HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Complex01]

Highland Tower (http://highland-tower.com/) is a Go...

A construction permit for Pelican Builders’ Highland Tower was approved by the city last week. Its a nice one...


:tup:

A rendering from Swamplot...

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/highland-tower-full.jpg

[pm91]

i need help. how do you get pics from your "My Pics" to here?

[Xeelee]

i need help. how do you get pics from your "My Pics" to here?

Use www.photobucket.com


it's free. :)

[Xeelee]

Highland Tower (http://highland-tower.com/) is a Go...

A construction permit for Pelican Builders’ Highland Tower was approved by the city last week. Its a nice one...


:tup:

A rendering from Swamplot...

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/highland-tower-full.jpg

not too bad.

[TexasPlaya]

Most be a slow week in Houston development, hasn't been a post in three days. We need to start to some bickering about building designs, why HP won't help downtown, etc. in order to liven up this thread. That is, unless, someone has some news about a Houston a project.

[Xeelee]

Most be a slow week in Houston development, hasn't been a post in three days. We need to start to some bickering about building designs, why HP won't help downtown, etc. in order to liven up this thread. That is, unless, someone has some news about a Houston a project.

I wish it would but it's not going to help downtown... UGH

[Wattleigh]

I wish it would but it's not going to help downtown... UGH

LOL.

[Great_Hizzy]

Heh.

[guess]

Most be a slow week in Houston development, hasn't been a post in three days. We need to start to some bickering about building designs, why HP won't help downtown, etc. in order to liven up this thread.

Well, Houston Pavilions is replacing parking lots, so I guess it can't make downtown any worse. On the other hand, I don't like the final design. A two story building fronting Main, yeah, that's a great use of prime real estate.

I was looking forward to the residential component, not because I cared how it would effect the retail, but because it looked like somewhere I would like to live. And I don't understand the attitude of saying it might be a good thing that the Pavilions is smaller because it ups the chance of developments on other empty lots.

New retail downtown will help, but it doesn't change the fact that the Pavilions final design is a disappointment from what it could have been. And I don't think there is anything wrong with pointing that out. I actually think that two or three different projects on those blocks would have been a better plan.

[photoLith]

Yes, the side wall on the Pavilions is just atrocious, I was in Houston about a month ago and One Park Place was looking good but I was very disappointed with the pavilions. Im sure it will liven up the western end of main but still it could have been so much more. I do like how there are overpasses over the street though, it makes it seem more enclosed and more like a dense development.

I remember when I first moved to Houston about 10 years ago and since then downtown has totally transformed from a hobo infested crapper to having a wonderfully lively night club scene in just a few years. Theres still tons of hobos and crappy areas but that will change, especially if the Dynamo stadium comes in too. I wish I was still living there to take pictures and to see the transformation, but alas, I am stuck in redneck Arkansas for now.:help:

[TexasPlaya]

Well, Houston Pavilions is replacing parking lots, so I guess it can't make downtown any worse. On the other hand, I don't like the final design. A two story building fronting Main, yeah, that's a great use of prime real estate.

I was looking forward to the residential component, not because I cared how it would effect the retail, but because it looked like somewhere I would like to live. And I don't understand the attitude of saying it might be a good thing that the Pavilions is smaller because it ups the chance of developments on other empty lots.

New retail downtown will help, but it doesn't change the fact that the Pavilions final design is a disappointment from what it could have been. And I don't think there is anything wrong with pointing that out. I actually think that two or three different projects on those blocks would have been a better plan.

I just don't think we'll have a significant residential population in downtown when there are so many options outsides of downtown (heights, washington blvd, midtown, eastside, etc.). Just too much competition in my opinion.

[photoLith]

I think people would rather live downtown, at least some would because those other areas are way too congested with traffic to get around anywhere. So, if they built more residential downtown, that is affordable, I think people would much rather live there. Im moving back to Houston most likely in a few years and I know Ill be looking for something downtown or close to it.

[Trae]

I just don't think we'll have a significant residential population in downtown when there are so many options outsides of downtown (heights, washington blvd, midtown, eastside, etc.). Just too much competition in my opinion.

I doubt it. Different strokes for different folks. Some people would like to live in a highrise condo in an urban setting next to a rail line. Others might like a town home, or single family home next to a rail line. For me personally, if I had a choice between Midtown or Downtown, Downtown would be my choice.

[TexasPlaya]

I doubt it. Different strokes for different folks. Some people would like to live in a highrise condo in an urban setting next to a rail line. Others might like a town home, or single family home next to a rail line. For me personally, if I had a choice between Midtown or Downtown, Downtown would be my choice.

True, but I believe it would cost more to build residential in downtown, which would put some buyers/renters out of the price range. I believe our downtown population will grow, but way more slowly than it's immediate surrounding areas.

[Trae]

I don't really think Midtown is exactly cheap either. Downtown will definitely be the slowest, but not too slow. A lot of projects are coming online in Downtown.

But now that I think about it, if Regent Square had a rail line near it, that would be my number one choice.

[Complex01]

:previous:

That is very true. I like the location of regent square. It would be nice to live there...

:yes:

[rdavis4559]

City to oversee huge sports multi-use complex

The City of Houston on Thursday is expected to unveil plans for a major multi-use recreational project in South Houston adjacent to State Highway 288.

The complex, on an 80-acre site owned by the city, will include as many as 18 outdoor soccer and athletic fields with natural and artificial turf. Part of the facility will house a practice field for use by the Houston Dynamo professional soccer club that would include site improvements paid for by the team.

The site is bordered by Sims Bayou on the south, Highway 288 to the east and Kirby Drive to the west.

Houston Community College is studying the feasibility of building an expanded campus on part of the site, just south of the college's Willie Lee Gay Hall campus on Airport Boulevard.

In addition, Wesley AME Church is expected to construct a new church building and possibly a charter school on a 30-acre portion of the site.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/06/23/daily33.html?ana=from_rss

[Great_Hizzy]

The "Black Hole" continues to see development. Let's see if retail starts to come on line as well.

[Complex01]

There is rendering, althrough not a very good one, of 5 allen center. At the current time the floor count is 50.

"This hazy image of a new office tower planned for the northwest corner of Downtown, unveiled from the depths of the interwebs by HAIF user nate, is apparently meant to be the new Five Allen Center. It’s listed as a 1.2-million-sq.-ft. “near-term future development” in a Brookfield Properties document from this month."

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/5-allen-center-shrouded.jpg

Taken from Swaplot (http://swamplot.com/five-allen-center-lifting-the-shroud-on-a-50-story-tower/2008-06-25/). 6-25-08

[Xeelee]

This is good.

[Texas Tuff]

Sweet!!! According to HAIF it will be an all-glass LEED Gold-Certified building. I'll be looking forward to some more renderings.

:yes:

[Shasta]

Here are two new views of FKP project's in Houston's Texas Medical Center.

The 8 story addition to the Feigin Research Center at Texas Children's Hospital (total of 20 floors)
http://www.fkp.com/upload/feiginexpansion_52610.jpg

The new Texas Children's Hospital Maternity Center. This project appears to be 16 floors according to their website, however some of that might be underground parking? The rendering appears to show 14 floors above ground but the text on their website says 16 floors... anyone know for sure? Future expansion will add twin 28 story towers and an additional 2,000,000 square feet!
http://www.fkp.com/upload/tchmaternity_75644.jpg

[Wattleigh]

Here are two new views of FKP project's in Houston's Texas Medical Center.

The 8 story addition to the Feigin Research Center at Texas Children's Hospital (total of 20 floors)
http://www.fkp.com/upload/feiginexpansion_52610.jpg

The new Texas Children's Hospital Maternity Center. This project appears to be 16 floors according to their website, however some of that might be underground parking? The rendering appears to show 14 floors above ground but the text on their website says 16 floors... anyone know for sure? Future expansion will add twin 28 story towers and an additional 2,000,000 square feet!
http://www.fkp.com/upload/tchmaternity_75644.jpg

The Feigin Tower now sticks out in the skyline from the south/southwest and I'm impressed how well the expansion has panned out, at least from the outside. Next time I'm walking in the area, I'll take a few photos.

As for the Maternity component, I'm going to guess that one side's site hasn't been updated in a while. That said, I'm not actually certain and I've not heard of the 2 28 story towers before. I can see where they might go nearby, though they are rather tight pieces of land.

[KevinFromTexas]

^ I like that 8-story building very much.

[Saddle Man]

It's pretty damn badass.

[rdavis4559]

Can anyone explain why this may be...

According to HAIF, Discovery Tower is going to cost $300 million, yet also according to HAIF, Williams Tower and its garage sold for $271.5 million this year.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/Building/3174/Discovery_Tower.php
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/Building/542/Williams_Tower.php

[Shasta]

The 28 story twins for the Texas Children's came on FKP's website. Said the current Maternity Center was being built to be able to accomodate future twin towers. One tower would house maternity and the other pediatric care.

[Shasta]

Here are two new views of WHR Architects projects for the Methodist Hospital at the TMC.

Outpatient Care Center. 25 stories. HUGE. Here's a cool view that I haven't seen before...
http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/healthcare/methodist/methodist_002.jpg

Methodist Hospital Research Institute. This one was announced as being 10 stories above ground, but the rendering and WHR's website now say 12 floors above ground. If so, it's another one for emporis to add!
http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/sciencetech/mhri/mhri001.jpg

[photoLith]

Man, the medical district is getting more towers than anywhere in Houston, soon it will be competing with downtown. i love it!

[Texas Tuff]

I really like the design of the Methodist Outpatient Center, and it is big no doubt! BTW, check out the link below for an apparent re-design of the Texas Children's Neuro Institute. It has a really cool "twisting" design on one corner of the building (I would post the pic myself but don't have a photobucket account, flickr, etc.)


Here's the link:

http://www.texaschildrens.org/Web/2010/01Neuro.htm

[Wattleigh]

Methodist Hospital Research Institute. This one was announced as being 10 stories above ground, but the rendering and WHR's website now say 12 floors above ground. If so, it's another one for emporis to add!

Added!

Also, here is the Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute that tuffaso mentioned.

http://www.texaschildrens.org/Web/2010/Images/NRI_1107.jpg

[Shasta]

Here are the first renderings I have seen for 3800 Main Street. This is a medical tower being proposed for Midtown near Main @ Alabama. Plans call for a 20 story, 570,000 square foot tower and a detached multi-level garage for 1,500 cars. Studio Red is the architectural firm of record.

http://www.w3eye.com/studio/images/stories/easygallery/55/1200590307_untitled-2.jpg

http://www.w3eye.com/studio/images/stories/easygallery/55/1200590291_untitled-1.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Very nice designs.

^ I like that 8-story building very much.

I meant the building with the 8-story addition of course. ;)

[TexasPlaya]

Wow, looks like the TMC is moving towards the 21st century with their designs. I absolutely love the future neurological research institute, it perfectly fits in the with the whole "neurological" theme in my opinion with the twisting front.

I didn't know there was a medical tower being planned for Midtown, I'm pretty excited to hear this. However, I feel that building might stick out like "a sore thumb" all by itself in between Downtown and TMC. Also, what's the building below the pic of the proposed Midtown medical tower?

[JManc]

Can anyone explain why this may be...

According to HAIF, Discovery Tower is going to cost $300 million, yet also according to HAIF, Williams Tower and its garage sold for $271.5 million this year.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/Building/3174/Discovery_Tower.php
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/Building/542/Williams_Tower.php

it usually costs more to build than it is to buy an existing building becuase of the costs that go with construction.

[Xeelee]

whoa... where did that ring/cirlce skywalk/way come from? eh?

[Xeelee]

Here are the first renderings I have seen for 3800 Main Street. This is a medical tower being proposed for Midtown near Main @ Alabama. Plans call for a 20 story, 570,000 square foot tower and a detached multi-level garage for 1,500 cars. Studio Red is the architectural firm of record.

http://www.w3eye.com/studio/images/stories/easygallery/55/1200590307_untitled-2.jpg

http://www.w3eye.com/studio/images/stories/easygallery/55/1200590291_untitled-1.jpg

I remember this from a year or two ago. I'm glad it's back.:cheers:

[Wattleigh]

Here are the first renderings I have seen for 3800 Main Street. This is a medical tower being proposed for Midtown near Main @ Alabama. Plans call for a 20 story, 570,000 square foot tower and a detached multi-level garage for 1,500 cars. Studio Red is the architectural firm of record


I'm impressed not only with the look of things, but also for the fact they're going with an architect based in Midtown. Nice to use the local folks when possible. Plus with this going in and the pieces of land to potentially be developed on the superblock and near the Continental Club, there could be a lot to keep an eye on in the future.

Any idea on the timetable in terms of construction/completion? The Chronicle article from last year said some time in '09, but I don't see that happening at the moment.

[Great_Hizzy]

Wow, looks like the TMC is moving towards the 21st century with their designs. I absolutely love the future neurological research institute, it perfectly fits in the with the whole "neurological" theme in my opinion with the twisting front.

I didn't know there was a medical tower being planned for Midtown, I'm pretty excited to hear this. However, I feel that building might stick out like "a sore thumb" all by itself in between Downtown and TMC. Also, what's the building below the pic of the proposed Midtown medical tower?

There's a parking tower proposed to go with the Midtown medical tower. Early speculation is that it will be situated on the lot west of the medical tower on Alabama (Alabama @ Travis), right next to Spur 527.

[Xeelee]

I'm impressed not only with the look of things, but also for the fact they're going with an architect based in Midtown. Nice to use the local folks when possible. Plus with this going in and the pieces of land to potentially be developed on the superblock and near the Continental Club, there could be a lot to keep an eye on in the future.

Any idea on the timetable in terms of construction/completion? The Chronicle article from last year said some time in '09, but I don't see that happening at the moment.

Right now anything sticking out like a sore thumb in midtown would be good. :) I t would add the vibrancy, density, and the skyline....

[Wattleigh]

whoa... where did that ring/cirlce skywalk/way come from? eh?

It's been in the plans the entire time. Two stories (I think) with a green roof.

[Saddle Man]

Green roofs are great. I can't wait.

[Shasta]

While not the biggest project around, here are some pics from har.com I found from The Edge.

I really like the decorative work on the streets and sidewalks
http://images-27.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/27/hr2170627-1.jpg

Pretty nice view over the Cullen Center
http://images-27.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/27/hr2170627-9.jpg

This area shows The Rise (taller on far left), The Edge (middle), Camden City Centre (top middle and far right) and some condos (top left). Does anyone know what is going in on the cleared parcel of the lot with The Edge?
http://images-27.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/27/hr2170627-10.jpg

[Cory]

That definitely is odd. Maybe a gas station with a "corner store" to boot. *knocks on wood*. Hopefully parking is already built for this project.

[Trae]

It might be parking. It does look like a gas station use to be there.

[Xeelee]

My friend Richard is a store manager for CVS. He tells me there are plans to build one on that lot.

[Wattleigh]

It might be parking. It does look like a gas station use to be there.

It looks to be a parking garage. You can see it under construction in the Google Street View trip around that block.

[CALMSP]

there's no reason to put a parking garage there........

whoever was teh designer for this is very stupid..........the placement of the pool will eliminate teh sun after about 130pm.

[Xeelee]

there's no reason to put a parking garage there........

whoever was teh designer for this is very stupid..........the placement of the pool will eliminate teh sun after about 130pm.

I'm sure some residents will have exciting views of a parking garage.

[Trae]

I just hope nothing suburban goes in there. That would be extra stupid.

[urbanactivist]

I like the midtown medical tower too. It would look odd there today, but with the projects that are curently planned in the area, I think it could work well. Plus, more jobs in that area will create a necessity for more residential/retail. It's right on the rail line and just a stop away from the future university line. Gooood choice for location.

[Xeelee]

I like the midtown medical tower too. It would look odd there today, but with the projects that are curently planned in the area, I think it could work well. Plus, more jobs in that area will create a necessity for more residential/retail. It's right on the rail line and just a stop away from the future university line. Gooood choice for location.

I've always said midtown could use more towers.

[Complex01]

Yes. Would become more walkable for sure. I am all for it...

:tup:

[Shasta]

Looks like this upcoming week's Houston Business Journal will reveal a rumor that his been flying around for some time now;

The owner of Austin's Hotel San Jose is planning on building a new hotel in the Lower Westheimer area. No real news other than it is confirmed and that it will "go vertical" compared to Austin's 2 story rehab.

Also, the same article mentions that people that used to be connected to The Lancaster Hotel in downtown are in the early stages of planning for a boutique hotel in the Washington Avenue area...

[rdavis4559]

GreenHoustonTX has a cool PDF talking about LEED buildings in Houston. Here is an excerpt:

City Projects Currently Pursuing LEED Compliance 
1. Frank Branch Library – substantial completion estimated Fall 2007; $2.3 million 
2. Westside Command Station – substantial completion September 2006; $8.3 
million
3.  Northeast Multi­Service Center – substantial completion November 2007; $6.2 
million 
4. Southwest Environmental Center (Household Waste Depository) – substantial 
completion Summer 2008; $2.9 million 
5. Oak Forest Branch Library Renovation – design commencing, schedule to be 
established; $3.0 million 
6.  Kashmere Multi­Service Center Renovation – substantial completion Summer 
2008; $3.0 million 

Non­City Projects, LEED Regis
1.  1800 West Loop South Offic
2.  African American Library 
3.  Greater Houston American H
4.  Rice University, Autry Court 
5.  Rice University, McMurtry Co
6.  Rice University UEL Building
7.  NASA B­20 New Office Build
8.  NASA B­207A Rehabilitation
9.  NASA Building 265 Addition
10. NASA Building 265 Phase 4
11. NASA Building 27 Astronaut
12. NASA Refurbish Building 2 N
13. Natco Office Building 
14. Panattoni Development, Bel
15. Harris County Precinct 2, Be
16. Radler Enterprise, Inc., Beltw
17. BP Commercial and Trading
18. Bullseye Storage West Dalla
19. Gerald D. Hines College of A
C Building 
20. Capitol Main Building 
21. Chase Midtown Building 
22. Central Green 9 Building 
23. Chevron HOU 140 Building 
24. Creative On Center Building
25. Houston Conservancy, Disco
26. DNA Westway II, Building 2 
27. DNA Westway II, Building 3 
28. DNA Westway Office Buildin
29. Eldridge III Office Building D
30. Emerson Unitarian Church E
31. The MedLeh Group, Equival
32. Falbrooke Building 1 
33. Gensler Office Building 
34. GT Mickey Leland R&A Build
35. Horizon Wind Energy Corpo
36. Koll Development, Intellicent
37. Julia Ideson Library Restora
38. Kirksey Corporate Office Bu
39. Main Rusk Building 
40. Oak Park Office Center II
41. One Greens Plaza 
42. Parc V Office Building 
43. Perkins & Will Houston Office 
44. Property Room Replacement Building 
45. Remington Square 
46. Satterfield & Pontikes Westway Park 
47. UT Health Science Center, School of Nursin
48. Sheldon Lake Office Building 
49. Shell Westhollow 
50. Shell Woodcreek Campus, Phase II 
51. SpawGlass Corporate Offices (Silver) 
52. Stress Engineering Building 
53. The Grand 
54. The Monarch School 
55. The Plaza at Enclave 
56. The Seniors Place 
57. Thompson Elementary Replacement School
58. Trammell Crow Energy Center Phase 1 
59. Trammell Crow Energy Center Phase 2 
60. USAISR BHT Joint Center of Excellence 
61.Walnut Bend Elementary School 
62. St. Cathrin Montessori (Certified) 
63.Walter P Moore Office Building 
64.Windfern Building 1 
65.Woods High School 
66. Schlumberger Limited Headquarters (Silver)

66 Non­City owned registered LEED buildings, and 
brings 84 LEED building in the City of Houston. 

The full PDF can be found at http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/epr/leedinhouston.pdf

[rdavis4559]

Per Swamplot, MainPlace's website has a bunch of new renders:

http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Night-Rendering.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Hines-with-shell-and-WF.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Aerial-View.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/East-View-from-Sky-Garden.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/East-Elevation.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Rusk-Streetscape.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Light-Rail.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/RMStreet.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Panorama-from-Sky-Garden.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/View-Corridors.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Renderings-005.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Renderings-008.jpg
http://www.mainplacehouston.com/enlarge_images/Renderings-007.jpg
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mainplace-roofgarden.jpg
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mainplace-site-plan.jpg
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mainplace-roofgarden-plan.jpg

http://www.mainplacehouston.com

[Michi]

I've always said midtown could use more towers.
Tell that to the light rail line. I'm sure it's ears are perked. ;)

[Xeelee]

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

[weatherguru18]

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

What is that? Is that a rendering of the new Boutique Hotel for DT?

Also, I posted on HAIF that (what appears to be twins) 33-story towers with 86,000 sqft. of ground retail to go up in the Galleria. The rendering is on HAIF. It's called Sage Plaza. It kinda slipped under the radar. Renderings are very nice with lots of palm trees.

[Trae]

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

Why post a rendering with no information at all? :koko:

[Von]

omg those renderings of Main place look awesome!!! umm is that rendering the Embassy tower or w.e.?? it looks like it!

[Xeelee]

Why post a rendering with no information at all? :worship:

Sorry I just got back on...

I'm not sure what that is. I found it somewhere a week or two ago. I forgot to bookmark the site since I was at work... :D

Anyone here know?


EDIT: I know it was supposed to be in Houston though.

[Cory]

Xeelee, you are a trip.

Anyway, the Sage Plaza proposal is old. The rendering has been there for probably about the past two years.

[Xeelee]

From that same Sage plaza site is mentioned a new Hyatt for Houston? Where is this thing supposed to go?

[Xeelee]

Xeelee, you are a trip.

Anyway, the Sage Plaza proposal is old. The rendering has been there for probably about the past two years.

Not good.

[Cory]

Xeelee, what you posted is the old Dominion on Post Oak rendering (http://www.uptown-houston.com/images/mccue_revised_flat.jpg) for Uptown Houston. Why is midtown in the url?

[Wattleigh]

Xeelee, what you posted is the old Dominion on Post Oak rendering (http://www.uptown-houston.com/images/mccue_revised_flat.jpg) for Uptown Houston. Why is midtown in the url?

Looking at that sketched rendering, I can't help but mention the fact that I think it may have been a recycled design for another Houston project. I recall seeing it (or at least a very similar design) in a model of a project called "First Capital Center" that was pitched around 1990 to be located at Post Oak & the east side of West Loop. I think it was the first big project (3 Buildings; 1 50-story office tower + 2 30-story residential towers) to be put forward after the 80's bust, though it obviously didn't go anywhere.

[Von]

okay so I don't know if you guys notice but the Proffesional St. Joseph Building is being painted with this depressing gray color and has a crane next to it?http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g263/Geebuzz102/d81c0e2c8800.jpg
does anybody know what' are they doing?

oh and also I work across the old Holiday Inn building and recently I've seen people in the parking lot...kinda weird because I haven't seen no movement around that building for as long as I remember

[JManc]

it was bought and is being redeveloped.

[Xeelee]

I noticed that the other day when I was scoping out the expansion of the BMW dealership there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010045.jpg

[Xeelee]

Here is what it looks like:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P1010028.jpg

[photoLith]

^^^
Is that downtown? I never remember seeing that hotel downtown. Maybe Im just losing my mind.

[Xeelee]

^^^
Is that downtown? I never remember seeing that hotel downtown. Maybe Im just losing my mind.

The BMW dealership is in midtown...

The hotel/empty building is indeed in downtown. You might not have noticed it because subconsciously you were hoping it wasn't really there. You know what I mean?:cheers:

[weatherguru18]

The BMW dealership is in midtown...

The hotel/empty building is indeed in downtown. You might not have noticed it because subconsciously you were hoping it wasn't really there. You know what I mean?:cheers:

Wow...if that ain't the truth. How long has this building been empty? It's such an eyesore. I'd much rather it come down. Can it be salvaged?

[AstrosFreak]

Wow...if that ain't the truth. How long has this building been empty? It's such an eyesore. I'd much rather it come down. Can it be salvaged?

Amazingly, the building has only been empty for ten years. It was turned into crap apartments a while ago, but was finally shut down due to numerous health and safety violations. Anyway, someone has bought it and thinks it can be salvaged. I think I remember reading that they were going to pour $50 million (though I could be wrong) into the building. That should help things a bit. Though, anything is better than what is there now.

[Wattleigh]

Can it be salvaged?

They're already doing work on the inside, and it sounds like they want to do extensive work to the existing structure. It is nice to see a number of people LEGALLY in the building actually working on it day-to-day.

[weatherguru18]

Never really bothered to count, but it's gotta be 25 to 30 stories! It's definitely a sizeable structure. If they can salvage it, that'd be awesome. However if they imploded it, it would hurt my feelings either. That's probably the only time you'll ever hear me say that about a highrise. Knowing what I know about the building, I don't think I could ever live there.

[rdavis4559]

An update on the Pavilions:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00406.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00407.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00408.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00409.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00410.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00411.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00412.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00413.jpg

That "Art Deco" cladding really isn't doing anything for me...

[Shasta]

The old Days Inn/Maharashi Bldg is being renovated. Rumors are the development group is hoping to land a national chain to anchor the hotel. Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Sheraton are the names being mentioned.

Downtown needs more hotel rooms and this will help. I'd like to see it turned back into a Holiday Inn. Downtown needs more moderately priced options.

This combined with the old Sheraton Lincoln being turned into an Omni Hotel is certainly good news. Now, if only the old Texaco Bldg could see action again...

[photoLith]

When I last went to Houston about 1 month ago I was appalled by the cladding on the outside of the pavilions. The eastern end of that cladding on the building is just god awful. It may even be worse looking then the parking lot that was there previously. It just doesnt look inviting to people looking to shop there. Is that section of the terrible cladding a parking garage or something? But as for the rest of the project I like it.

[Michi]

An update on the Pavilions:

That "Art Deco" cladding really isn't doing anything for me...
Maybe I am one of the few who loves the facade of the Pavillions. Not necessarily the gray metal part, but the overall look and feel is very nice. I think that once more lights and signage are added, more texture will be given to the street scene to create an improved sense of place. If not, then yah, maybe it'll stay a little bland.

I think the Pavillions are/will be a great asset to downtown...I just think Houston could have come up with a better name than a cookie-cutter of what Denver calls theirs.

[toxteth o'grady]

That "Art Deco" cladding really isn't doing anything for me...

Looks like a freakin' barcode...

[TexasPlaya]

When I last went to Houston about 1 month ago I was appalled by the cladding on the outside of the pavilions. The eastern end of that cladding on the building is just god awful. It may even be worse looking then the parking lot that was there previously. It just doesnt look inviting to people looking to shop there. Is that section of the terrible cladding a parking garage or something? But as for the rest of the project I like it.

I believe what you are referring to is where the music venue House of Blues will be.

[Cory]

I must be a minority, because I do not think the office "tower" portion of the pavilions does not look too bad. The skin of it sort of reminds me of the Collaboratibe Research (http://www.som.com/content.cfm/rice_university_collaborative_research_center) building going up in the Med Center.

[rdavis4559]

Maybe I am one of the few who loves the facade of the Pavillions. Not necessarily the gray metal part, but the overall look and feel is very nice. I think that once more lights and signage are added, more texture will be given to the street scene to create an improved sense of place. If not, then yah, maybe it'll stay a little bland.

I think the Pavillions are/will be a great asset to downtown...I just think Houston could have come up with a better name than a cookie-cutter of what Denver calls theirs.

I really do hope that we'll see some texture shaping up as things progress. I do think the Pavilions are a good asset, and though I just wish the design was much more exceptional than it seems to be now, I don't quite think it completely ugly.

[rdavis4559]

Reviewing the renders of the Pavilions, I think they will turn out a lot better than I had been pessimistically expecting (I know these have been posted before but maybe another glance will change some others' minds):
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav01.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav02.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav03.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav04.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav05.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pav06.jpg

Here is the house of Blues (it does look like a garage or mechanic shop):
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/hob.jpg

What do you guys think?

Also, I must have missed this back in May and I don't think it was mentioned here:
"Lawry's cools off on Houston Pavilions project

A major tenant that had signed on for the $170 million Houston Pavilions project has pulled out of the downtown deal, while a handful of other retailers are delaying their openings until next spring.

Upscale steakhouse Lawry's The Prime Rib will no longer be a tenant in the Pavilions, a 700,000-square-foot, multilevel mixed-use project that is scheduled to open in October. The remaining anchor tenants in the project -- which will take up four city blocks and be bounded by Dallas Street, Polk Street, Main Street and Caroline Street -- include Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, House of Blues and Lucky Strike Lanes.

Lawry's officials could not be reached for comment, but the company told local restaurant trade publication My Table that the Pavilions location has been scrapped..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/05/05/story4.html

[rdavis4559]

NATCO to build R&D facility in Houston

Oil and gas equipment company NATCO Group Inc. building a new research and development facility across from its corporate headquarters in Houston.

Houston-based NATCO (NYSE: NTG) is relocating its research and development center from Tulsa, Okla., to Houston.

The firm plans to build the new 30,000 square-foot facility at 4901 North Sam Houston Parkway, directly across from its corporate headquarters.

The center will triple the size of NATCO’s current R&D operations, the company said, allowing additional space for large-scale pilot plants, technology developments, computer and scale modeling, and laboratory services.

The new center also will include space to display working demonstration models and computer animations, as well as state-of-the-art training and presentation facilities.

NATCO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Clarke called the project an investment in his company’s future.

“To bring our research and development efforts right into the heart of our customer base presents a tremendous opportunity to continue to grow the business,” said Clarke.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/07/14/daily27.html?ana=from_rss

[Xeelee]

NATCO to build R&D facility in Houston

Oil and gas equipment company NATCO Group Inc. building a new research and development facility across from its corporate headquarters in Houston.

Houston-based NATCO (NYSE: NTG) is relocating its research and development center from Tulsa, Okla., to Houston.

The firm plans to build the new 30,000 square-foot facility at 4901 North Sam Houston Parkway, directly across from its corporate headquarters.

The center will triple the size of NATCO’s current R&D operations, the company said, allowing additional space for large-scale pilot plants, technology developments, computer and scale modeling, and laboratory services.

The new center also will include space to display working demonstration models and computer animations, as well as state-of-the-art training and presentation facilities.

NATCO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Clarke called the project an investment in his company’s future.

“To bring our research and development efforts right into the heart of our customer base presents a tremendous opportunity to continue to grow the business,” said Clarke.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/07/14/daily27.html?ana=from_rss



AWESOME!

This is good news. :)

[rdavis4559]

"Swami Ramdev to set up centre in Houston"

60 Acres of Yoga?
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Swami_Ramdev_to_set_up_45_mn_yoga_centre_in_Houston/articleshow/3248125.cms

[Reverberation]

AWESOME!

This is good news. :)

30,000sf means 2 or three floors. Still more jobs so a good deal for the metro.

[toxteth o'grady]

Speaking of awesome...

Houston: The U.S. Boomtown (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=5397007&page=1)

It's the sound some cities haven't heard for months — the sounds of construction and growth ring out throughout Houston.

In 2008, new construction permits for the city are up 30 percent. At least 100,000 new jobs have been created, and Mayor Bill White just proposed a $4 billion dream budget, calling for more police and firefighters while lowering property taxes.

Houston's boom was set off, in part, by the skyrocketing prices for oil and gas, which are the city's central commodities. Here, million-dollar homes are in high demand.

"They're selling faster than they come on the market," said Martha Turner, local real estate agent in Houston.

Government figures show that existing home sales have fallen 4.7 percent in the United States since April. It's a trend that has completely passed over Houston...:banana: :cheers: :cool:

[Xeelee]

Speaking of awesome...

Houston: The U.S. Boomtown (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=5397007&page=1)

It's the sound some cities haven't heard for months — the sounds of construction and growth ring out throughout Houston.

In 2008, new construction permits for the city are up 30 percent. At least 100,000 new jobs have been created, and Mayor Bill White just proposed a $4 billion dream budget, calling for more police and firefighters while lowering property taxes.

Houston's boom was set off, in part, by the skyrocketing prices for oil and gas, which are the city's central commodities. Here, million-dollar homes are in high demand.

"They're selling faster than they come on the market," said Martha Turner, local real estate agent in Houston.

Government figures show that existing home sales have fallen 4.7 percent in the United States since April. It's a trend that has completely passed over Houston...:banana: :cheers: :cool:

This is just the tip of the iceberg why Houston > *

[Wattleigh]

On the topic of residential real-estate, there was a pretty good report I saw on 11 last night with regard to the number of foreign buyers who are choosing to snap up properties in the area.

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou080715_tnt_foreignrealestate.5ad14ad7.html

[Great_Hizzy]

I still worry some about foreign investment driving up real estate costs and pricing out longterm buyers (that is, some of the factors that took place in markets like Miami and San Diego).

Then again, maybe I'm overly sensitive because everbody's freely throwing the "B" word around again.

:D

[Trae]

New rendos:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2693648621_759a137584_b.jpg

http://www.sppre.com/projects/projectsheets/TWNCT_RiverOaks.pdf

[TexasPlaya]

:previous:

Looks very sleek and fancy. Definitely will be a great project if it all comes to together. I wish it was on the otherside of 610 to add some density to Uptown, but that's only wishful thinking. Are there any office towers by this project or is it removed a little bit from them? I wonder where the urban park is (the PDF mentions one); perhaps it will be on top of one of the low rise structures where the green is.

[Von]

OMG I love it ! what's the hold up on this project?

[Wattleigh]

:previous:

Looks very sleek and fancy. Definitely will be a great project if it all comes to together. I wish it was on the otherside of 610 to add some density to Uptown, but that's only wishful thinking. Are there any office towers by this project or is it removed a little bit from them? I wonder where the urban park is (the PDF mentions one); perhaps it will be on top of one of the low rise structures where the green is.

Technically, the view is on top of a 16 story, 250k sf office building, so it's blocked out by the crop.

The talk recently has been for an early 2009 start for construction, so we shall see.

[rdavis4559]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMAG0002.jpg

[Complex01]

:previous:

That looks good. It looks really tall from that angle. Very Kewl...

:yes: