Costa Mariposa Apartments officially open | Biz Buzz / Buzz Blog

Apartment department: Officials with ceremonial scissors gathered Monday to cut the ribbon at the 252-unit Costa Mariposa apartment complex in Texas City. The ceremony marked the official opening of the 7555 Medical Center Drive complex developed by San Antonio-based The NRP Group.

The complex is the first affordable multifamily development completed in the county since Hurricane Ike struck two years ago. Because it targets low- and moderate-income people Costa Mariposa was awarded post-Ike stimulus funds from the Tax Credit Assistance Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs.

The department issued $14 million in tax exempt bonds in addition to $8.5 million in tax credits to the developers. The department also awarded the project $3 million from a federal program designed to expand the supply of decent affordable housing for moderate- to low-income families and individuals. Costa Mariposa received another $2.5 million from the Tax Credit Assistance Program. Bank of America supplied construction and equity financing.

Costa Mariposa amenities include a clubhouse playgrounds swimming pool horseshoe pits and computer centers with high-speed Internet. But it also provides services not often found at apartment complexes. The NRP Group partnered with Urban Progress Community Development Corp. to provide residents free access and referrals to counseling services financial planning after-school homework programs wellness and health screenings and work force skill training among other programs.

For information call 409-908-0552.

In the o-zone: It appears more providers of alternative medicine are setting up practices in the county. The latest is MayDay Consultants 1204 Newman Road in La Marque.

Among the more sought-after services is ozone therapy owner Misty May said. Ozone is a gaseous allotrope of oxygen and might improves the body’s ability to transport and metabolize oxygen thereby potentially preventing or reversing disease proponents say. Ozone therapy has been used to treat everything from allergies to cancer May said. MayDay Consultants also offers colonics and will analyze urine saliva and blood among other services.

For information call 409-933-4856 or visit www.maydayconsultants.com.

Naked truth: Go ahead look. The Naked Cupcake is all dressed up in a new home. Formerly of League City the sweets purveyor has moved into a renovated house in Bacliff 2611 18th St. Business partners Angela Fanos and Pria Butler still sell the famous ”naked” cupcakes that patrons can dress up with the toppings of their choice but also have expanded offerings serving up pies and other treats along with coffee and other beverages.

The Naked Cupcake is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For information call 832-864-3384.

Good move? Meanwhile another mainland business has made a move. Good Times Cafe known for country-style cuisine has opened inside Zackie’s Check Cashing 2902 FM 1765 in Texas City.

The eatery serves breakfast (waffles and burritos to name a couple of offerings) lunch and dinner.

Good Times Cafe originally was at 2520 state Highway 146. But the new location has more visibility owner Cesar Alvarez said.

For information call 409-945-7300.

Buen provecho: Does anyone else hear mariachi music? The county now is home to two freshly opened eateries promising authentic Mexican cuisine.

Rio’s Authentic Mexican Bar & Grill 2709 Dickinson Ave. has opened as expected. The eatery in unincorporated county territory is in the building formerly occupied by Backe’s Bullpen which closed earlier this year.

For information call 281-534-3334.

Meanwhile during the weekend Linda Rodriguez opened La Kabaa at 12995 state Highway 6. The eatery serves breakfast lunch and dinner specializing in tortas tostadas and enchiladas. The eatery will focus on takeout orders but also can accommodate up to 20 patrons. For information call 409-316-9440.

About Joe’s: Judging by the e-mails a refresher is in order about Joe’s Crab Shack 3502 Seawall Blvd. on the island. A Sept. 6 article on the front page of The Daily News reported that owner Ignite Restaurant Group had hired crews to demolish the building and construct in its place a bigger Crab Shack. Crews are one month into what is expected to be a four-month project. Ignite did not elaborate about the size and design of the new building. Nearly 100 employees at the restaurant were given the option to temporarily transfer to one of the three nearest Joe’s Crab Shacks in Houston and Pearland. Stay tuned.

Center of attention: Has it really been seven years? Jamaica Village Shopping Center this month is marking its seven-year anniversary owner SSASS Real Estate Partners reports. Most of the original tenants still are with the 21750-square-foot center 16708 San Luis Pass.

Those original tenants include Blue Water Grill (new name same location) Buck’s West End Bar Soaps Cleaners and Laundry The Barking Frog (formerly Patio and Design) Esco Pest Control and Compu-Place.

Other tenants include Castaway Realty MJ Hudson CPA Apollo Environmental and employment firm Near Term Placement.

But the departure last month of Jamaican Me Sweat Fitness has made space available at the shopping center for the first time. For information call 409-737-2300.

Czech this out: After a monthlong break so owners Ladislave Klos and wife Terry could go on a well-earned vacation Courtyard Cafe 2519 Market St. will open Wednesday. The popular eatery and hangout serves up Czechoslovakian German and Hungarian food beer and wine.

For information call 409-763-3845.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays.