It’s been the better part of a year since Pepino’s on Richmond Ave. started showing signs of closure (namely, since its name signage came down, signaling the end of the joint’s nearly decade-and-a-half run in Castle Court). A nearby reader spotted what looks to be some work to prep the stripmall spot for its next occupant, which was issued a few permits last week under the name Miss Saigon. (That name shows up in Braun’s leasing flier for its newly acquired property, too, though it’s not clear yet whether the name is connected to one of the other Houston Miss Saigon-inspired Vietnamese restaurants, or is merely another independent nod to the musical.)

Speaking of musicals, part of the former Pepino’s space looks to have been absorbed by nextdoor piano cabaret Michael’s Outpost, whose red door is visible above and in a few of the leasing shots of the remodeled center (below):

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The strip’s formerly-beige stucco and brick facade has been largely grayed out and striped over, with some other cosmetic additions now being shown off as well:

And potentially getting the boot from the center, per the fliers: The C Store, which occupies the far endcap, as well as D&S Washateria. Both spaces are shown as up for lease:

• 1415 Richmond Ave [LoopNet]

Images: Swamplot inbox (top photo); Braun Enterprises (leasing materials)