Midlanders Have Mixed Feelings Over New Energy Tower
By: Jenne Anderson
Updated: March 21, 2013
MIDLAND-- Fine dining, top of the line office space, and brand new residential living.
Those are just a couple of features expected to appear in the 58-story skyscraper called the Energy Tower.
"It is meant to be symbolic," explained Energy Related Properties Partner, William Meyer. "It is very important that we are something that the rest of the country can recognize very easily, and understand that this is midland."
The construction for the tower will begin once Energy Related Properties can secure at least 30% of the needed tenants to fill the building.
And while it's still a couple of years away from completion, several downtown businesses tell us they're excited for the change.
"We've always talked about revitalizing downtown," said Johnny's BBQ Managing Partner, Daniel Paredes. "And bringing people in and I think the skyscraper is going to be a great addition to Midland. I think it's what we need."
"It will increase the business, and there will be more traffic downtown," said Cancun Grill Owner, Nemecio Torres. "But at the end, I think it will be a great deal for downtown Midland."
The Energy Tower will house several new restaurants, and even a 5 star hotel.
But still, these businesses aren't too worried about losing customers.
"More competition is better for everybody," stated Torres.
"It's going to be an up-scale property that will probably be a good partnership with us," said Keith Dial, who is the Doubletree Hotel Manager.
Although several businesses in downtown Midland tell us they're excited about the plans for the courthouse, not everyone shares that same enthusiasm.
In fact, more than 100 people have already jumped on board in signing a petition to keep this whole thing from happening.
The petition, found on Change.org, highlights several reasons why some Midlanders oppose the new plans.
Charlotte Dixon, founder of the petition wrote, "A 59 story building would look out of place in a downtown where no other building approaches that height. And it is not needed."
Jamie Pruit added, "This building is historic and could be reused instead of torn down. It really is a beautiful part of downtown."
But no matter where your opinions lie, the old courthouse is set to be sold on April 1st, which will ultimately put these plans for the Energy Tower in motion.
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Those are just a couple of features expected to appear in the 58-story skyscraper called the Energy Tower.
"It is meant to be symbolic," explained Energy Related Properties Partner, William Meyer. "It is very important that we are something that the rest of the country can recognize very easily, and understand that this is midland."
The construction for the tower will begin once Energy Related Properties can secure at least 30% of the needed tenants to fill the building.
And while it's still a couple of years away from completion, several downtown businesses tell us they're excited for the change.
"We've always talked about revitalizing downtown," said Johnny's BBQ Managing Partner, Daniel Paredes. "And bringing people in and I think the skyscraper is going to be a great addition to Midland. I think it's what we need."
"It will increase the business, and there will be more traffic downtown," said Cancun Grill Owner, Nemecio Torres. "But at the end, I think it will be a great deal for downtown Midland."
The Energy Tower will house several new restaurants, and even a 5 star hotel.
But still, these businesses aren't too worried about losing customers.
"More competition is better for everybody," stated Torres.
"It's going to be an up-scale property that will probably be a good partnership with us," said Keith Dial, who is the Doubletree Hotel Manager.
Although several businesses in downtown Midland tell us they're excited about the plans for the courthouse, not everyone shares that same enthusiasm.
In fact, more than 100 people have already jumped on board in signing a petition to keep this whole thing from happening.
The petition, found on Change.org, highlights several reasons why some Midlanders oppose the new plans.
Charlotte Dixon, founder of the petition wrote, "A 59 story building would look out of place in a downtown where no other building approaches that height. And it is not needed."
Jamie Pruit added, "This building is historic and could be reused instead of torn down. It really is a beautiful part of downtown."
But no matter where your opinions lie, the old courthouse is set to be sold on April 1st, which will ultimately put these plans for the Energy Tower in motion.
Like Jenne Anderson's page on Facebook!
