Category: News

Elon Musk Tweets Plans to Create Texas City Named ‘Starbase’

Posted on by Sarah

If anyone has the ability to surprise the world with his ambitious projects, it is Elon Musk. The billionaire announced that he is building a new city in Texas to be called Starbase, around the rocket launch site of his company SpaceX. Used to causing a stir by typing just a few words, Musk posted on Twitter that he is “creating the city of Starbase, Texas .” The tycoon, who is currently the second richest person in the world, said that his city will occupy an area “much larger” than Boca Chica, a place that houses a launch site for SpaceX and where the company is building its Starship rocket. Elon Musk shared some characteristics that his new city would have, such as that it will be friendly to dogs. He also hinted that it would be directed by “the Doge,” which can be interpreted in two ways. Click to read more at www.chron.com.

How to Plan For The Post-Pandemic Office

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There are many aspects of the project management process that have changed in the past year due to the effects of COVID-19. As companies begin to reintegrate their operations and return to the office, it is important to consider changes in municipal or corporate regulations and be sensitive to employee wellness and office interactions. Companies should partner with experienced project managers to help them navigate the entire real estate process from a property management perspective while reaping the benefits of their market expertise. Site selection is arguably the most important step clients face in their commercial real estate planning. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the availability rate of office space increased to 20.6 percent by year-end 2020 (up 3.4 percent from 2019). Now more than ever, thinking outside the box is key as space utilization decisions are being made. As one innovative example, companies could consider selecting vacated big-box buildings or warehouses to build-out their space. These types of spaces typically have lower rents than traditional Class A or B office buildings and can be a more cost-effective approach for companies looking to reduce their real estate costs. Additionally, many companies are currently considering maintaining work from home policies for big portions of their workforce, which will, in turn, reduce their space needs and their operational and facilities management costs. Utilizing a workplace strategist is valuable in this stage of the process as it can help narrow down building options and identify the best strategic approach to site selection. Click to read more at www.dmagazine.com.

Will Abbott Announcement Spur Dallas’ Return to the Office?

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DALLAS — Just because Texas announced plans to rescind its statewide face mask orders, don’t expect to see every company return 100 percent to the office by next week. However, members of the local commercial real estate community are feeling positive about the news. “The governor’s announcement yesterday was extremely well received at our offices. Our office team was buzzing and fist bumps were exchanged when the news came down. It was also well received from our clients. Many … have been wanting to have a good reason to bring more of their people back to the office,” said Tom Lynn, chairman and office division president for NAI Robert Lynn. Local real estate professionals say even before Tuesday’s announcement, most companies had already been slowly returning to the office. Since last year, Dallas has been a leading market for daily office occupancy, according to Kastle Systems. Click to read more at www.12newsnow.com.

America’s First Commercial 3D-Printed Housing Project Goes on Sale in Texas

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America’s first 3D-printed homes-for-sale have been put on the market in Austin, Texas. They were developed by Kansas City real estate company 3Strands, designed by Logan Architecture and built using the Vulcan technology pioneered by local 3D printing specialist Icon. Jason Ballard, Icon’s chief executive, commented in a press release: “There is an extreme lack of housing that has left us with problems around supply, sustainability, resiliency, affordability and design options. “We anticipate more high-velocity progress in the years ahead to help bring housing and construction into the modern world and in line with humanity’s highest hopes.” According to the statement, the houses can be built faster than traditional homes, and are also more energy efficient, stronger and fire resistant. Buyers can choose between four two-to-four bedroom houses. Features include open floor plans, bespoke interior design, vaulted master bedrooms and an interior design palette that uses woods, metal finishes and earthy tiles. Click to read more at www.globalconstructionreview.com.

Looking In On The Legislature: What CRE Needs to Watch in the 2021 Session

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Nearly two years after their last meeting, Texas state lawmakers are gathering in Austin for the 87th Legislature’s regular session. For 140 days, they will debate, discuss and ultimately decide on measures of importance to Texans. “The saying goes ‘No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session,’ and it’s true,” said Reid Wilson. If anyone would know, it’s Wilson, preeminent land use attorney and chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, one of the go-to real estate boutiques in Texas. Along with being a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) and one of few practicing real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate designation (CRE), he’s also currently serving as the chair of the Real Estate Probate and Trust Law section of the State Bar of Texas (REPTL), the bar’s largest section. “This session, REPTL’s presenting several bills to the Legislature on what we call ‘good government,’ such as cleanup, clarification and updates of real estate statutes,” Wilson said. “We say that REPTL is the keeper of Texas real estate statutes and we want to make them clear, up-to-date and unambiguous, benefiting our attorney members, the industry and the public.” For example, one bill changes provisions in the Landlord and Tenant section of the Texas Property Code. When it comes to certain tenant-made repairs, current text dictates repair services found in the Yellow Pages! Click to read more at www.rednews.com.

The Siren’s Call: What it Took to Get Amazon to Come to Austin

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It was codenamed “Project Charm.” But this initiative was less cloak and dagger and more big market swagger—this was the move to bring e-commerce giant Amazon to Pflugerville, Texas, located in the fastest-growing market of the past decade, Austin. Bringing Amazon to Pflugerville was no small task—one spearheaded in part by Amy Madison, CEcD, EDFP, executive director of Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC). As she sees it, this project is a huge win for the area, bringing significant capital investment, new technology and needed employment to the local workforce. Securing a location for the Seattle-based e-tailer was a mammoth endeavor, one that began with early talks more than a year before the final announcement last summer. Madison said the “Project Charm” codename was apt as the company looked at three sites before it settled on a site owned by the Timmerman family near Pecan Street and SH 130. “It turns out, the third time really was the charm,” Madison said.
The fulfillment center should be operational before the 2021 holiday season, bringing with it 1,000 new full-time jobs. Employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. Click to read more at www.rednews.com.