
A rundown business development in the 2700 block of Bissonnet Street in West University — which was the site of a 2016 massage parlor prostitution bust — is about to be transformed into an upscale center more befitting West U, with the old businesses already demolished.
The Shoppes of Upper Kirby will feature about 20,000 square feet of space to be built out for “service oriented retailers” of a different kind, according to Ed Dumont of the design firm Dumont Shpata Atelier — including medical, fitness, and beauty businesses and restaurants. The center will feature contemporary architecture using brick, metal panels, wood slats and plaster surfaces.
CornerBrook Development has been working with the city of West University to make the center code compliant. Although 77 parking spaces are required, 113 are being planned.
Because of West U’s tough regulations, the developer has been working with the city’s Urban Forester, Craig Koehl, to create a landscaping plan which includes:
•18 3-inch caliper, 60-gallon East Palatka Holly,
•24 2-inch caliper, 60-gallon Sweetbay Magnolia,
•187 dwarf gardenia shrubs.

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