Bob Perry slings vinyl at Cheapo Records in Central Square, and every sale in his Cambridge shop is critical.

Perry hustles to stay ahead as he watches more and more of the city's funky shops shut down.

"Every year, when the rents go up and the workers want a little bit more money, it gets a little bit harder," Perry said.

Retailers like Perry are feeling the squeeze from soaring rents, disruptive construction projects and the growth of online shopping.

Not all survive; in greater Boston, about 10 percent of storefronts are now empty.

The numbers are better in Cambridge, but in busy places like Harvard Square, they're seeing more than twice as many vacancies as in the rest of the city.

Harvard Square has been losing spots its eclectic identity was built on: The World's Only Curious George Store, John Harvard's Brew House, Tealuxe, Black Ink. Eye-popping rents helped force many out, and the city is reckoning with how to stem the tide.

"You always want somewhere to feel active and vibrant," said Pardis Saffari, the city's senior economic development manager.

Data from November 2019.

Saffari said when storefronts are dark, city officials worry about vandalism, blight and the toll shuttered stores take on other businesses.

"It can maybe make people not stop and shop or explore the neighborhood," Saffari said.

So city leaders got creative, employing strategies like paying local artists to exhibit artwork in vacant buildings to help liven up the spaces.

"So instead of seeing something maybe dark or empty, you now see some wonderful artwork to hopefully brighten up your day," Saffari said.

Cambridge also helped facilitate pop-up stores in vacant buildings. For example, a group of vintage clothing sellers is paying month-to-month to rent a former mattress store in Cambridge that sat empty for years.

Perry, the record store owner, filled another vacant storefront with vintage rock 'n' roll gear. Perry wants to gauge demand in the neighborhood, and the arrangement allows him to dip his toe in the water without a lot of risk.

"This is a real store in a real space on Mass. Ave in this neighborhood with the clientele that walks around here," he said.

Cultivating an invested clientele is important, particularly for a place like Harvard Square, which took another hit when the iconic Out of Town News newsstand shut down after 60 years in business.

"It was a place where Joan Baez came and played her music, and where Julia Child would get her cookbooks from," explained Aaron Greiner, director of CultureHouse, a nonprofit that filled the empty building where Out of Town News was located.

Hoping to maintain that community feel while they figure out what to do with the building, the city provided the space to CultureHouse, which functions as a community gathering spot open for anyone to hang out as long as they like.

Many visitors patronize other businesses in the area, Greiner said.

"The businesses that are still open, [visitors] are going to go and buy a coffee there, buy a lunch there," Greiner said.

And the benefits of filling the empty space aren't solely economic, he said.

"We're seeing increased problems of loneliness in cities, of isolation, which is a bit ironic because we think of cities as places that are full of people, yet people are feeling more and more disconnected," he said.

CultureHouse aims to be a community living room, for everything from book clubs and brainstorming sessions to ping pong tournaments.

"People can come in and read a book. They can come in and bring a coffee, bring their lunch. They can use the space as they like. They can meet a friend. They can meet someone new," Greiner said.

Cities hope landlords will meet someone new, too: potential tenants to open their minds to creative solutions.

Read more:
In Cambridge, Artists and Nonprofits Liven Up the Retail Landscape - nbcboston.com

Amazon is expected to break ground on HQ2 in 2020.

Arlington County

Amazon's second headquarters in northern Virginia is taking shape.

Earlier this month, the company cleared the last hurdle to begin building its second headquarters, called HQ2, when its plans received unanimous approval from the Arlington County, Virginia board. Amazon now expects to break ground on the 2.1-million-square-foot development in early 2020 and construction is slated to be complete in 2023.

Amazon will transform a group of vacant warehouses in Arlington's Pentagon City neighborhood into two 22-story buildings. The towers will be part of a larger, mixed-use site, called Metropolitan Park, that's expected to house new retail, restaurants and a daycare center open to the public, as well as 2.5 acres of green spaces designed for dog parks, farmers markets and other uses.

The company expects HQ2 will add 25,000 jobs over the next decade, with half of employees working out of the Metropolitan Park site. So far, Amazon said it has hired more than 400 employees to work out of leased offices in Crystal City, Virginia with some working on its cloud computing and Alexa teams.

Amazon submitted renderings to the Arlington County board that give a closer look into what the campus could look like when it's finished.

Here's a map showing how Metropolitan Park will be designed.

The development site, called Metropolitan Park, includes two 22-story towers, as well as new retail, restaurants and green space.

Arlington County

The 22-story towers will be built at S. Eads St. and 15th St. in Pentagon City.

This rendering shows suggested designs for public spaces in Metropolitan Park, taking inspiration from Amazon's Seattle headquarters.

Ground-floor space is allocated for retail shops and restaurants.

This rendering shows a 700-person-capacity indoor event space that will be available to the public.

An overview of all of the HQ2 developments in Arlington.

The final phase of Amazon's HQ2 includes another 2.1-million-square-foot development, located north of Metropolitan Park, at a 10-acre site called Pen Place.

Amazon is still putting together plans for the Pen Place development, a spokesperson said. The company expects to submit the plans to the Arlington County board next year.

See more here:
Amazon will break ground on HQ2 soon here's what it will look like - CNBC

In 2019, developmental pressures continued to dominate news headlines in St. Johns County.

The year featured a host of construction projects, a major land acquisition and other issues pertaining to the explosion in growth the county is experiencing. But other topics caused a stir as well.

Heres a look at some of the top stories of 2019:

GROWTH

As the decade drew to a close, the influx of more construction, more residents and more infrastructure began to near a boiling point, clashing with concerns about land preservation, traffic congestion and overcrowded schools.

The battle over Fish Island especially highlighted the issue of development pressures in St. Johns County.

Located on the Matanzas River adjacent to the State Road 312 bridge, Fish Island was once home to a sprawling citrus grove in Florida and had remained untouched since.

But when developers called for plans to build residential units in 2018, residents worked with nonprofit Matanzas Riverkeeper to fight the project.

In late-November, the North Florida Land Trust, in partnership with the State of Florida, negotiated to buy the property from the owners for $6.5 million. The state is now the owner of Fish Island, and the city of St. Augustine agreed to manage the property.

In July, local developer Chris Shee submitted an application with the county for a site off State Road 207 to build as many as 3,700 new homes, 3 million square feet of commercial space, 500,000 square feet of office space, another 500,000 square feet of industrial space, 600 hotel rooms and a new school site.

The most ambitious part of the Parrish Farms plan, which is still early in the approval process, involves constructing a new interchange on I-95 between S.R. 207 and State Road 206.

At the same time, established commercial and residential corridors in the county have become busier.

Parcel by parcel, over the last couple of decades State Road 16 has been filled in with development, including two outlet malls, numerous hotels, restaurants and other retail. More commercial projects are on the way.

Comparatively, S.R. 207 had remained less dense commercially. But that has begun to change. Over the last couple of years, several large residential communities have grabbed up land off 207, among them Treaty Oaks, Deerfield Preserve and the Arbor at Valencia.

A 256-unit, multi-family rental community called Brisa at St. Augustine fronting on S.R. 207 is under construction. Other plans in various stages of approval include two subdivisions west of I-95 on 207. Winding Oaks would encompass 250 homes, and another project called Black Gold would have 400 homes.

Growth at the St. Augustine Shipyards off U.S. 1 near S.R. 207 and adjacent to the San Sebastian River could also bring more activity to that area of town.

A deal struck in November transferred ownership of the property to the Windward Marina Group, and the leadership team wants to establish more of a connection between the Shipyards and its operations across the river on Riberia Street in St. Augustine.

MOTHER NATURE

For over a week in early September, the threat of Hurricane Dorian put life on hold for residents, businesses, schools and emergency officials all waiting and watching its fickle path from the Caribbean up the Florida coast.

In the end, the storm shifted direction, producing gusty winds and rainfall for most, though some properties in St. Augustine received flood damage.

Employers who didnt want to put workers in the way of danger and hospitality businesses betting on cancellations closed down, erring on the side of caution.

While many were unscathed by Hurricane Dorian, the storm caused a breach in sand that fronts the Summer Haven river, which caused a small section of the waterway to get clogged and prompted St. Johns County government officials to get involved to repair the breach.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A couple of top local government officials left their positions, but for different reasons.

County Commissioners fired Michael Wanchick in November, ending his contract early after Commissioner Jeremiah Blocker said he had lost confidence in Wanchicks leadership.

Im making this motion because its my opinion that our county administrator is no longer able to execute the wishes and directions given by this board, Blocker said at the time.

Firing Wanchick early cost the county $161,080.29 in severance pay and accrued sick and vacation time as well as about $7,700 in estimated costs for continuing insurance coverage for Wanchick and his family, according to the county.

Hunter Conrad, former county clerk of court and comptroller, has taken over as interim county administrator. Commissioners plan to discuss the search for Wanchicks permanent replacement at their Jan. 21 meeting.

In other local leadership changes, Mayor Nancy Shaver resigned after having a stroke in February, and the Commission appointed former Mayor Tracy Upchurch as her replacement.

A major traffic project finally came to a close in 2019.

The intersection of May Street and San Marco Avenue, delayed long beyond its initial estimated finish date, opened in its final configuration.

The new, unique traffic pattern is a drastic departure from what was there before. The intersection is like a modified roundabout, though its not round.

Plans for a key intersection in St. Augustine were unveiled.

Barry Broudy and city officials announced a vision for the northwest corner of U.S. 1 and West King Street, the location of Broudys Liquors.

The plan would bring a pedestrian and bicyclist walkover across U.S. 1 and many new features to the Broudys lot: a parking garage, new police station, workforce housing and commercial space.

Commissioners voiced concerns about the height of the workforce housing buildings proposed at 50-55 feet and 60-65 feet high but supported allowing the city to keep exploring the idea.

The plan would need various city approvals and hasnt come back to the city for review.

Local government officials also tried to make the area a little greener this year, but the effort was met with challenges.

The city of St. Augustine Beach passed a ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam products but repealed the rules to avoid a lawsuit.

The city has pursued other initiatives as well, including designating cigarette butts as litter smokers face a $50 fine for leaving butts on the ground.

THINGS THAT GOT PEOPLE TALKING

St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Robert Hardwick and Chris Strickland, a former director with St. Johns County Sheriffs Office who resigned in 2016, filed to run for St. Johns County Sheriff. They will face each other in the Republican primary in August.

Tom Reynolds, a St. Augustine Beach resident, has filed to run with no party affiliation.

Investigations into allegations of inappropriate behavior by a teacher at R.J. Murray Middle School led to the resignation of the teacher and the reassignment of the principal, a series of events that came to light in 2019.

The Stanley Cup, professional hockeys top prize, made a stop at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine for public view and attracted hundreds of people.

Kelvin Bernie Blue was removed as Nease High School track and field coach. He had served as a teacher or coach at the school for 38 years. School Athletic Director Matt McCool said Blue had done a fabulous job but that the school had decided to go in a different direction.

After drawing national headlines as the alligator on the loose in Chicago, Chance the Snapper ended up making his home at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Hes now known as Chicago Chance and is featured in a coloring book about his adventures with his rescuer, Frank Robb.

St. Augustines famous carousel, which had been in Davenport Park, was removed after owner Jim Soules died. Because of his wishes, Soules family moved it to The Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers. Plans are in the works to bring a new carousel to St. Augustine.

For more on these stories, go to staugustine.com.

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A look at the top stories of 2019 in St. Johns County - St. Augustine Record

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. As the calendar flips to 2020, several construction projects are nearing completion around Evansville. A couple other big ones will get going during the year, with finishing dates anticipated in 2021.

Here's an update of those projects:

Thisluxury apartment complex isin the heart of downtown and is a $40 million development. The project was announced in 2018 and is nearing completion.

The apartment has 144 units ranging from studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.Amenities include an elevated outdoor pool with a tanning shelf, fitness center, yoga room and a bike storage area with a repair center.

Their website currently shows availableunits and prices. In mid-January,they will have an on-site building manager to coordinate leasing.Construction is set to be completed inspring of 2020.

This historicbuilding is being renovated into a mixed-usefacility with apartments and a restaurant on the lower level at 401 NW Second St.Architectural Renovators is taking on the project, which is expected to be done by late spring.

Pictures of old Nabisco factory and rendering of new restaurant and apartments after renovations are complete(Photo: Architectural Renovations)

The apartments, which don't yethave a name,will consistof 23 one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The architect wants to keepmany of the old elements intact as they add modern touches. All units will be equipped with modern appliances but historical features such as the original hardwood floors and brick walls that will still be part of the apartments. Leasing will begin in February.

The facility will also house a new restaurant from Pangea owner Randy Hobson. It hasn't been named yet but is expected to serve Asian street food and international pastries.

Construction has been going on since the groundbreaking for this project back in March of 2018.The more than $18 million, privately financed development will have 139 guest rooms.The developer is Kinship Hospitality LLC, founded locally in 2016.

Completionis now slated for late spring of 2020. There were various delays along the way due to utility-related issues and unforeseen issues with the foundation thatrequired aredesign.

Exterior work continues on the Hyatt Place hotel in Downtown Evansville, Ind., Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo: MaCabe Brown / Courier & Press)

Deaconess Health System began construction of a new Downtown clinic in February. Itwill offerprimary and specialty care physiciansas well as aDeaconess Clinic EXPRESS, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

The new building also will have10,000 feet of clinical research space to be used by students and staff of Indiana School of Medicine-Evansville, who study at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, nearby on Walnut Street. Construction is expected to be finished in spring.

Sheetmetal worker Brian Wagner descends the stairs at the construction site for the new Deaconess Clinic Downtown at Fifth and Walnut streets in Evansville on a rainy Monday afternoon. "Pretty much everyone we have on site are local contractors," said General Superintendent Joe Scheberle of the Barton Malow Company project, which he says will completed in May 2020.(Photo: Christiana Botic / Courier & Press)

Deaconess is also building a primary care clinic at Washington Avenue and South Green River Road, with a 2020 completion expected.

The warship's move to the riverfront is almost finished. Various city entities are coming together to pay for theproject with a total cost of $3.6 million. The city is contributing $2.2million, $1million is comingfrom Tropicana and$175,000 each from the Evansville Visitors Bureau and LST.

The ship is moving from Inland Marina to a Downtown site, across Riverside Drive from Tropicana Evansville. City officials are hopeful the ship will see increased visitation at the busier riverfront spot.

LST officials anticipate completing the ship's move by April, with a grand opening in early May. There were several steps to prepare for the move and three different contractors were hiredto handle the work.

The area of the river where the ship will be moored hadto be dredged, avisitors centerwhich will have the LSTs gift shop and offices is under construction andtwo barges were built.

Ground recently broke for Deaconess Aquatic Centerin Garvin Park. The new state-of-the-art facility will have stadium seating for 800 people, a four-lane teaching and leisure pool, a new 50-meter stretch pooland an outdoor spray park.

US Olympian Lilly King, third from right, turns dirt during the groundbreaking of the Deaconess Aquatic Center in Evansville, Ind., Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2019. (Photo: MaCabe Brown / Courier & Press)

Construction began in December andthe current timeline shows it's projected to open in late summer of 2021.

Owner George Yerolemou has been working to renovate what used to be theold Riverhouse Hotel, located at Walnut and First streets, into an upscaleboutique hotel.

Construction has been ongoing for almost three years. Yerolemou plans to finish by mid-April of 2020. The hotel will have 79 rooms, and there are plans to add an open rooftop bar to the hotel.

This tower, at 420 Main St.,used to be the headquarters for Old National Bank and at 18 stories, it is the tallest building within 120 miles. Domo Development Co. of Carmel, Indiana, obtained ownership and plan a redevelopment project with restaurant and retail spaces on the ground level and offices and apartments on the upper floors.

A rendering of the proposed redevelopment at the 18-story tower at 420 Main St. A private company has obtained ownership and plans a major project with restaurant and retail spaces on the ground level, and offices and apartments on upper floors.(Photo: Furnished)

Domo officials said construction on the $25 million to $30 million projectwill start in spring 2020 and last about 18 months. Thetower turns 50 years old next year. Renderings show the renovated building is to have walls of glass and a new sheath on the parking area.

The exhibit at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden will feature Humboldt penguins, which are warm-weather penguins native to Peru.

The cost of the entire project will be between $6-$7 million, and it will be a combination of public funds and private donations. It will be near the zoo's front entrance.

Construction is slated to begin early next year with a projected opening in2021.

Rendering of the Penguins of Patagonia exhibit planned for Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.(Photo: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden)

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Some big projects in Evansville are poised for 2020 completion; others about to start - Courier & Press

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESSThe landscape of downtown Bellefonte will be changing in 2020, as the borough looks to add a boutique hotel along with parking and new shops. Groundbreaking is expected to be done soon and the project completed by spring of 2021.

BELLEFONTE 2019 certainly was an interesting year for Bellefonte and the Centre Region. And there are going to be plenty of changes on the horizon in Bellefonte and the Centre Region in 2020.

With that in mind, lets take a closer look at some things to watch as we flip the calendar to 2020.

CENTRE COUNTY

GOVERNMENT

In 2019, Centre County rolled out its new voting machines. It also installed special netting to prevent black vultures from tearing up the roof of the countys Willowbank Building.

CHRIS MORELLI/THE EXPRESSThe construction of a Rutters convenience store along the Benner Pike in Bellefonte is picking up steam. The new store will be sandwiched between a pair of Sheetz stores in Bellefonte and State College and will likely provide some much-needed competition in the Centre Region.

All three Centre County commissioners Steve Dershem, Mark Higgins and Michael Pipe earned re-election in November. In 2019, they signed off on renovations to the historic Centre County courthouse.

Pipe, chair of the Centre County Board of Commissioners, looked ahead to 2020 and said that big things are on the horizon in the county.

This upcoming year will be full of opportunities to start anew with family, friends, and ourselves. County government is no different. As a team, we will work on important issues that impact our community such as mental health, infrastructure, elections and so much more, he said.

Also, we will wrap up the current phase of the renovations at the courthouse and the construction of a solar panel project at our correctional facility. The new year will see fresh initiatives such as Census 2020 and planning for the reuse of the Centre Crest facility. While a lot of work is in front of us, we celebrate the accomplishments the Centre County Government team achieved in 2019 and are hopeful for our future, Pipe said.

OPENINGS AND

CLOSINGS

Several businesses closed their doors in 2019.

In downtown Bellefonte, Dam Donuts said farewell. The popular donut-coffee shop closed its doors in February. The shop was in business for three years and had become a staple for fans of unique, freshly-made donuts. To pick up the slack, Dunkin Donuts opened its shop along the Benner Pike in Bellefonte.

Also along the Benner Pike, construction picked up just across the street from the Centre County Correctional Facility, where a Rutters is quickly taking shape. It is expected to open sometime in 2020, according to the Rutters website. Further out the Benner Pike, a new-and-improved Sheetz opened its doors just in time for Penn States football season. It also sells alcohol, something new for the location.

Back in Bellefonte, Wendys opened its doors along Buckaroo Lane, just across from Weis Markets. It joined Burger King as Bellefontes second fast food restaurant. Elsewhere, after closing his old restaurant and bar location in December of 2019, Bonfattos owner David Letterman brought the Bonanza subs back to downtown Bellefonte at the new and improved Bonfattos Italian Market and Corner Cafe near Talleyrand Park.

Also in April, Red Horse Tavern owners Justin Leiter and Courtney Confer announced plans to open Sammis at the old Bonfattos location. Sammis features cheesesteaks and a variety of sandwiches, French fries and salads.

Axemann Brewery announced plans to start construction at the former Cerro Metal Plant in Bellefonte. No timetable has been announced for its opening, although it is expected sometime in 2020.

Centre Care broke ground along the Benner Pike for its new facility. It will replace Centre Crest in Bellefonte when it opens.

COMING SOON:

BELLEFONTE

There are big things happening in Bellefonte.

The Bellefonte Waterfront project will aim to bring a hotel, restaurant, condominiums and retail space to the property that was formerly home to the historic Bush House. After years of sitting vacant, the property has a new owner. At a recent Bellefonte Borough Council meeting, members from Bellefonte Waterfront Associates spoke and said that construction could begin as soon as spring of 2020.

BWA is led by Torron Groups Tom Songer II and Hospitality Asset Management Companys Mark Morath. BWA entered into an agreement with Bellefonte Borough and Bellefonte Area Industrial Development Authority to buy and develop the four acres along Water Street between High and Lamb streets in August of 2018. The land is the former home of the historic Bush House, which burned down in 2006. Since then, the land has sat vacant.

There has been a lot of talk about developing that land. Now, it is coming to fruition.

According to Songer and Morath, the vision statement for the project says it is hoping to begin construction of the hotel and parking garage in a few months and the retail and condominium building next to Lamb Street in the spring of 2021.

Plans for the project include a promenade along Spring Creek from High to Lamb Street that will serve as a pedestrian walkway and gathering space. Plans also call for the reconstruction of Dunlap Street into a two-way street and will connect High Street to Lamb Street, adjacent to the existing Bellefonte mill race that fed water to the historic Gamble Mill.

The proposed five-story hotel will include approximately 80 guest rooms, along with meeting and banquet rooms and a restaurant. The hotel will be constructed at High and Dunlap streets with the main entrance on Dunlap Street, where a parking area with a covered patio is expected to be constructed. There are also plans for a pedestrian entrance from High Street.

The hotel would provide another location in Centre County for Penn State football fans to stay during the season, as there is always a need for hotel rooms from August through November in the Centre Region.

The project is just one of many big things happening in Bellefonte. Developers are looking to re-open the Gamble Mill, a once-popular historic restaurant that has sat vacant for several years.

Bellefonte mayor Tom Wilson agreed that big things are happening in the county seat.

Bellefonte is, and has been, on a positive trajectory. Much of the credit for the towns continued forward movement should be given to an influx of young professionals that have embraced this community and have invested their time and talents to help the Fonte become a go to place,' Wilson said. We still have plenty of work to do in this area. Our wish list includes the building of a proper band shell in Tallyrand Park. The building of the multi-purpose greenway trail between Bellefonte and Milesburg. Plus, the development and implementation of an artistic initiative called Water Fire along the waterfront.

According to Wilson, its important that Bellefontes history is preserved as areas of the town are re-developed.

Historic preservation is always important in a town such as Bellefonte, he noted. We will endeavor to preserve our historic structures while also keeping in touch with projects that will high light our natural assets. Much of the economic future of Bellefonte lies in the area of outdoor recreation tourism fishing, boating, biking and hiking.

ROGERS STADIUM

The finishing touches were put on Rogers Stadium just in time for fall sports season at Bellefonte Area High School. The football team along with the boys and girls soccer teams played their seasons there. The new-and-improved version of Rogers Stadium features state of the art turf, locker rooms, new restrooms, two concession stands, new press box and ticket booth. The stadium was packed most Friday nights during the football season as fans watched the Red Raiders steamroll opponents on their way to a District 6 championship and an appearance in the PIAA State Playoffs.

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Downtown Bellefonte may look different by the end of 2020 | News, Sports, Jobs - Lock Haven Express

Amid Central Texas ongoing apartment-building boom, two of the latest projects to be announced will add several hundred new rental units to a market that continues to be primed by the regions job and population growth.

One complex, which is being developed by Dallas-based Trammell Crow Residential, is due to break ground early next year at 1919 East Riverside Drive, replacing the now-closed American Bingo hall and its parking lot.

The seven-story project, likely to be called Alexan Riverside, will have 308 apartments plus retail space, said Matt Enzler, senior managing director with Trammell Crow Residential.

The other project is being developed by Dallas-based Stillwater Capital Investments, partnering with Dubai-based Sweid & Sweid, The complex is under construction FM 1626 and Old San Antonio Road in South Austin. The first phase of the three-story development will have 372 apartments, said Brandon Easterling, Stillwaters Central Texas partner.

The first units are scheduled to be ready in late 2020, with final construction wrapping up in the summer of 2021.

Amenities will include a fitness center, pool, clubhouse, outdoor lounge and dog park.

A second phase is projected to have a similar number of units, Easterling said, although a site plan and design work havent yet been finalized. Phase two could break ground sometime in 2021 or 2022, Easterling said.

"Stillwater decided to double down in the South Austin submarket due to its continued low level of supply compared to the increased demand for rental units," Easterling said. "Historically we have noticed less concessions and quicker lease-ups in this submarket, and feel very fortunate and excited to deliver two high quality rental properties to this submarket."

Trammell Crow and Stillwater have not released the estimated cost of their developments or projected rent rates.

Easterling said hes bullish on South Austins demographics, and that over the next three to four years, the area's density will continue to increase.

As in other parts of Central Texas, Southeast Austins demographics also are spurring a surge of apartment building, including along the booming East Riverside corridor.

Stillwater is working on a 222-unit apartment project on Montopolis Drive, off East Riverside Drive. The first units are expected to open in the summer of 2020, Easterling said.

Meanwhile, at the 2.5-acre site of the former bingo hall at East Riverside and Royal Crest drives, construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2020 on the Alexan Riverside project, with an opening targeted for the fourth quarter of 2021. Enzler said

"We are excited to be building in the dynamic East Riverside corridor, with its ever increasing jobs, retail, restaurants and other resident amenities," Enzler said.

Further east along Riverside, construction has started on Zoey, a 307-unit apartment complex that will be built between Penick Drive and Country Club Road, on land originally platted for single-family homes in the 1950s by the late golf legend Harvey Penick.

At 6400 E. Riverside Drive, the previously announced Urban East mixed-use project is poised to break ground in the first quarter of 2020, said Cory Older, president of River City Capital Partners.

Urban East is slated to have 375 apartments, along with 100,000 square feet of office space and 20,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space.

One of the largest mixed-use projects to date is proposed for 97 acres at East Riverside Drive and Pleasant Valley Road that would bring about 4,700 new apartment units and several million square feet of office space and other commercial and retail development, in a project to be built in phases over more than two decades.

As of June 2019, Central Texas apartment rents reached an all-time high, according to Charles Heimsath, whose consulting firm Capitol Market Research tracks apartment rents and occupancy rates.

At mid-year, Capitol Market Research's forecast called for a record number of apartment units to be completed this year more than 12,000 with leasing activity matching the pace of new deliveries. Heimsath at that point was tracking about 25,800 units that were under construction and scheduled to open through the last half of this year to 2021.

"This is truly an amazing time in the market, from a development standpoint," Heimsath said at mid-year. "We are building and (leasing) a record number of units across the region."

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Projects to add hundreds of apartment units to Austin region - Austin American-Statesman

Theres a lot on the horizon for the Tampa Bay restaurant scene in 2020, from a handful of new wine bars to restaurants from top local chefs. Plus, more food halls and a continued emphasis on fast-casual spots. Here are 20 restaurants and bars were looking forward to this year.

Another collaboration from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani and Nocturnal Hospitality Group, this time in St. Petersburg. La Pergola, a high-end Italian restaurant, is set to debut in the spring, taking over the ground floor of the building at 200 Central Ave., joining the Mill and Craft Kafe. Diners can expect a high-energy lounge and bar with specialty cocktails, according to a news release. Viviani first joined forces with founding Nocturnal partners Lanfranco Pescante and David Anderson to develop modern Italian bar and kitchen Osteria, which arrived in downtown Tampa in 2018.

200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The particulars are still being worked out for this forthcoming wine bar set to open soon in the EDGE District of St. Petersburg, but it will bring something new to the area when it does: 2,190 square feet of wine, both in a retail capacity and in a bar setting featuring by-the-glass pours. In addition to small-production wines ranging from traditional to natural, owner and wine industry veteran Ryan Rugg, who has teamed up with sommelier and partner Kory Lynn, will feature appetizers, small plates and outdoor seating.

1005 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg

Set to debut in the spring, Semolina is the new restaurant from David and Erica Benstock, who own modern Italian favorite Il Ritorno in downtown St. Petersburg. Their first venture in Tampa, the fast-casual pasta restaurant will open at Sparkman Wharf, the outdoor food hall in the Channelside area. Semolina will face the waterfront along the perimeter of Sparkman Wharf, located at 615 Channelside Drive. Unlike the existing food options, which are mainly housed in shipping containers, Semolina is set to occupy a 1,600-square-foot space with 42 seats inside and 20 outside. Guests will be able to eat inside the restaurant or take the orders they place at its walkup counter to go, choosing from made-to-order pasta dishes, salads and breads.

615 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Chef Jeannie Pierolas newest restaurant has just opened, but were still including it on this list because it will likely be one of 2020s most notable newcomers. The chef, a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist, currently presides over Edison: Food+Drink Lab and Swigamajig at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. Her long-awaited new spot is being billed as a modern homage to classic counter dining and its barstool kinship between diners and the kitchen. Its currently serving dinner daily, in a 3,700-square-foot restaurant in South Tampa.

2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa

This half book store, half wine bar from owner Terra Dunham is in the buildout phase and expected to debut in the spring. Opening in downtown St. Petersburg, the new concept is calling itself a wine bar with books. On the wine side, youll find a curated wine program, plus beer, coffee and snacks.

17 Sixth St. N, St. Petersburg

The beloved Filipino fast-food chain has chosen Pinellas Park as the area for its first Tampa Bay location. Jollibee, whose closest location currently is in Jacksonville, started in the Philippines in the 1970s and has since expanded to the United States. Signature items include the Chickenjoy fried chicken and the Jolly Spaghetti. The under-construction location at 4045 Park Blvd. N is currently hiring, and is expected to open in January.

4045 Park Blvd. N, St. Petersburg

The popular downtown Tampa hangout that opened in 2006 and closed in 2018 is reopening, and not very far from the previous location. Co-owner Leslie Shirah Culbreath and business partner and husband Mark Culbreath are set to open in the Mise en Place building at 442 W Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa in early 2020. Look for a menu of eclectic American dishes, a mix of old favorites and new creations, plus a craft cocktail program.

442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

This Nordic- and Asian-inspired restaurant from chef Jeffrey Jew, who has most recently cooked at Stillwaters Tavern and BellaBrava, is coming to St. Petersburg in the spring. Lingr on 6th St., which references the Old Norse word meaning belonging to and coming or descending from, will reflect Jews heritage his mother is Norwegian and his father is Chinese. Described as a 150-seat upscale-casual restaurant and bar, it will include both indoor seating and an outdoor garden space in St. Petersburgs Downtown South University Park area.

400 Sixth St. S, St. Petersburg

Imported and domestic cheese, charcuterie and a wide-reaching international wine list will be the highlights at this new bar and tasting room, opening in early 2020 in downtown St. Petersburg. The European-inspired wine and cheese shop takes over a former laundromat located across the street from the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood. According to its website, the project is a team effort from chef and cheesemonger Raymond Cotteret, Alex Paunic and sommelier Jessica Arkwright. Guests can expect to find Appellation-driven wines, vermouth cocktails, sherry, local beers and a long list of cheeses, cured meats, sandwiches and tapas.

442 Second St. N, St. Petersburg

These two spots drive the dining and drinking options at the new Karol Hotel, slated to debut in Feather Sound in January. Inspired by Florida flavors and hotel owners Fred and Karol Bullards travels, K Club Bar & Bistro will serve contemporary cuisine in a chic, comfy environment. At the Vantage Rooftop Bar, the climate-controlled hangout 12 stories high will unite light bites and elevated cocktails. Karol Hotel executive chef Jon Atanacio, previously a chef at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, will direct the culinary operations of both new spaces.

2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater

Opening any day now in Tampas historic north Hyde Park area, the handsome restaurant will feature contemporary world cuisine served in a stylish, yet casual atmosphere. Expect Napa Valley-meets-Florida design vibes and open-air seating on the patio overlooking one of Tampas buzziest areas.

301 N Rome Ave., Tampa

This new lunch spot with a strong focus on veggies and seasonal ingredients is coming to St. Petersburg in February.

200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The tequila and taco spot in Tampa will feature a fast-casual concept with fresh, made-to-order tacos and regionally inspired Mexican dishes. Chef Tisbeth Mejia, who was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and owner Karol Ortiz ran a similar concept on MacDill Avenue from 2012 to 2017 and also opened a second restaurant in Sarasota before deciding to focus full time on the Howard Avenue spot. Ortiz says the renovated space will likely soft-open in January with beer and wine, and eventually the place will serve liquor and a full menu as well. The space will also feature a private speakeasy vault room."

1611 N Howard Ave., Tampa

This cult favorite in St. Petersburgs EDGE District is just moving up the street, but the experience is bound to be quite different. Bodega owners George and Debbie Sayegh told the Times theyve outgrown their original outpost, and will relocate to the building occupied by antique shop Mis en Chic. They aim to complete construction on the restaurants new space in May 2020. Bodega is known for its tiny outdoor kitchen, long lines and lack of indoor eating space all things that tend not to matter once youve taken a bite of the delicious Cuban fare. But we cant wait to check them out in a new space.

1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Taking over the shuttered Taco Bus lot in St. Petersburg is this large craft brewery, slated for a summer 2020 opening. The planned two-story 10,270-square-foot brewery also includes an adjacent restaurant. In between the two buildings on the lot will be an open-air beer garden, able to accommodate 375 people. The taproom will have 250 seats inside and out on its second-level terrace. Expect 16 brews in total, including IPAs, pale ales, porters, stouts and funky, sour options at this Grand Central District newcomer.

2324 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

The team behind Tampas Armature Works Heights Public Market is heading across the bay to open a new food hall in part of downtown St. Petersburgs Sundial. That means 25,000 square feet of the downtown retail space, including the areas currently occupied by tenants Locale Market and FarmTable Cucina, will be revamped to make way for the new hall. Construction is set to begin soon, and the project is expected to be finished by the end of 2020. Stay tuned for the food and drink vendors that will occupy the space.

153 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg

A new restaurant focusing on chicken and craft cocktails is coming to downtown St. Petersburg. No opening date has been announced yet, but the owners have described the new spot as a full-service restaurant and bar with a menu featuring American and globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails.

150 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg

One of several new wine bar concepts set to open in the new year, this wine locker and American trattoria takes over the upstairs balcony space on St. Petersburgs Central Avenue formerly home to A Taste For Wine. No word yet on an exact opening date.

241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Back in August, we spent time touring the space that would become this ambitious food hall, coming to downtown Lakeland as part of a food revolution for the small city. Things have come a long way for the Joinery since we visited, with multiple vendors now on board Ato for burritos and bowls, Ava for pizza, Gallito Taqueria, King State Coffee and more a gorgeous buildout along Lake Mirror and a craft brewery on site. Look for it sometime in early 2020.

Opening down in Manatee County, in the growing Lakewood Ranch area, this bakery has slowly been introducing itself to the community via local markets and bread drops patrons can sign up for online. It specializes in seriously good bread, the kind of naturally risen dough we do not have nearly enough of in the Tampa Bay area, ranging from regular sourdough to special holiday flavors. At its forthcoming cafe expected to open in January, Atria will serve its bread along with coffee and other snacks.

4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch

Times staff writers Helen Freund and Meaghan Habuda contributed to this report.

Go here to read the rest:
20 restaurants and bars opening in Tampa Bay in 2020 - Tampa Bay Times

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

JACKSON, MI --Whenever a business closes in Jackson, there's an inevitable social media post from somebody saying, "Last one out of Jackson, hit the lights."

Judging by the new developments in 2019, it might be awhile.

This year, more than 50 Jackson-area businesses and developments either opened, started a construction project or announced plans for development.

From pinball to sushi, here's a look at what's new to the scene.

More: Restaurant, business openings in the Jackson area in 2018

More: These Jackson-area businesses shut down in 2019

Mary Lewandowski | MLive

Courtyard by Marriott

2010 Bondsteel Drive, Jackson

The Courtyard by Marriott opened near I-94 and U.S. 127 in October with 103 rooms.

Room types include double queen rooms, king rooms with sofa beds, king suites and double queen suites. They all have approximately 50-inch TVs with 45 to 60 channels, Netflix and an ability to connect to laptops, tablets and mobile devices.

More: New Courtyard by Marriott boosts hotel options in Jackson area

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Ramshackle Brewing Company

209 E. Chicago St., Jonesville

A 16-foot-wide alley is now a brewery in downtown Jonesville.

Ramshackle opened in July and offers beers on tap and lets customers bring in food from elsewhere.

It's known for its "Beer it Forward" wall, where customers can buy a beer for someone in particular or set the criteria for someone to receive a free beer -- like the first person to come in wearing chaps.

More: Ramshackle Brewing Company opens in former Jonesville alley

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Pac-Man Zone

1216 Jackson Crossing, Jackson

A pair of new arcades opened in Jackson in 2019. The one without alcohol is at Jackson Crossing near Kohl's, called Pac-Man Zone.

The arcade opened in November with games that cost 25 cents to $1.50. Game options include rail-gun shooters, racing games, a Pac-Man air hockey table and retro machines, such as Galaga.

More: Pac-Man-themed arcade debuts at Jackson Crossing mall

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Lead Bunker

3791 Ann Arbor Road, Jackson

The old Hostess Bakery store is now an indoor gun range, as Lead Bunker opened at the Leoni Township location in March.

The 13 lanes have electronic target movers, so no cease fires are necessary. Lanes go out to 22.5 yards.

Once (people) do come in and shoot a gun, its exciting, its fun, its a sport, its a challenge, Co-Owner Tammy Brindle said. Even elderly people. Little old ladies have come in. They love it.

More: Indoor gun range opens at old Hostess Bakery store

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Healthies 101

101 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson

A new shop in downtown Jackson offers meal-replacement smoothies, aloe shots and a variety of teas.

Healthies 101 boasts more than 50 smoothie flavors, including peanut butter chocolate explosion, Fruity Pebbles, French toast, Elvis, Lucky Charms, pineapple upside-down cake, lemon cookie and Almond Joy.

More: 'Instagram-worthy' smoothies hit downtown Jackson at new business

Mary Lewandowski | MLive

Dunham's

1038 Jackson Crossing, Jackson

Dunham's isn't new to Jackson, but it is new to the Jackson Crossing mall. It moved up the road on West Avenue from its previous location in October.

The new space is larger, with 32,000 square feet. With the extra space, Dunham's has added more exercise equipment, firearms, shoes and clothing to its selection.

More: Jackson Dunham's relocates, adding space for exercise equipment, firearms

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Klavon's

318 Kipp Road, Mason

This one's not really in the Jackson area, but claims a spot on the list because of the "Klavon's" namesake.

Klavon's opened its third location in March. At 10,000 square feet, the Mason spot is the largest of the Klavon's restaurants.

The wood-fired oven serving Neapolitan-style pizza sits in the main area of the restaurant and has a bar space where patrons can sit and watch pizzas being made.

More: Klavon's opens new location in Mason

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Axe Play

133 W. Michigan Ave., Suite D, Jackson

An ax-throwing bar with a "lumberjack-chic" feel opened in September in downtown Jackson.

With help from a Kickstarter campaign, the business offers five lanes of ax throwing and a bar with craft cocktails and beer.

We wanted to prove everybody else wrong whos saying theres nothing fun to do here (in Jackson), said Shane Stephens, one of the partners in the business.

Shots wont be sold and the partners say anyone whos had too much alcohol wont be touching axes, Axe Play officials said.

More: New ax-throwing bar already sold out for opening weekend

Mary Lewandowski | MLive

Qwench

1083 N. Wisner St., Jackson

Michigan has its first Qwench Juice Bar franchise, and it's in Jackson.

The franchise opened a location in December offering blends -- which are like smoothies -- and bowls. Qwench uses fresh fruits and vegetables and no additives.

"(People in Jackson) are excited to not have to go and have greasy burgers," Manager Octavia Myer said. They can have a nice healthy lunch grilled chicken, tofu, that kind of thing."

More: California-based Qwench Juice Bar opens first Michigan location

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Veritas

151 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson

High-end dining made a comeback in downtown Jackson in 2019, with the opening of Veritas.

The new restaurant offers dry-aged steaks, seafood, pasta and more. The salmon is flown in from the Faroe Islands near Scotland, while the rainbow trout comes from nearby Parma Township.

A restaurant called One Five One occupied the space before closing in 2014. Before that, it was Daryls Downtown Restaurant and Otellos.

More: Veritas ready to bring high-end dining to downtown Jackson

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

PS Food Mart at Citgo

815 Lansing Ave., Jackson

The Citgo gas station on Lansing Avenue closed this summer, as the convenience store was torn down and rebuilt.

The new store is 25 percent larger, has a beer cave and sells pizza.

More: Pizza, walk-in beer cave among additions as Jackson convenience store rebuilds

Mary Lewandowki | MLive.com

Michigan International Speedway Infield Care Center

12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn

MIS cut the ribbon on a new building in August that most fans and drivers hope they dont find themselves in the infield care center.

The 4,000-square-foot space in the MIS infield will be used for races and the Faster Horses Festival in July.

More: MIS cuts ribbon on new care center for race weekends, Faster Horses Festival

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Tilted Arcade Bar

146 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson

It was Dr. Dons Famous Door. Then the strip club changed names, to become The Ruby Slipper.

But the downtown Jackson spot changed directions in June, reopening as an arcade bar.

The throwback arcade games and retro pinball offerings include Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, NBA Jam, Ghost Busters, Star Wars, Deadpool and Donkey Kong.

More: Tilted Arcade Bar pairs pinball with pints in downtown Jackson

J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Ballzy Balls

1850 W. Michigan Ave. (Westwood Mall), Jackson

A new business that opened in April at Westwood Mall allows friends and strangers to knock each other over for fun.

It's like bumper cars, but with humans.

Everyone comes in with this idea of how theyre going to knock somebody around," Co-Owner Deon Chisolm said. "It always goes opposite.

More: Knock your friends on their rear at Jackson's newest entertainment venue

Read more:
Here are the businesses, developments that came to Jackson in 2019 - MLive.com

The 2010s have now come to a close and we are welcoming the 20s.

Utah County has seen significant change over the past decade, including population growth and the changing landscape of the county, but has also seen some elements that seem to stay the same, like the seemingly never-ending construction on I-15.

Here are 15 stories that marked the decade in Utah County:

Finished and under construction apartments are pictured near North Mill Road on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Vineyard.

Over the past decade, Utah County has seen a boom in population. The county started the decade with 516,639 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The most recent population estimates from July 1, 2018 show the county saw a 20.4% increase to 622,213 residents.

Vineyard saw tremendous growth, and was named the fastest-growing city in the U.S. in 2018, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The city saw 62.79% growth between 2017 and 2018, placing the city atop the list of fastest-growing cities with populations over 1,000. The city grew from 139 residents in the 2010 Census to approximately 10,052 by July 1, 2018.

The Cedar Valley area also saw high levels of growth. Saratoga Springs saw a 76.2% population increase from 2010 to 2018 and Eagle Mountain saw 62.4% growth. Lehi recorded a 38.2% growth in population.

In southern Utah County, Santaquin saw 34.1% growth, Salem had 31.8% and Mapleton saw a 26.6% increase in population.

These population increases are also leading to housing concerns, with cities across the valley looking for answers to help increase availability of affordable housing and possibilities of additional high-density developments, which will likely be a big issue as we move into the 20s.

The new office building at University Place in Orem on Thursday, May 5, 2016. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

Along with the increases in population, Utah County saw an increase in development.

One of the largest commercial developments was announced in late 2013, which would transform University Mall in Orem to University Place. The project aimed to add 400,000 square feet of new retail space, 700,000 square feet of new office space, 1.25 million square feet of new multi-family residential space and 70,000 square feet of new hotel space to area around the mall. The project, which was anticipated to take eight to 10 years, is still underway, but is ahead of schedule.

The development in Utah County even reached the Provo Airport, which began accepting commercial flights in 2011 with Frontier Airlines. Frontier ended flights to and from Provo in early 2012, but one month later, Allegiant Air announced that it would begin commercial flights in and out of Provo. Just this year, an airport terminal expansion was announced, which will bring up to 10 new gates and more than 22 flights a day to and from Provo. Initially there will be four new gates. Completion should be by the end of 2020.

The county also welcomed large companies to the area this decade, including Adobe who announced an expansion into Lehi in 2010. Tyson Foods is also building a plant and Facebook is building a data center in Eagle Mountain.

An aerial view of Interstate 15 passing through Lehi Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2010.

If youve driven on I-15 anytime in the past decade, its likely youve driven through road construction.

In 2009, the Utah Legislature approved funding for the I-15 Core project a 24-mile construction project that stretched from Spanish Fork to Lehi. The project started in 2010 and included the reconstruction and reconfiguration of 10 interchanges and 63 aging bridges.

In 2013, leftover bond money from the I-15 Core project was also used to add lanes to I-15 between Spanish Fork and Payson.

The I-15 Core project was completed at the end of 2012, but the construction on I-15 didnt halt for long. The I-15 Point Project started in 2014. The project lasted two years, and widened I-15 to six lanes in each direction between S.R. 92 in Lehi to 12300 South in Draper. It was completed in October 2016.

The I-15 Technology Corridor project started construction on January 2018. The project is widening and making improvements to I-15 from Lehi Main Street to State Route 92 in Lehi. The project is anticipated to be completed in October 2020.

Other big road projects this decade included construction on Pioneer Crossing, Timpanogos Highway, Redwood Road, North County Boulevard and State Street.

Students exit a Utah Valley Express bus at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Orem.

Utah County took steps toward improving options for public transportation this decade.

For the first time, FrontRunner train service opened for passenger service in Utah County in December 2012, bringing the first high-speed public transportation option to the county. The rail opened after four years of construction, which brought the southern leg of the commuter rail service down to Provo.

And after years of planning and development (and backlash from some), the Utah Valley Express bus route otherwise known as UVX, Bus Rapid Transit or BRT began service in August 2018. Center pick-up and drop-off stations opened in December of that year, completing the two years of construction on University Parkway and University Avenue. The route provides buses every 6-7 minutes during peak times.

Sgt. Cory Wride's widow Nannette Wride follows his casket with her children and other family and friends after a funeral service was held at the UCCU Center in Orem Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014. Wride was shot and killed in the line of duty on Jan. 30. MARK JOHNSTON/Daily Herald

Utah County mourned the loss of two police officers killed in the line of duty this decade.

On Jan. 30, 2014, Sgt. Cory Wride of the Utah County Sheriffs Office was shot and killed after he stopped to assist a motorist alongside a Utah County highway.

Wride stopped a vehicle on State Route 73 in Eagle Mountain and was shot while in his patrol car behind the vehicle. The shooter and driver of the vehicle then led police on a high-speed chase through Utah County, where Deputy Greg Sherwood pursued them. During the pursuit, Sherwood was shot in the head. Sherwood later made a full recovery.

Then, 29-year-old Master Officer Joseph Shinners was shot and killed in Orem in January 2019 while trying to apprehend a wanted fugitive near a shopping center.

Shinners was a three-year veteran on the force and left behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.

The deaths were the first officer deaths in Utah County since 2001.

An inspection crew makes their way around the Provo Tabernacle on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 to assess damage done by a fire that destroyed the building.

Early in the decade, Utah County residents experienced a tragic loss.

At 2:43 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2010, the historic Provo Tabernacle was engulfed in an overnight blaze. When crews arrived on scene, black smoke billowed from a hole in the roof, and orange flames lapped against the outer walls of the centuries-old treasured icon of Provo.

That day, the building that once stood at the center of the city was left in ruins.

For months, crews worked to clean up the scene and many local residents wondered what the future of the historic building would be. In October 2011, however, those questions were answered as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the remaining structure would be built into a temple.

The groundbreaking for the temple was held on May 12, 2012, and after extensive construction, an open house was held in early 2016.

The sun sets on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Payson Temple on Thursday, March 19, 2015. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald

The Provo City Center Temple was not the only temple constructed in Utah County this decade. In 2010, the county was home to just two Latter-day Saint temples the Provo Temple and the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

The Payson Utah Temple was dedicated on June 7, 2015. The Provo City Center Temple then became the fourth temple in the county when it was dedicated on March 20, 2016.

Two additional temples were also announced for Utah County this decade. One in Saratoga Springs was announced on April 2, 2017, and one in Orem was announced on Oct. 5, 2019. The Saratoga Springs temple is currently under construction and the Orem temples location has been announced.

Brandon Morgan, center, 17, loads items into a truck as his friend, Carter Wilkey, 16, of Payson, helps Morgan evacuate from his Elk Ridge home during a mandatory evacuation as the Pole Creek and Bald Mountain Fires move toward homes Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.Residents from rural homes and the neighboring city of Woodland Hills were also mandated to evacuate, causing roughly 5,305 people to be displaced from their homes. Nine days after residents of Elk Ridge and Woodland Hills were mandated to evacuate their homes, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted and people began to return to their homes. However, both cities were still on pre-evacuation status as hot spots were put out. No homes were reported as destroyed.Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

There were several devastating wildfires throughout the past 10 years, but two summers saw wildfires that damaged significant portions of Utah County.

In 2012, the county saw several large fires that burned close to 15,000 acres, including the Dump, Wiley, Pinyon, Quail, West Lake and Tank fires. The Wood Hollow Fire also burned close to 47,000 acres, mostly in Sanpete County, but its smoke covered the south end of the valley.

In 2018, the combined Bald Mountain and Pole Creek fires threatened thousands of homes in southern Utah County when they began rapidly spreading in mid-September, eventually growing to more than 100,000 acres. Mandatory evacuations were issued for Woodland Hills and Elk Ridge, and residents were kept out of their homes for a total of nine days.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, left, watches a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Utah defeated BYU 54-10. (AP Photo/Colin E Braley)

After more than a decade in the Mountain West Conference, Brigham Young University athletics officials announced football independence in August 2010.

After speculation that the Cougars would join a new conference, they instead took the route of independence in football and joined the West Coast Conference for other sports. The change also came with a new ESPN TV contract, which made viewing games more accessible than in the Mountain West Conference.

The change in conference was not the only change BYU football saw this decade, though. In 2015, head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced he was leaving the university after 10 seasons with the Cougars. Mendenhall, who left for a head coaching position at Virginia, was replaced for the 2016 season by former Cougar football player Kalani Sitake.

BYU football also lost legendary coach LaVell Edwards at the end of 2016. Edwards, who coached the Cougars for 29 seasons, died at the age of 86 on Dec. 29, 2016.

Megan Huntsman arrives in court Monday, April 20, 2015, in Provo, Utah. Huntsman who pleaded guilty to killing six of her newborn babies and hiding their bodies in her garage was sentenced to up to life in prison Monday in a case that drew national attention and sent shockwaves through her quiet community. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

Utah County saw several high-profile crimes and trials in the past decade, including several murder cases that garnered national attention.

In 2013, former Utah County doctor Martin MacNeill was convicted for drugging his wife, Michele, and leaving her to drown in a bathtub on April 11, 2007. MacNeill was found unresponsive by a corrections officer in April 2017 at the Utah State Prison complex in Draper. Officials confirmed his death was a suicide.

A gruesome local crime story came to its conclusion in April 2015 when Megan Huntsman, of Pleasant Grove, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for killing six of her newborn babies. One year earlier, in April 2014, police found six infant bodies in shoe boxes in Huntsmans garage. Police found the bodies wrapped in cloth, put in plastic bags and packed into boxes, left behind after Huntsman moved out.

Elizabeth Elena Laguna-Salgado, 26, vanished from downtown Provo on April 16, 2015, never to be seen again. After being missing for more than three years, police confirmed the Provo students remains were located in Hobble Creek Canyon on May 18, 2018. Officials are considering the case a homicide, and to this point, no suspects have been arrested.

In December 2017, Riley Powell and Brelynne Breezy Otteson disappeared. The bodies of the two teenagers were found three months later in an abandoned mine near Eureka. Autopsy reports showed the teenagers had been stabbed and died by homicide. Jerrod Baum, 42, is facing two counts of aggravated murder in the teens deaths. He reportedly killed the teenagers out of jealousy that his ex-girlfriend, Morgan Henderson, had a male visitor in their house. She testified against him and shared many details about the deaths during a preliminary hearing in March.

In 2012, Heidy Truman died of a gunshot wound at her Orem home. Her husband Conrad Truman was arrested and originally convicted of her death in late 2014, but was awarded a new trial in August 2016. In February 2017, Conrad Truman, previously convicted of murder in the death of his wife, was found not guilty after a second jury trial.

BYU students chant during a protest asking for changes in the universitys honor code at Brigham Young University on Friday, April 12, 2019, in Provo.

Over the past several years, BYU received national attention after students began protesting elements of the schools honor code, particularly how the code related to victims of sexual assault.

In 2016, sexual assault survivors came forward to say they had been investigated by the schools Honor Code Office for possible violations surrounding their sexual assaults.

That same year, the university announced changes to how it handles how sexual assaults are reported and planned to accept recommendations given by the internal Advisory Council on Campus Response to Sexual Assault. One of those announcements was that BYU would adopt an honor code amnesty clause for students when they report their assaults and said the Title IX and Honor Code offices would not share information with each other.

The protests by students didnt end with the changes adopted by the university, though, and in 2019, students began protesting the way the honor code is enforced after an Instagram account began publishing anonymous accounts of students interactions with the Honor Code Office. The protests spurred changes to the Honor Code Office itself and the way that students are informed of accusations against them.

The investigations also put BYU Police under scrutiny for their interactions with the Honor Code and Title IX offices. Officials at the Utah Department of Public Safety decided to revoke the certification after the university department reportedly failed to conduct an internal investigation into alleged misconduct of one of their officers.

The department is still currently appealing the decision and functioning at normal capacity through the appeals process.

Mountain View students are seen going home after school Nov. 16, 2016, at Mountain View High School in Orem.

School safety was a big issue this decade not only in Utah County, but nationwide as school shootings were seen across the country.

In November 2016, Utah County families saw a tragic day when a student stabbed five random classmates in the locker room at Mountain View High School in Orem. After his arrest, the 16-year-old told investigators he didnt target any particular students but simply wanted to experience what it felt like to kill as many people as possible before he died.

There were several bomb threats at schools throughout the valley, including one in 2016 when a man was arrested after driving up to Eagle Valley Elementary School in Eagle Mountain and claimed he had a vehicle full of bombs outside. After a few hours, the man was arrested, nearby roads were reopened and no explosives were found in the car.

A float for Mormons Building Bridges, an organization that supports the LGBTQ community, is seen in the July 4th Grand Parade in Provo on Thursday, July 4, 2019. The float featured photos of LGBTQ veterans.

Utah County dealt with a slew of issues relating to LGBTQ rights this decade, starting in June 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage to be legal in all 50 states.

The local LGBT community ended up in the spotlight in 2017 when the Freedom Festival in Provo denied LGBTQ groups from the parade, while allowing other non-patriotic entities to participate. In 2018, the Freedom Festival came to an agreement with the city on a non-discrimination clause in order to continue a partnership, however, they again rejected LGBTQ applicants. Eventually, the Freedom Festival agreed to allow several LGBTQ organizations to march in the grand parade after county commissioner Nathan Ivie threatened to withdraw county funds from the festival.

In 2017, Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds created the LOVELOUD festival, which was meant to help ignite the relevant and vital conversation of what it means to unconditionally love, understand, accept and support LGBTQ+ youth in an effort to keep families together. The festival was held Aug. 26, 2017, at Utah Valley University to a near-capacity crowd. In 2018, the festival moved to Salt Lake City.

The county also saw its first Pride Festival in Provo in 2013.

FILE PHOTO -- A warning sign for harmful algae is pictured near the Swede Sportsman Access on Provo Bay on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. The warning signs were hung yesterday.

Each year, the news of algal blooms on Utah Lake have become more and more commonplace, but the first warnings of the toxic green algae came in 2014 after a dog died from exposure in the lake.

The algal bloom in 2016 grew to larger levels than seen before and in 2017, it appeared even earlier than previous years and lasted longer into the fall.

In 2018, the Utah County Health Department installed permanent signage along the lake detailing what to look for in danger, showing that the algal bloom is almost becoming commonplace.

However, research is ongoing looking for ways to improve the quality of the lake. Its likely that research into the quality of the lake will continue into the next decade.

Also worth mentioning:

What would a decade in review be without mentioning Jimmer-mania? One of BYUs favorite now-former basketball players lit up the court in 2011, gaining national attention and even sparking viral social media memes. (How could you forget the classic Teach Me How to Jimmer?)

The Church of Jesus Christ saw significant changes over the course of the past 10 years. From the death of president Thomas S. Monson to the rapid pace of change under President Russell M. Nelson, the changes impacted many Utah County residents. Some of the most impactful changes included: the change to two-hour church, the withdrawal from the Boy Scouts program and start of Children and Youth programs, the end of home and visiting teaching and missionary age changes.

Utah County also saw changes to national leadership over the past decade. After 18 years in the U.S. Senate, Bob Bennett was replaced by Sen. Mike Lee in 2011 after failing to make the primary election ballot in 2010. Iconic Senator Orrin Hatch was also left office this decade after serving in the senate fo 42 years. He was replaced by Sen. Mitt Romney.

Utah County saw new representation in the U.S. House of Representatives with the creation of the Fourth Congressional District in 2013. Democrat Jim Matheson held the seat for two years, followed by Republican Mia Love who held the seat for four years. The seat is currently held by Ben McAdams. The Third Congressional District seat, which was held since 2009 by Republican Jason Chaffetz was taken by former Provo Mayor John Curtis in 2017 when Chaffetz suddenly resigned after re-election.

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10 years of change: Looking back at the top stories of the decade in Utah County - Daily Herald

Virginia Springs Phase II is under construction in Brentwood and will add another office building to the development. (Wendy Sturges/Community Impact Newspaper)

Virginia Springs Phase II

Construction has begun on Virginia Springs Phase II, located on Virginia Way and Granny White Pike in Brentwood. The Class A office building will be about 111,000 square feet and is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Cory Lombardo, marketing coordinator for Highwoods Properties, the building manager for the project.

Hyatt House and Staybridge Suites

Construction is wrapping up on two hotels along Mallory Lane near Spring Creek Drive in Franklin. Hyatt Housea 125-room hotel offering traditional hotel rooms as well as suites with kitchens for extended staysis accepting reservations beginning Jan. 4. Staybridge Suites is also under construction directly next door; however, a opening date has not yet been announced.

Brentwood police headquarters

The city of Brentwood is building a new police headquarters on Heritage Way near the Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex. The $29 million, 56,000-square-foot building is expected to be complete in early 2021, according to the city. The new headquarters will include an indoor firearms range, an ambulance bay, a community room, an evidence lab, a courtroom and a processing center.

Carothers Crossing West

Groundwork has begun on Carothers Crossing West, a mixed-use center located at the northeast corner of Liberty Pike near Carothers Parkway in Franklin. The 20-acre center, developed by SouthStar, is slated to feature 328 units of multifamily housing, office and retail space and nearly 500 parking spaces. The office and retail spaces are expected to open in late 2020 or early 2021, according to SouthStar. Tenants for Carothers Crossing West have not yet been announced.

Brentwood High School

Williamson County Schools announced in mid-November it has paused work on renovations to Brentwood High School, located along Murray Lane in Brentwood. The district is working to redesign plans after construction bids for the project came in over budget. The school, which added a science, technology, engineering and math building earlier this year, is expected to renovate the campus entrance, along with other updates.

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5 construction projects to watch in Franklin, Brentwood - Community Impact Newspaper