Horrible news for the city of Corpus Christi... (Houston, Dallas: hotel, mobile home)

[gabetx]

Whataburger has announced it is relocating its HQ to San Antonio. After being started and HQ'ed in Corpus since 1950, its now moving away from Corpus.

Here is the thread:
Whataburger's move is a severe jolt to the city : Corpus Christi Editorials | Caller-Times |

Very interesting bud saddening thread. Anybody have any thoughts on what this may mean for or say about Corpus Christi?

[BJB817]

Didn't HEB do the same thing?

[Marlow]

Yes, HEB moved too. And so did the Omni Hotel corporation. You can't get a flight out of CC without stopping in Houston or Dallas and there's a shortage of skilled labor. Also, Whataburger says they're moving to get away from hurricanes.

[case44]

I realize that business is business, and so it goes with Whataburger's corporate move to SA. But regardless, nothing can change the fact that it was birthed in Corpus. It will always be, in my mind and in the minds of others, a Corpus Christi institution every time I unwrap a double-meat WB with cheese. Greatness.

[ocean2026]

HORRIBLE news for Corpus Christi is that each time someone drives into town on Interstate 37 they see miles of ugly -dirty and contaminating refineries. If not for that Corpus would be thriving and Whataburgers' move would be irrelevant.

True refineries have provided jobs but so would have a nice plan for all that waterfront- a people friendly port where people could view shipping and hang out- some nice housing developments- an amusement and nature part - all of that could have been put there and more.

This is why corpus hasn't been growing like the rest of the state.

[Steel Man]

Originally Posted by Marlow

Yes, HEB moved too. And so did the Omni Hotel corporation. You can't get a flight out of CC without stopping in Houston or Dallas and there's a shortage of skilled labor. Also, Whataburger says they're moving to get away from hurricanes.

Also, the corporation that is now known as Valero back in 1985.

[changeofpace]

Horrible? I would suggest surprising to most and unfortunate for those working at Whataburger HQ. Its strictly business and some decide to leave and some will decide to relocate to Corpus. Corpus is not geographically situated in an area favorable to corporations who rely on travel and attracting younger professional employees. Minneapolis/St Paul (Twin Cities) in Minnesota are suited for corporations but other cities in Minnesota are not. Corpus is not a large enough metro area for large corporate HQs but that could change gradually in the next 15-20 years depending on the national economy.

[BJB817]

I have to agree with the statement about the refineries.

It just seems like there's so much untapped potential for that City. Quite a shame...

[Philip T]

Originally Posted by ocean2026

HORRIBLE news for Corpus Christi is that each time someone drives into town on Interstate 37 they see miles of ugly -dirty and contaminating refineries. If not for that Corpus would be thriving and Whataburgers' move would be irrelevant.

True refineries have provided jobs but so would have a nice plan for all that waterfront- a people friendly port where people could view shipping and hang out- some nice housing developments- an amusement and nature part - all of that could have been put there and more.

This is why corpus hasn't been growing like the rest of the state.

Some good insight, and no desire to debate it either way -- but mind if I pick your brain a little on this?

What would be some good outcomes as far as the refineries?

A. Left "as is."
B. Packed up and gone,
C. Left in place and made to look pretty and clean,
D. Somehow blocked from view -- like junkyards tend to be,
E. Some other more creative idea?

Again, I am not trying to debate the merits and downsides of trade-offs between pollution, jobs, tourism, industry, appearance, but rather possible outcomes for the refineries.

Thanks

[bb54321]

Whataburger leaving is definitely a blow to the city's ego but life goes on. I think the city will survive just fine. As for the refineries, if you enter the city from the north, over the harbor bridge, it's really quite beautiful. The refineries coming in on I-37 are such a small part of what the city has to offer once you get there. Look at the ghetto we go through when cc residents drive to San antonio. Mobile homes galore. It doesn't keep anyone from going there. As long as the city continues to move residents away from the refineries, they are fine as is. Just need larger buffer around them. They provide a lot of high paying jobs.