Like many people, I have gone through the process of cutting the cord and going with streaming services for my television viewing. I did this last spring not necessarily because I was displeased with my cable company. In fact, I find this company to be extremely good, with excellent customer service whenever I have needed them.

Also like many people, I found myself wanting to get proactive in certain areas of my spending, and there was multiple streaming services that could at that time provide similar channel selection for a much lower price.

However, the key words in that sentence is at that time. Anyone who knows me can figure out a decent chunk of my television viewing is sports, especially local teams. So it should come as no surprise that a deal-breaker with any of my service providers would be the inclusion of channels such as ESPN and more importantly, Fox Sports North (FSN). Thats where things have gotten tricky as of late.

I had chosen YouTube TV because not only did they seem to have the most of my preferred channels, but they were also the least expensive option. Over the summer, I was quite satisfied with them. But then the Minnesota Twins season ended and shortly afterward, it was announced YouTube TV was dropping FSN due to a contract dispute with their parent company.

Initially, I figured it wasnt that big of a deal since without the Twins, Wild, or Gophers currently playing, I at least temporarily could keep with YouTube TV, saving a few bucks before switching to Hulu Live, the only other streaming service offering FSN, once the NHL announced when their season would start. That plan lasted about one month until Hulu also announced they were dropping FSN for the same reasons.

That left me with the prospect of having no choice but to bite the financial bullet and go back cable. And while, like I said, I had no issues with them, there was now also the unappealing prospect that based on how my apartments remodeling reconfigured my living rooms layout, I would have to snake a cable along the baseboard in able to hook up my TV. I would much prefer to utilize my wifi, whose router is neatly tucked away in a corner behind one of my chairs.

As I was entering the time when I would have to formally make the switch back in order to catch the Wilds season opener, I did find one last streaming option. AT&T Now has sprung up as the only streaming service that still does carry FSN. But it is more expensive to the extent it might even be more expensive than cable. So I put a call into the cable company, got their best offer, and did a little number crunching. It turns out AT&T Now is $10 less expensive, although besides FSN, they do offer considerably fewer other channels.

A quick look through their listings revealed only a couple stations missing that I really only watch when there is nothing else worth watching. And, thanks to a Christmas gift, I do now also have Disney Plus at my disposal. So Im going to stick with streaming, with the hopes YouTube TV can settle their dispute with FSN and I can smoothly switch back to my originally preferred streaming service.

But there is also the prospect AT&T will follow the same path as other streaming services and drop FSN. In that case, I will literally and figuratively be back to being hooked on cable.

BILL STICKELS III is editor of the Isanti-Chisago County Star. He can be reached at 763-689-1181 ext. 107 or editor@countystar.com.

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Worth a Thousand Words: Not-so-gently down the stream - isanti-chisagocountystar.com

The Wood County Commissioners are being asked to take the handcuffs off an $18 million jail expansion and renovation.

The project was proceeding early last year when the pandemic hit, putting a hold on most county projects.

We were very close a year ago, said Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn in a presentation to the commissioners on Tuesday.

I get it, no one wants to spend money on jails, he said. But its very important that we have a facility that we can have a clean, safe, healthy environment.

He said there is still a need for additional female housing, more cells in general and the renovation of the booking/medical area.

If anything, the needs from the mental health standpoint have increased, Wasylyshyn said of the timetable.

He gave an example of an inmate who had been at the jail for weeks, waiting for a psychiatric bed to open. When it was available, he was transported there, Wasylyshyn said.

They called us 12 hours later and said this person is too violent for our mental hospital, come take him back to your jail, he said. Its very difficult on our staff. Were not set up to have someone with serious psychiatric issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The proposed renovation and expansion would provide more secure cells to hold inmates. It would also have new female housing.

The expansion would be south of the current facility, which is on East Gypsy Lane Road, toward U.S. 6.

The total population of the jail has decreased from an average of 170 to 125, mostly due to the pandemic. The jail capacity is 220, which includes 86 cells. The Wood County Jail is currently not accepting inmates from outside areas, Wasylyshyn said.

Capt. Rebecca McMonigal said dont let the population numbers reflect on the jails needs.

It may sound like were doing well, but were not, because we have more mental health inmates, she said. And we have the worst of the worst inmates, and those inmates require the most expensive real estate that we have in the jails, which is the cells.

The renovation will double the number of secure beds.

In the booking area, there are currently five holding cells. With the renovation, they will have seven-10 including separate male and female bullpens.

There will also be dedicated holding cells for inmates heading to court and four additional medical cells.

Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said that the board will most likely act soon on the sheriffs proposal.

We have been tucking away money, knowing we would have to do some renovation, Herringshaw said.

Weve been working on this since 2005, so Im really excited that were hopefully getting closer, Wasylyshyn said. If youre asking me if the need is still there today absolutely. We would not be here if this wasnt the right thing for the citizens.

He said this addition would last 20 years or more, and no additional staff would be needed to operate it.

The way this is designed, we will really be able to utilize a lot of beds better than what were utilizing them today, he said.

Wasylyshyn said that no levy or tax increase is needed.

Were very fortunate, thanks to the commissioners and being conservative, he said. I know its a lot of money, but its the right thing thats going to carry us out for many, many years to come to make it a safer and better facility.

Last year at this time, Wachtel & McAnally, Newark, had been selected to design the jail expansion. Just a few weeks later, the pandemic hit, shutting down most projects.

A cost had not been determined yet for the architect fees.

Some of the previous estimated costs were $6.7 million for renovating the existing intake area into a medical office for $957,710, remodeling existing minimum security dorms to create a female housing area for $2.9 million, and building a new mechanical room for $425,600.

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$18 million jail renovation, expansion expected to move forward - Sentinel-Tribune

Below is a list of the top and leading Handyman in Columbus. To help you find the best Handyman located near you in Columbus, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

The top rated Handyman in Columbus are:

Ace Handyman Services Northeast Columbus offers a variety of packages all designed to help you love your home. From basic improvement to home enhancements, to those tasks in your home you simply never think about, they have you covered. At Ace Handyman Services Northeast Columbus they are dedicated to helping landowners get the most from their possessions.

They strive to be your source for finishing home advancement projects in northeast Columbus and its surrounding communities as well as Westerville, Gahanna, Sunbury, New Albany, Johnstown, Galena, and Blacklick. They put their training, skill, experience, and knowledge to work so that you may enjoy beautiful and long-lasting results.

Products/Services:

Carpentry, Doors & Windows, Furniture Assembly, Drywall Repair, Installation, Repair & Upkeep, Painting & Staining, Remodeling, Aging In Place

LOCATION:

Phone:(614) 839-8457Website: http://www.acehandymanservices.com

REVIEWS:

We were having new flooring put into our laundry room. The installers recommended ACE (Keith and Tim) to prepare for the floor installation to remove all the equipment and return it once the floor was complete. They removed the slop sink, drip pan, washer and dryer in quick order. Floor was installed and they returned a couple of days later to put it back together. They were respectful of the house, putting down coverings, wearing shoe coverings and masks the whole time they were in the house. The work was done efficiently and corrected some builder mistakes while they were at it. Also communications on estimates, arrival times was great, no guessing when they would show. I can recommend ACE Handyman for your needs or even a second opinion on what might need to be done. Steven L.

Grove City Handyman Services is skilled professionals that can manage just about regardless of size task, repair, or home improvement effectively and with fair and reasonable costs. They are reliable and trustworthy and will get the job done right for your home. As the local handyman of preference, they appreciate their local community for trusting Grove City Handyman Services as they are dedicated to providing, and are a proven timely, reliable, and skilled choice of homeowners. And yes, they are insured and bonded. They offer their handyman services to all of Grove City, Columbus, and Franklin county neighborhoods.

Products/Services:

Repairs, Maintenance, Improvements & Odd Jobs

LOCATION:

Phone:(614) 482-4070Website: http://www.grovecityhandymanservices.com

REVIEWS:

Reliable and thorough. You cant find a better handyman service than this. Matthew J.

Man of All Trades Home Improvement & Handyman Services serves all of central Ohio with quality home improvements and handyman services. Their skilled team is devoted to meeting and surpassing the maximum standards of general construction and maintenance. From a new coat of paint to rewiring your new home, they have fun making your space look great and function with complete comfort.

They are licensed and they offer senior citizen discounts. Contact them anytime for more information about their services, as they can customize them to meet your specific needs. Man of all trades is a complete service, universal contracting, and handyman service. They are aiming to develop long-term relationships with homeowners, landlords, realtors, contractors, and management companies. etc.

Products/Services:

Drywall Installation & Repair, Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Outdoor Living Spaces, Outdoor Kitchens-Fire Pits, Landscaping, Building & Additions, Window & Door Replacement, Finish Basements & Decks, Painting-Trim, Flooring, Building Maintenance, Handyman Services, Water Damage & Restoration, Mold Removal, Plumbing Repairs, Concrete Repair/Replacement, Decorative Pavers, Retaining Walls

LOCATION:

Phone:(614) 806-4232Website: http://www.moatrades.com

REVIEWS:

Did a very good job! Arrived on time and made sure I was satisfied. I will use them again. Tiffanie G.

Handyman Services Plus can provide you with a superb home repairs service so you can keep your house up and running. They will help you transform an outdated room into a modern comfort with their many remodeling services. With Handyman Services Plus, your universal builder will be skilled in many areas and will gladly come to your home to fix anything.

If you are in need of anything from roofing to window installation, they are the company that can help you. Their home improvements and repairs service have earned them a recognizable reputation in Columbus, turning visions into reality. With their experience and expertise, you can trust that all of your repairs and home renovations are in good hands with them.

Products/Services:

Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Basement Remodeling, Siding Contractor, Plumbing, Storm Damage, Handyman Services

LOCATION:

Phone:(614) 288-8341Website: http://www.handymanservicesplusllc.com

REVIEWS:

I would recommend Handyman Services Plus to anyone who is looking for above quality workmanship, honest estimates, and timely completion times. Working with Brian was great, I would never look any further for any project in my home, thanks to Brian and the boys. Roger S.

Punch Out Plus LLC is a home reconstruction company that began as the dream of a small boy. At age 7, the owner Don Britton began working on job sites with his father and grandfather, both expert carpenters. Over the years the three worked on a number of remodeling and home improvement projects from large to small. The Punch Out list is a list of tasks requiring a wide range of expertise in new-build homes.

Dons prestige for dependability and quality work began to spread among the new home builders and the size and type of jobs he was presented with, grew along with his reputation. Today, still a family-managed and operated business, Punch Out Plus, LLC has grown into a full-service remodeling company that can address all of your home repair and residential remodeling needs.

Products/Services:

Handyman Services, Home Repair, Carpentry Services

LOCATION:

Phone: (614) 871-5985Website: http://www.punchoutplus.com

REVIEWS:

Jeremy and team did a great job installing drywall at my business. Fast, clean, and great value. Thank you. John P.

Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.

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5 Best Handyman in Columbus - Kev's Best

A number of smaller projects, robust housing unit builds and an uptick in do-it-yourself (DIY) work helped ensure a better-than-expected year for Yankton on building permits in 2020.

Though 2020 lacked some of the major projects that have dominated the last five years, 2020 saw the city permit projects worth $32,405,693 in valuations, just above the $30 million 10-year valuation average.

Community & Economic Development Director Dave Mingo told the Press & Dakotan that this wasnt seen as a sure thing as 2020 began.

We had some worries in the beginning of the year regarding materials pricing and things like that which we thought might have a negative impact on peoples investments in property improvements, Mingo said. For the most part, that was not the case. Home improvement projects kind of carried the day a little bit.

He said to do as well as the city did was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

I had braced myself for news that wasnt near as good as it ended up being, he said. Im happy that people still had confidence to invest in their property and continue on with projects at a level above our 10-year average. To me, that was the biggest surprise of 2020. I thought we were going to end up maybe 20% down or even more.

Mingo said it wasnt just improvements to property that helped, though.

From a housing unit standpoint, we had an excellent year, he said. There were 82 housing units created and that includes all types of housing single-family all the way through apartments.

Though not technically counted as housing units, 2020 also marked the first addition of congregate living units to Yankton since 2014 thanks to the new Mount Marty University (MMU) residence hall, the Rickenbach Suites. This structure brought 96 units of congregate living to Yankton.

Thats a lot of new beds in the community and a lot of space for people to reside, Mingo said. Having those 96 units up at Mount Marty, of course, helps keep our workforce housing more available to those folks rather than where those students might have taken space.

The last few years have seen some major projects approved that helped the city set permitting records, including the expansion of the 1972 water treatment plant, the Ruth Donohoe First Fieldhouse at MMU and the initial phases of the Westbrook Estates project.

While 2020 didnt have any projects quite as large as these, some permits that helped boost valuations included the MMU dorm, new townhomes in the Fox Run neighborhood, Horizon Health clinic, a new equipment room addition at Cimpls, the Lewis & Clark Veterinary Clinic, the new Dairy Queen on Broadway Ave., remodeling at the Yankton Medical Clinic and NorthWestern Energys new facility on the north side of Yankton.

Mingo said the COVID-19 pandemic didnt really have much of a direct impact on building permits, though it may have encouraged some of the DIY projects seen throughout the city.

It seems like there were more DIY home improvement or remodel projects that we issued, he said. The contractors that do those sorts of projects were over-booked and tough to find if you were looking to get a project done.

Looking ahead to 2021, Mingo said hes thinking conservatively and that valuations will be around average, with housing sliding somewhat.

Im hoping that we can maintain somewhere near that 10-year average, he said. I dont envision a scenario where we match that same number of housing unit permit issuances, I think well be down a little bit from where we were in 2020. But I still think well be pretty close to our 10-year average on that, which is in the 50s (housing units) range for single-family housing.

However, he said some larger projects could begin to materialize soon.

There are a couple of larger commercial projects that are under review right now, so were hoping they can come to be, he said.

Follow @RobNielsenPandD on Twitter.

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Building Held Its Own | Community - Yankton Daily Press

Doug Livingston|Akron Beacon Journal

Moss grows on the shadier side of Sam Dragers roof in Copley.

Along the winding side streets that form a spiders web at the southeast corner of Copley and Jacoby roads, Dragers is the first in a row of modest ranches built 50 years ago nothing like the 4,000-square-foot custom buildsselling for $500,000 or more a few miles away off Medina Road.

Halfway up Dragers 1,320-square-foot house, originalbrick meets original aluminum siding. Gables bookend an unassuming design. Chair lift tracks linethe ceiling inside. Pieces of trims are missing in some places.

And his property value just went up 40%, which will cost him $750 more in taxes this year. Driving up his tax bill are fellow votersin the township, which passedtwo replacement levies that use the new, higher values instead of lower ones in the past.

More: What's your home worth? Complicated formula, 30-month process set new Summit County property values

I think it sucks, quite frankly. Im going to pay more money that I dont have, said Drager, who worked in sales and promotions for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He retired on disability. Acar wreck in 1968 slowly robbed him of the use of his legs. With his fingers now curled into his palm, he manages to tap a computer keyboard with his knuckles.

Dragers neighbors, some of whom are elderly or rent and have no idea whether their landlords will pass along the higher tax bills are in the same boat. At the conclusion of a long reappraisal process, the Summit County Fiscal Office increased the value of homes in this areaby 30% to 40%.

Letters mailed in December notified homeowners of the valuation changes. The new tax bills posted last week on the fiscal office website.

Drager thinks he could get $140,000 for his home. It was appraised at $114,310 in2019, which is $4,000 more than what he paid for it in 1999. The county now says it's worth$160,920.

Its either way over or way under. It never seems to be right where you think it would be, Drager said. I think its terrible, this reevaluation. Why dont they do honest appraisals on these homes?

Thousands of eyeballs are popping across Summit County as property owners get a first glimpse of their new tax bills.

In the first week since the county started taking complaints on Jan. 1, nearly 200 people requested a Zoom hearing with the board of revisions to contest their new values. The county will schedulethe hearings, which can be done by phone for those with technology issues,to take place after the complaint window closes March 31.

In the meantime, penalties could be assessed if the tax bills are unpaid by March 1, even if a hearing gets scheduled.

Numerous factors are pushingup values: strong home sales with low interest rates driven even lower in the pandemic; inflated lumber and labor costs;limited housing stock; recent home improvements (including some completed without a permit); expiring tax bill creditsfor weather damage in 2019; and homeowners who successfully negotiatedlower values with the board of revision in the pastonly to see their values bounce back, and then some.

Chief among the factors is the Ohio tax commissioner's insistence that property values submitted twice by the county were too low. Seeking required approval from the state,the Summit County Fiscal Office originally sought a 7.86% increase for residential values in Copley, for example. The state said notwicethen accepted an average increase of 13.05%, one of the largest swings from start to finish for any community within Summit County.

On average, the fiscal office sought an 8.85% average increase before the state eventually settled at 12%. Of the 41 counties with reappraisals in 2020, the state rejected their first proposals 68% of the time.

Summit Countys request for a one-year extension on adjusting home valuesduring a pandemic-crippled economy was denied.

Ohio law requires reappraisals every three years. It also preventsexisting levies from generating more revenue for local governments just because property values increase overall. Only passing new or replacing old levies can increase property tax revenue.

But because some residents will see higher-than-average percent increases, they will pay a greater share (while others pay less) of the overall property tax burden in their school districts, communitiesor across the county where propertytaxessupport the libraries, children'sservices, the Akron Zoo and more.

So, whos getting higher tax bills this year?

The Beacon Journal requested and received the old 2019 and new 2020 valuesfor all 226,000 residential properties in Summit County. An analysis by neighborhood pointed to Drager's street in Copleyand other areas, like Highland Square, Cuyahoga Falls, North Hill and other pockets, where home prices grew faster than the 12% countywide average.

A second analysis explored the redistribution of property taxes based on the price range of homes. Because property tax levies continue to collect the same amount, fluctuating home values are pushing more of the cost onto homes valued between $55,000 and $125,000 in 2019.

These 71,042homes worth $7.2billion are ideally priced for young families, aging retirees andfirst-time home buyers, real estate agents said. And they will see an average increase of 15.7% in value compared to a 6.6% increase for the 17,059 homes appraised in 2019 at $250,000 or more, which also were worth a combined $7.2 billion in 2019.

The Beacon Journal's analysis controlled for new construction in 2019. The results were the same.

When Jim Fox vice presidentfor Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, formerpresident for the Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors and 2020 chairman for the Multiple Listing Service, a home price indexheard that the values of middle-income homes were climbing 2.4 times faster than the wealthiest homes, he wasn't entirely surprised. In this general "bidding war" for homes, first-time homebuyers have donethe math. Theyseerising rents are nearly as much as a mortgage payment, so theyre go home-shopping.

The homes they're after, including many that eclipsed $150,000 in the 2020 reappraisal, are "going like hotcakes. You can't keep them on the shelf," said Fox.

While rising home prices bode well for personal investments, equity and sellers, Fox said buyers are struggling with traditional lenders thatlearned a tough lesson in the 2008 housing crisis andare "short-appraising" properties as the market heats up. Loan applicants, he said,can't get banks to appraise homes high enough to convince them to lend enough, especiallywithouta down payment in the tens of thousands of dollars.

It was as if the remodeling gods blew the old oakthrough Pam and Tom Gensel's roof.

Before the windstorm ripped through the Akron area inFebruary 2018, Tom thought about remodeling portions of their ranch on the scenic edge of Sand Run Metro Park in Northwest Akron.

"I've heard of people fantasizing about this situation," the crane operator told Tom as he lifted the tree off their home.

Adding a second floor and cathedral ceilings to the entryway and living room overlooking a ravine out back made as much financial sense as simply replacing the roof with the insurance money, Tom said. So they hired Tim Englert Construction Co.for a home makeoverworthy of a reality television show: iron stair railings, high ceilings covered in natural wood grain, glass paneled banisters and significantly more living space.

The Gensels got a temporary discount on their 2019 tax bill due to the weather damage and, because of Akron's residential taxabatement program, won't pay property taxes on the improvements for 15 years.

During construction, they rented a home across the street from where Michael Rauh had just moved in last month with his wife and daughter.

We put an offer in the day we saw it. It might have been listed only for a day, said Rauh, who learned from selling their home in Columbus over the course of a weekend to act fast.

With parents and family in their hometown of Akron, the Rauhs listed their Columbus house, got 14 offers in a day and moved home, where theyve not missed a beat with work and enrolled their daughter in Our Lady of the Elms.

I was already working remotely, because of COVID, so it became a no-brainer, said Rauh, who works in technical consulting.

Thats a pleasant surprise, Michael Polovick said when he heard how much hell be paying in property taxes this year.

Like every property owner in Summit County, Polovick got a letter following the countywide reappraisal. The value of his four-bedroom ranch, situated with five other big homes on a private road in Akrons upscale High Hampton neighborhood, went up $9,310but his annual property tax bill went down $378.20.

Polovick lives in Akron with a Cuyahoga Falls mailing address. The value of his home increased by only 3% well below the 11% average increase in Akron,13% in the Falls or 12% countywide. As a result, his property taxesto support Woodridge Schools, the Akron Zoo, the county library system, the city of Akron, Summit County Children Servicesand so onwent down 5%.

The reason is House Bill 920. Passed in 1976, this tax credit ensures that a levy will never collect a penny more than it would have when voters approved it. Instead, the only way to raise more would be to pass an additional levy or a replacement levy, which uses current property values instead of values frozen in time by HB 920.

Heres how it works.

Let's say acommunity has $1 billion in taxable property, of which$350 million (or 35% of $1 billion) isthe "assessed value" used for tax purposes.

And, for a 1-mill levy, property owners pay$1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

So, our hypothetical community generates $350,000 in property taxes on its 1-mill levy.

In realitythere are exemptions and credits, like a discount for owner-occupant householdsor anincome-eligible tax credit for seniors orthe 15-year property tax abatement in Akron on new residential construction. But for the sake of simplicity, lets assume none of these apply in our hypothetical community.

What happens 20 years later whenthe communitys property doublesin valuefrom $1 billion to $2 billion?

Instead of letting the levy collect twice as much, HB 920 chops the rate on that 20-year-old levy in half. The result is an "effective rate" of 0.5 mills, which would collect the same amount as when voters first approved the levy.

This is why new and replacement levies, not necessarily state-mandated property reappraisals, generate more revenue for government. The reappraisal simply shifts the burden of a communitys taxation.

Owners with below-average property value growthpay less. Thosewith above-average growthpay more. Butthe community on the whole pays the same as it always has until voters decide otherwise.

This is also why, speaking to neighbors in Akron and Woodridge Schoolswith stronger property value growth, Polovick says,Tell them I appreciate it.

Reach reporter Doug Livingston at dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3792.

See more here:
How higher home values drive individual property tax bills up and down in Summit County - Akron Beacon Journal

Colin Nagy, head of strategy at FFNY, a global advertising agency, writes this opinion column for Skift on hospitality and business travel. On Experience dissects customer-centric experiences and innovation across the luxury sector, hotels, aviation, and beyond. He also covers the convergence of conservation and hospitality. You can read all of his writing here.

I dont need to rehash the implications of the past year for travel. This has been endlessly documented. But I saw a lot of reasons to be incredibly optimistic about the future. Every year, I select the best things I see on the road and also outline the friction points and things that need to be improved. Ive curtailed my normal nit-pickings this year, focusing instead on the bright rays of creativity under duress. Many brands, properties, and teams used the pandemic as a forcing factor to get better, to try out new things, and to iterate. So, heres a rundown of the great things I witnessed. Onwards!

I moved my longstanding, million-mile allegiance to American Airlines over to Delta. The reason? The brand stood above the pack in terms of its approach to Covid. Planes on every flight were spotless, cleaning protocols were well communicated and their middle seat open social spacing strategy put the consumer first. It is no wonder their net promoter score surged to levels never seen for a U.S. domestic airline. As they roll out new lounges, new partnerships, and new tech, it is a brand with clear, strong leadership that has also read the sea change of culture: consumers are much more in charge now, and Delta knows that they need us, the traveling public. Other carriers will learn this one way or the other.

I flew on Emirates both pre and post-pandemic this year. But since this column will focus on the latter, the carrier stood out to me as being an outward manifestation of just how well Dubai handled the crisis. Emirates was operationally sound, did a great job with cleaning and safety, and managed to still pull off high touch service despite constraints. The end to end experience on the ground, in the lounges, and onboard reflected what I imagine to be a ton of logistical work and having to rewrite procedures. As Dubai stands to be an important logistical hub for the distribution of the vaccine, it is comforting to see excellence in a very important part of the world.

The Four Seasons, with their health and wellness program, Lead with Care, has been the standout luxury hotel chain. Throughout my stays at properties in Surfside, Miami, Mexico City, Denver, Las Vegas, Austin, and others, the brand was remarkably consistent, which is not an easy thing to do. Even better, everything felt natural: there was a level of finesse in messaging and approach that was exactly the right tone. This came as a welcome contrast to some luxury properties sending me a pre-arrival note that read as if I was about to storm the beaches at Normandy. Plus, when I had a family medical issue in Mexico City (unrelated to Covid), the team treated us as one of their own family, showing the empathy and professionalism that comes from a strong service culture. While many luxury brands have lost their luster and lost their way this year, Four Seasons has shown to have a strong core brand and is weathering the crisis thanks to great people. This is not an easy feat.

Ive long noted that there is a gap in the market between the price point of an Aman and say, the Ritz Carlton in terms of ADR. AubergeResorts Collection is quickly executing in this gap. The brand makes smaller, beautiful properties unique to their location with super high touch hospitality that feels more like youre staying in an elegant friends home. Under the leadership of CEO Craig Reid, their US properties saw a surge in interest as many people curbed their long-haul travel, and it served as a great introduction to the portfolio. The brand is set to open a slate of new properties next year: Bishops Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Matteis Tavern in Los Olivos, California, Stanly Ranch in Napa, California, among others. In my opinion, they are nicely positioned to win over a new luxury traveler that wants sensibility, personality but also super creative flourishes when it comes to service.

Ed Mady, the regional director of West Coast USA for Dorchester Collection, who oversees the Beverly Hills hotel and the Bel Air, stood out to me as the hotelier with the best grasp on building a strong culture. Hes weathered a tone-deaf boycott of the properties as well as a global pandemic, still managing to deliver incredible warmth and service from teams serving a well-heeled clientele. Mady is an elegant diplomat, a connector, and an astute observer of how luxury is changing. Staff, many of whom have been with the hotels for over two decades, told me that they felt the brand had their backs and did a great job communicating throughout crises. Mady has also been making use of what he calls the Self Determination theory that gives employees autonomy and a well-defined path forward through the industry. This means cross-training, and having the ability to have nonlinear progressions. Finally, as I wrote earlier this year, Mady and the team made the employee entrance to the Beverly Hills hotel as glamorous as the guest entrance. This is a perfect example of treating employees well, and in turn, having satisfied guests as the result.

Im excited to see what has been an incredible feat of logistics, vision, and mastering complexity: the opening of Airelles in Versailles. I spoke to Jacques Silvant, chief operating officer of Airelles, in the early days of Covid who told me about the sheer ambition of what they are trying to do: open a new property on the grounds of Chteau de Versailles with views over the Orangerie, the Pice dEau des Suisses and The Palace. And while a lot of the narrative is about simplification and the impending sea change for luxury, theres something to be said about ambition, and setting impossibly high standards in one of the most difficult and highly regulated places in the world. Im excited to see the craft and approach materialize when it opens in 2021.

Im also curious to see some of the re-work of Claridges in London. It is a true London icon that played an important role in housing frontline workers in the pandemic. Co-owner Paddy McKillen has been overseeing a huge makeover to the property adding a super-luxe suite that encompasses the entire roof of the property, as well as spas, pools, a fitness club, a cinema, a subterranean boutique-shopping mall, and three new floors of rooms. And doing all of this while preserving the architecture and infrastructure considerations of one of the most important properties in London.

Austin is booming when it comes to hotel concepts. Theres Auberges entry, the Commodore Perry, set on a private stretch of land that feels a million miles removed from its surroundings.

A washroom at the Commodore Perry estate.

Theres the Hotel Magdalena, while has taken the early Bunkhouse approach and aesthetic and scaled it to a larger footprint (and done it beautifully), theres the Proper Hotel, which is a very well-executed version of the brands ambitions: pairing Kelly Wearstlers design eye with what they see as a new, stylish tech audience downtown.

Then theres the Carpenter, which was a nicely executed, open-air hotel set around an old Union Hall near Zilker Park. Austin is growing, and the innovation first sparked by Liz Lambert with her South Congress properties continues to grow. It is an amazing city for hospitality at the moment.

Slow, steady, and patient ownership is a welcome feature in a world of capital wanting a quick return. I was impressed by the remodeling of The Breakers. They take a generational approach to the property and as other iconic luxury properties are being bought, sold, or melted into new concepts, the resort has a strong backbone. It is still owned by the Kenan family, direct descendants of Henry Flagler. As patient capital, they do things correctly, over time. Something is comforting about a place I went with my family as a child, being artfully and tastefully evolved, but without losing sight of the core of what it is. The balance of modernity and preservation represents the best of the long game when it comes to stewardship of hotels.

One of my favorite general managers in the world, Marcel Thoma, recently moved on from the Upper House, taking the helm of the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. Thoma blends a highly personalized approach to hospitality (theres no one better at knowing what guests want either explicitly or implicitly) with finding the pulse of culture in a city. Im excited to watch what he builds in such an interesting place, which is a mix of cultures and references. Mandarin Oriental is lucky to have him.

Anthony Marazita at Amangiri stood out to me as being the best in the game with food and beverage this year. Not only is he able to cater to highly discerning guests and their super-specific whims and dietary restrictions (you should see how long the tickets are we get here, he playfully told me), but he has done something meaningful in using ingredients from native cultures surrounding the property. Over years, hes cultivated relationships with local tribes, built trust to learn from these cultures and become a customer of their special grains, seeds, and recipes.

Amangiri is a luxury resort in Canyon Point, Utah. The resort is located in the middle of a protected valley and a 25-minute drive from the nearest town.

And it isnt a cynical nod to where theyve come from. It is clear that Marazita has done the time to build symbiotic relationships. Some tribes even save him some of their most sacred seeds. What hes doing with the native American elements in his cooking is unique, and Ive never seen it executed at this level, coupled with a deep level of respect and reverence.

Surprisingly, my travel wasnt curtailed this year. I traveled safely and responsibly, logging over 120 nights in hotels since the beginning of the pandemic. I need to support the industry I care about so much. The hotel that stood out to me the most this year was The Lowell. It is what I was looking for in a very stressful year: a beautiful, elegant, discrete property with warm, high touch service and the best lighting Ive seen in any hotel in the world. Theres a crackling fire in the lobby, down the hall from my favorite room in any hotel: the Club Room. Plus, the team at Majorelle did outdoor dining which the restaurant was shut down due to city ordinance without missing a beat, presided by Charles Masson. The hotel is always well recognized in the world of hospitality, frequently getting the best hotel in New York, but even in a difficult situation, the team rose to the level. A truly memorable stay for me.

I met with a lot of incredible hoteliers this year: Ashraf Amaani at the Mandarin Oriental Dubai who manages to bring cool people and the most interesting culture and weave it with the beating heart of the hotel; Ana Aguilar of Auberge, who oversees rooms at the Commodore Perry in Austin; Natasha Dodd of the Four Seasons Surf Club; Natascha Seifritz at the Austin Proper Hotel; as well as the ever-elegant Ernesto Floro and Heiko Huenstle of the Lowell. All of them are at the top of their respective roles and give me hope for the recovery of the industry post-Covid.

Constraint builds innovation. And in Covid, thankfully there were interesting things that came out of chaos. I was inspired by what the Newt Hotel in the English countryside did: they tapped their gardens to create The Mobile Newt a home delivery service bringing quality estate produce and healthy treats from Somerset to locked-down locals and Londoners.

I was also very happy to see Peninsula Time, the concept pioneered by the Los Angeles managing director Offer Nissenbaum, being rolled out across the portfolio. Beginning January 2021, guests at all Peninsula properties can arrange to have their room ready as early as 6:00 am on their arrival date and check out as late as 10:00 pm on their departure date at no extra charge.

Ive long been a fan of Kevin Wendle and his hotel Escencia. Theyve rolled out new duplex suites with private, indoor fitness studios allowing fitness-focused guests to have a private way to get their workout in. Luxurious? Yes. Is there a huge audience for this type of thing among their clientele? Also yes.

I had the good fortune of speaking with the dean of Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Ines Blal about hospitality education, how the curriculum is evolving, modern luxury versus the table stakes that wont change. Im pleased to say that she is on the cutting edge of what is required to create the next generation of hoteliers and creating meaningful experiences in a post-Covid world. Any notions I had about hospitality education being old-school and stodgy were quickly erased as we delved into a tech-centric conversation of balancing data, UX, strategy, and empathy with timeless notions of service. A refreshing and optimistic conversation, indeed.

See full article

Photo Credit: Outdoor pool at Four Seasons Surfside in Miami. Christian Horan / Four Seasons

Link:
The Biggest Innovators in Travel and Hospitality: Covid Edition - Skift

A glamorous high-rise called The Parklane is currently undergoing a stunning renovation, with designer finishes and light-filled rooms now setting off its location on Hermann Park.

Also noteworthy is that these condos come in all price points, starting in the $300s and offering a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts.

Here are five other ways living at The Parklane is an upgrade:

1. Room to entertainSpanning 825 square feet to approximately 3,000, The Parklane's residences can suit any family size. Hardwood flooring throughout the open-concept living areas and master bedroom are as beautiful as they are easy to keep clean, while the nine-foot ceilings with recessed LED lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows make the spaces feel even airier.

Each home has a private balcony some even have two or three and is pre-wired for smart home automation. Eggersmann cabinetry and Bosch appliances in the kitchen make cooking for a crowd a breeze.

2. All dogs are welcomeCondominiums are typically dog-friendly, but they often have limitations regarding both breed and size, precluding families with large dogs to be able to call a condominium home. The Parklane, however, understands that dogs are members of the family too. It's welcoming of nearly all dog breeds and sizes, offering owners and potential buyers flexibility.

A fenced dog park on the grounds plus easy access to all the trails that wind through the 445-acre Hermann Park give pups plenty of exercise opportunities.

3. Live healthy and happyIt's not only the four-legged among us who get to enjoy the great outdoors. As the only fully renovated condominium building on the park, you get to enjoythe trails as well as McGovern Centennial Gardens and a nearby golf course, making it easy and fun to maintain a healthy lifestyle and become one with nature.

4. Amazing amenitiesIt starts with the modern lobby and continues through to the coffee bar, business lounge, and state-of-the-art gym. A sparkling pool with cabanas, a tennis court, and outdoor grills await on the amenity level, while reserved parking with electric vehicle charging stations (plus there's also valet) make going about daily life much smoother.

The impeccable service from The Parklane staff includes 24-hour concierge, who are ready to help with anything big or small.

5. In the heart of it allEnjoy unrivaled proximity to fine dining, the arts, and premier destinations including downtown, Rice Village, the Museum District, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and NRG, Minute Maid, Toyota Center, and BBVA stadiums.

Monarch Restaurant, MF Sushi, Adara Med Spa, Barnaby's, Fadis Mediterranean Grill, Dak & Bop, and Lucille's are all nearby, while a luxury shuttle bus offers free transportation to the Texas Medical Center and Light Rail.

The remodeling of The Parklane began in January 2020, with a portion of residences currently ready for move-in. Completion is slated for December 2021.

To schedule an exclusive sales presentation and tour a furnished model, please visit http://www.theparklane.com.

Excerpt from:
The top 5 ways living at The Parklane elevates your lifestyle - CultureMap Houston

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we're accustomed to long, cold, dark winters, but this year's pandemic means the snowy season may be a little, or a lot, harder to handle.

As temperatures plummet and virus cases surge, it may indeed seem easier to just crawl into a den and hibernate until spring. But this year's challenges may actually be the perfect time to change up how we think about winter.

Gathering

Normal, indoor, festive and beloved wintertime holiday gatherings are probably not going to be possible this year, and that's just something we'll have to accept. But what if we reconsidered bringing back the safer, socially distanced backyard get-togethers we enjoyed in warmer months?

Once you've decided to embrace the cold, the first thing you're going to want is a source of heat. This can come in many forms: a fire pit, fire table, bonfire, or patio heater. And there's no reason to limit yourself to just one warm gathering spot.

"Fire pits come in all styles and sizes, and you can use them in a covered porch or out in the open," says Dave Jacobs, is the owner of Jacobs Custom Living, a Spokane-based business which specializes in quality outdoor furniture and accessories. "If you have a covered porch, and a way to circulate the air, a firepit can actually heat the area quite well."

He says this year, as people have been building new homes or remodeling parts of their current homes, many are adding covered decks because they've realized it opens up a space that's usable year-round.

Even with a heat source, keeping guests warm and comfortable means you need to think about insulation. Add cushions to wooden or metal chairs, and offer colorful throws for guests to wrap up in. Or you might consider a seasonal update by incorporating hay bale seats covered with fluffy blankets for a rustic gathering.

For an outdoor meal, set up a buffet in a tent or gazebo space, and decorate with hanging lights for added ambiance. A picnic table loosely draped with a pretty blanket adds to the cozy vibe; top it with a centerpiece crafted from simple materials like pine cones and branches twined with tabletop LED lights or nestled with candles in a bucket of snow.

When it comes to food and drinks, look for items that don't require a lot of prep or fancy plating, but instead are hearty and help guests warm up inside. Slow cookers brimming with soup or chili, and casseroles served in chafing dishes are easy to make in advance and keep warm while socially distanced partygoers move through the buffet.

For drinks, make it bring-your-own, and it's the perfect occasion for seasonal favorites like spiced apple cider and hot chocolate which, should you desire, can be made more festive by adding alcohol. Mulled wines, Irish coffee and hot toddies will be popular with adults.

To add to the fun, consider games guests could play fireside from old-fashioned, low-tech favorites like charades to online games like Psych! that allow everyone to get out their phones and play along while staying toasty under a lap blanket. But keep in mind that moving around will help guests stay warm, so consider a brisk walk so you can keep your space in case you are with people not living with you..

It's important to make sure your guests know in advance that you're hosting an outdoor gathering and that they'll need to wear warm clothes and boots. Add a little fun by choosing a theme revolving around a color or pattern for outerwear or encouraging silly hats and scarves.

Nesting

Let's be real. We're going to be spending a lot of time indoors, with just a few people, for quite a while. And it's OK to be OK with that.

In fact, the Danish, who experience long, cold, dark winters just like ours, have a word for the feelings of winter's cozy, charming contentment: hygge. (English speakers approximate the difficult pronunciation as "hoo-gah" or "hue-gah.")

"If you're interested in hygge, the library has some great books to help you learn about it," says Spokane County Library public services manager Gwendolyn Haley.

Though hygge isn't concisely translated into English, the elements include togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort. It starts by creating the right atmosphere.

To set the scene this winter, try adding some new wood accents to a room, along with plants and extra light. Natural objects help bring the outside in, and extra light lifts your mood. Then indulge in scattering soft textures in the form of blankets and rugs, and fill the air with pleasant scents from candles or incense. These elements combine to create the feel of coziness and also activate pleasant memories.

Consider carving out a nook or a small space that's just your own for reading and relaxing. Having your own special place instantly sets a soothing mood.

Add some sparkle to the muted environment by choosing clothing crafted in soft fabrics with bright colors and playful patterns. These will keep you warm inside and out.

Haley says hygge resonates so well because it speaks to the activities people do during winter months to care for both themselves and their families.

"Some of those activities like baking, cooking and crafting are things the library is offering programs on this winter," she says. "And we've seen a lot of interest already, especially with families looking to do more together and make their homes cozy."

With library locations closed due to coronavirus, the district has switched its activities to virtual settings, and added curbside pickup for books.

"If you're not sure what book you'd like to read or check out, you can fill out a survey online, and we'll use that to create a list of suggested titles for you," she says. "If you're looking for a new hobby, we also offer a program called Creativebug that allows you to watch online art and crafts classes."

Haley says other programs offered online through the library district include classes on using that ubiquitous Instant Pot, meal planning, winter gardening, financial education and art projects. There's even a cake-baking challenge.

The library also hosts author visits with area writers, trivia events and read-aloud story time videos for children.

"Reading together is a great activity in winter, especially with the little ones," Haley says. "It's also a good time to learn board or card games and engage together as a family."

In December, Haley says the library has planned another session of it's Read-A-Rama program, an online camp with themes based on books with related crafts, music and game activities.

"This January we're planning a tea blending and book pairing program online as well," she adds. "If you're looking for activities, check out our website and Facebook pages for updates."

While many of the activities available through the library may seem indoor-focused, Haley says cardholders also have the option of checking out a Discover Pass for the week, which enables them to park for free and explore state parks.

"Our partnership with the Washington State Parks Foundation allows members to check out a pass, and enjoy the great natural spaces we have in this area," she says. "That's been a really popular program this year for sure."

Recreating

"We recognize that as it gets darker and colder, mental and physical health are harder to maintain," says Spokane Parks and Recreation director Garrett Jones. "So it's been very important to us to find ways to infuse positive activity in a safe way this winter."

For sporty and outdoor types, our region's parks and ski areas offer plenty of solo or small group exploration experiences. However, if you're looking for a little help, the Parks department does have recreational programs, activities and even events planned for the city's outdoor spaces this winter. Although a portion of the programs won't begin until the city moves into phase three of reopening, some of the new protocols the department has in place for programs and activities include increased sanitizing, modifying activities to maintain distancing, reducing class sizes, requiring participants to wear masks, new check-in procedures and better communication with participants.

"A lot of it is about building public confidence, so they understand we're able to provide safe activities," Jones says. "We're in constant communication with health officials, and consistently review our programs to ensure we're not missing anything."

Winter recreational programs the department is offering include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours, including some by moonlight, for smaller groups.

"We'll also provide a list online of trails at area golf courses and conservation lands that have been groomed for hiking and snowshoeing," Jones says.

"Our Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) will be working with the Mt. Spokane ski program again this year on classes for those participants," he adds. "Another of our partners, the Corbin Art Center, is also offering classes for smaller groups."

Jones says the department will continue youth creative programs during the winter as well, including a new favorite, cornhole.

"We'd never offered that particular game before, but it was a surprise hit this summer so we'll move it indoors this winter," he says. "We also plan to bring back three-on-three volleyball."

As to attractions and events in the city's parks this season, Jones says the department plans to utilize its current tools, such as the renovated pavilion at Riverfront Park, in new ways.

"We had some success over the summer with re-imagining the Fourth of July fireworks as a drive-thru event," he says. "Many people enjoyed that change, so we hope to build on that with the attractions, events and programs in these colder months."

One early winter "win" for the department was coordinating with the Spokane Regional Health District on plans to safely reopen the Numerica Ice Ribbon in time for the holiday season.

Jones says the department also continues to work with other regional partners like the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Public Facilities District for ideas on new events and cross-promotional activities.

He says one idea being considered is an outdoor winter market, that would include participation from area restaurants and local organizations.

"We're also looking at more passive activities, such as holiday lights, that would allow people to simply walk through and enjoy," Jones says. "This winter will be much more dynamic as we continue to adapt, so definitely stay tuned for updates."

Read All About It

How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life by Signe Johansen.

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking.

Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide for Surviving the Winter Months by Emma Mitchell.

The Hygge Life: Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions by Gunnar Karl Gslason and Jody Eddy.

The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge by Pia Edberg.

Scandikitchen: Fika & Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes from Scandinavia with Love by Bronte Aurell.

Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World by Isabel Gillies.

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The onslaught of cold weather and a prolonged pandemic mean keeping a healthy outlook is going to require some creativity - Pacific Northwest Inlander

People have spent more time at home in 2020 than they likely have in years past. This has provided homeowners with plenty of time to ponder potential upgrades to their homes. After taking inventory of their lifestyles, surroundings and furnishings, people have embarked on construction projects or home interior design renovations in record numbers.

Holiday gifts that cater to projects around the house are likely to be highly valued this holiday season. Here are some ideas for home improvement-related gifts.

Home improvement retailer gift card: Home improvement centers are one-stop shopping for do-it-yourselfers. To help offset the cost of supplies, gift-givers can give a gift card to a neighborhood hardware store.

Magazine subscription: There are plenty of ideas on the internet, but a subscription to a home remodeling or interior design magazine puts inspiration right in homeowners hands. Pages can be marked or cut out and used on idea boards.

Tools and supplies: Homeowners just starting out may benefit from the basics. Stores often sell starter tool kits that can be used in home improvement-themed baskets. Experienced DIYers may have a special tool in mind that is outside their budget right now, like a chop saw or cordless power drill. Purchasing one of these items can help projects move along more smoothly.

Expert consultation: Who cant use a little help with their home remodeling efforts? Give the gift of a consultation from an interior designer or professional contractor to help complete plans that may be a little out of reach for the average DIYer.

Big-ticket item: Some friends and family members may want to pool their resources and offer loved ones an over-the-top gift. This can include a backyard playset for children, a storage shed, a pool installation, or even a new appliance package. Gift ideas are endless and only limited by budget.

Room re-do: All it may take is some new linens or accents to transform a room. From throw pillows to curtains to wall art, give the gift of an easy room makeover.

Read more:
Holiday Gifts To Spark Home Improvement Ideas - Escalon Times

Lila Romo is only 3, but she already has her dream house. Well, a dream playhouse that for a childs play area is incredibly built almost like a real house.

It took about a month to construct the one-room, $8,000 backyard mini-mansion. It measures 10 feet by 10 feet, has a tile floor imported from Mexico, a chandelier, and plenty of plexiglass windows for safety.

But for the pandemic, Lila Romo would be the most popular kid in her Castle Hills neighborhood.

Lilas parents, Victor and Malisa, got the idea to build their daughter her very own child-size dream house while visiting relatives in Manchester, England. While there they brought Lila to the Great Northern Free Play Area downtown, a large amphitheater set aside for children that includes its own playhouse, complete with pretend kitchen and cafe and a story-time library.

Lila was enthralled.

She loved, loved, loved it, said Victor, an emergency room physician with Methodist Healthcare. When it was time to go, she and the other kids playing there had to be dragged away. It was like there were lines in the sand from their fingernails.

On ExpressNews.com: Modern Hill Country home captures spectacular views from every room

Once back home, Victor scrapped his plans to build a storage shed in the backyard of his childhood home where he and Malisa now live. Instead, he sent pictures of the British playhouse to his friend Dave Peters, owner of the San Antonio custom home and remodeling company D. Michael Design.

In about 15 minutes, Dave sent me back all these plans for whats now Lilas Playhouse, he said.

What Lila loves about the house, her parents say, is the play kitchen where she bakes cakes, the kid-size table and the plastic flowers in the front window planters. On a recent visit, she happily showed off the play telephone she uses to call her aunt, the pegboard on one wall to hold her toys, and the small chandelier hanging from the ceiling (bought from Amazon). Theres even a handmade sign hanging above the door reading Lilas Playhouse.

But perhaps her favorite part of the house are the shutters, which are painted with erasable chalkboard paint so she can draw on them.

On ExpressNews.com: 7 home trends for 2021, from Zoom rooms to electric car chargers

The house is surprisingly well built. Peters framed the structure using two-by-four exterior walls and two-by-six ceiling joists set 16 inches on center. He also used solid wood for the siding and encapsulation paint for better weather protection.

Other than the fact that its not insulated or wired, I built like I build any other full-size house, he said.

The playhouse sits on a concrete slab that previously served as a parking spot for an RV and as a basketball court, now covered with artificial turf.

Her mothers favorite thing about the house? That its right in the backyard where she can see it.

Lilas very independent and can play by herself for a long time, she said. And I can watch her from anywhere in the house. Its better than having a pool.

Although playhouse visitors so far so far been limited to Lilas cousins, its obvious the structure has been a point of curiosity to the neighbors. We could see people looking in from the street while it was being built, Victor said.

It has also garnered interest online. When Peters posted a photo on his company Instagram page he quickly booked another job and has gotten several nibbles about others.

Richard A. Marini is a features writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Richard, become a subscriber. rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini

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Mini-mansion childs playhouse in Castle Hills a dream come true for this San Antonio 3-year-old - San Antonio Express-News