Oakland chefs Julya Shin and Steve Joo were biting their nails waiting for building permits so they could finally make their dream restaurant a reality.

It was March. The repeated delays were increasingly frustrating as theyd hoped to open Nokni, a modern Korean restaurant, in the summer. But when the pandemic hit, the chefs faced a brutal choice: Do they push forward, hoping they can make enough money when they open despite watching other restaurants fail? Do they give up on the restaurant and lose all the time and money they spent planning? Or do they try to wait as long as possible, hoping for a speedy vaccine and an improved economy?

Its a position many Bay Area chefs and restaurateurs found themselves in this spring. Between the planning, funding and construction, it can take years to open a restaurants doors. Some have optioned to put their restaurants on hold indefinitely, others are still trying despite new challenges. But the choice isnt always up to them if an investor or bank loan falls through.

For Shin and Joo, the permit delays were a saving grace. If the permits had arrived on time, they would have been in the throes of construction when shelter-in-place orders hit. Instead, they had the chance to think and ultimately walk away from the restaurant entirely.

We were on the edge of the river, not in the river, Shin said. If youre waist deep, youve started building, youve sunk this much money you just dont know. It could still work. To walk away from the money youve spent is really difficult.

The pandemic has already torn through the Bay Areas restaurants, but its impact on the future of the restaurant scene namely, all of the planned but yet-to-open restaurants is still unclear. Several projects slated to open this year, such as the Jamaican-Malaysian-Iranian combo Calabash in Oakland and the La Cocina Municipal Marketplace in the Tenderloin, still intend to open next year following construction delays. But after that batch opens, some in the industry wonder if months will pass before anything new arrives.

That may depend on how many chefs can afford to keep waiting. Benu chef Corey Lee secured a Mission District space for his highly anticipated Korean restaurant San Ho Won more than a year ago. Jasmine Peterlin, project director for Lees restaurants, said they have no idea when the restaurant might open now. Dominique Crenns casual Salesforce Tower restaurant Boutique Crenn was almost ready to open when the pandemic hit, but now its on hold indefinitely due to the lack of foot traffic downtown.

Fine dining chef Scott Nishiyama similarly hopes to wait out the pandemic, though he still hasnt started construction for his upcoming Palo Alto restaurant, Ethels Fancy. He feels lucky his building permits came late so he could hit the pause button without spending much more money.

He could walk away if he needed to without experiencing a crushing financial loss. But he spent two years hunting down the location in downtown Palo Alto and doesnt want to let it go.

I want to feel confident once we start construction that its a go and that restaurants are looking like theyll hopefully go back to being open for dine-in, he said. I think until we get a vaccine, theres no guarantee of anything.

Some would like to move ahead with their restaurants but feel forced to wait. Mike Fishman, who bought a space in the Mission District in 2018 for a new location of his popular Russian bakery Cinderella, was set to start construction this year. Now, he lacks the cash Fishmans bank stopped issuing loans to new restaurants because of the pandemic, he said.

Others, like Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions fame, preferred to take a loss rather than invest more in a new restaurant during such an uncertain time. When the pandemic hit, they were plotting a yet-to-be-named vegetarian restaurant in the Lower Haight and nearly ready to open the Anchovy Bar, an intimate West Coast oyster bar in the Fillmore. But they refocused to save their existing two restaurants, State Bird and the Progress, before attempting to get the Anchovy Bar open, now slated to open in the fall. There simply werent the time or resources to also keep the vegetarian restaurant alive, so they vacated the space.

The pragmatic choice isnt always the easiest to make. Hanif Sadr had been slowly growing his Iranian pop-up Komaaj for five years in anticipation of opening multiple locations in 2020. One finally opened in September, but he had to say goodbye to a fully funded cafe in Menlo Park. In that case, he didnt even have a choice. His investors told him the project, which was also supposed to be an art gallery and events space, simply wasnt going to work.

Komaaj is really my child. I put my life in it, he said. It was really hard for me emotionally.

At the start of the pandemic, wondering if all his work would be for nothing, Sadr went on long hikes alone, foraging ingredients along the way. Those walks inspired a new idea, Komaaj Preservation Lab, which preserves foraged and donated ingredients using traditional Persian methods. It was a way to stay active without opening restaurants thats how you compromise, he said.

For other chefs, those compromises look like pop-ups and new companies touting specialty products. Even if the Bay Area continues to lose brick-and-mortar restaurants, the food scene will hum in different ways. While Noknis Joo is currently spending his time cooking for private clients instead of working on a restaurant, hes hopeful the future will bring unusual opportunities hes never considered before.

No matter what happens within the industry, even with all the unknowns, Joo said, one thing that remains true is there is a deep pool of talent and really creative, passionate people who want to be able to work in some way that involves food.

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker

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Some of the Bay Areas most anticipated restaurants for 2020 are in COVID-19 limbo - San Francisco Chronicle

Willamette Valley wine country will continue to seep into city limits next year when a new vineyard, winery, and restaurant opens in Portlands west hills. Amaterra, perched on Miller Road near West Haven-Sylvan, will specialize in pinot noir and chardonnay, with city views, 12 acres of vineyard land, and a gravity-flow winemaking facility.

Amaterra comes from Willamette Valley winemaker Matt Vuylsteke, behind micro-winery 51Weeks, and Werner Nistler, the founder of retirement community chain Touchmark. Nistler and Vuylsteke initially collaborated when Nistler opened his estate, Swede Hill; those vines will become the foundation for Amaterras vineyard, near the Touchmark location off SW Barnes Road. The winery will focus on pinot noir and chardonnay, with an adjoining restaurant that will also serve as the tasting room for the winery. Once its open, Amaterra will host concerts and weddings on its outdoor lawn, as well.

Details are scarce at this point the team has yet to announce the restaurants chef but the construction of the winery, restaurant, and its indoor and outdoor event spaces have already begun. Amaterra is expected to open in the spring of 2021, near the intersection of Miller and Barnes Road the address has yet to be finalized with the county.

Amaterra [Official] Vineyard adds unique touch to forthcoming West Hills retirement community [PBJ]

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Amaterra Winery Will Open in Portlands West Hills Next Year - Eater Portland

Joseph Sanches is the president of D. Stephenson Construction Inc. (DSC), the largest African American-owned general contracting firm based in Florida. DSC was founded in 1992 and specializes in the construction of educational facilities, municipal buildings, multifamily residential, airport and other facilities throughout South Florida. Some of the firm's projects include the West Palm Beach Fire Station No. 8, New South Bay Villas, the Urban League of Broward County Community Empowerment Center, Florida Memorial University Athletic Center and the Boca Raton Public Safety Information Management Center.

Prior to joining DSC Mr. Sanches was the chief of support operations at the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC). While there he managed more than 3,000 employees, oversaw more than $2 billion in construction projects and managed 29 million square feet of schools, offices, warehouses and other facilities. He is largely credited with leading SDPBC's sustainability focus, including developing sustainable policies and procedures which have earned him a place on the board of directors for the U.S. Green Building Council and the SDPBC a designation as a National Green Ribbon School District.

Mr. Sanches previously worked in New York, Atlanta and the U.S. Virgin Islands for some the country's largest construction and program management firms, including Heery International, Tishman Realty & Construction and Bovis Lend Lease, where he managed the planning, design and construction of malls, hospitals, prisons, multifamily residences, historic structures, government buildings and infrastructure improvements.

He earned a bachelor's degree in construction management from Pratt Institute and an MBA in management from Baruch College. He holds a Florida general contractor's license and he is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Mr. Sanches is on the board of directors of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. He is also actively involved in the Minority Builders Coalition, National Forum for Black Public Administrators and several other community organizations.

The Miami Times is the largest Black-owned newspaper in the south serving Miami's Black community since 1923. The award-winning weekly is frequently recognized as the best Black newspaper in the country by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Meet The President Of D. Stephenson Construction | Miami, FL Patch - Patch.com

It was clear in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic that the restaurant industry was in serious trouble. While many restaurants that were shuttered for months during the height of COVID-19 have since reopened and are offering dining outdoors and even indoors, many were forced to close for good.

Data from the food review website Yelp showed back in July that nearly 16,000 restaurants across the country had closed because of COVID-19, and that number has only increased. Dozens of New Jersey restaurants have closed for good because of the economic crunch of coronavirus. The months of relying on takeout and delivery in an industry that already operates with razor-thin margins was too much for many to survive.

Even a return to outdoor, and then indoor dining, wasnt enough to save others. The list is likely to get longer as temperatures drop and indoor dining is less desirable. Here is the list.

If you know of any restaurants in New Jersey that have closed permanently because of COVID-19, please send a note to jschneider@njadvancemedia.com.

Alfonsos Pastry Shoppe, Red Bank

A Staten Island-based bakery that opened its Jersey location in 2019 in the space that once held Cake Boss Buddy Valastros Carlos Bakery Shop, the shop closed in June after just 17 months of business. Their Staten Island bakery is still open.

A Toute Heure, Cranford

An American bistro with a menu that changed monthly, it announced in August it was closing its doors after 13 years. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye, the restaurant said in an email to customers. We are in deep gratitude for the years of your patronage and humbled by your love and support as we navigated through these last few months.

Bisque Restaurant, Ship Bottom

While the Jersey Shore did its best to salvage its most important season, its no surprise that many restaurants in the area struggled despite it being summer. Bisque, an upscale BYOB seafood restaurant that opened on Long Beach Island in 2005, was one of them.

Bistro 18, Montclair

Billed as New American cuisine with European and Asian influences" with burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks among their offerings, Bistro 18 opened in 2008 and was part of the towns rich downtown restaurant scene before shutting down because of the pandemic.

Brickwall Tavern and Dining Room, Burlington City

While Brickwall Taverns original location is still open in Asbury Park, the Burlington County outpost that opened in an old firehouse in 2015 announced in July it wouldnt be reopening.

Unfortunately, in this incredibly difficult time for restaurants across the country, we can no longer keep going, the restaurant announced on Facebook.

Brio Tuscan Grille, Cherry Hill

The Italian chain shut 71 of its locations down during COVID-19 and only the 21-best performing restaurants stayed open. The Cherry Hill location, which had been open for more than 10 years, didnt make the cut. The chains Marlton location eight miles east is still open.

Buddakan, Atlantic City

The New American Asian chain with locations in Philadelphia and New York City announced in October it had closed its Atlantic City location inside Playground Pier on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

It was a nice run, but we had to say goodbye, Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr told The Associated Press. We couldnt continue in this environment with the coronavirus and the current state of the pier. There was barely anyone left there except us.

Caf Fiori, Randolph

If Italian chains are hurting during this, you know family restaurants are as well. Caf Fiori announced in August it was closing after 11 years of service.

The epidemic and financial struggles associated with it have decimated the restaurant business as a whole and the effects have finally become too much for our family to bear anymore. We want to thank the entire town and community for their support during these trying times, the restaurant said in an Instagram post.

The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen, Maplewood

A town favorite that opened in a former post office in 2017, The Cassidy said at the end of July it would not be able to endure the economic impact of this pandemic." Owners Jennifer and Tom Carlin are still operating The Gladstone Tavern

Charlie Browns Fresh Grill, Chatham, Denville and Wayne

Charlie Browns has changed a lot in the past decade, rebranding in 2010 from Charlie Browns Steakhouse to Charlie Browns Fresh Grill. While its locations in Scotch Plains, Edison and Lakewood are still open, its a far cry from the dozens of locations it once had throughout the state.

Cucharamama, Hoboken

Maricel Presilla is the only chef in New Jersey to win two prestigious James Beard awards. And even her highly regarded South American restaurant couldnt survive the pandemic, closing in March after more than 16 years in the Mile Square City.

Pandemics have the insidious ability to disrupt much more than peoples health. Just as thousands of lives have been taken, peoples dreams and their hard work of years have been shattered forever too," Presilla said in a Facebook post. "And thats exactly what happened to me and my business partner Clara Chaumont.

El Cocotero, Jersey City

Plenty of New York eateries have made the jump across the river to Jersey Citys downtown neighborhood. El Cocotero took its Venezuelan cuisine to less heralded but still up and coming McGinley Square in 2016. Unfortunately it closed down in April.

The Continental, Atlantic City

Also owned by Stephen Starr, The Continental was for Brussels sprouts, wasabi mashed potatoes and massive martinis, but was unable to survive the month of no business during the coronavirus crisis.

The occupancy in Atlantic City, for sure, would not have been there, not being able to host the large conferences and concerts that enable us to be profitable, Executive Chef Kris Neff told The Associated Press.

Flaky Tart, Atlantic Highlands

The New York Times called The Flaky Tarts chocolate chip cookies pure buttery bliss. Owner Marie Jackson was a James Beard semifinalist. But being one of the most beloved bakeries in New Jersey doesnt make it immune from COVID-19. The slowdown in business from the pandemic closed The Flaky Tart at the end of September.

The decision to close our bakery was extremely difficult and saddening, the bakerys website now reads. We are humbled by all your kind words and well wishes and are in hopes you follow us on our next ventures.

Freelance Bistro, Newton

James Young bought the bistro that opened in January 2019 back in November and added comfort food to the Italian-heavy menu, according to NorthJersey.com, but sadly had to close the restaurant on June 1.

There was no surviving COVID, Young told NorthJersey.com.

Fromage Grill, Cranford

The name doesnt quite translate to grilled cheese, but thats what the Union County restaurant served gourmet takes on the classic sandwich. The restaurant announced in September it was closing its doors for good.

We will miss the many familiar faces and loyal customers weve had over the last four years," the restaurant said on its Facebook page. "We wish the best to our fellow Cranford businesses during these trying times.

Front Street Trattoria, Red Bank

Valerie and Michael Aufiero ran Front Street Trattoria for 35 years and already were planning for retirement. But the COVID-19 pandemic sped up that plan, and they ended their multi-decade run in July.

The Greek Flame, Haworth

Chef Tricia Vanech greek restaurant closed after nearly three years in Bergen County in mid-July, deciding to not renew its lease based on what COVID-19 was doing to the restaurant industry.

With the COVID-19 situation and the unknown we decided it was time to focus on our next chapter, the restaurant said in a Facebook post.

The Jackson Diner, Jackson

There is no type of restaurant more synonymous with New Jersey than the diner. Unfortunately, the pandemic was too much for The Jackson Diner to stand.

We apologize for this news, as we are deeply saddened by this decision as well. We would like to extend a special thank you to the employees, whom we consider family for all of their hard work and dedication," The Zimmermann Family, which owned the diner, said on Facebook. "It has been an honor to be apart of the Jackson Community and serve every patron that walked though the doors over the past 12 years, we are truly grateful.

Jakes Restaurant & Bar, Flemington

Jakes had 15 beers on tap, more than 50 types of bottled beers and even a revered wine list. But even so, after 30 of years of serving Hunterdon County, the restaurant that balanced upscale and no-frills sports bar closed for good in April.

We want to sincerely thank you, our beloved guests, and the local Flemington community that we have been so proud to be a part of for these past 30 years," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "You all have been the heart and soul of Jakes. And youve made this an unforgettable ride. Thank you.

La Campagna Ristorante, Morristown

After 25 years as a staple of Morristowns restaurant scene, La Campagna Ristorante closed its doors this summer.

As a result of the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic we regret that we can no longer operate, The restaurant wrote on its website. It saddens us that we will no longer be part of the Morristown restaurant scene. We want to thank all our employees and loyal guests that supported us during better times.

Laurel & Sage, Montclair

Its hard to stand out in Montclairs vaunted restaurant scene, but Laurel & Sages modern American cuisine with international flair did just that and New York Times gave it an Excellent rating in 2016. But even so, the 5-year-old restaurant closed during the pandemic.

Le Bon Choix, Ridgewood

Rotisserie chicken may be simple, but Le Bon Choix (French for the right choice) did it so well that The New York Times took notice. Opened in 2014, it closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Libbys Lunch, Paterson

New Jersey has a rich hot dog history, especially in North Jersey. Part of that history was lost when Libbys Lunch, a no-frills joint that served Texas Weiners deep-fried hot dogs topped with chili right by Patersons Great Falls closed after 90-plus years.

Paterson is home and family to our family. You all have a special place in our heart. Thanks for all of the great memories for myself and my family," Libbys wrote on Facebook.

Modine, Asbury Park

One of the first big names to close during the coronavirus pandemic, but sadly not the last. Popular southern restaurant Modine, beloved for its fried chicken with honey, closed in June after COVID-19 exacerbated the already struggling restaurants financial issues.

It wasnt like we were super profitable, and then COVID happened, co-owner Steve Mignogna told NJ.com. We went from just scraping by to now in a deep hole that you cant really get out of, and we didnt see anything changing in the next couple months.

Morristown Pancake House, Morristown

While the breakfast restaurants locations in Maywood and Rutherford are open the Morristown eatery closed its doors in July.

We are not able to keep our doors open with sales from take out alone (it accounts for less than 5% of our business) and our location does not allow for any outdoor seating that will meet the governors requirements, the restaurant posted on Facebook.

Nunzios Dolce Vita, Morristown

Nunzio Cassara was born in Sicily and came to the United States at the age of 10, and his Italian restaurant in Morristown was open for four years before COVID-19 closed it at the end of July.

Unfortunately due to coronavirus our business has not made the money it takes to pay rent and so Friday July 31 will be our last day open, Cassara wrote on Instagram. Thanks to all our followers for your patronage, feedback and support over the last 4 years.

Pairings Palate + Plate, Cranford

With an ever-changing menu filled with plates like pineapple guacamole with an olive oil crisp and red velvet cake topped with mascarpone ice cream, Pairings Palate + Plate opened in 2011 and was another New Jersey restaurant that garnered New York Times attention. But the acclaimed spot closed at the end of June.

We have been honored to know you all and be a part of your daily dining and family celebrations and nothing would make us happier than to keep doing so," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it is untenable for us to continue. It is with heavy hearts that we have to cease all operations at Pairings at this time.

Paolos Gourmet, Westwood

Part cafe and restaurant, part tiny grocery store, Paolos Gourmet opened in 2018 and served up Italian specialities, coffee, and delectable plates of pasta in a bright space painted all white. But the shop closed this summer amid the COVID-19 slowdown.

Plum on Park, Montclair

A classy take on a diner loved for its ricotta pancakes and gluten-free treats, owner Natalie Lee decided to use the COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to pivot into a Jewish deli.

I had a choice, Lee told NorthJersey.com. Im either going to close up the business and walk away, or I try what I wanted to do four years ago in that spot." The space is now home to Mikki & Als Noshery.

Six Brothers Diner, Little Falls

One of North Jerseys cherished diners right on Route 46 and a late-night go to for students from nearby Montclair State University, it was struggling because of nearby construction for years but COVID-19 finally closed its doors after years of service.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of Six Brothers Diner after over twenty years of proud service to our community, the diners said on Facebook. We will be forever grateful to our customers for their support and allowing us to be a part of so many special memories.

Square 1, Jersey City

A cozy cafe in Jersey Citys health food-starved Journal Square neighborhood, Square 1 served sandwiches, salads, coffee and more for nearly four years before COVID-19 shut it down in early August.

We are sending a huge hug and thank yous to all our friends, loyal customers, and staff who contributed to our double-digit year-over-year increases until COVID-19, the restaurant wrote on its website.

Stewarts Root Beer, Hazlet

The drive-in joint known with 30 locations in the U.S. and 20 throughout New Jersey known for burgers and root beer floats closed on Sept. 8 because of the COVID-19 slowdown.

We have served our community well and unfortunately its time to move on, Stewarts Root Beer said on Facebook. I hope everyone gets a chance to come in one more time before we close.

Technique, Westwood

After a year and a half of serving French food like escargot, coq au vin and duck confit, the COVID-19 pandemic led Technique chef and owner Ross Goldflam to close his restaurant in June, saying the situation forced him to reevaluate his priorities.

In some ways the coronavirus had nothing to do with this, Goldflam told NorthJersey.com. In some ways, the coronavirus had everything to do with it.

Tiffin, East Hanover

An Indian restaurant with a huge lunch buffet that was also BYOB, it unfortunately did not survive the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors.

Tuckerton Beach Grille, Tuckerton

Tuckerton Beach Grille, a restaurant known for hosting live music, opened briefly for indoor dining before deciding to close its doors on Sept. 10.

After much deliberation we came to a decision to PERMANENTLY CLOSE operations at Tuckerton Beach Grille. WE ARE SO VERY SADDENED about this decision," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "As TBG restaurant owners, Romeo and Valerie are devastated by the prolonged pandemic and the effects of the continued shut-downs of businesses in NJ.

Via45, Red Bank

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40 popular N.J. restaurants that have closed for good due to COVID-19 - NJ.com

Last updated on October 7th, 2020 at 01:04 pm

The Huron Building, downtown Milwaukees newest office building, is expecting its anchor tenant to begin moving in this month, and is anticipating its ground-floor restaurant to open in the spring.

Josh Jeffers, president of Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Co., which developed the Huron Building, said law firm Husch Blackwell will begin moving its Milwaukee office into the building near the end of the month. Build-out work is still occurring, and the firm hasnt yet obtained occupancy permits.

North Carolina-based restaurant Tupelo Honey is meanwhile forging ahead with its new location in the Huron Building as well. Jeffers said the restaurant will open in the two-story retail space facing Clybourn Avenue in late spring. The opening was pushed back from October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

The 11-story, roughly 287,000-square-foot Huron Building sits at 511 N. Broadway, northwest of Clybourn Street and Broadway. It has roughly 163,000 square feet of office space, 8,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 240 interior parking stalls across five floors.

Guiding a media tour of the building on Monday afternoon, Jeffers pointed out features such as the tenant lounge, 2,000-square-foot fitness room and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor terrace on the eighth floor, gray boxed office spaces ready for tenant build-outs, the interior parking garage and the two-story retail space.

Jeffers showed off the building roughly a year and a half after construction began. Jeffers & Co. and Madison-based contractor Stevens Construction Corp. ceremoniously broke ground on the project in May 2019.

Construction of the building was completed five weeks ahead of schedule. Jeffers said this was from a number of factors, including some related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the pandemic delayed some projects, causing contractors to focus their attention on ongoing projects like the Huron Building. He also noted no one working on the job site got sick, which meant the project didnt lose any days.

Stevens Construction also shrank the time it took to complete pile driving by having more people on site than normal performing the work. Jeffers said it also helped that the contractor was also heading up construction of three new hotels just east of this project site.

Weve consistently been ahead of schedule for over a year, he said.

Husch Blackwell is leasing 71,000 square feet on the top three floors. There is still more than 78,000 square feet of office space available in the building, according to marketing materials from Founders 3. The Milwaukee-based brokerage firm is representing Jeffers & Co. in leasing out the building.

There are still two retail spaces available for lease, said Jeffers. One space, perhaps best suited for a coffee shop, faces Broadway Avenue just off the building lobby. The other is on the west side of the building, and is drawing interest from banks for retail branches, Jeffers said. Each retail suite totals roughly 2,500 square feet.

Ned Purtell, principal with Milwaukee Founders 3, said there has been interest in the Huron Building from prospective office tenants just not as much as there would be normally due to the pandemic.

The volume of people looking is less than what it is in normal times, but we still have a very good list of prospects, Purtell said. He added that many office users are holding off on making big changes for a year or two, until the world is more certain.

We (Jeffers & Co.) are probably not going to do a tremendous amount of leasing in the next six months or 12 months, but we do have a lot of great interest in later 21, and beyond, Jeffers said.

Jeffers said the $60 million development has 475 investors. This includes more than 400 investors who contributed a total of $14 million through crowdfunding site Crowdstreet.

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Jeffers reveals Huron Building in downtown Milwaukee, with anchor tenant soon moving in - BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News

By Joe Southern editor@sealynews.com

From major, high profile projects to minor building renovations, the Sealy Economic Development Corporation currently has 36 done deal projects in the works with more prospects coming in all the time. That list does not include the grocery store H-E-B.

We have been told by H-E-B that theyre coming, said Robert Worley, executive director of the Sealy EDC. There are two things that are really important to H-E-B. The first is new homes and apartments in Sealy.

Worley said there are currently 1,500 housing units under construction in Sealy, most of them single family homes.

The second is the completion of Interstate 10, he said.

Worley said the combined capital investment of the 36 projects in Sealy is $450 million. He said with other pending projects not on the list that could swell to $700 million within a few months.

I think thats just phenomenal, he said.

In a report he issued jointly with Warren Escovy, the assistant city manager and planning director, he said Sealy currently has a total taxable value of $774 million. It took Sealy 141 years to get to $774 million, he said, noting that the $450 million in capital investment will be added to Sealys tax base within five years.

Thats the rock-bottom minimum that will make its way to the tax base, he said.

The biggest of the projects is Hailiang Copper Texas, a copper manufacturing facility currently under construction at the site of the former BAE Systems. That project has a capital investment of $165 million. Hendrix Industries, a quartz countertop manufacturer, is due to break ground soon on a $35 million project. In the planning phase is a strip shopping center that will include a Taco Bell restaurant.

Several of the larger projects are housing developments. The Retreat at Sealy, a 196-unit apartment, is well into construction with a capital investment of $16 million. Harvest Moon Apartments is constructing a 75-unit complex ($8 million), another unnamed 90-unit apartment complex is in the planning phase ($8.1 million), Dove Landing, a 114-lot single family housing development is under construction ($11.5 million), and Hunter Crossing, a 158-unit single family housing development just broke ground next to Sealy Elementary ($20 million).

Not all of the projects will add to the tax base. Among those are the Austin County EMS station near completion and three others are for nonprofit organizations.

Of the 36 projects identified on the list, 20 are existing building and retail projects downtown, including a restaurant, eight are single-family developments, six are multi-family developments, five are manufacturers, four a retail, and the rest include a private emergency medical center, office/warehouse space, an RV park, a Head Start school, a self-defense school, a customer service facility, a physicians office, and improvements to the Sealy Historical Society.

Most of these projects I have on my list, if you drove through town you wont see evidence of them yet, Worley said.

Worley has 44 years of experience in economic development and he said he has never seen a city face such rapid growth. He admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief slowdown, but said activity is rapidly ramping back up.

Ive never seen anything like this in 44 years and Ive been in some big markets, he said.

One of those markets was in Bryan/College Station.

This is double, triple, quadruple of what was going on in Bryan/College Station in the 90s, he said.

He said he is seeing a lot of developers buying land now without a plan for it.

Theyre telling me Sealy is the place to be and I want to buy land here, he said.

Worley said he expects development to boom even more once the expansion of Interstate 10 is complete. He said the best part of what he is seeing is the growth isnt dependent on a single economic sector.

This is a much more diversified economy; I love the mix, he said.

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Development booming again in Sealy - Sealy News

From keeping parklets on city streets to reforming permits and simplifying help for job hunters, a San Francisco task force put forward a broad-ranging set of recommendations Thursday to boost the citys economy.

The Economic Recovery Task Force proposed 41 recommendations in its final report on strategies to revive the economy during and after the pandemic. The group called for immediate aid to artists and small businesses and reiterated long-standing goals such as more affordable housing and economic support for minority communities.

But with the city in its worst fiscal crisis in decades, achieving the goals could be tough if they require new funding. The city resolved a $1.5 billion deficit on paper, in the current budget using money expected from Proposition F. Officials need voters to approve the business tax ballot measure next month.

In response to the recommendations, Mayor London Breed said the city will provide $1.6 million to help neighborhood businesses reopen and $200,000 in legal support to help businesses negotiate leases.

The city also will allocate nearly $6 million for artists and cultural workers, including a universal basic income program that pays $1,000 per month to 130 artists for at least six months, starting early next year.

Fees and taxes are waived for businesses that remain closed, such as entertainment and nightlife venues that cant hold large events.

Breed also hopes to promote housing construction through the deferral of some real estate development impact fees, which fund affordable housing and transit improvements. Real estate developers face declining office and apartment rents and weakening demand while construction costs remain high.

The fee deferral requires Board of Supervisors approval and could be controversial. Some supervisors have pushed for higher fees. Based on previous deferral programs, 85% of impact fees would be delayed from the first building permit issued to when a building receives its certificate of occupancy, which allows it to open. The average deferral period has been around two years.

San Francisco is only at the beginning of what we know is going to be a long road to recovery, Breed said in a statement. We need to continue to translate these ideas into action so we can get people back to work and get San Francisco moving forward.

The task forces recommendations include stimulating the local economy; creating jobs; safely reopening businesses; cutting regulations for more business flexibility; instituting economic justice for low-income residents; investing in housing; providing basic needs like food, shelter and mental health; and boosting neighborhoods.

The report detailed widespread economic devastation during the pandemic.

BART ridership plunged 88% as of late September compared to the prior year. The citys office vacancy rate soared to 14.1% in the third quarter, the highest in nine years, according to brokerage Cushman & Wakefield.

The shift to remote work has emptied out downtown, where long-term effects could be devastating. The virtual freeze of leisure and business travel has crippled the citys largest industry, tourism. Hotel occupancy was down 86% in September compared to 2019, according to San Francisco Travel.

The city, which collects a 1% sales tax, saw receipts of $30.8 million from April to June, a drop of 43% from the prior year, a steeper drop than in other major California cities. Restaurant and bar sales were down 65% and even food and drugstore sales were down 8%. Based on the tax decrease, the report said the citys population may be declining. San Franciscos online sales were up only 1% in the second quarter compared to the prior year, while other California cities saw major gains as people ordered more home deliveries.

This pandemic and the economic impact its had is really unlike any weve seen before, said Carmen Chu, co-chair of the task force and the city assessor-recorder. Were still in the middle of an active health challenge.

The report calls for reform of a construction permitting process that is notoriously complex and opaque, with 18 departments involved. It calls for flexibility in retail spaces, which overlaps with Breeds Proposition H on Novembers ballot, a plan to reduce permit review times and allow additional ground-floor neighborhood uses such as nonprofit offices.

Other goals include investing in public infrastructure to support construction jobs, streamlining building permits, improving city contracts with small businesses, more public-private partnerships, supporting child care providers and buying hotels and other buildings to house the homeless.

If demand falls permanently for office, hotel or retail space, the report calls for studying the conversion of buildings into housing or community space or other uses. It acknowledges the uncertainty and said the recommendation could have limited value if a vaccine leads to a return to previous demand. Converting commercial buildings could also hurt the job market, according to the report.

Chu said that its too soon to say whether buildings will be converted. We dont know what the long-term effects of COVID-19 will be, she said. Were going to have to be flexible and adapt as a city.

The task force, formed in April, included over 100 members ranging from business leaders, city officials, labor unions, nonprofits and religious groups.

The city has issued over 1,600 Shared Spaces permits to date, including many for outdoor dining, leading to parklets with seating built over parking spaces and other areas. The program will continue through the local emergency declaration and the city plans to extend elements of the program beyond that, but details havent been finalized.

The task force calls for extending the program through 2023, adding more arts and entertainment uses and expanding it through more street closures and use of parking spaces.

Even with widespread outdoor dining and the return of indoor dining, the outlook for restaurants remains bleak as they grapple with both a health crisis and economic challenges.

Cassava, a restaurant in the Outer Richmond, tried doing outdoor brunch for two weekends but stopped because of health risks with too many customers to manage, said Yuka Ioroi, a co-owner and member of the recovery task force. Some customers still oppose masks, she said.

The restaurant is allowed to do indoor dining but isnt taking the chance because it has a small space with 28 seats. None of our staff feel comfortable, Ioroi said.

Cassava seats customers outdoors in parklets made possible by a local designer who worked for free to support the restaurant industry.

Cassava received a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan for $67,000 and a $460,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, which must be paid off over 30 years, the equivalent of a mortgage, she said. The city reimbursed the restaurant $5,000 for sick pay.

The restaurant hasnt had layoffs but had to slash weekly working hours from around 35 hours to 20. Tips are also down, so the restaurant increased base pay to $20 an hour.

Ioroi supports permanent outdoor dining but said its an inconsistent revenue stream, particularly with ongoing smoke from wildfires. Its better than dying, she said.

Ioroi said that future aid needs to be more widespread. I dont think its just fair to focus on the restaurant industry, she said.

A nearby massage parlor has been closed since March, and its renters face eviction. Homelessness has worsened.

They need to be rescued first, she said.

Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf

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S.F. is facing its worst fiscal crisis in decades. Heres the citys 41-point plan for recovery - San Francisco Chronicle

See which projects are coming soon to your neighborhood. (Community Impact staff)

Berry Farms Town Center

Work continues at Berry Farms Town Center in Franklin as construction crews aim to complete Two Town Center, a new office building located near Rural Plains Circle and Berry Farms Crossing. Two Town Center will feature 82,000 square feet of Class A office space, and it is slated to open in 2021, according to Boyle, the project developer.

A new retail building is also under construction near the newly opened Residence Inn by Marriott. Tenants for the building have not been announced.

Berry Farms is a master-planned community with three parcels: Town Center, which features retail, restaurants and residential buildings; Reams-Fleming, which is home to the new Ramsey Solutions headquarters; and Chadwell, which has yet to be developed but is slated to include 1,500 residential units as well as office and retail space.

Grace Community Church chapel

The Grace Community Church of Nashville is working to complete Phase 3 of its new campus along Granny White Pike near Old Hickory Boulevard in Brentwood.

The new chapel, which will be able to seat 900, broke ground in July 2019.

Brentwood Police Headquarters

Work is continuing on the new Brentwood Police Headquarters at Heritage Way on the east side of the city. The 56,000-square-foot facility, which will allow the police department to move out of its existing space in City Hall, will feature offices, a community room, a 911 center and an indoor shooting range.

The project is on track for a spring 2021 opening, according to a recent update from the city of Brentwood.

New performing arts center and gym

Franklin Special School District broke ground in September on a new Performing Arts Center on the Poplar Grove School campus near Hwy. 95 West in Franklin.

The center will have a 485-seat capacity and will feature a full auditorium, a lobby, workspaces and dressing rooms. The center will be open for all schools to use. The district is also adding a 22,800-square-foot gymnasium to Poplar Grove Elementary School. Both projects are expected to be completed in early 2022, according to the district.

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5 development projects to watch this month in Franklin, Brentwood - Community Impact Newspaper

The following analysis estimates the cost to build a restaurant using US National Average costs from 2013 RSMeans cost data. Costs are derived from a building model that assumes basic components, using union labor for a 5000 square foot building.

Scope differences and market conditions can cause costs to vary significantly. To see an estimate of the costs to build a restaurant in a specific city or metropolitan area, go to our index of restaurant models by state .

NOTE: This cost estimate uses 2013 RSMeans data. A more accurate estimate using current RSMeans cost data is available on Construction Estimating Software

Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Face Brick with Concrete Block Back-up / Steel Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Face Brick with Concrete Block Back-up / Wood Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Stucco on Concrete Block / Steel Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Stucco on Concrete Block / Wood Joists Restaurant Square Foot Cost Assuming Wood Siding / Wood Frame

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Restaurant - Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

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Kitchen Restaurant + Bar Specialists - Planning & Design ...