Developer plans ‘bulletproof’ retail project

Class A: A highly visible seawall site is soon to undergo a major makeover and expansion with plans that include what the industry refers to as “Class A” retail.

Houston-based real estate firm Criss Cross Commercial Group plans to build an 8,160-square-foot retail center at the longtime site of an Exxon gas station and convenience store, 6026 Seawall Blvd., on the island.

The Exxon convenience store will remain, but crews will give its exterior a remodel, project manager Ryan Dennard reports.

Criss Cross has owned the site, on the northeast corner of 61st Street and Seawall Boulevard, since 2004.

“This is the best retail site in Galveston,” Dennard said. “This best retail site ought to have the best retail space.

“We are excited about the first-class project that we are bringing to this highly visible location. We expect this to be a signature development.”

Ice is nice: Meanwhile, the retail center, called Shops on Seawall, already has pre-leased some space.

Among the tenants that have committed to the site is Rita’s Italian Water Ices, a 25-year-old franchise.

“Our signature product is Italian Ice, a frozen treat often referred to as water ice,” co-owners Esther and Mark McKenna said in a prepared statement.

“It’s smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real and fresh fruits; made on-site daily and served within 36 hours.”

Along with 30 flavors of Italian ices, the store also offers ice cream and custard.

Trevose, Pa.-based Rita’s has 565 stores in 18 states. Texas is the chain’s newest market.

Look for Rita’s to open in the summer.

Dennard said development of Shops on Seawall comes despite a pronounced slowdown in the commercial real-estate industry.

“There are very few new retail projects being built right now in the greater Houston or Galveston areas,” Dennard said in a prepared statement.

“We are moving forward with Shops on Seawall because we feel that the project is bulletproof. It is such a great location.

“The fundamentals are sound, and we anticipate attracting good retailers that will be very successful there.”

Look for construction of Shops on Seawall to begin this month or next and to be complete by July, Dennard said. About 5,000 square feet still is available for lease, he said.

Motor’s running: Crews are making the final touches on new downtown bar The Loading Dock, 504 25th St., on the island. The easy-on-the-eyes ice house with a biker motif boasts such amenities as a custom chandelier.

In space next to the ice house, The Loading Dock will offer apparel and a shop offering custom work on motorcycles.

Although the establishment is biker friendly, everyone is welcome, managers said.

No word on the exact opening date, but it’s very soon, they said. Check in by calling 409-765-5155.

Biz birthday: Island-based Gulf Coast Renewable Resources is marking one year in business this month, owner Justin Owens said.

The company provides renewable energy system installations for residential and commercial clients, offering solar electric, small wind turbines for homes, solar water heating, solar attic fans and rainwater harvesting.

For information, visit gulfcoastrenewableresources.com.

Opus open: For those who missed Buzz Blog at galvnews.com, Opus Bistro has opened in Clear Lake Shores.

Chef Christopher Simon and Charles Felts own the eatery, 1002 Aspen Road, in the space formerly occupied by Portofino Ristorante Italiano. (Hurricane Ike closed Portofino.)

Simon and Felts are alumnus of Landry’s Restaurants Inc. Opus Bistro serves steaks and seafood.

Felts reports a strong soft opening during the weekend. Opus Bistro serves dinner only.

The eatery opens at 5 p.m. seven days a week. For information, call 281-334-5225.