While still in the early planning stages, the Hourglass District is beginning to take shape.

Led by the husband-and-wife team Elise Sabatino and Giovanni Fernandez, the new project will completely remake the intersection of Bumby Avenue and Curry Ford Road. The two purchased multiple properties along the corridor including a gas station, a retail strip, and an old car wash station, among others.

Fernandez spoke with Bungalower after a recent meeting with an Orange County Commissioner and told us that things are moving along well for his ambitious development. He’s currently looking for approval on basic infrastructure updates as the majority of the buildings he purchased were on septic rather than City sewage.

New business ideas will include:

  • Tony’s Auto will be transformed into a fish market, featuring local fresh fish with an adjoining restaurant market concept.
  • A wood-fired pizza restaurant.
  • A market with a bakery, Foxtail Coffee, and a new concept from Tamale Co.
  • The gas station on the corner is being renovated but will stick with its original use, with an added gas attendant booth for full-service.
  • Potential for revolving food truck station in the former car wash with small retail uses.
  • Removing an existing home and replacing it with a cluster of micro-housing for artists and local creatives who are looking for something with less of a footprint.
  • Making the area more walkable and pedestrian friendly with nice landscapes and patios.

Hourglass’s first tenant will be Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub (Facebook), which is moving into their new home at 2421 Curry Ford. An opening date is yet to be released but they are hosting a Go Fund Me campaign, HERE.

Other additions to the neighborhood include the Francis Park townhomes, located on Francis Avenue. The modern design of the buildings are being done by local architect Ryan Young of Interstruct, Inc (Website).

Brendan O'Connor

Editor in Chief of Bungalower.com

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