Head to the interior

Alamo Drafthouse in danger as Edwards Cinemas invades West Oak Mall

Alamo Drafthouse at West Oaks

Just when we thought Edwards Cinemas were the good guys, they've gone and threatened to annihilate Houston's beloved Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

Triple Tap Ventures, which owns and operates two Alamo Drafthouse theaters in the Houston area (one at West Oak Mall and one in Katy) reacted Wednesday to the announcement that Regal Entertainment Group would be building an Edwards theater within West Oak Mall. It seems to be mutually accepted that two movie theaters cannot survive simultaneously within one mall complex, but Alamo pledged in a statement that they would "continue to operate with high standards of excellence throughout construction of the planned Edwards Cinemas."

For its part, West Oaks says Alamo has done a great job throughout its seven-year tenure at the mall and will "continue to be a vital entertainment destination within the mall throughout construction," meaning up until Edwards arrives.

Alamo is loved for its emphasis on craft beer, selection of first-run films, quote-alongs to cult classics and dinner-and-a-movie pairings like the Joe Dirt feast, set for March 10, which will include thunderbeans and weiners, gourmet sloppy joes and craft beer selections for every redneck-inspired course.

Says Triple Tap representative Lacy Smythe Edmondson, "There are definitely plans for expansion, although we're not going to comment on any specific sites. We are evaluating a number of places inside the Loop and in the Houston metropolitan area."

Hear that, inner-Loopers? There's hope for us beer-swigging cinephiles yet!

With regard to Alamo West Oaks seeing the writing on the Edwards marquee, Smythe Edmondson says "right now we're just focusing on giving our guests an incredible experience throughout the construction phase. Fall 2012 is a long way off, and we intend to remain open throughout construction and for the foreseeable future."

We say, long live the Alamo! And please, pretty please, move somewhere I have surface-road access.

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room to bloom

Stylish new Houston apartments debut with stage, spa, and smart design

Photo by Sapphire Nat Gas

The Artistry Design District is now open at 3939 W. 12th Street.

The Artistry Design District apartment complex celebrated its grand opening this week, catering to Houstonians seeking a bit of creativity with amenities for modern living. Located near the Houston Design Center at 3939 W. 12th Street, the 400-unit multi-family community provides a range of amenities designed to meet the needs of urban professionals seeking a modern and community-centric lifestyle.

Photo by Sapphire Nat Gas

The Artistry Design District is now open at 3939 W. 12th Street.

The Artistry Design District’s central hub is the Clubhouse. Residents have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, lounges, a gourmet kitchen, flexible co-working spaces, a wi-fi lounge, and private office space. Four-legged residents have access to a dog park and a "Paw Spa."

“Center stage” is the event venue area, with a stage designed to host live music and other entertainment. Residents will also find the resort-style pool with two sun shelves and jumbotron-style TV, private cabanas, and expansive green spaces.

Apartments have details such as quartz countertops with tiled backsplashes; nine- and 10-foot ceilings, depending on location; walk-in closets; and LED lighting. Some units have built-in bookshelves, deep soaking tubs, and showers with dual shower heads.

The development is the brainchild of McGrath Real Estate Partners, which specializes in multifamily, student housing, and single-family lot development across the U.S.

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response to leasing at Artistry Design District, with residents already moving in and strong ongoing demand,” Michael S. McGrath, president and CEO at McGrath Real Estate Partners, said in a statement. “This momentum reinforces our vision of creating a community that reflects the area’s distinctive character. With an exceptional location just minutes from the Heights, Galleria, downtown, and the Energy Corridor, Artistry offers direct access to Houston’s most vibrant neighborhoods and business districts, along with a lifestyle experience that’s both elevated and community-focused.”

The community is currently 57 percent leased; with 42 percent occupancy. Pricing on the community’s website shows a 499-square-foot, studio with one bath renting for $1,374 a month, while a 1,283-square-foot, two-bedroom-two-bath apartment is available for $2,900.

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