HOUSTON | Development Thread II [Archive] - Page 16

Shasta

Jan 27, 2008, 6:10 AM

Here are two of the best renderings I have seen for the Methodist Hospital projects that are currently under construction.

This is the Methodist Hospital Research Institute being built in the TMC
http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/sciencetech/mhri/mhri001.jpg

And this is the MASSIVE Methodist Hospital Outpatient Care Center that is rising on land between Main and Fannin right across from Rice U.
http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/healthcare/Methodist/Methodist001.jpg

Wattleigh

Jan 28, 2008, 12:37 AM

Thanks for finding those renderings. I don't think I've seen any of those projects in decent resolution until now.

I've been looking forward to seeing the Methodist Outpatient tower rise in that area. The parking structure within the base is starting to peek above Kindred Hospital (building in the bottom left corner) at the moment and it really gives you an early feeling of the density they're putting into that portion of the block.

KevinFromTexas

Jan 28, 2008, 2:00 AM

Man, the density in the TMC is just nuts!

toxteth o'grady

Jan 28, 2008, 2:27 AM

It's going to get substantially denser over the next five years.

That outpatient center, like everything else in between Main and Fannin is about 8 floors of parking with hospital and office space on top. That's a lot of cars. Hope the roads are ready for it...

Wattleigh

Jan 28, 2008, 4:55 AM

Some photos I took while out this afternoon...

Discovery Green

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02417.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02425.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02426.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02427.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02423.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02418.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02419.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02422.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02421.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DSC02420.jpg

2727 Kirby

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/2727Kirby012708.jpg

latennisguy

Jan 28, 2008, 6:20 AM

http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/healthcare/Methodist/Methodist001.jpg

cool..i can see my condo from here!! ;)

And, what's going on with the Ashby Highrise?

Complex01

Jan 28, 2008, 3:43 PM

Nice finds. The TMC is just insane, yeah they are going to have to work on those roads, a lot sooner then later...

:wizard:

Wattleigh

Jan 28, 2008, 5:00 PM

An $85M construction loan has been approved for a 17 story office building in the Energy Corridor. Construction is set to begin in February.

http://www.globest.com/news/1081_1081/houston/167770-1.html

Great_Hizzy

Jan 28, 2008, 8:12 PM

There seems to be a plot of land on either side of the Katy Freeway that is or will soon be under construction from the Loop to Highway 6. It's amazing. I was driving back in to town from San Antonio yesterday and saw nothing but cranes and construction equipment for miles.

And is anyone familiar with OPUS? I saw them advertising a development on a plot of land just west of HWY 6 on the south side of the Katy Freeway (between the Motel 6 and Super 8 Motel).

Wattleigh

Jan 28, 2008, 9:15 PM

And is anyone familiar with OPUS? I saw them advertising a development on a plot of land just west of HWY 6 on the south side of the Katy Freeway (between the Motel 6 and Super 8 Motel).

That would be this project:
http://www.opuscorp.com/pages/project_detail.aspx?ProjectName=Energy%20Crossing%20I%20and%20II

http://www.opuscorp.com/Project%20Images/EnergyCrossingI_II_l_01.jpg

http://www.opuscorp.com/Project%20Images/EnergyCrossingI_II_l_02.jpg

I don't think I've seen much of anything on it except for a small blurb in the Business Journal a couple of weeks back.

Great_Hizzy

Jan 28, 2008, 9:36 PM

That's it alright! I noticed the sign on Friday driving out to San Antonio. That parcel of land has been sitting oddly vacant for decades. That said, looking at the dimensions of that building, it seems like they might be tight for parking.

rdavis4559

Jan 28, 2008, 11:15 PM

According to www.energycorridor.org, 2008 will see "twenty-eight new office buildings and countless improvements to streets, parks and landscaping."

http://www.energycorridor.org/newsletter/08january/outlook.asp

Wattleigh

Jan 29, 2008, 1:25 AM

I see what you mean, at least judging from the Live map of the area.

Yet on the site they say...

Energy Crossing provides the market s most generous allocation of garage parking at 4:1 and can accommodate parking up to 5:1.

I've used Grisby to cut across the area when the feeder has been backed up in the past. Wouldn't be shocked to see that become a bit more of a headache in the future since it empties out to 6 and might be congested at times when the buildings are complete.

toxteth o'grady

Jan 29, 2008, 3:17 AM

Say, does anybody have an idea of what's going to happen to the 2 million sf of office space HP is trying to sell up in the Compaq corridor?:shrug:

Trae

Jan 29, 2008, 3:25 AM

I see what you mean, at least judging from the Live map of the area.

Yet on the site they say...

I've used Grisby to cut across the area when the feeder has been backed up in the past. Wouldn't be shocked to see that become a bit more of a headache in the future since it empties out to 6 and might be congested at times when the buildings are complete.

They need a light at Highway 6.

Wattleigh

Jan 29, 2008, 3:35 AM

Say, does anybody have an idea of what's going to happen to the 2 million sf of office space HP is trying to sell up in the Compaq corridor?:shrug:

Possibly office space?

It seems like a number of small (below 6 story) office buildings are popping up around there anyway. It would make sense to build in an established office park that is landscaped and has freeway access.

Xeelee

Jan 29, 2008, 2:45 PM

That would be this project:
http://www.opuscorp.com/pages/project_detail.aspx?ProjectName=Energy%20Crossing%20I%20and%20II

http://www.opuscorp.com/Project%20Images/EnergyCrossingI_II_l_01.jpg

http://www.opuscorp.com/Project%20Images/EnergyCrossingI_II_l_02.jpg

I don't think I've seen much of anything on it except for a small blurb in the Business Journal a couple of weeks back.

Ah.. just another suburban office "tower".

Xeelee

Jan 29, 2008, 2:50 PM

Say, does anybody have an idea of what's going to happen to the 2 million sf of office space HP is trying to sell up in the Compaq corridor?:shrug:

When I was there they were in talks with Shell and UH. Rumors where they were pretty close to moving in. There were at least 3 buildings and possibly 6 in total to go to Shell. The first 3 are 10 floors each and are right next to each other. The others are 5 or 6 floors - I cant remember now. They just needed to move everyone working in them to different parts of the campus. Going to take a while I think... if it is indeed going to happen.

Wattleigh

Jan 29, 2008, 3:53 PM

http://www.globest.com/news/1082_1082/houston/167822-1.html

Last updated: January 28, 2008 08:09pm
Legacy, CalPERS Starting $75M Residential Tower
By Amy Wolff Sorter

HOUSTON-Legacy Partners Residential Development Inc. and equity partner CalPERS have cleared the site and are preparing to break ground on their 330-unit Legacy at Memorial. The project, which will exceed $75 million of all-in costs, has 15% of the apartments dedicated for affordable housing.

The partnership acquired the 3.3 acres at Studemont Street and Memorial Drive in April 2007, with plans to break ground last September. "It took awhile to redesign the building and rework the plans," explains Spencer Stuart Jr., senior vice president and Texas partner for the Foster City, CA-based Legacy Partners tells GlobeSt.com.

"There used to be an old brickyard factory on the site, then it was a paper recycling plant," Stuart explains. "All of that was long gone by the time we bought the land, but we had to excavate the soil and remove it because it was filled with old pieces of brick. It wasn't suitable as a foundation for the project."

With the project nearing its groundbreaking, Stuart estimates completion will be November 2009. Legacy's plan is to hold onto the high rise through lease-up, but Stuart says he'll look at viable offers.

"This is a great luxury project that will give some people a very nice place to live at an affordable rate," Stuart adds. Legacy at Memorial will have a three-bedroom penthouse, totaling 3,568 sf, and the balance will be one- and two-bedroom units, starting at 868 sf. Projected rents are $1.26 per sf to $2.20 per sf.

Milestone Management LP in Dallas will be the property manager. Houston-based EE Reed Construction LP is the general contractor for a tower designed by WDG Architecture Inc., also from Dallas. Capmark Financial Group Inc. of San Mateo, CA is the lender for the construction loan.

Wattleigh

Jan 31, 2008, 2:23 AM

A couple of photos from earlier today. First the series of HP's skybridges crossing Fannin...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02430.jpg

Also, the progress on One Park Place. Working on the 17th & 18th floors now. Already installing the windows on parts of the 8th 9th floors as well.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02434.jpg

KevinFromTexas

Jan 31, 2008, 3:35 AM

Looking good. One Park Place seems to be going up pretty quick. I think back in October they were only on the 4th or 5th floor when I saw it.

Wattleigh

Feb 1, 2008, 2:41 AM

Looking good. One Park Place seems to be going up pretty quick. I think back in October they were only on the 4th or 5th floor when I saw it.

I checked back in my photos and it looks like they'd started on the 8th floor in October. The part of the base fronting La Branch took a while to rise, but the Austin side took has taken longer since the ramps that are part of the parking garage were figured into the work. I think they're only on the 2nd or 3rd level on that side of the project.

This is actually one of the first projects I've been able to actually track close-up as it happens, so I'm excited regardless! The location and the spark it's kicked off to the other planned projects is just an added bonus in my case. :tup:

CALMSP

Feb 1, 2008, 11:43 AM

when was Mercer Tower II cancelled??

Xeelee

Feb 1, 2008, 3:01 PM

when was Mercer Tower II cancelled??

Not sure... I thought they were going to build it facing the other way... perhaps the monolithic look and lack of any real design talent forced them to reconsider?

Wattleigh

Feb 1, 2008, 3:20 PM

when was Mercer Tower II cancelled??

Several years ago. At one point, I believe there wast talk of having four, which became two and finally just the one.

vjhe

Feb 1, 2008, 3:56 PM

when was Mercer Tower II cancelled??

It doesn't matter WHEN, just as long as it was cancelled. I absolutely LOATHE that building and the thought of additional buildings just like it, makes me physically ill. I'm glad it's cancelled.

Xeelee

Feb 1, 2008, 5:20 PM

It doesn't matter WHEN, just as long as it was cancelled. I absolutely LOATHE that building and the thought of additional buildings just like it, makes me physically ill. I'm glad it's cancelled.

Oh come now... it wasn't that bad, eh?

KevinFromTexas

Feb 1, 2008, 6:29 PM

I checked back in my photos and it looks like they'd started on the 8th floor in October. The part of the base fronting La Branch took a while to rise, but the Austin side took has taken longer since the ramps that are part of the parking garage were figured into the work. I think they're only on the 2nd or 3rd level on that side of the project.

You're right. I went back and looked at the photo I took (from 10/7) and it looks like it was up to the 8th floor, working on the 9th. Kind of hard to tell, we were on US 59. But nonetheless, construction is moving along nicely.

This is actually one of the first projects I've been able to actually track close-up as it happens, so I'm excited regardless!

Haha, I know what you mean. The first time I got to really follow a project in Austin was great. I hadn't really followed any construction until then, so it was neat.

Wattleigh

Feb 1, 2008, 8:00 PM

This week's Houston Business Journal has a couple of interesting tidbits.

One is the rumor of a highrise coming to S. Shepherd, south of W. Alabama on the site of the Fly High Little Bunny jewelry store. The property is being acquired by someone but it hasn't been closed on yet, nor has the buyer been disclosed.

The foundation work for MainPlace is scheduled to begin in March according to an article on the development of Downtown office space. The current vacancy rate in the district for all class-types is at 12.8 percent, according to a survey by Integra Realty Resources Inc's "IRR Viewpoint Report".

Not in the HBJ, but an interesting infill development is "One Origin Center". It was approved yesterday, and will be at the corner of Westheimer and Hazard St. The rendering below was included as part of the submission to the council by the developer.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/OneOriginCenter.jpg

Boris

Feb 1, 2008, 10:01 PM

Was in the Post Oak area today for a lunch meeting at Restaurant Ronit (delicious). So I took these shots including shots of the Cosmopolitan after the lunch:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08001.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08002.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08006.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08007.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08008.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08009.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08010.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08011.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Houston%20Post%20Oak%202-1-08/HoustonPostOak2-1-08012.jpg

Adios

..

Xeelee

Feb 1, 2008, 10:33 PM

Nice. Thanks for the pics. :)

Great_Hizzy

Feb 1, 2008, 11:03 PM

The foundation work for MainPlace is scheduled to begin in March according to an article on the development of Downtown office space. The current vacancy rate in the district for all class-types is at 12.8 percent, according to a survey by Integra Realty Resources Inc's "IRR Viewpoint Report"

The last building on the block to be razed was put down completely today. Now they're "sweeping up" the trash to be hauled off. It looks as if the March 2008 start up is indeed on track.

Wattleigh

Feb 1, 2008, 11:16 PM

Thanks for the photos Boris. It was an awesome day out and it's always interesting to see a closer view of the Cosmopolitan. Seems like it blends into the Uptown skyline from pretty much each angle from a distance.

The last building on the block to be razed was put down completely today. Now they're "sweeping up" the trash to be hauled off. It looks as if the March 2008 start up is indeed on track.

Excellent news! I was wondering how long that one was going to stay around partially broken up.

I've thought of heading to the garage across the street to get an overview of the site. Haven't been up there so far, but this might be the time to check it out.

Complex01

Feb 2, 2008, 12:08 AM

Great news. I am gonna try and take my bike downtown tommorw to see if i can get some pics. It was a great day today...

:cool:

KevinFromTexas

Feb 2, 2008, 12:45 AM

Good stuff. The Metropolitan looks good there.

toxteth o'grady

Feb 2, 2008, 12:58 AM

toxteth o'grady

Feb 2, 2008, 12:59 AM

Oh come now... it wasn't that bad, eh?

I could never figure out how it could withstand getting blown down in a windstorm.

But at least it's tall...

CALMSP

Feb 2, 2008, 5:50 AM

would have looked nice though, with two matchign highrises right next door!!

toxteth o'grady

Feb 3, 2008, 6:10 AM

Would have looked like it wanted a granite tabletop...

Complex01

Feb 4, 2008, 12:44 AM

Happy Sunday. So i took my bike downtown this weekend and had a little sun, before the clouds rolled in. When you were in the sun it was warm, but when in the shade next to some of the those parking garages, it was cold. Anyhow enjoy, now that i got me a camera, expect a lot more updates from me. Enjoy...

:yes:

Some random Houston...

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt32208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt2208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt11208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt142208.jpg

Main Place...

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt52208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt62208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt72208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt92208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt102208.jpg

One Park Place...

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt42208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt122208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt132208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt192208.jpg

Houston Pavillions...

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt182208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt202208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt212208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt222208.jpg

2727 Kirby and West Ave...

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt242208.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r317/am4ever7/dt252208.jpg

JManc

Feb 4, 2008, 1:36 AM

anyone know what's going on the intersection of westheimer and yorktown; they torn down a parking garage across the street from the CVS.

Wattleigh

Feb 4, 2008, 1:43 AM

anyone know what's going on the intersection of westheimer and yorktown; they torn down a parking garage across the street from the CVS.

I think that's the spot where the Aloft hotel (http://www.songypartners.com/fw/main/5433_Westheimer-68.html) was planned for. I noticed the fence was up over the past month or so, but I thought it was just for renovations or reconstruction.

c4smok

Feb 4, 2008, 4:22 AM

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v189/201/63/159900085/n159900085_30242354_2061.jpg

I do not guess anybody has posted this pic that was posted on TheHaif.com yet here.. Its of the Discovery Tower

rdavis4559

Feb 4, 2008, 9:48 AM

looks nice

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 3:46 PM

Is this where City Center is supposed to be?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010029.jpg

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 3:51 PM

It's all fenced out that's why I ask.

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 3:55 PM

Medical Center Tower. This one is on Fannin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010062.jpg

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 3:56 PM

Another Medical C3ntre Tower. This one is on Holcombe. Anyone know the name?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010068.jpg

c4smok

Feb 4, 2008, 4:06 PM

That spot does not quite look like it..

this is a very very old satilite image of the place..

Texas - Main - Fannin - Capitol Block

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=29.75931,-95.362287&spn=0.000834,0.001784&t=h&z=20&om=0

That one building is still there though, everything else is leveled..

Wattleigh

Feb 4, 2008, 4:41 PM

@ Xeelee: The block that's fenced off in DT will be 6 Houston Center, which is a 28 story tower and is supposed to have a groundbreaking on March 6th. The second building is the Methodist Hospital Inpatient Expansion (http://www.whrarchitects.com/fw/main/Details-74.html?ModKey=mk$cmsc&LayoutID=&CntID=5) (The site is wrong in that the building is supposed to be complete in 2010) and the final building is Life Science Plaza on W. Holcombe.

JManc

Feb 4, 2008, 8:38 PM

i thought 6HC is going up right next to 5HC

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 9:16 PM

Naw... it's a little off.

Xeelee

Feb 4, 2008, 9:21 PM

I believe this is some new Rice building. One with a roundish feature.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010044.jpg

Wattleigh

Feb 4, 2008, 9:43 PM

i thought 6HC is going up right next to 5HC

That's Discovery Tower. 6 HC is a bit tucked away behind 1HC and the Fulbright Tower on the San Jacinto/Caroline/Walker/Rusk block.

The building on the Rice campus is the Collaborative Research Center (http://www.collaborativeresearchcenter.org/).

toxteth o'grady

Feb 5, 2008, 4:32 AM

So many buildings, so little time...

Von

Feb 5, 2008, 7:56 AM

well I was waiting for the bus today and I took this snap shot of the Pavillions ehh! here it is http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g263/Geebuzz102/1595ca173d46.jpg

Xeelee

Feb 5, 2008, 2:24 PM

^^ Cool pic Von. I wish I could take the bus too. :)

Complex01

Feb 5, 2008, 3:23 PM

:previous:

Or the rail, i would love not to be able to drive to work. One day...

:cool:

Xeelee

Feb 5, 2008, 4:50 PM

yeah me 2

Von

Feb 5, 2008, 11:20 PM

well I had to take the bus again, so here are more :P
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g263/Geebuzz102/fa4b0e652cb5.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g263/Geebuzz102/0863c344bcf6.jpg

Xeelee

Feb 6, 2008, 5:59 PM

Cool

Xeelee

Feb 6, 2008, 6:00 PM

This is some dev off of memorial parkway.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010074.jpg

rdavis4559

Feb 7, 2008, 11:19 PM

AmREIT and Songy Partners LLC broke ground in late January on the previously announced aloft hotel, which is a moderately priced version of the W Hotel brand by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

The 153-room hotel is being built next to the 11-story Prosperity Bank building at 5433 Westheimer, at the corner of Yorktown. The hotel is expected to open in summer 2009.

The aloft hotel concept has an urban-influenced design featuring nine-foot loft-like ceilings, oversized windows and stylish bathrooms with oversized walk-in showers.

Each room will also have extra hi-tech features, including wireless Internet access and one connectivity solution for personal digital assistants, cellphones, mp3 players and laptops that is linked to a large flat panel HDTV-ready television.

Houston is one of the first cities to get an aloft property. Starwood is launching the hotel concept this year, and plans to have 500 properties worldwide by 2012.

Houston-based AmREIT and Atlanta-based Songy are 50-50 partners in the development project, which includes redevelopment of the office building next door.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/02/04/daily37.html?ana=from_rss

rdavis4559

Feb 7, 2008, 11:24 PM

Here’s a small discovery from today’s permit report: Work on the site and foundation of Discovery Tower — a 30-story office tower developed by Trammell Crow and designed by Gensler — has been approved by the city. The tower is planned for a block next to Discovery Green downtown, at 1501 McKinney St.

The tower will have retail space at street level and will reportedly tie into the tunnel system . . . by skybridge. A new parking garage will go up one block north.

http://swamplot.com/discovery-tower-ready-to-climb/2008-02-07/

TXLove

Feb 8, 2008, 12:18 AM

^^^any official heights for the building

rdavis4559

Feb 8, 2008, 9:29 AM

^^^any official heights for the building

Not that I know of... but given the heights of the other Houston Center and other Crescent properties... hopefully at least 33 stories.

rdavis4559

Feb 8, 2008, 9:34 AM

I found this on HAIF after some googling....

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/sixhoustoncenteroo1.jpg

The render looks different from that on Swamplot in the link I posted above so the render/height/construction start date may have changed.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/index.php?showtopic=14530&pid=222562&mode=threaded&start=

Xeelee

Feb 8, 2008, 5:26 PM

The link you posted is for Discovery Tower no?

rdavis4559

Feb 8, 2008, 8:43 PM

Sorry.. brain fart. You see I posted at 3:34 AM

toxteth o'grady

Feb 10, 2008, 6:41 PM

Sounds like Discovery Tower and 6 Houston Center will be about 400 feet each. They're not going to be as impressive as the 55-story towers they're talking about for the Galleria/Uptown area, but they will add a little mass to the downtown skyline.

One of the photo essays recently showed an aerial of Houston viewed on approach to the airport. The city appears to have three downtowns. With the project underway, those downtowns are certainly going to be bigger in five years' time.:tup:

Von

Feb 10, 2008, 7:07 PM

which pic is that? I wanna c!

toxteth o'grady

Feb 10, 2008, 7:26 PM

LSyd took this one...

http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/92159664/original.jpg

Von

Feb 10, 2008, 7:42 PM

omg ur right lol it's funny provably in the near future they'll join n be one :)

Samwill89

Feb 11, 2008, 12:32 AM

I know that three of the 20 largest business districts in the nation (including one in the top 10) are located in Houston. NY is the only other city to have three (i think). And they are all growing (two of them rapidly).

Nice to see the city increasing its relatively low density (4000 p/sq.mi.), though I will add that the 100sq.mi. core (610/SWAT) of the city is really dense now.

TritonHouston

Feb 11, 2008, 12:58 AM

rdavis4559

Feb 11, 2008, 10:01 AM

GALVESTON — An effort to transform a tract of wetlands on the east end of Galveston Island into a world-class ecotourism park is one of several projects expected to make the city more attractive to tourists.

Other projects include a skateboard park with a distinctive feature that is expected to attract skateboarders nationally, a new beachside gymnasium, a new tourism information center and a rebuilt city golf course.

Each plan came about for its own set of reasons rather than as part of a master plan, but together they may give Houstonians and others a new set of reasons to spend a weekend on the island.

The plan for an ecotourism park evolved after the federal government turned over the 230-acre former U.S. Coast Guard Loran Base property to the city, which combined with city-owned land forms the 686-acre East End Lagoon property, city spokeswoman Alicia Cahill said.

To get the federal property, the city agreed to undertake a master plan that will include a nature center and trails for public access, she said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5530069.html

Complex01

Feb 11, 2008, 4:51 PM

Wattleigh

Feb 11, 2008, 11:18 PM

A couple of the construction projects from yesterday...

One Park Place - It looks like they're on the 19th floor now with windows and panneling beginning to appear on several of the floors.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP21008A.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP21008B.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP21008C.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP21008D.jpg

Legacy at Memorial - A large piece of drilling equipment has been placed on site in the past few days so excavation should begin in short order.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02535.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02531.jpg

Xeelee

Feb 12, 2008, 2:57 PM

Looks like it is located on top of some soft soil.

Xeelee

Feb 13, 2008, 9:57 PM

I just got an email informing me The Titan's sales center is now open.

Wattleigh

Feb 13, 2008, 11:34 PM

Xeelee

Feb 14, 2008, 2:47 PM

It opened last month.

They sent out the sales packet to all of the "First Choice Club" members over the past week, and it has all 21 of the floorplans included. Construction should begin by July, but before then the sales team is having a cocktail party on March 5 to present the property to interested buyers.

Strange. I signed up for this "First Choice Club". Perhaps I should check my mail box. :( Any chance you could scan any of the pics from your literature?

Wattleigh

Feb 14, 2008, 4:02 PM

:previous:
That's odd... I signed up for it as well and I got the little "invite" for the launch of the project and I exchanged some emails with one of the brokers there. Maybe, if you can't find an email, you could call the # they have in their ads. They keep a list of who has signed up and could help you out from there.

As for photos, there really aren't any in what I got. Pretty much just all of the floorplans and the letter I mentioned. I think new renderings and the video should be out within the next week or so.

manus

Feb 15, 2008, 1:22 PM

http://www.houstonx.com/houstonprojects.gif

Anyone know status of Embassy Suites here? I heard about it a few months ago but things have been quiet ... is it going up?

(hat tip to c4smok for the map (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2743153&postcount=17))

Xeelee

Feb 15, 2008, 3:08 PM

I think it's still in the design phase. I could be wrong though.

Wattleigh

Feb 15, 2008, 3:16 PM

Yep, that's the story with the Embassy Suites at the moment. Making good money as a parking lot/company parking for One Park Place. Also, if I'm not mistaken, 6 HC will have a secondary garage a block below the old federal reserve building on that map.

Something interesting on the piece of land Uptown acquired by a firm from Dubai... the full article should be online within a few days, and I'll see what I can dig up in the print copy of today's paper.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/highlights/2008/02/18/story1.html?ana=e_ph

In brief...

Friday, February 15, 2008

Dubai tower looms on horizon
Development firm of distinction buys prime tract of land
Houston Business Journal - by Jennifer Dawson Houston Business Journal

A Dubai developer known for constructing conspicuous commercial and residential towers has acquired land in Houston.

Deyaar Development could build the company's first U.S. project on nearly six acres at the corner of Post Oak Boulevard and Richmond Avenue, south of the Galleria mall.

The tract acquired by Deyaar in January has changed hands three times in the past two months, and price of the dirt has nearly doubled in the spate of sales activity (see related story).

Deyaar dubs itself as the fastest-growing real estate company in Dubai. The firm's Web site lists 14 residential and five commercial projects in various stages of development in the United Arab Emirates.

jdawson@bizjournals.com

vjhe

Feb 15, 2008, 3:38 PM

^
While It would be great to see a tower there, if that rendering with the article is of the actual project, I am not too impressed by the design at all. I am a fan of flashy, edgy, unusual, asymetrical type designs, and Houston hasn't seen a lot of that in it's recent history.

Though this is a early rendering, if it is indeed the project, so far it seems a bit boring to me.

Boris

Feb 15, 2008, 4:27 PM

On HAIF they are stating that the rendering is of the Burlington in Dubai, not the Houston project:

http://cll.bizjournals.com/story_image/110451-400-0.jpg

http://www.gowealthy.com/realestate/uae/dubai/theburlington/index.asp

Xeelee

Feb 15, 2008, 5:31 PM

I'm sure they could come up with something more exciting. Perhaps like this:

http://birukan.fc2web.com/cj4n-nkmc/x-seed4000.jpg

Trae

Feb 15, 2008, 10:02 PM

Wattleigh

Feb 15, 2008, 10:05 PM

Here are a couple of stories from today's Houston Business Journal. I know the articles will come online in their entirety within the next few days, but I'm sure you wanted to read them ahead of time. :)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/Uptownmap.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/Dubai1A.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/Dubai1B.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/Dubai2A.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/Dubai2B.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DeyaarRenderings.jpg