We are asked about progress at the LH Town Center on a pretty regular basis.

Not to be flippant, but it's hard to get more than a two word answer out of anyone these days – "credit markets."

Fact is, when you mention the word development to just about any lending institution right now, they'll probably look at you like you haven't been paying attention.

Money still isn't flowing like it was prior to the collapse of the credit markets in 2008. It likely won't for some time to come.

That said, even though the steps of progress can't be measured by buildings going vertical, forward momentum is occurring.

Case in point?

The recently added "Wildcat Way" street signs went up along Walnut Hill this week, signifying that the ground level build out of the project is nearly complete.

"We're excited to be nearing completion of the infrastructure phase of Lake Highlands Town Center," says Stephanie Colovas, Prescott Senior Managing Director and LHTC Project Manager.

"The street names throughout the project are a result of an online street naming contest we held back in 2008."

"By far the most popular name was Wildcat Way, and it’s exciting to see the sign finally installed. There could be no better street name to signify the community's pride."

According to Colovas, the final portion of the project entailed construction of all of the streets and streetscapes throughout the development.

"It also included demolition of the old bridge north of Walnut Hill that spanned the creek, and construction of a new, larger, stronger bridge connecting to the new DART Light Rail Station," she says.

"Street paving and sidewalk construction and installation of all irrigation, electrical, landscaping, lighting and street signs throughout the entire project has also been on-going and is nearly complete."

Regarding the grocery anchor tenant rumors that are heating up again, Colovas couldn't offer any official comment.

Local talk currently surrounds the possibility of HEB making a bigger push into North Texas, while Kroger seems less likely based on recent investments in other Lake Highlands locations.

Whispers of Sprouts making a bid were circulating earlier in the year, and then there's Tom Thumb.

With a store not too far from the Town Center development, could they be looking for a bigger local presence?

It's still anybody's guess at this point, and we'll be sure to keep you posted with anything we learn.

The Town Center's official website can be viewed here.