring-fed waterfall accessible via a three-mile round-trip hike. Visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, fishing, or paddling along the Colorado River. Be sure to inquire about guided cave tours during your visit, as the park is home to over 400 underground caves.

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Located near Colorado Bend State Park, this property offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With the flexibility to build now or later and excellent financing options available, it’s the perfect opportunity to own your piece of the Texas Hill Country.

Why It Matters

Texas is constantly evolving, blending its rich history with new ideas and bold moves. Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar townhome project breathing new life into a historic site or a fresh take on Texas barbecue, these stories reflect the spirit of innovation and transformation that defines our state.

It’s more than just development or food—it’s about how Texas stays on the cutting edge, shaping communities and creating trends.

You won’t want to miss what's next!

Hannah Collinsworth
Editor-in-Chief
Houston, Texas
Texas Property Round Up

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