Chamber's giant step downtown

Thursday was a special occasion. It was the day the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce announced plans for its new headquarters, adjoining Heritage Square.

Not only is it making a major capital investment — sparkling quarters in what has so long been a hole in Waco’s heart; in cooperation with the city it is signalling a sea change in economic development downtown.

Plans on city property surrounding the new chamber office and across Washington Avenue call for mixed-use development, with a contractor already on board.

Few announcements in the city have been as encouraging. It is big news that members have pledged over $4 million in the Chamber drive.—Editorial, Waco Tribune-Herald

Projects to transform downtown Waco

The look and feel of downtown Waco will change dramatically in coming years, thanks to a Houston company's proposed $50 million mixed-use development and the groundbreaking in December for a $2.5 million Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

Longtime Waco businessman Tom Salome, who has spearheaded raising $4.7 million for the new chamber building and the hiring of new chamber staffers, said Thursday that goal is within reach.—By Mike Copeland, Business Editor, Waco Tribune-Herald

Is that a WalMart?

Instead of a gun case, you'll find a gourmet cheese case. And there's no oil-change center, but there is nearly 70 linear feet of wine. Is this the future for Wal-Mart? It is in Midtown Atlanta.—by Patti Bond, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution