I think the renovation to the library will be great, and I can wait to see it. The city of Ronaoke has so much to offer it's residents and businesses. I have attached the full article. I hope you are as excited as I am.
Roanoke has taken the next step in planning a renovated city library and community center by approving a design agreement with GSBS Architects.
By unanimous vote, the City Council on Sept. 28 agreed to pay the Fort Worth firm $225,000 from the recently approved fiscal 2010-11 budget to oversee the renovation.
"It could be open by summer 2012," said City Manager Jimmy Stathatos.
The design process is expected to last between six and eight months, with construction from 18 to 22 months.
When the facility opens, residents can expect a combined library and community center at the library's existing location at 308 S. Walnut St.
The move will add 1,000 square feet to existing community center space. The existing library's 5,000 square feet will be expanded to 14,000 square feet.
"It's going to be really great," said Jesse Ephraim, library director. "At the moment, we're far too small for our existing collection. This will give us some good-sized seating areas and add some meeting rooms and study rooms."
Patrons can expect more space to stretch out with that special book or dedicated quiet space for studying.
"We'll also get more space to conduct some adult classes and will generally be upgrading everything," Ephraim said.
The $4-million project is greenlit for $303,000 in capital improvement funds for fiscal 2010-11.
The current facility is undersized by 4,036 square feet, according to Richard Williams, a principal at the Texas office of GSBS Architects.
Williams conducted the analysis and presented the firm's findings at a June council meeting.
The library would need to be 9,436 square feet to serve the current year's needs and 14,811 square feet to meet the standards projected for 2030.
Williams looked to that year for many projected needs.
From parking spaces to book inventory, several factors informed the study and its future needs.
The library currently serves the town's 5,980 population, which is expected to reach 14,500 by 2030.
With the project approved, designers have a lot on their hands.
"The hardcore, nitty-gritty design is what starts now," Ephraim said.
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/10/12/2540104/roanoke-books-design-firm-for.html#ixzz12ASKirzi
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Visit the the Unique Dining Capital of Texas!
Visit the the Unique Dining Capital of Texas!
Visit the Unique Dining Capital of Texas! The City of Roanoke was officially appointed by the Texas House of Representatives as The Unique Dining Capital of Texas, in June 2009. Please be sure to visit our delicious and unique eateries soon. Roanoke welcomes you, your family and friends to enjoy our laid back, charming, small town atmosphere on historic Oak Street and all around the community. Watch for more special dining spots opening soon!
Click here for our Unique Dining Guide featuring over 40 restaurants:
Opening Soon!
Brix Pizza and Wine Bar opening in August at 101 S. Oak Street
Roanoke Grill & Tavern opening soon at 205 E. Byron Nelson (Bus. 114)
Now Open!
Enjoy Gerhard's specially prepared German favorites, eurostyle ambiance and live music at 301 S. Oak Street, 817-491-0300
Yogurt Story is the place to get a fresh, cool treat at 1224 Hwy. 377, 817-491-8553
TNT Nutritional Supplements & Smoothies will serve you a healthy, energizing shake in minutes at 1212 US Hwy.377, 817-682-7196
From "Classically" Elegant to Down Home Delicious we have some of the best eating and unique dining around, and lots more coming SOON!
Visit our creative and eclectic shops, too!
Call City Hall for more information at 817-491-2411 or call the Roanoke Visitor Center & Museum at 817-491-6090. Stop in the Visitor Center at 114 N. Oak Street and view the collection of local and regional artifacts. Learn more about Roanoke's unique and vibrant past and all that is happening in our community. We feature free concerts, Evenings on Oak Street at our Austin Street Plaza (Austin and Oak Street) and downtown festivals: Celebrate Roanoke on October 9th and Unique Week in April 2011!
Remind Me © Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved - City of Roanoke (817) 491-2411
Visit the Unique Dining Capital of Texas! The City of Roanoke was officially appointed by the Texas House of Representatives as The Unique Dining Capital of Texas, in June 2009. Please be sure to visit our delicious and unique eateries soon. Roanoke welcomes you, your family and friends to enjoy our laid back, charming, small town atmosphere on historic Oak Street and all around the community. Watch for more special dining spots opening soon!
Click here for our Unique Dining Guide featuring over 40 restaurants:
Opening Soon!
Brix Pizza and Wine Bar opening in August at 101 S. Oak Street
Roanoke Grill & Tavern opening soon at 205 E. Byron Nelson (Bus. 114)
Now Open!
Enjoy Gerhard's specially prepared German favorites, eurostyle ambiance and live music at 301 S. Oak Street, 817-491-0300
Yogurt Story is the place to get a fresh, cool treat at 1224 Hwy. 377, 817-491-8553
TNT Nutritional Supplements & Smoothies will serve you a healthy, energizing shake in minutes at 1212 US Hwy.377, 817-682-7196
From "Classically" Elegant to Down Home Delicious we have some of the best eating and unique dining around, and lots more coming SOON!
Visit our creative and eclectic shops, too!
Call City Hall for more information at 817-491-2411 or call the Roanoke Visitor Center & Museum at 817-491-6090. Stop in the Visitor Center at 114 N. Oak Street and view the collection of local and regional artifacts. Learn more about Roanoke's unique and vibrant past and all that is happening in our community. We feature free concerts, Evenings on Oak Street at our Austin Street Plaza (Austin and Oak Street) and downtown festivals: Celebrate Roanoke on October 9th and Unique Week in April 2011!
Remind Me © Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved - City of Roanoke (817) 491-2411
Friday, May 28, 2010
8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home
Curb appeal has always been important for homesellers. With the vast majority of today’s homebuyers starting their search on the Internet, the appearance of your property is more critical than ever. You only have a few seconds to catch their attention as they scroll through listings online to get them to stop and take a closer look.
But the role of curb appeal goes beyond just making a good first impression. The way your house looks from the street can impact its value. It can also shorten the time it takes to sell your house
1. Paint the house.
Hands down, the most commonly offered curb appeal advice from our real estate pros and appraisers is to give the exterior of your home a good paint job. Buyers will instantly notice it and appraisers will note it on the valuation
2. Have the house washed.
Before you make the investment in a paint job, though, take a good look at the house. If it’s got mildew or general grunge, just washing the house could make a world of difference,
3. Trim the shrubs and green up the yard.
Put a lot of emphasis on landscaping, such as cutting down overgrown bushes and replacing them with leafy plants and annuals mulched with beautiful reddish-brown bark.
You also don’t want bare spots. Take the time to fertilize the yard, throw out some grass seed, and if need be, add some sod.
3. Trim the shrubs and green up the yard.
California real estate agent Valerie Torelli says she puts a lot of emphasis on landscaping, such as cutting down overgrown bushes and replacing them with leafy plants and annuals mulched with beautiful reddish-brown bark. “It runs me $30 to $50,” says Torelli. “Do you get a return on your money? Absolutely. It sucks people in.”
You also don’t want bare spots. Take the time to fertilize the yard, throw out some grass seed, and if need be, add some sod.
4. Add a splash of color.
It could be a flower bed of annuals by the mailbox, a paint job for the front door, or a brightly colored bench or an Adirondack chair.
5. Add a fancy mailbox and house numbers.
An upscale mail box and architectural house numbers or an address plaque can give your house a distinctive look that stands out from everyone else on the block.
6. Repair or clean the roof.
Springfield, Va.-based home inspector and former builder Reggie Marston says the roof is one of the first things he looks at in assessing the condition of a home. He’ll look at other houses in the neighborhood to see if there are a lot of replaced roofs and see if the subject house has one as well. If not, he’ll look for curls in the shingles or missing shingles. “I’m looking at the roof for end-of-life expectancy,” he says.
You can pay for roof repairs now, or pay for them later in a lower appraisal; appraisers will mark down the value by the cost of the repair. That could knock thousands of dollars off your appraisal. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is more than $19,000.
“Roofs are issues,” Lucco says. “You won’t throw money away on that job. You gotta have a decent roof.”
Stains and plant matter, such as moss, can be handled with cleaning. It’s a job that can often be done in a day for a few hundred dollars, and makes the roof look like new. It’s not a DIY project; call a professional with the right tools to clean it without damaging it.
7. Put up a fence.
A picket fence with a garden gate to frame the yard is an asset. A fence has more impact in a family-oriented neighborhood than an upscale retirement community.
8. Perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
Nothing sets off subconscious alarms like hanging gutters, missing bricks from the front steps, or lawn tools rusting in the bushes. It makes even the professionals question what else hasn’t been taken care of.
“A house is worth less if the maintenance isn’t done,” Lucco says. “Those little things can add up and be a very big detractor. When people say, ‘I’d buy it if it weren’t for all the deferred maintenance,’ what they’re really saying is, ‘I’d still buy it if you reduce the price.’”
But the role of curb appeal goes beyond just making a good first impression. The way your house looks from the street can impact its value. It can also shorten the time it takes to sell your house
1. Paint the house.
Hands down, the most commonly offered curb appeal advice from our real estate pros and appraisers is to give the exterior of your home a good paint job. Buyers will instantly notice it and appraisers will note it on the valuation
2. Have the house washed.
Before you make the investment in a paint job, though, take a good look at the house. If it’s got mildew or general grunge, just washing the house could make a world of difference,
3. Trim the shrubs and green up the yard.
Put a lot of emphasis on landscaping, such as cutting down overgrown bushes and replacing them with leafy plants and annuals mulched with beautiful reddish-brown bark.
You also don’t want bare spots. Take the time to fertilize the yard, throw out some grass seed, and if need be, add some sod.
3. Trim the shrubs and green up the yard.
California real estate agent Valerie Torelli says she puts a lot of emphasis on landscaping, such as cutting down overgrown bushes and replacing them with leafy plants and annuals mulched with beautiful reddish-brown bark. “It runs me $30 to $50,” says Torelli. “Do you get a return on your money? Absolutely. It sucks people in.”
You also don’t want bare spots. Take the time to fertilize the yard, throw out some grass seed, and if need be, add some sod.
4. Add a splash of color.
It could be a flower bed of annuals by the mailbox, a paint job for the front door, or a brightly colored bench or an Adirondack chair.
5. Add a fancy mailbox and house numbers.
An upscale mail box and architectural house numbers or an address plaque can give your house a distinctive look that stands out from everyone else on the block.
6. Repair or clean the roof.
Springfield, Va.-based home inspector and former builder Reggie Marston says the roof is one of the first things he looks at in assessing the condition of a home. He’ll look at other houses in the neighborhood to see if there are a lot of replaced roofs and see if the subject house has one as well. If not, he’ll look for curls in the shingles or missing shingles. “I’m looking at the roof for end-of-life expectancy,” he says.
You can pay for roof repairs now, or pay for them later in a lower appraisal; appraisers will mark down the value by the cost of the repair. That could knock thousands of dollars off your appraisal. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is more than $19,000.
“Roofs are issues,” Lucco says. “You won’t throw money away on that job. You gotta have a decent roof.”
Stains and plant matter, such as moss, can be handled with cleaning. It’s a job that can often be done in a day for a few hundred dollars, and makes the roof look like new. It’s not a DIY project; call a professional with the right tools to clean it without damaging it.
7. Put up a fence.
A picket fence with a garden gate to frame the yard is an asset. A fence has more impact in a family-oriented neighborhood than an upscale retirement community.
8. Perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
Nothing sets off subconscious alarms like hanging gutters, missing bricks from the front steps, or lawn tools rusting in the bushes. It makes even the professionals question what else hasn’t been taken care of.
“A house is worth less if the maintenance isn’t done,” Lucco says. “Those little things can add up and be a very big detractor. When people say, ‘I’d buy it if it weren’t for all the deferred maintenance,’ what they’re really saying is, ‘I’d still buy it if you reduce the price.’”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Don't Wait !
Daily Real Estate News | March 2, 2010 | Share
Buyers Who Wait May Lose a Lot
Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose.
First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.
Other factors that should spur buyers:
Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.
Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).
Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)
Browse all of today's news
Buyers Who Wait May Lose a Lot
Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose.
First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit.
Other factors that should spur buyers:
Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6 percent.
Rising prices. About 30 percent of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12 percent of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).
Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (03/02/2010)
Browse all of today's news
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Rising Sales in Most States !
Rising Sales in Most States, and Rising Prices in Many Metros (at Last!)
by NAR Research Staff
There was good news for most states in the 4th quarter of 2009. Existing-home sales rose from the 3rd to 4th quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia. In fact, 32 states experienced double-digit quarterly gains. On a year-over-year basis, resales were higher in 49 states and the District, with all but three posting double-digit annual increases.
According to the latest quarterly statistics released by NAR Research, total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 13.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.03 million in the fourth quarter - up from 5.29 million in the third quarter. Existing-home sales rose 27.2 percent from their 4th quarter 2008 pace of 4.74 million units. As a further sign of housing market stability, distressed properties accounted for 32 percent of fourth quarter transactions; that is down from
37 percent a year earlier.
by NAR Research Staff
There was good news for most states in the 4th quarter of 2009. Existing-home sales rose from the 3rd to 4th quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia. In fact, 32 states experienced double-digit quarterly gains. On a year-over-year basis, resales were higher in 49 states and the District, with all but three posting double-digit annual increases.
According to the latest quarterly statistics released by NAR Research, total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 13.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.03 million in the fourth quarter - up from 5.29 million in the third quarter. Existing-home sales rose 27.2 percent from their 4th quarter 2008 pace of 4.74 million units. As a further sign of housing market stability, distressed properties accounted for 32 percent of fourth quarter transactions; that is down from
37 percent a year earlier.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Book Carriage & Coffee Shop
I visited the Book Carriage and Coffee Shop, and it is a warm, friendly shop that has much to offer it's Roanoke residents. If you ever have a chance to visit I highly reccomend it. They offer Children's story time in Saturday's at 1:00, and Bilingual story time on wednesdays at 10:30.
Oak Street Construction Update.
Construction on Oak Street began in January 2009. Scheduled completion date is Spring 2010. See below for the latest information about the Oak Street rehabilitation project. Check back often for the most recent updates!
Construction is currently taking place from Hwy 377 to Byron Nelson and includes waterline and sewer main replacement, underground storm drain and electric.
Oak Street is closed from north of Austin intersection to Houston. All intersections are open to traffic except Travis. All paving is complete, except for one half of the Denton and Houston intersections, and one corner of Travis. AT&T is relocating fiber optic at the intersection of Travis. All street paving should be completed by end of January.
Oncor has installed streetlights from Travis southbound. All sidewalks are complete up to Travis, except for one ramp on the northeast corner of Rusk. Trees and landscaping began last week. All large trees are planted up to Austin; with tree grates and smaller trees remaining to be installed.
TXDOT is in the process of relocating the signal lights at Byron Nelson so the turn lane can be completed.
Detailed construction schedule
Construction is currently taking place from Hwy 377 to Byron Nelson and includes waterline and sewer main replacement, underground storm drain and electric.
Oak Street is closed from north of Austin intersection to Houston. All intersections are open to traffic except Travis. All paving is complete, except for one half of the Denton and Houston intersections, and one corner of Travis. AT&T is relocating fiber optic at the intersection of Travis. All street paving should be completed by end of January.
Oncor has installed streetlights from Travis southbound. All sidewalks are complete up to Travis, except for one ramp on the northeast corner of Rusk. Trees and landscaping began last week. All large trees are planted up to Austin; with tree grates and smaller trees remaining to be installed.
TXDOT is in the process of relocating the signal lights at Byron Nelson so the turn lane can be completed.
Detailed construction schedule
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