Changes in University Heights: March 2026 Development Updates
Lots of changes are happening around University Heights:
Bahn Thai has been busy turning the former Johnston’s (which was the former Small Bar) just a few doors down from their always-busy current location into a new and much expanded Bahn Thai. According to co-owner Paul Srimuang, they are expecting a May opening, which will help make our annual Party on Park even more special this year! Stay tuned for more as the grand opening date approaches, including an exciting new concept that the family plans on launching in the current Bahn Thai location.
We bid a sad farewell to Dreamboat and Vulture at the beginning of February, the long-anticipated but short-lived vegan diner and fine-dining venues. After spending five years (and millions of dollars) buying and completely rebuilding the space at 4608- 4610 Park Blvd., the concepts opened with great fanfare last summer, but Kory Stetina (Kindred, Mothership) posted a heartfelt message in January saying that “High opening and operating costs, combined with the economic realities of today, ultimately made it unsustainable, despite very strong support and real momentum.” Stetina was backed by investor Arsalun Tafazoli (CH Projects: Lafayette Hotel, Born & Raised, and Ironside Fish & Oyster). The building is currently listed for sale.
The former site of Honeycomb Salon at 1733 Madison Ave. (next to Good Omen) that has been vacant since 2020 will soon be the new home of Whit at Home, a woman-owned interior design business headed up by former UH resident and now UH business owner Whit Solomon. With an expected March opening, we’re looking forward to the energy and style Whit and her team will bring to UH!
While the Brucker Education Center project won’t be starting for some time (see article on Page 1), remodernization is officially underway at Birney Elementary. Principal Rosas shared this update with UH News:
“We are excited to share what this means for our campus. Construction has begun on the Birney Site Modernization project, with fencing now installed around part of the playground and a tunnel-like fence to transport machinery from the field to the blacktop without impacting students and keeping them safe. The fenced section of the Willie Serrano joint use field is serving as the construction staging area and will remain closed for the duration of the project. New interim facilities will go up soon. They are currently working on the electrical and irrigation systems, so extensive digging typically occurs before or after school.
“This spring break, fencing will occupy part of our lunch area. The tables will be readjusted to support all students. This summer, our administrative offices will move into temporary spaces. Once that move is complete, demolition of the old administration building will begin. The school entrance will move to Meade Avenue for the 2026-2027 school year. In 2027, additional temporary facilities will be added to those already in place to house third-grade students. During this time, demolition of the bungalows will begin to make way for the new kindergarten area. The tentative completion date is by the fall of 2029. We appreciate our community’s patience and flexibility as we work through this multi-year project, which will ultimately provide our students and staff with a modern, enhanced learning environment.”
