Tuesday, September 30, 2014

League City’s Walding Station IS Coming Soon

Remember the old saying “All good things come to those who wait”? I think about those words when asked about the opening of The Sweet Life of Confectionery at League City’s Walding Station, located at 100 Perkins Avenue, just off Main Street. I met recently with Gary Walding, League City resident and owner of Walding Station. Mr. Walding generously took time to explain the three distinct parts of his vision under one roof, Celebration Station, Walding Station Museum and Sweet Ol’ Things Antiques, and The Sweet Life of Confectionery.

Celebration Station is a unique event venue which can accommodate up to 125 attendees. Ms. Liz Whittenberg, the coordinator extraordinaire, is in charge of taking reservations and ensuring your special event will be memorable. Celebration Station has already been the site of a few very successful parties. At present, Ms. Whittenberg offers a complete line of preferred Vendors, from Caterers, Cake Designers, DJ's, Florists, etc. We will cater to Weddings, and plan on doing much marketing for Rehearsal Dinners, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Quinceaneras, Corporate Meetings, Church Parties, Holiday Parties, Family Reunions, etc. More information can be found on the Walding Station website.

Walding Station Museum and Sweet Ol’ Things Antiques will not only take you back to another time and place, but also offer families a look back on how life used to be. Gary Walding takes pride from bringing vintage vehicles “back to life”. Vehicles in the museum include restored Ford Model A’s, restored fire trucks, and an assortment of vintage/classic vehicles. Liz Whittenberg has been finding treasures with history and or whimsy for “Sweet Ol’ Things Antiques”. She oversees this section of the 6,000 square feet of sweets, history, and fun under one roof.

The Sweet Life of Confectionery as described on the website: “Come feast your eyes on our 1920's taffy wrapper machine and taste our saltwater taffy while strolling through the museum. Maybe a hot cup of coffee is your 'cup of tea'. We stock our shelves with a variety of fresh coffee beans, ensuring we have the right flavor to please every palate. If that’s not enough, come by and have a look at our antique Ice Cream Parlour, have a seat at the counter, and enjoy ice cream in the same fashion as it was enjoyed in years past.”  Mr. Walding has a vision of making the sweet section to be as authentic as possible, which has proven to take time procuring some items. The “Coming Soon” sign hanging outside of the building does means Mr. Walding’s plans are close to completion.

Mr. Walding is aware of how anxious League City residents are to hear about an opening date, and hopefully now you have been pleasantly surprised to learn how much is involved in the making of this new venture in League City’s Historic District. This venue is definitely going to become a prime destination for League City. Once the grand opening announcement is made, Walding Station is sure to be a source for family fun, offer you a delight for your sweet tooth, and take you a step back to a historical time and place.

By Pam Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Brockway Realty, LLC previously blogged The Sweet Life of Confectionery’ Opening Soon at Walding Station in League City, May 12, 2014; and New Businesses Receive Permits in League City in October, December 29, 2013.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Sunday, September 28, 2014

New Section and Amenties Open in Friendswood's West Ranch Community

Known as the last major community in the City of Friendswood, West Ranch boasts some major names in the world of new home builders: Highland Homes, Village Builders, and David Weekley just to name a few!  With the recent opening of the newest section, Sierra, prospective home owners now have more choices than ever in terms of design, price and square footage!  Located by Centennial Park, Chigger and Clear creeks, West Ranch offers residents plenty of park space which includes a fishing landing, play areas, and 100 acres of nature trails that tie into Centennial Park, as well as a recently opened second recreation center that features a competition size pool, clubhouse, splash pad and playground! For home owners looking to build a new affordable home in the acclaimed Friendswood Independent School District, check out this article from Houston Chron.com.  For more comprehensive details about the West Ranch Community, check out this City Spotlight provided by Brockway Realty.

The City of Friendswood has been listed as the “20th Safest City in America” by Neighborhood Scout, and has received the new “Best City to Live” Award from the Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Best of Bay Awards.  For more information about this amazing city and its heritage, please click here.

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Friday, September 26, 2014

Construction of TopGolf’s Webster Location Has Begun

Excerpt from the TopGolf website: “What is TopGolf? TopGolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout. You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the hopeful pro golfer to your neighbor’s 7-year-old kid can play year-round. Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground. The closer to the center or “bull’s-eye” you get and the farther out you hit your micro-chipped balls, the more points you receive. Score even bigger with TopGolf’s extensive food and beverage menu that is sure to impress even the pickiest of foodies.”

Construction of TopGolf’s third Houston area location has begun in Webster, just south of Academy, located at 21351 Gulf Fwy, Webster, 77598. The grand opening of the complex is expected within a year, (eight to nine months from August 2014).

The Houston Business Journal published the following about TopGolf (March 31, 2014): “Known for golf combined with music, food and drinks, last week's sneak preview event emphasized what TopGolf provides at its 11 locations throughout the U.S. and in England: fun. "That's really what it's about. It's not about swinging the golf club. It's about going out with your family, friends, kids, colleagues, anybody, to have fun playing the game with good food, good music," Leverton said at the event, adding that he is "a horrible golfer, but a fantastic 'TopGolfer'."

The different games available to play at TopGolf facilities rely on the company’s signature golf ball, which is equipped with a microchip to award points. The company's latest facility, built on 10.5 acres, is three levels and 65,000 square feet, and includes two full-service bars/restaurants, 2,900-square-feet of event space, 102 hitting bays with a 32-inch flat screen TV at each bay, and a rooftop terrace with fire pit and cabanas. In 2013, the Dallas-based company saw 2.7 million guests, including 250,000 in the first six months at its Interstate 10 location, and it estimates the north Houston location will serve 400,000 guests in year one.” “Each location provides 450 permanent jobs, said Adrienne Browne, senior communications manager for TopGolf.” “

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Fall “Adopt-A-Beach” Program Scheduled for September 27th

Texas General Land Office 2014 Fall Adopt-A-Beach Program
Saturday, September 27; 9 am to 12 noon

The Texas Adopt-A-Beach program is an all-volunteer effort to remove debris from our beaches and coastal waters, and to increase public awareness about the problem of beach litter.

Thousands of Adopt-A-Beach volunteers remove an average of 500 tons of trash each year from Texas beaches. Through two large scale cleanups, and a number of smaller ones, Texans arrive by the thousands to show their dedication to keeping Texas beaches clean. Since 1986, more than 465,000 volunteers have removed 8,900 tons (more than 17 million pounds) of trash from Texas beaches and estuaries.

When you register online , you can select which beach/waterway you want to volunteer for.  A printable liability release waiver is also available on the website. There is also a list of what items to bring, how to dress properly for the cleanup, and safety tips.

The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach program has created a Youth Patch program, wherein youth groups, i.e. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Youth or any other youth group members may earn a patch for their participation in an Adopt-A-Beach cleanup. The patch depicts the Adopt-A-Beach logo and is free of charge. Patches are available during our bi-annual cleanup events at each of the check in site locations.

If you need additional information, email or call the Adopt-A-Beach program at 1-877-TXCOAST (1-877-892-6278).

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Brockway Realty, LLC maintains an Activities/Events Calendar on our website; check the calendar for happenings in our community.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

The Soon to be Well Known Marina Cafe in Kemah!

I hesitate to send this blog out about Marina Cafe because I’m afraid more people will start going to this restaurant and I’ll have to wait in line, but after eating there for the first time this past weekend, it would be unfair not to share this experience to everyone in the Kemah/Clear Lake/League City area.

Marina Cafe, located at 620 Marina Bay Drive opened in December, 2013 and is owned by Jim Ginger. If I had to pick what I liked best about the place, I would say location, menu and staff (all of them vying for first place on the list). When my wife and I and her in-laws arrived there this past Sunday for brunch, I must admit I was skeptical since I already had my own number one brunch location in the Clear Lake area and I’m a creature of habit; plus, I’m gluten free and I’m always wary that there won’t be many selections for me. But when we were seated outside on the back patio overlooking a peaceful canal that feeds into Clear Lake, I knew that the location test had been met. Next test, the staff. Tiffany Carroll, the manager, immediately greeted us with a patient smile although she was scurrying from table to table, making sure no one waited for long. When I asked about gluten free items, she said they had great gluten-free pancakes that a few of her customers had requested they start making. The staff test had now been met-pleasantness and willingness to meet the needs of customers ranked high on their agenda. When our food arrived, in a timely manner, it was fantastic! Now as a celiac (gluten-free person), I tend to have low expectations-I’m just happy to see gluten free items show up on a menu, but the food was delicious. My wife, who had the tamales, loved them. My sister-in-law, who has been to Marina Cafe several times with her family, and was the person responsible for us going to the restaurant, offered up more suggestions from her past experiences: BBQ Shrimp Street Tacos, the Classic Reuben and the BLT!

I’m looking forward to my next visit!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Monday, September 22, 2014

Multiple Location Options in the Bay Area to “Take Back” Medications on Sept 27th

League City Police Department/DEA Drug Take Back Event

The League City Police Department is hosting a DEA take-back event on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We will be located in the parking lot between City Hall and the Civic Center at 400 W Walker. It's as simple as driving thru and dropping them off and it's ANONYMOUS. Keep prescriptions drugs out of the wrong hands and make a difference by disposing of your unwanted or expired medications. All medications gathered will be destroyed off site.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC.

Brockway Realty, LLC maintains an Activity/Event Calendar on our website; check the calendar for happenings in our community.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Whispering Lakes Ranch Report-Home Sales Update through August of 2014

The lead story for Whispering Lakes Ranch in League City, Texas through August of 2014 is that sales prices per foot jumped 7.2% when compared to the same time frame in 2013.  That is a substantial increase in equity for existing homeowners and hopefully a nice predictor of things to come!

Other sales information as reported by the Houston Association of Realtors
There were 18 sales through August, 2014 ranging in price from $440,000 to $740,000 with a median of $532,000 ($119 per foot).  One third of those sales were of homes on Lake Landing and Pebble Brook but Mandy Lane got in the action with two sales.  Foreclosures have come to a screeching halt which has helped to elevate sale prices per foot.

2014’s sales through August are almost identical to 2013’s volume, with 2013 leading by 1 sale, at 19.  In 2013, the sales price range was fairly similar at $434,500 to $775,000 with a median of $555,000 or $111 per foot.

It is taking a little longer to achieve the higher price per foot though with the average days on market hovering around 60 days compared to last year’s 30 days or so.  I think waiting an extra 30 days to get an additional 7.2% is worth it though.  On a $500,000 house, that’s an extra $36,000.  Not bad!

James Brockway is Broker/Owner of Brockway Realty, LLC a residential brokerage operating in the League City, Friendswood and Houston areas with 15 agents.  James and his wife Penny, also a realtor, live in Whispering Lakes Ranch.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Just Listed in Sunset Heights, Houston at $799,000

The perfect renovated home located at 107 E. 27th Street in the sought after Heights. Close to I-45, 610 Loop, Downtown and the Heights nightlife, shopping and dining. This home is a must see. Too many upgrades to list!

Check out the details!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Saturday, September 13, 2014

League City’s City Council Renames Countryside Park

City of League City News ~ “League City Council voted unanimously August 12, 2014 to rename Countryside Park to Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside.

Lynn Gripon was the first chairman of the League City Parks board. He was also instrumental in establishing both the League City Parks Board and the parks department. Mr. Gripon was chairman of the parks board when the first parkland was accepted by the City through a donation of 40 plus acres in the newly established Countryside North Subdivision, which later became Countryside Park. In 1980 when Lynn retired from the Parks Board, The Parks Board and Mayor and Council chose to name the walking trail through the Park for Lynn Gripon and so honored him at a Community gathering.

In 1978, Mr. Gripon was chairman of the first board of the League City Patrons of the Park Foundation Inc. A, 501(c)3, nonprofit organization for the securing of private donations of land and private funding for the paying of development costs for Parks and Recreation activities in League City. During 1979, While Lynn Gripon was chair of the League City Parks Board, a comprehensive, mandatory, parkland dedication ordinance was created. This ordinance is still in effect today providing funds derived from new development for parkland acquisition and development for League City.”

An excerpt from the official resolution: "Lynn Gripon was a lifetime advocate of natural beauty, land conservation and recreation activities within his community and was responsible for the donation of all of the oak trees west of State Highway 3 along FM 518, the trees at the Chester Davis Sportsplex, and at every school in League City during Arbor Day activities, and, along with Walter Hall, ensured that the original Butler Oaks throughout League City were preserved."

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Just Sold in 18 Days in Langham Creek Colony!

Brockway Realty was proud to represent the seller in the sale of 6620 Montauk.

Click here for more details!

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Texas City Holds Grand Opening of Coastal Community Farmers Market on Saturday, September 6

Texas City joins the company of other Bay Area cities, such as Clear Lake Shores and Nassau Bay, by announcing the opening of a farmers market. The Grand Opening of the Texas City Coastal Community Farmers Market will be held on Saturday, September 6; from 9am to 2pm; at 515 6th Avenue North.
The grand opening kicks off the calendar of market days being held every Saturday and offers area residents another location to buy local and fresh items. More information, such as: a list of current vendors that have been announced, a map of their location, and calendar, can be found on The Coastal Community Farmers Market’s website, located at: http://ccfm-tc.com/ .

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Monday, September 1, 2014

League City Garden Club Hosts 4th Annual “Living Texas Style” Garden Walk

League City Garden Club
The League City Garden Club invites the public to attend the organization’s 4th Annual Garden Walk. This year, the “Living Texas Style” will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 10am to 4pm. Garden Walk tickets are now available ($10 per ticket pre-sale) at the following League City locations: Nana’s Attic, 501 East Main Street; Tate’s Frame Shop, 1818 West Main Street; or from any League City Garden Club Member. A map with site locations and directions will be included with each ticket; on the day of the event, tickets will be available for $15 each.

The “Living Texas Style” Garden Walk event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, meet your neighbors and observe the beauty within League City. The tour includes six private home gardens hosting hidden havens filled with “Deep in the Heart of Texas” Artifacts and much more. Also to be showcased are two community gardens which include League City’s Dick Benoit Prairie Preserve and the Ghirardi Family Water Smart Park. For more information, visit the League City Garden Club website, or their Facebook page.

League City Garden Club is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to awarding League City youth scholarships and to beautification and conservation of the areas in and around League City.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog