Back to the Drawing Board

I've been quite busy lately. (as you can see, since my last posting was about Hurricane Katrina survivors!)

Y&R is looking for a bigger space. We have totally outgrown the little red house, and I have a vision that **must** be satisfied. However, we have been hitting roadblocks and snags along the way, and I've been doubting my vision lately. Here's the scoop, but I'm not going to name the specific addresses:

Last November, we got serious, and my realtor TeriJo found a few spaces that seemed plausible. We got serious about one with some great visibility in the Garden Oaks area. The landlord of that space apparently would rather get a tax break than a serious tennant, so the negotiations with them are taking TOOOOOO long. I'm just bored with the process now, and I'm not so sure I want that space anymore.

A month ago, we resumed the search. I decided that maybe I want something bigger now - to incorporate some of my ideas from last summer's dream of a Community Center. Nothing was jumping out at us, though.

Two weeks ago, we learned of a new awesome space that was HUGE and had some amazing visibility and tons of potential. The agent implied that they were eager and happy to rent to me, and I worked my butt off to develop a strategy for being able to afford the space. I had partners, crafters, and vendors lined up to fill the space. At the last minute, they flip-flopped their position - overnight, the agent was suddenly condescending, negative and unprofessional and wouldn't even meet with me. I have a theory that someone is personally threatened by a bigger better Y&R.

There just **has** to be the right space out there somewhere. I really want to stay in the Heights. I want to ride my bike to work and keep my children in the neighborhood.

Here are my needs:
- at least 3,000 sf (but anything up to 10,000 sf could work!)
- easy and clear access from major freeways (easy to find for suburbanites)
- visibility from a well-traveled street (drive-by is still my best advertising)
- affordable rent (less than $15 per sf)
- safe neighborhood
- some sort of outdoor space where my children can play
- ideally, something that is not broken up by tiny rooms, and I really want display windows!
- lots of parking (at least 16 spaces)

I need to be in a new space by mid-July. Any help is definitely appreciated! If you're interested in investing in a plan that will REALLY benefit our community, please let me know. I might share some details, but not in a public forum - I don't trust anyone anymore!

--janis