HOUSTON | Development Thread II [Archive] - Page 52

atlantaguy

Sep 2, 2013, 3:48 AM

What the heck are those two renders for? The Texaco building redevelopment? I hope not, I hope they build that tall residential in that pit behind the buildings, instead of that short thing. And Im super glad to see that something may be done with those beautiful buildings, theyve been in limbo for so long. Kinda retarded that they didnt use a Houston background though for the render, lol

Yeah, very bizarre that they used a Downtown Atlanta background for that rendering!

At any rate, the amount of development down there is absolutely astounding. We have a ton of stuff going on, but it pales in comparison to all of this. Beyond amazing...

Urbannizer

Sep 2, 2013, 5:15 AM

What are the cranes in the left for?

Maybe road work, I'm not sure.

Yeah, very bizarre that they used a Downtown Atlanta background for that rendering!

At any rate, the amount of development down there is absolutely astounding. We have a ton of stuff going on, but it pales in comparison to all of this. Beyond amazing...

Ha, I remember when it was the other way around! A lot of nice buildings were going up in Atlanta, but not for Houston. Many were either cancelled, put on-hold or downsized before they could begin.

Urbannizer

Sep 2, 2013, 5:42 AM

Richmond Landing
http://p50400.ipscdn.com/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-12156-0-95338300-1378095020.jpg

http://p50400.ipscdn.com/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-12156-0-94305500-1378095112.jpg
(Photos by Alec (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/12741-richmond-landing-richmond-and-garrot/?p=433304))

http://p50400.ipscdn.com/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-11762-0-36345000-1378146645.png
(Made by downtownian (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28676-downtown-by-2017/?p=433288))

TexasPlaya

Sep 2, 2013, 7:03 PM

Great chart of downtown. Richmond Landing looks pretty cheap.

Urbannizer

Sep 3, 2013, 2:15 AM

Skanska planning to build an office tower on block 317 (main/clay/fannin/bell)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9653611257_4b790d41fb_b.jpg

Rendering of the top of Skyhouse:

https://sphotos-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/578441_547988308584107_1250004766_n.jpg

AviationGuy

Sep 3, 2013, 3:28 AM

Urbanizzer, I really appreciate your contributions to the forum. I don't remember seeing you here until recently. When did you join?

photoLith

Sep 3, 2013, 3:44 AM

Wow glad to see that barren end of downtown finally losing those horrid wasteland parking lots. I used to live in Houston house and those parking lots made that side of downtown feel like the atacama Desert.

Urbannizer

Sep 3, 2013, 5:20 AM

Urbanizzer, I really appreciate your contributions to the forum. I don't remember seeing you here until recently. When did you join?

Thanks! I'm actually ()_T, my username was changed about a month ago. Also, Kevin made me a mod so I can keep the project list on the first page updated.

Wow glad to see that barren end of downtown finally losing those horrid wasteland parking lots. I used to live in Houston house and those parking lots made that side of downtown feel like the atacama Desert.

Yeah that area is doing great. The parking lot labeled as "Future High-End Residential" is the 5-story Alliance apartments, construction is scheduled to begin this month!

photoLith

Sep 3, 2013, 5:31 AM

What about where it says holiday inn flagship? Are they restoring that building? It's been abandoned forever.

DanielG425

Sep 3, 2013, 6:15 AM

What about where it says holiday inn flagship? Are they restoring that building? It's been abandoned forever.

Yeah they are! It's being renovated as we speak

photoLith

Sep 3, 2013, 6:42 AM

Holy crap it's about time.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 3, 2013, 3:30 PM

http://www.hbginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/TexacoRend2_early2013.jpg

http://www.providentrealty.net/images/texacoPictures/texaco1.jpg

http://www.providentrealty.net/images/texacoPictures/texaco2.jpg

The mystery of the "smaller" building was cleared up by a rendering in the Chronicle article. It's the garage base on which the Phase II tower will sit.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 3, 2013, 3:36 PM

Construction updates:
Hanover West University
https://sphotos-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1239478_537657102973102_1455533048_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/MathisGroup

7 Seventy
https://sphotos-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1173819_186524748193172_818123411_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/pages/7-Seventy-A-Broadstone-Community/128938050618509

These two projects seem to fit a familiar trendy pattern for urban scale apartment projects, which is a four or five-story dormitory wrapped around a parking garage. Dallas and Fort Worth are seeing several projects like these two. They seem to be aimed at recent college graduates. Nice, but familiar.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 3, 2013, 3:39 PM

What are the cranes in the left for?

Road work. I think that's where the Grand Parkway will cross.

Urbannizer

Sep 3, 2013, 5:27 PM

New renderings for 609 Main!

http://www.colvilloffice.com/properties/609MainAtTexas/images/gallery4.jpg

http://www.colvilloffice.com/properties/609MainAtTexas/images/gallery5.jpg

http://www.colvilloffice.com/properties/609MainAtTexas/images/gallery8.jpg

http://www.colvilloffice.com/properties/609MainAtTexas/images/gallery6.jpg

http://www.colvilloffice.com/properties/609MainAtTexas/images/gallery9.jpg

N90

Sep 3, 2013, 6:42 PM

Greenspoint Industrial Buildings:

The Greenspoint Business Center will soon have two more industrial buildings with a total of 351,250 square feet of space.

Industrial Developments International Inc., an Atlanta-based industrial real estate company, said it will construct the two new buildings — Greenspoint Business Center Building C, which is 106,700 square feet, and Greenspoint Business Center Building E, which is 244,550 square feet. With the new buildings, the whole center will have more than 750,000 square feet of space.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/09/03/greenspoint-business-center-to-add-two.html

Cory

Sep 3, 2013, 6:53 PM

I forgot all about that damn building. Haha! That's a good thing about the quantity, and luckily quality, of development going on in the CBD.

shakman

Sep 3, 2013, 7:58 PM

These two projects seem to fit a familiar trendy pattern for urban scale apartment projects, which is a four or five-story dormitory wrapped around a parking garage. Dallas and Fort Worth are seeing several projects like these two. They seem to be aimed at recent college graduates. Nice, but familiar.

This is a trend which has become very popular across the U.S.

TowerSpotter

Sep 3, 2013, 9:36 PM

Office Campus announced for Upper Kirby near Levey Park.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/09/vitol-set-to-occupy-new-upper-kirby-development/

International energy trading firm Vitol will anchor a new development planned in the Upper Kirby District, a developer announced Tuesday.

Midway Cos. said it will build an office campus for the company on land near Levy Park at Richmond Avenue and Wakeforest Street, just west of Kirby Drive.

The Vitol Group was founded in 1966 in the Netherlands. Globally, the company trades more than 5 million barrels of crude oil and oil products per day. Its posted revenue in 2012 of $303 billion.

Chris Oliver and Trey Strake of Cushman & Wakefield represented Vitol, and Michael Anderson of Colvill Office Properties and Shon Link with Midway negotiated the office lease. No other details were immediately available.

Houston-based Midway developed CityCentre in west Houston and recently purchased downtown’s Houston Pavilions, which it renamed GreenStreet.

Double L

Sep 3, 2013, 9:38 PM

My gosh...just when you think the boom is over it continues.

oscarinhouston

Sep 4, 2013, 12:54 AM

And I hope it won't slow down!

TowerSpotter

Sep 4, 2013, 1:21 AM

False alarm it's the Levey Park update.

Urbannizer

Sep 4, 2013, 1:40 AM

2929 Weslayan by tumbleweed_tx (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=106758789&postcount=16)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/9668757720_822bd3c65f_z.jpg

Sheik Zayed Cancer Center Building. From the FB page for Elan Med Center
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1098519_620712437961388_1094001472_n.jpg

Urbannizer

Sep 4, 2013, 10:18 AM

Astoria - 9/2

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1807_359463330851093_1184158598_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/HoustonEB5RegionalCenter

Urbannizer

Sep 4, 2013, 1:16 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9673016514_25beb6c8b0_b.jpg

Skanska breaks ground on Energy Corridor Office Project
Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. announced Wednesday it scored its first tenant for West Memorial Place development in the Energy Corridor and will go ahead with the project.

Norway-based Petroleum Geo-Services will call the 325,000 square-foot, 12-story office building its home and plans to occupy 122,000 square feet in the building. The new Class A building will be connected with a nine story parking garage.

New York-based Skanska acquired the 12-acre site in February 2012, which used to house the old Arco building at 15375 Memorial, for an undisclosed amount from affiliate of Allstate Insurance Co. A source close to the deal said it traded for $16 million.

Skanska is self-financing 100 percent of the development costs and will be handling the construction of the new building. The project is on track to deliver in the first quarter of 2015.

Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2013/09/skanska-breaks-ground-on-energy.html

toxteth o'grady

Sep 4, 2013, 2:41 PM

My gosh...just when you think the boom is over it continues.

And it appears to be based on new anchor tenants. Haven't heard of Vitol before; they've got to be the lowest-profile $300 billion company I've ever heard of.

And Skanska just announced a new project out in Memorial based on another tenant that claimed 122,000 sf right off the bat.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 4, 2013, 2:44 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9673016514_25beb6c8b0_b.jpg

I'm not sure how you're getting those HBJ graphics to post, but I'll have to learn that trick. All I get is the URL.:shrug:

TowerSpotter

Sep 4, 2013, 2:52 PM

Houston Spaceport renderings to be unveiled on Wednesday. Proposed Terminal and Museum.

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2013/09/04/proposed-spaceport-in-houston-to-be-discussed/

Urbannizer

Sep 4, 2013, 3:01 PM

I'm not sure how you're getting those HBJ graphics to post, but I'll have to learn that trick. All I get is the URL.:shrug:

I save the renderings and re-upload them to my Flickr.

You can also tweak the URL of an image from HBJ to make it larger. I changed the image size from 600 to 1000.

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/963031/westmemorialplace*600.jpg

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/963031/westmemorialplace*1000.jpg

TowerSpotter

Sep 4, 2013, 8:49 PM

Construction for Hine's Tower on San Felipe set in 60 days.

Houston Chronicle:

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/09/hines-to-break-ground-on-san-felipe-office-tower-in-60-days/?cmpid=staffblogshcat

TowerSpotter

Sep 4, 2013, 9:33 PM

Well this is a rendering for the Houston Spaceport. Houston is not just the Energy Capital of the world but also the Space City.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9673100559_411c83ec5f_b.jpg

Houston Airports Unveil First Look at Proposed Spaceport

The Houston Airport System unveiled part of its vision for the future of Ellington Airport (EFD) today, as conceptual renderings of a possible Spaceport were released to the public. The design/drawings capture various elements of the overall project, including a terminal facility, an aviation museum and the accompanying aerospace industries that would most certainly arrive should Houston become the nation's ninth licensed Spaceport.

Houston City Council members agreed with that assessment on July 17, 2013, when they voiced their overwhelming support for the pursuit of Spaceport licensing at Ellington Airport. Should the required licensing be secured, the Houston Airport System (HAS) would move forward in establishing the required infrastructure and support facilities needed to accommodate enterprises such as space vehicle assembly, launching of micro-satellites, Astronaut training, zero gravity experimentation and space tourism.

"It's important to realize that this type of work is already taking place today," said Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. "This is not a conversation based on science fiction or futuristic projections. This is a conversation about how Houston can access and enhance an industry that is already well-established and growing exponentially."

The city of Houston stands as an ideal location for a future Spaceport, featuring a booming economy with a strong aerospace industrial base, a well educated workforce with experience in the high-tech demands of space exploration and plenty of room for growth at a strategically located airport facility.

Situated near the Gulf of Mexico, with ample available space for development, Ellington Airport seems tailor-made for the requirements that are associated with an operating licensed Spaceport. Diaz says licensing from the FAA could come as soon as next year.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/9676302768_f5b65e8c6f_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9673106479_4b88c33b46_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9676330718_4cebd19cbf_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/9676293264_f182b7811b_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/9676286496_086c6d851e_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9676296904_27a95bd6f0_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/9673061295_1620242fd6_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9676287740_2d4ee699db_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/9673044909_7fea86e365_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9676276814_94804a99d2_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/9673059825_a39292b483_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9673080355_ab3fe98e3f_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9673083799_904d8487e3_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9676282294_eae2d9759d_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9676315868_63294c4a97_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9676324052_619dafa33e_b.jpg

JoninATX

Sep 4, 2013, 10:00 PM

Houston is becoming a beast. There is no stopping this monster down.

TowerSpotter

Sep 4, 2013, 10:37 PM

Houston is becoming a beast. There is no stopping this monster down.

Agreed, these are really exciting times for Houston, :)

DanielG425

Sep 5, 2013, 12:15 AM

Is that the metrorail? Ahhhh yeah

oscarinhouston

Sep 5, 2013, 2:56 AM

I hope one day they extend the MetroRail to the Airports, that would definitely help Houston to improve tourism and transportation

kingkirbythe....

Sep 5, 2013, 3:14 AM

I want to go to space from there.

TowerSpotter

Sep 5, 2013, 3:15 AM

I hope one day they extend the MetroRail to the Airports, that would definitely help Houston to improve tourism and transportation

They are doing it to the Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Double L

Sep 5, 2013, 3:37 AM

Same with Hobby. The light rail will reach Hobby before it reaches Bush.

oscarinhouston

Sep 5, 2013, 4:01 AM

Same with Hobby. The light rail will reach Hobby before it reaches Bush.

Have they set a date yet? when when are they going to start?

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 9:16 AM

Simon Property Group will redevelop Saks & Galleria III, plans also call for a 300-unit residential high-rise at W. Alabama and Sage!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9675993939_822b8f17e6_b.jpg

Galleria project aims to up glam factor

An ambitious plan to bring more high-end retail to the Houston Galleria will start with moving Saks Fifth Avenue into fancier digs and getting rid of one of the mall's two Macy's department stores.

When demolition and reconstruction of what is now the Galleria III is complete, scheduled for fall 2015, an expanded Saks flagship will open in the space now occupied by the Macy's facing Sage and other shops.

***

Contis said a 300-unit residential high-rise - with an outdoor pool and an indoor connection to the Galleria - is envisioned for the corner of West Alabama and Sage.

He said Simon is still in the planning process, studying infrastructure and construction issues, "but we think it can get done."

Full article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Galleria-project-aims-to-up-glam-factor-4788137.php

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 9:35 AM

Cameron acquired 25 acres from Apache along the W Sam Houston Parkway to build a new HQ, and this may be the design for it!

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/Corporate_Development/Corporate_Development_2.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/Corporate_Development/Corporate_Development_3.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/Corporate_Development/Corporate_Development_4.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/Corporate_Development/Corporate_Development_5.jpg

Prominently located on a 24 acre site, this multi-phased office complex was master planned to serve as a corporate headquarters and to provide Class-A office space for additional tenants.

Sustainably designed to achieve LEED-CS Gold certification, the development allows for the flexible build out of up to four buildings and three parking structures. The office buildings have been designed in an arc around a richly landscaped garden and water feature. The focal point of the development, this unique open space provides an intimate, verdant environment to be enjoyed by employees, tenants and visitors.

The initial phase of the development features a thirty-story, 720,000 gsf tower which is set back from the arc and on axis with the garden. The tower anchors the development and offers a distinctive landmark for the corporate headquarters. Subsequent buildings range in height from 9 to 14 stories and from 216,000 to 336,000 gsf in area.

Size: 1.6 million gsf
Client: Confidential
Architect of Record: Kendall/Heaton Associates
Status: Concept Design

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/corporate_development_mp.html

toxteth o'grady

Sep 5, 2013, 1:03 PM

Construction for Hine's Tower on San Felipe set in 60 days.[/URL]

Ah, 60 days is an eternity...

A lot of Sturm und Drang over a 17-story building. I'm not sure why River Oaks is so exercised over it.

And comments like this are always intriguing:
"Somewhat mysteriously, Mooz mentioned two other “corporate developments” Hines is working on, but is not prepared to reveal."

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 1:26 PM

And comments like this are always intriguing:
"Somewhat mysteriously, Mooz mentioned two other “corporate developments” Hines is working on, but is not prepared to reveal."

34-story tower for Apache that will go up at BLVD Place. The second is a 23-story tower for Hilcorp Energy on the downtown Macy's site.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 5, 2013, 1:59 PM

shakman

Sep 5, 2013, 2:02 PM

34-story tower for Apache that will go up at BLVD Place. The second is a 23-story tower for Hilcorp Energy on the downtown Macy's site.

I knew a highrise is proposed for the Macy's Downtown site. Though I was unaware about any firm proposal(s). Are there any renderings and /or press releases relative to the Macy's site highrise which you can provide?

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 2:34 PM

I knew a highrise is proposed for the Macy's Downtown site. Though I was unaware about any firm proposal(s). Are there any renderings and /or press releases relative to the Macy's site highrise which you can provide?

No renderings yet. Here's a few things that is known about the tower:

Macy's building coming down Sept 22.
Building believed to begin construction the end of this year or ealry next year
23-Stories, said to look like an elliptical prism
Delevoper: Hines
Park like area on the roof top floor
Does not take up the whole block
Retail included
December 2015 completion date

That info comes from someone on HAIF, below is a Swamplot article from June that confirms Hilcorp will build a tower on the site.

http://swamplot.com/hilcorp-shows-employees-the-20-story-tower-replacing-the-downtown-macys/2013-06-10/

Double L

Sep 5, 2013, 6:18 PM

Have they set a date yet? when when are they going to start?

No date yet but it's voter approved. The East End rail line under construction will end at Hobby. The Northline extension for the red line will end at The Woodlands and will stop at Bush along the way. It could be more than a decade until those projects are completed though.

TowerSpotter

Sep 5, 2013, 6:20 PM

Maybe the Westin hotel will also get a makeover since it just recently got sold.

http://www.cpexecutive.com/regions/southwest/inland-repositioning-its-portfolio-with-purchase-of-2-westin-hotels-for-220m/

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 6:33 PM

Houston Spaceport Video Rendering:

UzfC4US-6gw

Cory

Sep 5, 2013, 7:25 PM

No date yet but it's voter approved. The East End rail line under construction will end at Hobby. The Northline extension for the red line will end at The Woodlands and will stop at Bush along the way. It could be more than a decade until those projects are completed though.

Actually sounds effective.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 5, 2013, 7:37 PM

In a decade, when the rail gets out to the airport, Houston will have over 7 million people in the metro and will be America's Next Great Global City (according to Forbes).

Houston named 'America's next great global city' (http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2013/america-next-decade.html)

Urbannizer

Sep 5, 2013, 8:41 PM

Some updates/new info on a few projects thanks to the HBJ:

900 Preston

A 33-story Market Square multifamily development with 289 units at 327,000 square feet. He said the company expects to be completed with this project by the first quarter of 2016.

Hines Museum District

A 25-story multifamily project in the Museum District with 250 units and 301,000 square feet.

Other Projects by Hines

Other projects in the works for Hines: Shell Woodcreek and Memorial Point, a 16-story, 400,000-square-foot office tower near Interstate 10 and the 610 Loop.

Capitol Tower (Skanska)

Capitol Tower, the former Houston Club building, is on schedule and is currently undergoing interior abatement and demolition. For those wondering, the tower’s design officially calls for 35 stories and will have a direct linkage to the tunnel system.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/09/three-top-real-estate-professionals.html?page=2

N90

Sep 6, 2013, 12:48 AM

There's this too, http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2013/09/mixed-use-project-developing-near.html

oscarinhouston

Sep 6, 2013, 2:34 AM

It seems like the city and it's economy is on steroids and I love it!!

TowerSpotter

Sep 6, 2013, 3:27 AM

It seems like the city and it's economy is on steroids and I love it!!

Haha yeah, as I said on the other thehaif, Both the Spaceport and Generation Park are both going to stregthen the city's economy more that what is now.

Now we all await to see South Padre Island (Space X) and Midlands (XCOR) Spaceports renderings.

Sharkey

Sep 6, 2013, 4:02 AM

It seems like the city and it's economy is on steroids and I love it!!

Yep, I'm always very impressed with Houston. It seems like every time I get on here there is something new announced in Houston.

rdavis4559

Sep 6, 2013, 12:11 PM

No renderings yet. Here's a few things that is known about the tower:

Macy's building coming down Sept 22.
Building believed to begin construction the end of this year or ealry next year
23-Stories, said to look like an elliptical prism
Delevoper: Hines
Park like area on the roof top floor
Does not take up the whole block
Retail included
December 2015 completion date

That info comes from someone on HAIF, below is a Swamplot article from June that confirms Hilcorp will build a tower on the site.

http://swamplot.com/hilcorp-shows-employees-the-20-story-tower-replacing-the-downtown-macys/2013-06-10/

I work in the reliant building which is directly across the street from and overlooks the macys building. I was excited and ready to watch the upcoming implosion when building management announced that the building would be closed the entire weekend. I could have chosen a view from the 11th to 18th floors or the 31st floor and it would have been awesome.... oh well.

oscarinhouston

Sep 6, 2013, 4:09 PM

Do you know at what time? I want to see it!

Urbannizer

Sep 6, 2013, 4:58 PM

Do you know at what time? I want to see it!

6:10am. Big crowd will be there to watch. :)

toxteth o'grady

Sep 6, 2013, 5:13 PM

Yet another Alexan - this time in the Woodlands.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/2013/09/tcc-600x300.jpg

toxteth o'grady

Sep 6, 2013, 5:15 PM

And Sugar Land is about to build a 6,500-seat performing arts center.

http://blog.chron.com/rantandrave/wp-content/blogs.dir/2621/files/2013/09/Performing-Arts-Center-Rendering-600x355.jpg

Urbannizer

Sep 6, 2013, 5:49 PM

In this week's HBJ print edition, there's a teaser from Transwestern. Anyone know more? Hopefully it's something great.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9688631340_8025fd8fba_z.jpg

TowerSpotter

Sep 6, 2013, 6:32 PM

Nice Urbannizer, I also want to see a Loew's Hotel and Resorts here in Houston like the one in Atlanta.

rdavis4559

Sep 7, 2013, 1:45 AM

Do you know at what time? I want to see it!

This is the info I have:

On Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 07:00 the former Macy building will be imploded and this event will affect operations at One Thousand Main.

The current schedule of event is as follows;

1. The week of 9 September - scaffolding will be erected around the building which will be used to assist the workers in setting up protection around the building.

2. Saturday September 21st, as early as 12:00 (noon) OTM will be closed to all, and is not schedule to reopen until 6pm or later on Sunday September 22nd.

3. On Saturday September 21st, several streets will be closed around OTM, the garage access will be limited to McKinney Street (security will direct traffic).

4. Upon the building closing, OTM’s mechanical systems on the roof of level 11 will be turned off and sealed due to the large amount of dust that will be generated from the Macy building implosion.

5. On Sunday September 22nd after the implosion is complete and TransWestern (Building Management) receives authorization, cleanup will start and the mechanical systems checked prior to bringing the building online.

6. Communication will be sent informing all when the building is all clear and open.

Urbannizer

Sep 7, 2013, 9:38 AM

2929 Weslayan by The Pragmatist (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/15624-40-story-residential-tower-by-pm-realty-at-weslayan-and-west-alabama/?p=433746)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9687808091_b7797c5b50_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9691049524_7580d7115b_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9691049620_836e48e659_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9687808437_403cd3b6db_c.jpg

Urbannizer

Sep 7, 2013, 11:30 AM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9676324052_619dafa33e_b.jpg

How real is the possibility of a Houston spaceport?
To many people outside of NASA, the idea of commercial spaceflight may seem like too much science fiction thinking without enough roots in reality.

If this were the case, it wouldn’t make that much sense for the city of Houston to invest in a spaceport.

However, space experts insist that commercial spaceflight is right around the corner.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/nuts-and-bolts/2013/09/how-real-is-the-houston-spaceport.html

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9693468198_8fd0fde807_b.jpg

Deal of the Week: 6-story 'tiltwall' building

Stream Realty Partners and joint venture partner CapLease broke ground on what they say will be the first six-story "tiltwall" office building in Texas.

Sierra Pines II, a 154,213-square-foot building going up at 1585 Sawdust Road in The Woodlands, is being built before securing any tenants. The building will feature a two-story lobby, floors averaging 25,740 square feet, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the design.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Deal-of-the-Week-6-story-tiltwall-building-4794060.php

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9693468118_b6232e8f4e_b.jpg

Vacation homes back in style in Galveston

Demand for vacation homes in Galveston is rising as memories of Ike-flattened houses have faded along with the recession that was setting in when the 2008 hurricane blew through.

Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston and surrounding coastal communities, destroying homes and driving away a sizable portion of the population. Five years later, the area seems to be recovered and improving each year, with an increase in home sales this year and an uptick in visitors renting island properties.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Vacation-homes-back-in-style-in-Galveston-4793680.php

Urbannizer

Sep 7, 2013, 7:29 PM

Astoria
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2009%2007/IMG_1931_zps7d70a12f.jpg

BLVD Place and Hanover Post Oak
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2009%2007/IMG_1926_zps4fecf0c5.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2009%2007/IMG_1928_zpsf9c6f8af.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2009%2007/IMG_1927_zps2b954a3b.jpg
Photos by HAIFer Skylineview (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/6106-latest-blvd-place-news-and-pictures/?p=433787)

Skyhouse
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9693045143_066fc0ee9a_b.jpg

Samsung Tower
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/9495279735_e8e3c8c916_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9498080324_c2a336460e_b.jpg

BriarPark Green - Building on the left, recently completed
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/9498080172_a22f1d3239_b.jpg
Flickr Camdenapts (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camdenapts)

TowerSpotter

Sep 7, 2013, 9:12 PM

Wow I love that last picture!

atlantaguy

Sep 7, 2013, 11:16 PM

I can't believe all of this! I also can't believe I've never been down there.

I think a Fall getaway weekend may be in order.

photoLith

Sep 7, 2013, 11:28 PM

For the sky house, what's going in on the rest of the lot. Please don't tell me it will be just an asphalt parking lot.

atlantaguy

Sep 8, 2013, 12:04 AM

For the sky house, what's going in on the rest of the lot. Please don't tell me it will be just an asphalt parking lot.

It will probably be a large parking deck, that has been their formula for all of them so far. If the City insists, they will screen the garage somewhat and add ground level retail. But only if the City insists - otherwise, just expect a large deck to take up the adjacent land.

They modified their plans here on the second one that is nearing completion. But only because the neighborhood and the Midtown Alliance freaked out and demanded they do so.

AustinTay

Sep 8, 2013, 12:06 AM

For the sky house, what's going in on the rest of the lot. Please don't tell me it will be just an asphalt parking lot.

There is going to be a garage.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 1:06 AM

The Skyhouse garage in Houston is going to have retail too.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 4:46 AM

Here are some new Spaceport Rendering's I found.

http://i.imgur.com/x02RAxE.png

http://i.imgur.com/80M2yz0.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BCQp2Wn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hdSAAmB.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fni3bj9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OQFozfn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LOi79kb.jpg

photoLith

Sep 8, 2013, 4:54 AM

So does this space port have an reality of happening ever?

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 5:35 AM

So does this space port have an reality of happening ever?

Posted Earlier by Urbannizer:

Originally Posted by HBJ
How real is the possibility of a Houston spaceport?
To many people outside of NASA, the idea of commercial spaceflight may seem like too much science fiction thinking without enough roots in reality.

If this were the case, it wouldn’t make that much sense for the city of Houston to invest in a spaceport.

However, space experts insist that commercial spaceflight is right around the corner.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/b...spaceport.html

Also here is the Video link to the video I found the renderings, includes talks with the people behind the spaceport project.

Note the video is different from the one posted earlier.

https://vimeo.com/73644437

photoLith

Sep 8, 2013, 5:55 AM

So it probably won't ever happen. Just being realistic.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 6:01 AM

You sound so sure it won't happen. The possibility of having a spaceport in Houston is strong but the possibility of those being the final renderings is 50/50. Houston could scale it down so that is "less expensive." Something could always be worked out to work. I have high hopes for the spaceport.

Urbannizer

Sep 8, 2013, 8:08 AM

So it probably won't ever happen. Just being realistic.

Why would they invest in renderings then? The city and Houston Airport System is pushing the idea forward. The mayor gave the Houston airport system the approval to apply to the FAA for a spaceport license. This project would be finance from a variety of sources.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 8:18 AM

photoLith

Sep 8, 2013, 8:28 AM

Urbannizer

Sep 8, 2013, 9:05 AM

That makes a lot of sense, I guess once they have aquired the liscence they will be moving onto construction phase?

HBJ reports that it could open by 2019 if all goes according to plan. They also have to convince the public that it's a great idea.

Construction phase, why? There's not even any need for a spaceport at this time because there no economical means to get to space. That rendering showing a massive complex. Maybe in 50 years, but not now.

Houston's spaceport would host only orbital and sub-orbital launches. I actually don't see why this was done sooner. As said on another forum, Houston is the best location for a Spaceport with NASA -- and companies contracted by NASA nearby.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 9:11 AM

Construction phase, why? There's not even any need for a spaceport at this time because there no economical means to get to space. That rendering showing a massive complex. Maybe in 50 years, but not now.

Why 50 years? Why not now? A lot of campanies are already trying to get liscenes for spaceports here in Texas and the other places in the US.

TEXAS

Example: Midland - XCOR, South Padre Island - SpaceX, Van Horn - Blue Origins, Mesquite - Armadillo Aerospace

OTHER PLACES IN THE US

Example: New Mexico - Virgin Galactic, Mojave - Masten Space Systems, Florida - Kennedy Space Center, etc

So then why is every state competing for spaceports? Because they know its important for commercial/tourism space flight. Its a start.

TowerSpotter

Sep 8, 2013, 9:17 AM

HBJ reports that it could open by 2019 if all goes according to plan. They also have to convince the public that it's a great idea.

Ok so then if it does open in 2019, that would mean construction would start in 2016/2017. Still a long time ahead of us.

Also Lockmat on thehaif noticed that the Astroworls plot would was put onto the market again on hfflp.com

rdavis4559

Sep 8, 2013, 12:30 PM

Light rail was a 20 year battle. I want to be optimistic and I am not exactly saying the spaceport will take 20 years but I have the need to think realistically as well. I guess the right now is the best time to milk it and build a spaceport given Houston's boom but it still would be costly and take time to build. I don't even know the first thing about what the regulatory process might impede but I am assuming it isn't exactly a walk in the park.

TexasPlaya

Sep 8, 2013, 10:35 PM

Why would they invest in renderings then? The city and Houston Airport System is pushing the idea forward. The mayor gave the Houston airport system the approval to apply to the FAA for a spaceport license. This project would be finance from a variety of sources.

It doesn't take much money to invest in renderings and proposals comparatively. I think this project has a great chance moving forward due to the proximity of NASA's Johnson Space Center and resulting experience in space-related aviation.

However, I would be very surprised if the space port would look anything like the proposal.

LMich

Sep 9, 2013, 7:22 AM

Yeah, no kidding. Cities and development agencies spring for renderings for things like possible airport and port expansions all of the time, doesn't mean that it's anything beyond a concept. Houston is better aligned than most cities to get something like this done, in this case, because of its size and history with space exploration. But, that doesn't mean that this is anything more than a concept, at the moment.

Just because this is more likely to happen in Houston than in almost any other area of the country doesn't mean this is likely (over 50%) to happen, but I wish the concept all the best.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 9, 2013, 8:47 PM

Wow I love that last picture!

It's a neat trick making it look like there's a small hill in the picture.

I've not been out in that direction in years. I'll have to try to get there next time I'm in town.

toxteth o'grady

Sep 9, 2013, 8:51 PM

So does this space port have an reality of happening ever?

They've probably got a time line stretching out 50 years. I think the intent is to advertise that they are thinking of a large scale facility, in case there is anything competing being planned elsewhere in the region. Most of the buildings are probably going to serve other purposes.

TowerSpotter

Sep 9, 2013, 9:56 PM

It's a neat trick making it look like there's a small hill in the picture.

I've not been out in that direction in years. I'll have to try to get there next time I'm in town.

I meant the skyline in the background but yea, I too haven't been to the area in a while.

AustinTay

Sep 9, 2013, 9:57 PM

It's a neat trick making it look like there's a small hill in the picture.

I've not been out in that direction in years. I'll have to try to get there next time I'm in town.

It's just perspective and does not even look like it's on a hill. Maybe if you quickly glance at it because of the trees. You can tell it's leveled by how it lines up with the trees.

TexasPlaya

Sep 10, 2013, 9:50 AM

Cool map by Shasta on HAIF (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28676-downtown-by-2017/page-2) with all the solid proposals for DT (5 total):

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x235/k-steel/Skyline2017.jpg

edit: 5 office proposals and 1 hotel. Residential under construction will have no impact on skyline, except the Hines Market Square residential tower (no rendering yet).

Houstonlover

Sep 10, 2013, 10:38 AM

I like all this building , they are cool .

photoLith

Sep 10, 2013, 1:00 PM

shakman

Sep 10, 2013, 2:25 PM

Whats that one on the far left. The Marriott?

Yup. :cheers:

Urbannizer

Sep 10, 2013, 3:09 PM

Jennie Sealy Hospital
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9718738372_de212462a0_b.jpg

Richmond Landing

http://p50400.ipscdn.com/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-3613-0-15430600-1378787437.jpg

http://p50400.ipscdn.com/uploads/monthly_09_2013/post-3613-0-09563900-1378787451.jpg
By Jax (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/12741-richmond-landing-richmond-and-garrot/?p=433990)

Urbannizer

Sep 10, 2013, 7:04 PM

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/9716883529_e4ac371afd_b.jpg

Developer shares details on Generation Park mixed-use project

McCord Development Inc. offered more details on its mixed-use project within a 4,000-acre business park in northeast Houston.

The development will be a lively, walkable area with restaurants and retail inside Generation Park — the business park where Houston-based FMC Technologies (NYSE: FTI) purchased 173 acres in January.

The mixed-use portion, dubbed S.PA and pronounced es-pa, is a necessary step toward recruiting more tenants to the business park, said Ryan McCord, president of the Houston-based development company.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/09/mccord-development-talks-mixed-use.html