Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio del Carpio.
Julio, please share your story with us.
We started creating a new development in Houston’s East End in 2000. We did several developments like the Laredo National Bank, Magic Palace, Marbella Luxury Townhomes and Plaza Marbella. The latter is a venue that looks like a Mexican Hacienda complete with gardens and country Chapel. The Chapel is a former one bedroom house that was used by several churches where 2 priests and 2 bishops were ordained in our Little White Chapel.
This development is in the former Old Harrisburg, the birthplace of Houston. The town that was established in 1826 and served as the site for the first Capital of Texas. Texas independence war efforts were directed from Harrisburg until Texas obtained its independence from Mexico in 1836. Now with the new arrival of the Metrorail, this site will be converted in the first Historical-Entertainment development and will be known as Old Town Harrisburg.
My old Town Harrisburg’s development will include the Alley of the Kiss, where lovers of all ages will kiss from two adjoining balconies, A new coffee shop and pizza shop concept will be featured along with restaurants, bars and marketplace.
Also, a replica of the first Capitol of Texas and museum will be built in the area.
Downtown visitors can reach the marketplace via Metrorail.
Has it been a smooth road?
I was fortunate to find out about this historical jewel in Houston’s East End, the first Capital of Texas that is not known by many people in Houston’s backyard.
The biggest and more complicated problem was to bring Metrorail to Houston’s East End. After 7 long years, the station was finally built in front of our development and a historical overpass was completed in the vicinity.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marbella and Old Town Harrisburg story. Tell us more about the business.
Delca Development is our development arm that owns projects like Marbella and Old Town Harrisburg. I also own an Architectural/Construction company known as Delca Design Group. We specialize in commercial design and construction. For the past 30 years we were responsible for the design-construction of thousands of stores in the US, Puerto Rico and Central America.
We are proud of our Old Town Harrisburg that will provide Houstonians with the first Historical-Entertainment development similar to San Antonio’s Marketplace / The Alamo that will feature a replica of the First Capitol of Texas and Texas Museum.
Harrisburg is also known as the Coffee Capital of the World will serve as the site to introduce our new concept of coffee/pizza shops.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Old Town Harrisburg will be the site to introduce our new concept of coffee/pizza/souvenir shops. This new concept will spread all over Houston and other cities in Texas. Our products will be sold in stores and supermarkets. People will kiss at our balconies, start the romance and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Pricing:
- Our venues have packages for weddings and XV’s starting at $ 3,000 / event
Contact Info:
- Address: Julio del Carpio
Marbella / Old Town Harrisburg
6632 Harrisburg Blvd.,
Houston, TX 77011 - Website: marbellahouston.com
- Phone: 713-926-7265 or cel 713-505-6877
- Email: marbella@marbellahouston.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
