Portland Texas Business and Community News

Restaurant by Holiday Inn Express is Steak House [Portland,Texas]

2010-06-11T15:27:00.002-05:00

Update- the new restaurant by Holiday Inn Express is Steak House but I am not sure of the name at this point.

New shopping center by North Shore in Portland,Texas

2010-06-01T20:56:00.004-05:00

I heard a rumor that the larger structure in new shopping center by the North Shore entrance was a Target. No word on what might be going into the other buildings. Construction has slowed to a crawl I suspect this is due to the shrinking economy and tight credit markets / lending. As always if anyone is has access to a rumor mill feel free to share. Any and all conjecture is appreciated and encouraged. I don't even dig shopping that much [a guy thing I guess] but I'm always curious about how our town is growing.

New Mexican restaurant in Portland,Texas

2010-06-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

There's a new Mexican restaurant opening soon where Bad Brads bad BBQ used to be. More to follow. Blog readers-please post any information you may have.

Mystery building next to Holiday Inn Portland Texas

2010-06-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

Does anyone know what the new construction at the Holiday Inn [other side road from movie theater] is? I'll take pictures this weekend if I get a moment. It appears to be a restaurant.

Portland Texas Growth as of 12052008

2008-12-05T21:54:00.003-06:00

It looks like another hotel is coming to our fair town- I wonder how the economy will affect tourism? Does anyone know what the two new buildings next Northshore are going to be?

Portland and area Restaurant Reviews

2008-06-10T22:33:00.012-05:00

Greetings Blog readers! I apologize for being away so long...I started a very intense job Jan 2008 and have had very little time to create post and or OK a couple of posts to blog by reads.
I thought it might be fun to share experiences with bloggers as to their local restaurant experiences.
Here are mine of late… Please post your own!

Hudat:
I found this place to have consistent high quality meals. We order out most of the time. It's a little more expensive than the Ingleside. Only caveat is that the wait staff can be young and unprofessional. I think they are working on this as I saw a sign in thier window that stated
"wanted experienced wait staff" I give them 9.5 out of 10 stars!

Home Cooking Restaurant (used to be Annie's?):
Yikes! I had a baaaaaad experience here 3 weeks ago. I think I got a mild case of food poisoning (lasted 3 days). The new owners have been fixing this place up but when I was there, ceiling tile were hanging down, and everything looked dingy.
However my in-laws (winter Texans) ate the breakfast there a week ago and loved the place! Maybe things have improved…just be wary. I have to give them 2 out of 10 stars.

New Chinese Buffet over by Critter Love:
To me this place is good. A huge selection / variety of Asian American food with requisite south Texas treat of cheese enchiladas!
Unfortunately for me my wife has a finely tuned pallet when it comes to Asian / Chinese food and she did not like it (she prefers the Hudat). I give them 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Taqueria El Mexicano:

I am a breakfast taco / Taquito junkie! I need a fix a least once a week and man do these guys deliver. I have tried many places (from CC, Taft, to SA etc) and these guys are the best! The lunch is great also (stay open to 2 or 3PM) I like the Mexican plate- and they have those nifty sodas from Mexico- can you tell I'm Anglo? LOL-grin?

I’m still "kind of ticked off" at them when a couple a years ago they gave my credit card and receipt to the person in the other drive in window. Aw well...I forgive them. 10 out of 10 stars!

Please let me know if anyone has tried the new Mexican place formly the Mexicano over by the Dairy Queen.

Max's BBQ (Gregory):

Best BBQ in South Texas / Gulf Coast, maybe in Texas? as far as I'm concerned it is (there's a place in Sealy,Tx that is probably equally as great-been 6 years)! I even like it better than Joe Cottons (mental fitness test required?)! The Silverado in CC is good, there's a nice place in Lagrange (can't remember the name) but good ol' Max's- has no fat on the brisket, tasty BBQ sauce, great homey sides. Wow! The Texas Monthly needs to visit Gregory for their yearly BBQ round up. 10 out of 10 stars!

Please post your own views and reviews!

Portland is growing again!

2008-05-12T21:05:00.001-05:00

Portland is growing again despite the economic downturn. New material to be posted soon!

Restaurant Survey Portland Texas as of 8-12-07

2007-08-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

The following survey results are from 8-12-07 with 29 respondents. If you have other restaurants you would like added please post them.

Mexican Food Survey

2007-08-13T20:38:00.001-05:00

Italian / Other Survey

2007-08-13T20:36:00.000-05:00

See Food Survey

2007-08-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

Fast Food Restaurant Survey 8-12-07

2007-08-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

Casual Restaurant Survey 8-12-07

2007-08-12T20:56:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure what "other" casual restaurant chain survey participants are looking for... :-)

Breakfast Restaurant Survey 8-12-07

2007-08-12T20:54:00.001-05:00

BBQ Restaurant Survey 8-12-07

2007-08-12T20:30:00.001-05:00

Asian Restaurant Survey 8-12-07

2007-08-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Portland Surveys

2007-07-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

I am still conducting a survey of what restaurants, shopping Portland residents would like to see and the overall quality of life perspective. I really have not gotten enough survey participants for the survey to be taken seriously by city government (a nice bunch of folks by any account). I also have the results of the surveys so far (see below the survey URLs)
If you would like to participate please go here..

Foods
http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portland-restaurant-survey/
Stores
http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portland-retail-store-survey/
What do you think of Portland?
http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portlandgeneral-survey/

Surveys results -the password is portland

Restaurant http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/reports/portland-restaurant-form/Overall Quality of Life http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/reports/portland-general/Shopping http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/reports/various/

Windfest Portland Texas

2007-03-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

You really missed out if you didn't see the Windfest Fireworks. They where fantastic! Kudos / great job to the organizers and pyrotech folks!

Check out Costalbend communities
http://www.coastalbend.com/Portland/Stories

More Portland Surveys

2007-03-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

Here are two more surveys (for fun!)
Overall Survey of Portland http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portlandgeneral-survey/

Retailers you'd like to see... http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portland-retail-store-survey/

Portland Restaurant Survey

2007-03-29T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hi sports fans i.e. the 5 people who read my blog . (I can't even get my son to read it!). Here's a bit of fun. Please fill out this survey.
http://portlandtexas.wufoo.com/forms/portland-restaurant-survey/
I'll post the result in a couple months. I'll have another survey ready soon to see what chain retailers we find attractive.

Note:
Who knows maybe someone in the city council might be interested in seeing this survey. Of course before any restaurant chain would consider building here the owners want to make sure it's profitable (business case). So we can ask for whatever we want but ultimately it's really not up to the citizens unless we really don't want a particular business to be here and even then we may not have a voice.

Radiology Associates

2007-03-16T23:52:00.000-05:00

We are truly lucky to have not just one but two medical imaging providers.

IBC Bank Portland Texas

2007-03-16T23:41:00.001-05:00

Please post your customer service experince with IBC Bank.

Northshore Medical Imaging Portland

2007-03-16T23:36:00.000-05:00

Updated Photo of NMI

New Prosperity

2007-03-16T23:27:00.000-05:00

Not my favorite bank (bad experinces with management) but nonetheless, it has a new location near Walmart.

New City hall

2007-03-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

Has anyone been to the new city hall? Please post if you have. We have not had a specific reason to go yet other than curiosity.

New Housing in Portland Texas

2007-03-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

New construction continues in Portland

Caller Times Community Stories

2007-02-27T14:14:00.000-06:00

Please check out Caller Times Community Stories...

http://www.coastalbend.com/Portland/Stories

Nice story about touring Portland.
http://www.coastalbend.com/Portland/Stories/Travel/General-Travel/Story~255117.aspx

Yummies Ice Cream Parlor was FANTASTIC!

2007-02-19T18:29:00.000-06:00

[from anonymous post]
My wife and I tried out the newly remodeled "Yummies" Ice Cream Parlor last Friday in the old shopping center next to Lone Star Hardware. The food was FANTASTIC and the prices were great. All the burgers were made with black angus beef and the buns were sourdough style that you don't get anywhere else. It was so good, we took the kids back at night for an ice cream cone! The word needs to get out about this place...they can give DQ and Marble Slab a run for their money...not to mention the atmosphere is much better with the old 50's style diner motif. It was great!!!!

[from blogmaster]
Keep those cards and letters coming! In other words I appreciate the post and welcome others in the community to do so!

New City Hall Open in Portland Texas!

2007-01-25T22:01:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Portland! It appears the new city hall is open. I should be posting some new pics by the end of the weekend. If I find any article links to Caller Times about the new city hall I will post them as well. This should make headlines of the Portland paper.
Here's the announcement from the Portland website.

CIty Hall has moved

One Year anniversary of Portland Texas Blog-Portland, you've come a long way baby!

2006-11-26T02:26:00.000-06:00

It is the one year anniversary of this blog. Portland has come a long way since November 2005, adding over 10 new businesses and or other construction projects. The blog has had some success in obtaining feedback from the community. As with many weblogs it is sometimes hard to get your only family to read them! Despite having some negatives events such as being burglarized I still believe in Portland and love this small town community. Generally Portland citizens take a lot of pride in their community and has the one of the best school districts in and of the surrounding counties. If anything this blog will continue to serve as a photo documentary of the growth of Portland, Texas. My only regret is that I did not take pre-Walmart photos taken. If anyone has any of these please let me know I would love to post them.

2006-10-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

Think this might something interesting like a store or competition to Chili's for casual dining? Naw it's another medical imagining joint. Nice porta potty eh?
Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

North Shore Medical Imaging Portland Texas- no more long drive to Corpuscle Christi just to get a snapshop of your inards for the doc! HooRay!

Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

New IBC bank in Portland Texas-OK this is ridiculous. There are two banks within viewing distance of each other (near Walmart) and a bank inside Walmart as well. Give me a break!

Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

A yet unamed building most likely medical service in nature. I had someone post that this is a landscaping business. Nice to have some variety in new businesses. Thank you for your information!
Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Oh boy another bank that's sooooo much better than an IHOP-not!
New Prosperity Bank in Portland Texas
Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

Looks like someone's desk has already been moved over from the old city hall!
Photo by Giant

2006-10-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

After many many months it looks like the external portion of city hall is complete. It looks great!
Photo by Giant

Robbery in Portland

2006-09-26T10:56:00.000-05:00

FYI. Within the last month there has been at least one home burglarized. I can not comment on what I know about this as it is part of an ongoing police investigation. A word of advice however, it is important to know who your neighbors are to both ask for their help in monitoring suspicious behavior and or to assess their trustworthiness.

Correction-Radiology Associates Portland, Texas

2006-09-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

Just issuing a correction...The new Radiology Associates is located next to the Uncle Sam's service station. I'm not sure what the other building on Cedar street is going to be. If anyone knows please post. I appreciate it!

A Bank instead of an I-HOP in Portland Texas

2006-08-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

Well sports fans the latest rumor is that instead a wonderful, much sough after I-HOP we are most likely getting another...you guessed it... bank! Whoopee! Don't the folks over at North Shore have enough room to store their millions in the banks we already have!

Rumors of I-Hop restaurant in Portland, Texas

2006-07-22T17:17:00.000-05:00

I heard it from the rumor mill that there may be an I-Hop coming to Portland. This would be the construction next to Walmart (right hand side if you are headed north on the 181 feeder)

North Shore Medical Imaging in Portland Texas

2006-07-17T20:16:00.000-05:00

North Shore Medical Imaging in Portland is hiring right here in our booming "mini metropolis" of Portland Texas! See Caller add...
http://display.caller.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=444473&adid=3239376

Academy Sports and Outdoors in Portland Texas

2006-07-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

From the rumor mill....I received an anonymous post that the property next to Walmart has been purchased by Academy Sports and Outdoors. There -is- ongoing construction in the area.
Thanks for the info anonymous!

Remember fellow bloggers that this site is pro business, but if you have a legitimate gripe feel free to post-I will also post opposing views as I did with Bad Brads BBQ.

I do not however post comments of a personal derogatory nature (I received some negative comments about the city manger several weeks ago-he seems to be doing a heck of job to me!)

Ink World Part II

2006-07-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

Update on Ink World. They are still incompetent pinheads but they did refund my money.

Ink World Portland Texas

2006-07-05T19:26:00.000-05:00

I would like hear how other's folks experiences have gone with the new Ink World at the HEB (in Portland Texas). So far I have not been impressed. They do not have their own ink refilling machine as of yet so there is a wait. The clerk promised it would be ready the next day after 5 PM.

I showed up at 7PM the next day-after leisurely closing his magazine / comic book- the booth attendant informed that...Oops there was no delivery from Corpus made today- please come back tomorrow. Finally, -the next day- IW called and let me know my cartridge was ready to be picked up.

I picked up my cartridge and took it home, opened the nicely boxed and sealed cartridge, only to realize that they had given me the wrong cartridge type. I was fairly perturbed at this point. I made the trek back to HEB and found no one at the Ink World booth. The clerk had left a hand scrawled sign posted that read -went home due to weather, leave cartridges with name and numbers- Which against my better judgment- I did.

When and if I get a replacement cartridge I was post the result! The refill only cost me ten bucks but I think I've spent $5 in gas so far!

Hu-Dat Portland Texas-Great Food and Service

2006-07-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that the Hu-Dat (in Portland Texas) did not disappoint . Dispite a long line my family and I where able to order and be seated within a reasonable amount of time (10 minutes). The service was friendly and the food was piping hot and tasty. Offering both Chinese and Taiwanese the menu selection is fairly diverse. If you live in Portland or just passing through I highly recommend it!

Army / Navy Credit Union Portland Texas

2006-06-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
I think I misreported the moving of the Navy Federal Credit Union. The new Credit union shown here is an Army / Navy Credit Union. "My bad"
Photo by Giant

Starbucks Portland Texas

2006-06-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
I finally tried the new Starbucks after 2 months. All the staff where super friendly and perhaps a bit lonely as the Starbucks sign is not easily veiwable from the highway. They complained that often they are not busy and would like more customers.
Here's a Starbucks fan photo site...
http://www.starbuckseverywhere.net/LatestPhotos.htm

Photo by Giant

NorthShore Plaza Portland Texas Fully Leased

2006-06-18T20:18:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
In addition to the first tenants in the NorthShore plaza the fully leased faciltiy has a Subway, Farmer's Insurance, a Teacher's Credit Union, and tanning Salon. Need a job? "Just a Cut" is hiring!
Photo by Giant

New Construction near Portland Texas Uncle Sam's Service Station

2006-06-18T20:15:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
Looks like the Uncle Sam station is being re-openned but what is the area behind it?
Photo by Giant

Radiology Associates Portland Texas Branch

2006-06-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
You may have noticed new construction on Cedar Drive the last couple of weeks. This will be a new branch of Radiology associates. Beats driving to Corpus!
Please check out the Caller article and the PRA website:
website:

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_theme=cccb&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=CCCB&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%20110A6DCE781329E0%20)

http://www.xraydocs.com/Portland_Imaging.html

Photo by Giant

NorthShore IBC branch Portland Texas

2006-06-18T20:09:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
NorthShore residents must have so much money that they need a bank within walking distance!
Photo by Giant

Hu-Dat Portland Texas

2006-06-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

I've eaten at the Ingleside location and the cusine was mighty fine! I can't wait to give the Portland location a try. We still need a few more mid to upscale dining choices- slim pickin right now.
http://www.hudatoriental.com/
Photo by Giant

Best Western Hotel in Portland Texas

2006-06-18T20:01:00.000-05:00

Mystery solved...the new hotel in Portland is Best Western!
Photo by Giant

NorthShore Medical Imaging Portland Texas

2006-06-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Click for larger image
Looks like Radiology Associates has some competition in the North Shore Area. Are we going to become an adjunct medical city to Corpus Christi?
Photo by Giant

Bad Brads BBQ-true to it's name-it's Bad

2006-05-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

While this site is not a dining critic blog I will report the occasional positive or negative experience. I recently gave the BBQ restaurant Bad Brads another chance after having an initial mediocre meal. Unfortunately I have to report that this time was worse than the first. We ordered take out again and this time I specifically requested BBQ sauce to aid the dry as a popcorn fart briquette that I have the time before. It seems however that their BBQ sauce unlike their well established competitor’s homemade sauce is a thick molasses "goop" that tastes and resembles a store bought brand.

In addition, the "Cowboy beans" tasted like the cook had dropped the Chili powder shaker can and all into the bean batch- I had painful gas for several hours afterwards -I know... too much information!

Finally for three deluxe meals it was $37, including awful, awful, cobbler, the cost was far more expensive than it’s well establish competitor in Gregory. Macs you’re still worth the long, pain in the butt, could get caught at the rail road tracks, side street, zig zag drive through Gregory! Keep up the good work, your BBQ is the best in south Texas. Maybe Bad Brad's fare is what BBQ is suppose to taste like in Oklahoma? God I love Texas!

Portland Growth Still Going Strong

2006-05-27T12:29:00.000-05:00

Portland continues to experience rapid growth. It appears the outer shell of the new hotel (chain unknown still) is complete likewise is the new IBC bank. The Navy Federal Credit Union construction -I pass each day on the way to work- is coming along but is just a steel frame at this point. There is new mystery construction on Cedar road (the road that was extended to Buddy G). Giant and I are going to make a best effort to go out this weekend to take new pictures.

Due to changing jobs and a busy personal life I have not been able to post new content for a while. As always, this blog needs contributions from the community (this was beginning to happen). I recently received a post from someone who no longer lives in Portland. They where pleased to have a place to surf to that had fairly fresh online news.

New StarBucks!

2006-03-20T21:58:00.000-06:00

Portland is going upscale! The old KFC is being remodeled to be a Starbucks! Please visit this link for more info...
http://corpuschristi.yourhub.com/Story.aspx?contentid=62944

Northshore Cinema 8 Redux

2006-02-27T21:18:00.000-06:00

On our second visit to the Northshore Cinema 8 we where impressed. No glitches this time! Now if they will pave the parking lot and add a marquee it will be just like the big city!

Hotel Construction

2006-02-26T16:49:00.000-06:00

Still no word on what hotel chain this is...

Election Fever

2006-02-26T16:43:00.000-06:00

Signs where posted all around Portland for the elections of new judges.

2006-02-26T16:42:00.000-06:00

181 Overpass heading toward Gregory
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T16:41:00.000-06:00

Closer view of overpass on right side of 181 heading toward Taft
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T16:39:00.001-06:00

181 construction Gregory
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T16:39:00.000-06:00

Distant view of 181 construction
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T16:36:00.000-06:00

See below for recent contruction pictures of the 181 over pass project for LaQuinta Terminal...

Bad Brads BBQ-Our experience

2006-02-26T16:20:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer-Everyone has an opinion about food and our experience may not be reflective of yours. We ordered takeout from Brad's last week. I thought the BBQ was fair (Brisket and Sausage), but other members of my family described it as very dry (they forgot to give us any BBQ sauce). I believe Brad's is a small Oklahoma chain, so this could be a regional difference of what constitutes good BBQ. On a scale of 1-10, Bill Miller's chain being a 1 and the Max's BBQ in Gregory being a 10, Brads was a 6. Brad's is only 5 minutes from my house-I will still be taking the 10 minute drive to Max BBQ for now.

2006-02-26T16:17:00.000-06:00

New construction started for the new IBC bank near North Shore entrance.

IBC Bank (click for larger image)
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Cedar road extension progress
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T08:59:00.000-06:00

Navy Federal Credit Union progress
Photo by Giant

2006-02-26T08:51:00.000-06:00

Shopping center updated picture
Photo by Giant

Slowest Burger in the West Portland Texas

2006-02-23T20:28:00.000-06:00

I try to stay away from critiquing businesses but in the case of the Portland Dairy Queen I am going to make an exception . I have given them multiple opportunities to redeem themselves but the service is routinely slow and the attitude of staff poor. I realize people working at fast food joints do not get paid much and I take that in account but this DQ achieves what the other local ffrs do not-they are consistently bad. The owner of this establishment needs to "clean house". Despite all this...the food is great!

IBC Bank

2006-02-17T17:01:00.000-06:00

IBC is opening a new bank close to Walmart. Must be there's just not enough to room to store all the new businesses money!

Bad Brads is open!

2006-02-17T16:54:00.000-06:00

Bad Brads is open! Its been so busy every time I've tried to eat there I've given up for the time being. Please post your experience.

2006-01-30T21:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome to growth!
Photo by Giant effects by Portland blogger.

2006-01-30T20:16:00.000-06:00

City Hall
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:46:00.000-06:00

Bad Brads-I can almost smell the brisket now?
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:45:00.000-06:00

Bad Brads (rear side)
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:42:00.000-06:00

Site for NFCU-Looks like Hildale 1955 in "Back to the Future"!
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:40:00.001-06:00

Cedar street
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:40:00.000-06:00

Cedar Street Extension
Photo by Giant

2006-01-30T19:36:00.000-06:00

New Mystery Hotel

News and Commentary

2006-01-24T20:40:00.000-06:00

This blog was recently added to the Keys to the City area on citiesonline.com. I appreciate the listing! I am trying to get the word out. I need contributors!

Myself and our chief photographer-"Giant" will be out and about this coming weekend to take pictures of construction progress.

News: It looks like Bad Brads BBQ is getting very close to opening. Also seems that the cinema parking lot is finally going to get paved. One downside to all the new businesses is that some of the smaller mom and pop stores have closed their doors. Of these is the Ice Cream Parlor over by Subway and another local ice cream store (a chain) La Patera closed (next to Blockbuster)

Commentary: A Day in the Life of a Small Town

Sometimes old sayings still ring true…such as “Behind every cloud there’s a silver lining”
Recently a local retailer accidentally swapped credit cards with me and another customer. The other customer didn’t look at the card. They stuffed it into their wallet and drove away. Unsure of what to do, I called the Portland Police Department. Our local "men and women in blue" where courteous and genuinely concerned throughout the ordeal. They contacted the other card holder, got our card back and even offered to come to our house to drop it off! It's reassuring to know that at least in our small town they still protect and serve-even when it turns out not to be a crime. Thanks guys!!!

Happy New Year Portland!

2006-01-02T19:55:00.000-06:00

Growth continues at a rapid pace and the future looks bright for 2006. While attending a local community activity it was stated that some citizens are concerned about the impact of the eventual base closing (Ingleside). I suppose we will have to wait and see. This blogger and family are continuing to enjoy Portland and did 90% of our Christmas shopping in Portland (and online).

I am working at getting this blog listed at other Texas community sites and blog search engines. The Portland Chamber politely declined a reciprocal link on their site due to some unprofessional behavior of a previous Blog / website. Nice folks over at chamber- I respect their decision. To be a successful conduit for community news I need to get the word out. I need others to contribute and provide information. (special thanks to my co-workers for some recent updates!)

2006-01-02T19:26:00.000-06:00

This picture taken 1/2/06 show an in-progress extension of Cedar street. The street will now end at Buddy Gamen next to the new movie theater.

Photo by Giant (click for larger image)

2006-01-02T19:21:00.000-06:00

Cedar street

Mystery Hotel

2006-01-02T19:19:00.000-06:00

This structure (a hotel) is coming along nicely. I have not found any information as to what hotel chain this is going to be. As always feel free to post if you have any info.

Mystery Hotel-Photo by Giant (click for larger image)

Rumor Mill

2005-12-19T14:43:00.000-06:00

Rumor has it that Brad's BBQ won't open until January perhaps for the same reasons Wal-Mart waited
: tax concerns. The construction near the Hampton Inn is very likely an additional hotel. Finally, there is going to be a road extended by Bad Brad's that leads to the US 181 feeder.

Northshore Cinema 8

2005-12-16T22:15:00.000-06:00

Blogger contributor Giant and I went to the 6:30 showing of King Kong. The seats where comfortable, the Dolby sound awesome, and picture quality superb. Mr. Dinger was there making sure everything went off without a hitch. There was small alignment issue with the projector during the previews that he had the control room fix within a few minutes. A guy I work with said the projector broke down during the late show on Tuesday night but their money was refunded. No harm no foul, no premiere is without its problems! Looks like that they are getting all the issues worked out.

My only complaint (really had nothing to do with the theater) concerns a row of Jr. High kids sitting behind us who talked and played around during the entire movie. I and other movie goers scolded them repeatedly to no avail. I moved to a different seat (just call me Gandhi). Afterwards I mentioned this to the owner and he assured me had I said something he would have taken care of the issue immediately-“my bad” for not doing that. I do think it would be helpful to have the ushers make a few rounds to -keep order- when there are a lot of teenagers present. I don't know about other Portlanders but I very grateful Mr. Dinger decided Portland was a great place to invest in!

Movie Theater Opens Tonight!

2005-12-14T11:02:00.000-06:00

The Portland movie theater opens tonight! See Caller Times article. Did they finish the parking lot yet???
http://www.caller.com/ccct/business/article/0,2537,CCCT_873_4314165,00.html

New development updates

2005-12-11T13:37:00.000-06:00

North Shore 8 is shaping up! It looks like work on the parking lot is in process. Construction personnel where working on Sunday when picture was taken. The Creamery in the shopping center in now open. My family can't wait to give it a try!

Photo by Giant

Wish list

2005-12-03T14:15:00.000-06:00

Feel free to post your own wish list!!!

A traffic light for the intersection of Daniel Moore and Wildcat

Best Buy

Jason’s Deli

Chinese Buffet
A music store

Mystery Structures

2005-12-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

The Taft Tribune newspaper reports that the structures in the background are for a bridge, one south bound and the other north, to go over the railroad tracks. These will help alleviate any increased traffic due to the LaQuinta Terminal.

US 181 Bridge supports
Photo by Giant

2005-12-01T19:03:00.000-06:00

Walmart (click for large image)
Photo by Giant

2005-12-01T18:19:00.000-06:00

Portland growth (click on for larger image)
Photo by Giant

Mystery Projects and unknown opening dates

2005-11-23T19:05:00.000-06:00

Please post on the blog any updated information on...

The opening date of Bad Brad's BBQ (was scheduled for Oct 05)

The nature of the construction next to the Hampton Inn

The US 181 Highway project in Gregory

A better estimate of the opening date of North Shore 8 Cinema

Any new projects I have not mentioned

Stores you'd like to see come to Portland (there are 3 or 4 spaces left in the mini mall by KFC/LJS)

New City Hall (had 2 month delay-see Caller Articles

The Caller Times has also reported that there are (via a discussion with the Portland city mgr) two restaurants, more banks / credit unions, medical office buildings, more hotels and another major shopping center being considered. Please post if you have any detailed info. Rumors are OK!
http://www.caller.com/ccct/business/article/0,2537,CCCT_873_3867317,00.html

2005-11-23T19:04:00.002-06:00

Feeder road US181 Portland (click for larger image)
Photo by Giant

2005-11-23T19:04:00.001-06:00

US 181 Entrance ramp (click for larger image)
Photo by Giant

2005-11-23T19:03:00.004-06:00

Buddy Gamen other side of the road from the new movie theater
Photo by Giant

2005-11-23T19:03:00.003-06:00

Subdivision sign
Photo by Giant