In the News—Week of June 15, 2026

Thomas Title & Escrow is pleased to highlight our role in supporting the successful closing of IKONIC Scottsdale, a 14-story, 245-unit ultra-luxury multifamily development in Scottsdale, Arizona. Developed by The Hampton Group, IKONIC Scottsdale is positioned to become one of North Scottsdale’s most distinctive multifamily communities, reflecting the continued strength, quality, and sophistication of the market. Transactions of this scale require careful coordination, clear communication, and trusted execution across every stage of the closing process. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the ownership, lending, legal, title, escrow, and closing teams involved in bringing this financing to completion. Special recognition goes to Joel Montemayor, Vice President and Senior Commercial Escrow Officer, whose leadership, precision, and steady execution were instrumental throughout the closing process. We also appreciate the support of Devin Vos, Private Client Consultant, and extend our thanks to Gallagher & Kennedy for their excellent legal work and professionalism throughout the transaction. We are proud to play a small part in advancing meaningful commercial real estate projects like this and remain grateful for the clients, partners, and professionals who trust us to help execute at a high level.

Houston officials ponder latest proposal to rejuvenate pioneering Astrodome

Houston leaders and investors are again weighing a major revival of the long-shuttered Astrodome, Chron.com reports. The Astrodome Conservancy and Gensler shared new concepts for turning the landmark into a modern, multiuse destination. The sports facility, once home to the Astros baseball team and the Houston Oilers football team, has been without a sports tenant for more than 25 years. It’s used mostly for storage now. At a pitch event in the Ion District, organizers argued the structure is sound, historically protected and capable of generating revenue through a mix of hospitality, offices, events and other commercial uses. More unconventional ideas floated included using part of the building for large-scale data storage, creating a NASA-linked education center or converting space into film production stages. Backers estimate the project at roughly $840 million, banking on historic tax credits to cover a significant share while the remaining funding would need to come from public and private partners.

American Express to hold ceremony as work starts on World Trade Center tower

American Express is set to hold a groundbreaking ceremony July 9 for a long-planned tower at Two World Trade Center, marking a major step in finishing the redevelopment of the 9/11 site, the New York Post reports. The building would be developed by Larry Silverstein after years of delays tied to securing a major tenant, and the project could cost as much as $4 billion. Amex would own the tower under a ground lease with the Port Authority. Plans call for underground work to continue into a visible rise above ground later this summer, with steel going up in 2027, completion around 2030 and an opening targeted for 2031. The design by Foster + Partners includes outdoor garden and terrace features intended to break up the glass facade.

Owner puts two bars in San Francisco that have become institutions up for sale

Two longtime Mission District nightlife staples, the Make-Out Room and the Latin American Club, have been put on the market by owner Martin Rapalski, the SF GATE reports. The venues, which Rapalski opened or acquired in the 1990s, are both described as profitable and sit amid renewed foot traffic along 22nd Street. Rapalski says he is ready to retire after decades in the business. Reports indicate the Make-Out Room is listed for about $450,000 and the Latin American Club for about $350,000, with the businesses currently paying thousands per month in rent. Rapalski said he hopes a buyer will keep the bars’ character, staff and role in San Francisco’s live-music ecosystem, as other beloved clubs face uncertainty.