CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Portland has plenty to celebrate this holiday season as there are a number of development projects that will bring new businesses to the city in the new year.
If you've driven over the Harbor Bridge, you know construction on homes and businesses is booming, fueled by surrounding industry. One of the big projects a lot of people are excited for is the Target store.
It's growth, Blake Miller can see in the chairs filled at the Headliners Barber Lounge.
"It's just the community booming here, plenty of opportunity for growth so people are jumping on it as fast as they can," he said.
The shop opened on Railroad Avenue during the pandemic and hasn't looked back.
"We're excited for the restaurants next to us so we can walk there and get lunch," he said.
Miller is referring to the construction of the business located just across the street from him. A LeStourgeon Seafood Company and Nick Catalano's second location for his Yo Philly cheese steaks.
"We lived here seven years, really blessed with the schools here, anything I can do to give back more than happy to do it," he said.
The Gregory-Portland spirit is something residents can see on the side of Catalano's building. He said it serves as a constant reminder to those who see it.
"My kids all go to the high school here, I just wanted the kids in this town to know there are people in this town that supports them, it's a thank you to them and to the city," he said.
Sarah Munoz, Director of Development Services with the City of Portland said the work is moving right along on the new Target store that is set to be bigger than the one in Corpus Christi. Construction is estimated to finish in mid-2024.
"The City of Portland is growing at an extreme rate and it's a really fun place to be part of right now," she said.
Munoz said that residents have a lot to look forward to as the city continues to grow.
"Brake Check, Raising Canes , retail center coming up. Several other pad sites we are looking forward to in the future to see what they will become," she said.
Across Highway 181 from the new Target at Broadway Boulevard and next to the A-1 Steaks and Seafood, dirt is already being moved on a new Texas sized gas station. It's the site of the Texan's newest location, similar to one that opened in Port Aransas.
There have also been a number of remodel projects including at the movie theater now called B&B Theaters.
General Manager Heather Garcia said that she knows what the city was like in past years and is excited to see what it will grow into.
"To know how it was before, Portland was such a small town, very family oriented. Now its grown so much in just a short time. We have so many people coming from out of town out of state," she said.
When residents step inside the theatre they will notice a slew of new upgrades. For adults, a new beverage menu at the concession. Garcia said that they even have a new attraction for kids.
"Right now we are at our Screen Play theater," she said.
It includes a slide and play area for kids to use before the move begins.
The recliner seats are built for comfort and include a heater button.
The theater also has a new attraction called "Screen X" where the screen stretches out on both sides of the viewer.
"My husband saw Godzilla in here and he said it was amazing," she said.
Here is a list of other projects:
Permitted/Under Construction
Lonestar Self Storage, Portland Doughnuts, Yo Philly, Bayview Crossing, The Storage Place, Target, Raising Canes, Le Stourgeon Seafood, Vaani Dental, Jersey Mike's, Pet Supply Plus, Hometown Pet Resort, B&B Movie Theater Remodel
Up Coming
7-Eleven (Stripes), The Texan, Brake Check
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