Foundations, frames and roofs are popping up across Casper despite the recent winter weather.

Between new hospitals, housing developments and hotels, Casper Building Inspector and Permitting Manager Doug Barrett said it's been "quite a year."

John Haass, owner of Haass Construction, is the head contractor for two new projects behind Burger King on the east side of Casper. He hopes to have a new Sanford's Grub & Pub finished by spring and an On the Border Mexican restaurant by mid-summer 2008.

On the Border is a mid-priced national chain of eat-in restaurants featuring entrees like fajitas, enchiladas and salads.

"We're in pretty good shape with the Sanford's," Haass said, shielding his eyes from the sun and pointing to the skeletal building. "But we don't want to open Sanford's until On the Border is under way so there won't be dirt and mud everywhere when customers are coming."

The downtown Sanford's will change its name to Uncle Freddie's Grub & Pub, another restaurant owned by the same company.

Here are some other restaurants and hotels coming to Casper:

* McDonald's: A building permit for a new McDonald's on Plaza Drive near the west-side Wal-Mart was issued but building has not yet begun.

* Menards: The home improvement store is ready to be built, Barrett said. "They will start the dirt work on the site as soon as it dries up." The store will be on the east side of Casper near the FireRock Steakhouse and Grill.

* Mainstay Suites and Holiday Inn: Both are under construction in the McMurry Business Park.

* Hilton Gardens: Barrett said the foundation and plumbing has begun and the building permit for the rest of the construction was issued for the hotel. Its site is on North Poplar Street.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@casperstartribune.net