TEXAS (globest.com, Real Estate Center) – Despite nationwide economic woes, construction of multifamily housing is surging throughout Texas.

There are 55,516 units under construction in the four major metros. Currently, 20,585 units are being built in North Texas; 16,282 in Houston; 13,018 in Austin; and 5,631 in San Antonio. Dallas–Fort Worth is seeing its highest building level since 1999.

This adds to the existing inventory of 562,465 units in Dallas–Fort Worth; 162,280 in Austin; 497,010 in Houston; and 136,455 in San Antonio.

Occupancy climbed slightly. Dallas–Fort Worth units held just over 93 percent occupancy; Austin, 94 percent; Houston, nearly 92 percent; and San Antonio, just under 93 percent.

Average monthly rent statewide jumped up $23 to $771. Averages also increased within the four major metros. Dallas–Fort Worth recorded an average of $776; Austin, $838; Houston, $764; and San Antonio, $712.

"The Texas multifamily market has always been highly cyclical," said Dr. Jim Gaines, research economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "Now we're seeing an uptick because of the slowdown in the single-family housing market. Most of these projects reflect financing put in place before the financial crisis began to escalate. It will be interesting to see if any new projects begin in the new year."

San Antonio’s high-tech industry is getting on track in a big way with the building of a massive data center for Microsoft.  The 470,000 square foot center broke ground in April, and is expected to open in Dec. 2008.  This giant project will contain thousands of servers for the company, and will be responsible for assisting with storing information and managing the accounts of Microsoft’s millions of customers.  The project, in which Microsoft has already invested over half a billion dollars, may only be the first chapter.  The company is looking at the possibility of opening another identical center as well, which would bring the investment to $1 billion.

Although the center will only employ about 75 full-time employees, the main benefit is certainly the name recognition of having Microsoft located San Antonio.  In fact, other companies have followed Microsoft’s lead, and have begun moving data centers in also.  Already this year, the National Security Agency, Christus Health, Lowe’s, and Stream Realty have all announced plans for opening data centers.  These companies should be only the beginning, as numerous others are working on deals as well.

Another real benefit for having these new centers will be the construction investments made in building them, and the support structure and upkeep that will need to keep them running.  Already CPS Energy has announced that it will have to build a substation to provide energy, and other deals will have to be made with other utilities. 

Like many of the more modern office and business centers being built in San Antonio, this new project will use recycled water to cool the buildings, lowering costs, as well as helping protect the environment. 

Craig Beman: Inspiring Through Art and Ministry

Craig Beman is not your typical artist. Most artists scrape and scrounge to make a buck, and when they do, it's usually a hard-won dollar. When Beman makes a buck, he immediately donates it! All of his proceeds from the sale of his art go to Healing Promises Ministries, an organization begun by Craig and his wife, Peggy, to motivate and help preachers fulfill their ministries. But his generosity with his earnings is not the only thing that sets Beman apart from other artists. What truly makes him unique is that he is just getting started in the art scene.

Yet with the success he has had so far, it seems that Craig Beman Artwork will be inspiring people for years to come. With a degree in Economics, Beman has never had any formal artistic training, but judging from the works he creates, one would certainly never know. He credits God with giving him the gift, and only began sketching, painting, and exploring his gift on the 40th day after he and his wife began ministering full-time in 1999 at the age of 46. In addition to developing his skills, Beman is also pushing the boundary between hand-made art and computer generated art, and blending the two through the Giclee archival print reproduction process.

This process uses multi-density pigments and dye-based inks to enhance the production of fine art prints, and makes an artist of the printer himself. Using the latest technology, color design, mathematics, and art work come together to create a unique, high-quality reproduction, that will last for years to come, and hold up to sunlight, fading, and the passage of time.

Beman’s paintings and sketches are based primarily on three themes: simplicity, inspiration, and motivation. From his landscapes of places which inspire through their majesty, such as his "Great Plains" series or through the peace and tranquility of his "Tropical" works, Beman understands that nature is a place of rejuvenation, rest, and spirituality. On the other end of the spectrum, sports are also important to Beman, and he seeks to show that today's football, basketball, racing, golf and baseball heroes inspire and motivate us in different ways—through their competitive spirit, leadership, and desire to be the best.

Another strong inspiration, and one that is likely to keep Beman busy in the future, is his new home in Texas. One can see from his works on the various missions, landmarks, and historical buildings in San Antonio that Beman is just beginning to explore the beauty and uniqueness of his new home state of Texas and his soon to be new home of Stephenville, Texas, requiring a move from his current home in San Antonio's Promontory Point at Stone Oak. Beman has recently decided to open his own gallery, just off the town square in Stephenville. Although his works can be found in other galleries, the opening of his own gallery means that Beman is not only serious about his own art, but means to help other artists have an outlet for their own works.

Of course, for Beman, the art and business of selling it is secondary to what he feels is his true calling, that of helping pastors fulfill their ministries and be the best, most motivated, and inspirational they can be, through his work with Healing Promises Ministries. Most often, people come looking to preachers for guidance, but who is there to help guide the preachers? Healing Promises seeks to minister to the ministers through a series of retreats, exchanges, meetings, and seminars which seek to train and refocus leaders to help them relocate their inner strength and become even more motivated and inspirational.

All artists have muses. For Craig Beman, his spirituality and relationship with his faith are his muses, inspiring and motivating him through his art as well as his ministry. For more information about Craig Beman or to inquire about his art, visit his website at: www.craigbemanartwork.com

If there is one thing that Texas is known for, certainly the state's cowboy heritage is high on the list.  From the way Texans dress, to the food eaten in the state, the cowboy is one of America's most popular icons.  Of course, 150 years ago, cowboys and horse riding were as common as cars and driving are today (well, maybe not quite), but sadly, the modern world has fenced in the American outdoors, and replaced the Pony Express with UPS, and much of the wild west with Las Vegas and strip malls. 

Texans, however, are proud of this heritage, and are increasingly bent on saving this piece of Americana.  In fact, less than an hour outside of San Antonio, in Bandera, TX, the cowboy spirit is alive and well at the many dude ranches located there.  Certainly, for anyone who has never been to a real Texas ranch, the experience will remain forever, and kids will especially enjoy the numerous activities offered.  Many of these getaways resemble resorts as much as ranches, ensuring that cowgirls as well as cowboys are cared for, and that, although guests may get dirty out on the trails and ranges, they will be well cared for upon returning.

Here are a few of the ranches located in Bandera.

• The Flying L Guest Ranch:  Going strong for 60 years, this ranch was founded by a retired WWII fighter pilot, and has since become more than just a ranch.  The Flying L offers horseback riding for those looking to enjoy the beautiful scenic Hill Country.  Others may want to take in the sights via golf cart, as they make the rounds on the Flying J’s 18-hole course.  The ranch also features a spa and lagoon to cool off in.  The accommodations are top notch, and guests will spend their nights inside their own villa, complete with fireplaces, entertainment centers, and patios or balconies. 
• The Dixie Dude Ranch: While certainly offering all the luxuries that demanding guests require, the Dixie also is a working ranch, featuring longhorn cattle, goats, pigs, and real cowboys participating in rodeos.  The ranch also offers daring guests the chance to truly get into the cowboy spirit by taking an overnight trail ride into the Hill Country where, rather than roughing it, they will be fed by the trusty chuck wagon cook and sleep in trail cabanas.  The ranch also offers wireless internet, massage therapy, fishing, and a pool. 
• Rancho Cortez: Fully equipped for any type of meeting, wedding, or other event, Rancho Cortez prides itself on offering guests a wide range of activities.  Horseback riding for every level is available, as are luxury accommodations, children’s adventures, mountain biking, and tubing or rafting on the Medina River.  For guests looking to get in shape, the ranch also offers a fitness center, complete with a program to get you into shape.  The program is complete with healthy food, personal trainers, horseback rides in the afternoon, and your choice of activity (hiking, kayaking, and biking). 

The Texas cowboy spirit is alive and well in Banderas, TX, and these working ranches are just a few of the many, located just an hour northwest of San Antonio.  Whether it’s for a weekend or longer, getting into the Hill Country and spending time on a real ranch is as Texan as you can get.

San Antonio Highland Games

Do you love Scottish food? Do you want to learn more about the Scottish way of life? The San Antonio Highland Games is coming up this year in April. It will feature a variety of things from Scotland’s history and current social traditions. The event will be featuring a Celtic band, Needfire.

When: April 5^th and 6^th, 2008

Time: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Where: San Antonio, Texas

It is recommended you stay at the Motel 6 on Brandera Road. It is considered the official hotel for the Highland Games.

One of the unique things that will be at the Highland Games will be featuring the world’s largest living warhorse named Thor. You should definitely go if for no other reason than to see Thor. He is absolutely huge and seeing someone with a joust atop of him can make you realize just how entertaining jousting probably was during the medieval period.

What would be the reason to call it Highland Games without games? The San Antonio Highland Games features a Scottish competition each year. It is typically separated by weight class and it is required that you wear a kilt, highland hose, and the highland games t-shirt at all times throughout the competition. You are required to visit their website at http://www.sahga.org/athletics.html and turn in an release waiver.

There will be several vendors at the event. The Scottish have a vast history and with that comes lots of arts and crafts. You will be able to find handmade jewelry, antique Scottish memorabilia, and even stained glass artwork.

As mentioned above, there will be plenty of celebration through dancing and music. Several bands will be in attendance other than Needfire. Carl Peterson, Beyond the Pale, and Sally’s Garden’s are just a few that will be playing while you are able to swing your kilt around on the dance floor.

San Antonio was ranked number 33 in the category of "sustainable" cities by the Sustainlane.com website. Down from number 21 in 2006.

Sustain.com rated US Cities using indicators including air quality, public transit, availability of farmer's markets, renewable energy, water quality, local foods, real estate affordability, traffic congestion and development approaches to determine the overal ranking. 

The city ranked highly in water useage conservation.

San Antonio's "Green" rating

 

Will the Spurs repeat as champions this year?  If the recent poll taken of league GMs is any indication, they will.  The poll reveals that 37% of the general managers feel the Spurs are due to retain their title this year, ahead of Phoenix (26%), and Dallas (15%).  The poll also revealed that Bulls are the faves to win their division, and that LeBron James is (unsurprisingly) the likely choice to win the MVP, just edging out the Spurs’ Tim Duncan.  Other notes that pertain to San Antonio from the poll: Coach Pop was ranked the best coach; Bruce Bowen, the best defensive player; Duncan, the best center; Duncan, the best power forward; Duncan, the best interior defender; and the Spurs came in 3rd in the league in best home court advantage.  Last year’s reigning MVP, Dirk Nowitzki, received 0 votes.

Although preseason records are fairly useless indicators of anything, the Spurs are 3-2 so far.  On Tuesday, the Spurs beat the Heat, sending the Miami team to a 0-7 preseason record.  In the game, Ginobili scored 22 points, going 6-7 from the field in the teams 104-87 win.  Micheal Finley scored 14, Matt Bonner, 13, and Tim Duncan corralled 11 boards.  On Thursday, San Antonio went up against the new-look Orlando Magic and lost 99-90.  The Magic look to be much improved over last year’s team, due mainly to the addition of Rashard Lewis.  Lewis has been out of much of the preseason with a bum ankle, but returned against the Spurs to post 16 points in three quarters before resting the fourth.  The Spurs also rested Duncan for the final period, although the rest of the starters played it out. 

What’s good to see for Spurs fans is that Tony Parker seems to be getting back to his old self again.  After spending the summer getting married, and then staying in France to play for the national team, it took him some time to work himself back into some big minutes.  In the game against Orlando, the speedy little Frenchman played 31 minutes and scored 18 points on 7-14 shooting.  In bad news, it looks like backup point guards, Jacque Vaughn and Beno Udrih will be out for the start of the season with injuries. 

Final Four Set for Tip-Off in San Antonio

San Antonio is the place to be for the next few weeks.  The Spurs are getting ready to enter the playoffs to defend their championship, Fiesta is just a couple weeks away, and the NCAA Final Four has its teams set to tip off later this week.  For the first time ever, all four number one seeds have advanced through to the last week, and the schools that have made it read like a who’s who of college basketball tradition.
 
Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, and Memphis have all been the most dominant teams throughout the preseason, conference seasons, and now through the tournament.  In this tournament, each team has dominated some opponents, but each has also found itself in some difficult, hard-fought battles.  Each team is stocked with future NBA talent, great coaching, and enough basketball tradition to make the last three games of the season play out like a hall of fame tournament. 
UCLA has been a fixture in the Final Four since Ben Howland took over the program just a few years ago.  They have made it to the last weekend of the tournament for the last three years, but haven’t been able to win the championship yet.  The Bruins are led by freshman sensation, Kevin Love, who has elevated his game more and more as the season has gone on.  Memphis has a super freshman of their own in Derrick Rose, who is thought to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft when he decides to announce.  Memphis has only lost once all year.  The Tigers’ coach, John Calipari has been to the Final Four before, as he led the University of Massachusetts there in 1996.  North Carolina is the ACC champion and is led by All-American, Tyler Hansboro and speedy guard, Ty Lawson.  Kansas has reached the final 8 often since coach Bill Self took over the program, but has fallen short of the Final Four in years past.
 
The games should be stellar games pitting UCLA’s stingy defense and efficient offense against Memphis athleticism and power, while Kansas goes up against former coach Roy Williams, who led the Jayhawks to the Final Four several times as Kansas’ coach, but never could win the championship there.  What made the move all the worse for Kansas fans was that Williams led Carolina to the national championship in his second year at UNC.  He was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
 
San Antonio is ready for the action, and tickets still remain.  In addition to the games themselves, there are tons of other events that will be going on throughout the city in conjunction with the culmination of the tournament.  The best part?  Some of the better events feature A-list stars and free entrance!  Friday, the AT&T Block Party kicks off the weekend as Fall Out Boy, The Roots, and Ludo provide the musical entertainment for the evening, which ends with a huge fireworks display. 

Saturday evening brings the Pontiac Garage at the Final Four, which features a full day of pep rallies, a military fly over, and the musical performances of Kid Rock, Puddle of Mud, and Meridianwest, who will all perform leading up until tip off.  People without tickets can still enjoy the games which will be broadcast on giant screens.  Sunday brings My Coke Fest, which will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and will feature Taylor Swift, 3 Doors Down, and All American Rejects. 
Before the Championship Game on Monday night, Robert Earl Keen, Bob Schneider, and Mingo Flagship will all perform leading up to the tip-off which is set for 8:15.

Eva Longoria and Tony Parker are getting married!

So much for all those breakup theories we've been hearing last year. The San Antonio Spurs point guard and the Desperate Housewives star are going to tie the knot at the Chateau de Chantilly, a castle North of Paris. I guess Eva's plans of a small, low key wedding are thrown out the window. Now Eva wants a ceremony that is "big and beautiful", with lots of family and friends. Rumor has it that they are getting married on July 7 th, being the lucky triple seven date of 07-07-07. Tony is very superstitious and thinks this day is the luckiest day to get married on.

Tony proposed to Eva last year after a game with the Utah Jazz. He surprised Eva by flying to Los Angeles and was at house when she got home from work around midnight. The couple then called the Ryan Seacrest radio show to announce their engagement.

A wedding in France isn't that far fetched for Eva and Tony, since Tony grew up in France and his mother, Dutch model Pamela Firestone and other family members are living in France. Eva is headed to France next month with wedding planner Mindy Weiss to meet with Tony's mom and to plan out the wedding.

She has also started to learn French, her fiancée's native language. Eva has accompanied Tony to Paris last year when their breakup rumors were at its peak. Eva reportedly dumped Tony because he was flirting with another woman, but a representative of the couple has said that they were simply going through a rough time in their relationship. I guess they have smoothed over their differences, as it would take a major disaster for them to call off this wedding.

Eva and Tony are also listed as one of the top ten hottest NBA relationships on ESPN. (They keep a list???) Seem that the only qualification for a couple to be included in the list is that it involves an NBA player and a celebrity or a high profile athlete.

Eva also has a tattoo of Tony's initials somewhere on her body. She's not saying where, except that her three other tattoos are on public display but the one with Tony's initials are seen only by him. Her words:
"I'm not saying where it is - but let's just say he gets to view it on a very regular basis!"

We all remember Eva's claims of being the more experienced one in the bedroom, as she was previously married to General Hospital star Tyler Christopher and is seven years older than Tony. Well, what happens behind closed doors is their business. Although Eva could keep their private lives private instead of airing out their dirty laundry for everyone to see. We don't really need to know about their bedroom habits and secret tattoos…. But if it's all right with Tony, who are we to complain?

Their fans will have to just look forward to this wedding in a fairy tale castle. Will they live happily ever after? Let's keep our fingers crossed.

As we talked about the other day, the Day of the Dead is upon us. A traditional Pre-Hispanic holiday
celebrated throughout most of Latin America, it is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and this year, because of when it falls in the week, it will spill over into the weekend as well.

On this day, the spirit of the dead is said to come down and visit their families and join them in celebrating, eating, drinking and so on, just as if they were still living.

Here in San Antonio, there are tons of celebrations going on. We listed a few the other day, but since then have found even more. If you knowof any we have not listed, let us know in the comments!

Market Square
Institute of Texan Cultures
School of Arts and Crafts
Si Central
Southtown
Cultural Aztlan

If you know of any we have not listed, let us know in the comments!