In the News—Week of March 8 2021
Around the Nation
Hotel bankruptcy forces Vegas Knights to spend the night elsewhere
The Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL got an unpleasant surprise last week during their pregame meal at the team’s hotel — the hotel was forcing them to leave. The Fairmont Hotel, a landmark in San Jose, filed for bankruptcy, The Mercury News reports. The hotel has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to cease operations for two or three months while it looks for a partner and tries to extend its mortgage payments. So the Knights packed their bags. But they didn’t pack it in. They beat the San Jose Sharks 5-4 in overtime.
Energy & Environment
Air Force panel sees energy efficiency as a key part of defense
An Air Force panel discussed the importance of energy efficiency not only in terms of climate change but in terms of vulnerability, the Air Force reports on its news site. “We know our peer competitors will be challenging our (fuel) supply chains and other energy sources. The places we will be operating from will be more dispersed than we have operated from in the past, especially in the Pacific,” said the Air Force’s deputy assistant secretary for operational energy Roberto Guerrero. The Air Force has started initiatives to advance energy resilience, including advanced airframe designs and the use of alternative fuels. “In the near term, we’re really interested in software” Guerrero said.
Texas
Leasing dispute threatens historic River Oaks Theater
The lease for the Rivers Oaks, which dates back to 1939, is about to come to an end, Houston Culture Map reports. The theater has been hard hit by the pandemic. Property owner Weingarten Realty says the parent company, Landmark Theatres, has not paid its rent since March 2020. “It would be such a loss for Houston if we have to close our doors after 82 years because of an unwillingness to negotiate to the shared and mutual benefit of both parties,” Landmark Theatres’ president, Paul Serwitz, says.
Hyatt will be part of $1 billion Sapphire Bay development
Hyatt will join the $1 billion Sapphire Bay development, operating its resort and conference center, D Magazine reports. Hyatt’s Destination Hotels brand will operate a 500-room hotel with a view of Lake Hubbard and the artificial Sapphire Bay Lagoon. The resort is expected to open in the fall of 2023.
Arizona
Groundbreaking held for multi-family project near spring training site
Jackson Dearborn Partners broke ground for Solace at Ballpark Village in Goodyear near the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians, AZ Big Media reports. The 211-unit multi-family project is expected to be completed by August 2022. Amenities include a pool with an outdoor bar, a fitness center, a co-working business center, and a dog run. Ballpark Village is a 70-acre mixed-use development adjacent to the stadium.
Mexico
Federal government begins studies on viability of new Tulum airport
Federal agencies have begun studying the viability of a new military and civil airport in Tulum, MexicoBusiness.news reports. The only airport in the region is at the Navy’s Tulum Air Base. It is hoped the project will connect with the Maya Train. President López Obrador announced the project would be headed by the Army. Construction was expected to begin early this year.
