HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[N90]

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14220674198_0d7855fe77_b.jpg
Can't tell yet, since it's black and white but this one is really nice for what it's replacing.

[Monarch]

Not bad for a private school. St. John's simply spread out.

St. Johns School Breaks Ground on Curtis & Windham Designed New Campus Center (http://www.busbyway.com/2014/06/09/st-johns-school-breaks-ground-on-curtis-windham-designed-new-campus-center/)

http://www.curtisandwindham.com/projects/St_Johns_School/6208126697_6948710d01_b%20-%201326741767%20-%201327383770.jpg

Judging from the sketch, this campus was designed by the same architect who designed Hogwarts.

ENCLAVES OF THE PRIVILEGED! and yet, quite beautiful.

[toxteth o'grady]

Medieval, if you ask me. Somewhere, there's a dungeon for all the kids sent to Detention Hall.:koko:

[toxteth o'grady]

Filed away for the future - Memorial Hermann buys property in Cypress for a medical building...

The last frontier: Memorial Hermann to expand again (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2014/06/the-last-frontier-memorial-hermann-to-expand-into.html)

[toxteth o'grady]

Swamplot has mapped out the expansion plans for the Galleria, including a possible residential highrise.

If You Really Want To Live in the Actual Galleria, This Is Where Your Home Might Go (http://swamplot.com/if-you-really-want-to-live-in-the-actual-galleria-this-is-where-your-home-might-go/2014-06-13/)

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/galleria-const-map.jpg

[Urbannizer]

23-Story multi-family high-rise to be built at 5050 Ambassador Way.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30497-5050-ambassador-way-23-story-mf-high-rise/

[N90]

Rice Village Arcade:

Vision: The Rice Village Arcade will be the hub of a multifaceted and cohesively branded mixed-use district where Houston residents, area employees, visitors and students congregate to shop, dine, work and play. Rice Village is evolving into a convenient, walkable, authentic and modern district that is respectful of its rich history in the City of Houston.


• The Village Arcade today is a highly productive 195,000 sf fashion-oriented shopping center that includes 50 shops and restaurants (60% national) in a trade area that is ready for the next generation of aspirational retailers.
• Convenient parking is provided at grade and in a centrally located multi-level garage.
• Plans are being developed to enhance the shopping experience throughout the property via enhanced streetscape, landscaping, storefronts and facades that together will contribute to, and set the stage for, the modern evolution of the Rice Village design aesthetic.
• New Rice University/Trademark ownership team will collaborate with adjacent Village property owners to create a stronger district with evolved and consistent streetscape, amenities, programming and branding.
• Additional Rice owned property in the Village (approximately 7 acres) is available for future mixed-use development. (2500 Dunstan, just west of Hanover's current development)

http://www.trademarkproperty.com/wp-content/uploads/OneSheet_Rice-3.pdf

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30491-rice-village-arcade-renovation-future-mixed-use/

[rellott]

I got this in my email two days ago. I hate John Culberson:

Thank you so much for joining over 1000 of your fellow Houstonians in issuing the urgent call to our congressional delegation to support Houston transit.

Unfortunately, Representative Culberson succeeded in convincing the US House of Representatives to bar funding for the locally preferred alternative for the proposed University and Uptown light rail lines. Representative Ted Poe gave an impassioned speech and proposed an amenment to remove the bar on funding, but it lost on a voice vote. However, later in the day, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee added an amendment that she believes negates the Culberson measure. You can see our coverage of everything that happened here.

The transportation bill now moves to a conference committee that will include Senators and Representatives to resolve differences between the Senate and House bill, including this anti-transit language.

We believe that we have a shot of removing the language during this conference committee process. Houston Tomorrow plans to launch a second phase of this campaign soon, once we know what members will be on the committee. We will keep all of you updated and hope that you will join us in spreading the word and getting even more Houstonian voices to Washington.

Houston Tomorrow is a small nonprofit and we are going to have to raise some funds to sustain this fight. The size and scope of the campaign we can wage will be determined by how much we can raise very quickly. I hope you will consider contributing at this link.

[DBGHouston]

This needs a bump up for those who haven't seen it...the Houston development map extraordinaire.

Link Here (http://devmap.io/cities/houston/developments)

[toxteth o'grady]

I got this in my email two days ago. I hate John Culberson:

Culberson needs to be run out of town. On a rail.

[kingkirbythe....]

/\/\/\ hi-oooooooo!!!!!!

[TowerSpotter]

Valley Ranch Town Center - Porter/New Caney

Medical Center:

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/1970675_702097576480208_1344018200_n.jpg

Town Center:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/1920424_699583686731597_1437033394_n.jpg

[RumbleFish]

How is the downtown revitalization going? When I was there 5 years ago the downtown was pretty quiet. Has the downtown improved in terms of pedestrians and retail in the last 5 years?

[toxteth o'grady]

Valley Ranch Town Center - Porter/New Caney


That's pretty far north. How soon before a major medical facility ends up in Willis?

[toxteth o'grady]

How is the downtown revitalization going? When I was there 5 years ago the downtown was pretty quiet. Has the downtown improved in terms of pedestrians and retail in the last 5 years?

My impression is things are somewhat better, but perhaps not as good as they will be in a couple of years, when the new hotels open. BisNow said something about ten hotel developments in the pipeline, but I'm not sure which projects are part of that number.

[toxteth o'grady]

This will make you wonder. The owner of the Blackhaw properties may flip the 21-house subdivision rather than develop the site itself...

Developer may flip newly purchased prime property (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/developer-may-flip-newly-purchased-prime-property.html)

[TowerSpotter]

That's pretty far north. How soon before a major medical facility ends up in Willis?

Sure is, but Grand Texas Theme Park is even just a little north. Grand Parkway (Sh 99) seems to be spuring development.

[classic2eb]

Toxteth,

No, this is different. Here is the link to the map showing Spring Branch Honda. The property which I mentioned is just on the other side (west) of Wisterwood Ln. There is also an ICI Construction sign at this property, but nothing yet on their website either.

Map of Spring Branch Honda (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Spring+Branch+Honda,+Katy+Freeway,+Houston,+TX&hl=en&sll=29.817178,-95.401291&sspn=1.04969,1.234589&oq=honda+&t=h&z=17)

In the Google aerial view of that link, you can see that just north of this new property is a new Progressive Insurance Auto Center (or All-state...dont remember) which is now pretty close to completion.

Finally found a press release! :notacrook:

The District at Memorial
10300 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024

The District at Memorial (http://www.simpsonpropertygroup.com/apartments/houston/houston-apartments/district-at-memorial/home)

New Multi-family apartment complex across the Katy Freeway from City Centre / Memorial City.

[N90]

My impression is things are somewhat better, but perhaps not as good as they will be in a couple of years, when the new hotels open. BisNow said something about ten hotel developments in the pipeline, but I'm not sure which projects are part of that number.
The 10 hotel projects according to that Bisnow article is only for Uptown.

[DBGHouston]

From what I can tell from looking at the Houston tab over at devmap.io there are 8 hotel projects on the boards for Downtown, including the mammoth Marriot Marquis (site work has begun -- northside of Discovery Green), as well as he renovations of the Carter Building and Savoy (both underway), and planned conversion of the Stowers Building into Aloft. Of the remaining four projects the Hotel Alessandra is clearly the most exciting design.

1. Aloft (renovation of Stowers Bldg)
2. Convention Center Hotel 3
3. Flagship Holiday Inn (Savoy Building renovation underway)
4. Hampton Inn
5. Hilton Garden
6. Hotel Alesandra at Greenstreet
7. JW Marriot (Carter Building renovation underway)
8. Marrot Marquis (site cleared and prepped)

[AviationGuy]

For all I know I may have asked this already, but does anyone know why the abandoned hotel near the new downtown Skyhouse hasn't been torn down? I can't imagine paying top dollar in one of the new highrises and having a view of that.

[toxteth o'grady]

Not enough money or interest. So it rots.

[TritonHouston]

500 Crawford:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/14447413062_58ffdecf8f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o1ELyE)

2014-06-17 19.50.13 (https://flic.kr/p/o1ELyE) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/14445406471_b5fff7b173_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o1uu5g)

2014-06-17 19.49.12 (https://flic.kr/p/o1uu5g) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/14468916963_866766497b_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o3yYVz)

2014-06-17 18.56.16 (https://flic.kr/p/o3yYVz) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Out with the old, in with the new... GRB Convention ramp:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14262101749_3486f6a0c7_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJhZY2)

2014-06-17 19.00.47 (https://flic.kr/p/nJhZY2) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14262311157_d24601dcf0_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJj5dv)

2014-06-17 19.00.51 (https://flic.kr/p/nJj5dv) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14445390191_61ba4844c0_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o1upez)

2014-06-17 19.01.46 (https://flic.kr/p/o1upez) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The ramp is going below Highway 59 now:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14468925253_9d7ff4d67c_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o3z2ov)

2014-06-17 19.46.08 (https://flic.kr/p/o3z2ov) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr


Block 334:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14468933303_731e9c3cff_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o3z4Mi)

2014-06-17 19.30.45 (https://flic.kr/p/o3z4Mi) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Marriott Marquis:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14425630356_4173a6c3d8_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nYK8jL)

2014-06-17 19.18.47 (https://flic.kr/p/nYK8jL) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Leeland Federal Building:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14448717665_da3967515f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o1MsnP)

2014-06-17 20.02.31 (https://flic.kr/p/o1MsnP) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14262280927_6066931327_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nJiVei)

2014-06-17 20.02.25 (https://flic.kr/p/nJiVei) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14468886223_72f0542e8e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o3yPMz)

2014-06-17 20.03.18 (https://flic.kr/p/o3yPMz) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Old Central Bank Building Renovation:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/14447588634_3daf134cbd_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o1FEKL)

2014-06-17 20.05.32 (https://flic.kr/p/o1FEKL) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

[toxteth o'grady]

I like those paint blotches. They need to be a permanent feature of the bank reno.

[Reverberation]

I like those paint blotches. They need to be a permanent feature of the bank reno.

What would also be cool is if someone set up a projector there and made it a moving portrait similar to the "spitting mouth" in Chicago.

[toxteth o'grady]

More details on what was formerly the Springwoods Village Town Center project. A nice render accompanies the story that HBJ won't share. Two office buildings totalling 440,000 sf are said to be in the offing, along with apartments and hotels.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/14273237130_79092be65d_b.jpg

Plans emerge for major mixed-use development near Exxon Mobil campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/plans-emerge-for-major-mixed-use-development-near.html)

[toxteth o'grady]

The growth just accelerates. $7.3 billion in permits for the year ended in May, and the trend is decidedly up.

Building Permits Total $7.3B for Twelve Months Ending In May (http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/news/building-permits-total-73b-for-twelve-months-ending-in-may/)

http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/files/1928/

Nice little uptick in May. No wonder Emirates is bringing the A380 to Houston in December.

[Dariusb]

The growth just accelerates. $7.3 billion in permits for the year ended in May, and the trend is decidedly up.

Building Permits Total $7.3B for Twelve Months Ending In May (http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/news/building-permits-total-73b-for-twelve-months-ending-in-may/)

http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/files/1928/

Nice little uptick in May. No wonder Emirates is bringing the A380 to Houston in December.

That is awesome!

[toxteth o'grady]

BisNow is teasing us again. According to today's posting, there may be another 8.4 million sf of office projects waiting to start up in the Energy Corridor. Various details are provided, along with photos of construction in the I-10 corridor. Hints: Energy Center V start next month and Shell wants to add a sixth office building to its Woodbranch campus.

Energy Corridor Bird's-Eye Update (http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/2055-another-full-city-centre-tower/)

http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/63679_1403217456_WoodbranchJune2014-medium.jpg

The latest Texas Workforce Commission statistics indicate that as of May 2014, Houston has added 100,000 jobs in both 2012 and 2013, and the statistics show 93,000 jobs added in the most recent 12 months. Judging by the uptick in dollar volume on the graph above, May and June will also see a spurt of hiring in the construction sector, and that doesn't even reflect the 20,000 or so new jobs that the two petrochemical plants that broke ground in the past week will generate.

[Urbannizer]

Hermann Park Residences: This will be going up next to The Tower at Hermann Place

http://www.age-se.com/hermann-park-residence

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08b9ce4b0b8ba0661fec5/1403031006585/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_1.jpg?format=1000w

Hermann Park Residence has been designed to meet the City of Houston Local and Green building codes. Herman Park Residence will include 227 residential units as well as several public amenity spaces for tenant use. These include a 2,600 square foot Sky Lounge on the top level with views to Hermann Park and Centennial Gardens, as well as a 3,600 square foot fitness center on the ground floor that provides immediate access to the trails and golf course at Hermann Park. The ground floor will also contain a 1,200 square foot business center/internet café as well as a 2,000 square foot club room with views to the property’s private interior courtyard where an outdoor fire pit, lounge area, and swimming pool are located.

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08b9fe4b0b8ba0661feca/1403031020420/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_2.jpg?format=1000w

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08c56e4b0a181d651f022/1403031141912/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_3.jpg?format=1000w

[Urbannizer]

Update on Regent Square, big thanks to Triton/TritonHouston!

I don't know how Urby knew, but he's right! Went to their leasing office and they treated me like a news reporter (like royalty by showing me around the place). Actually had a person walk me through the entire new design (I have her contact information Urby if you want to keep in touch with them... she is emailing me additional photos today). The model is actually pretty cool and it lists the type of development by the lights... in other words, retail lighting came on with the push of a button, commercial lighting, office lighting, etc.

Let me just start off by saying the all glass condominium is officially gone. At least for the next phase, it is.


This is the original design:

http://www.gid.com/photos/development/regent-square.jpg

Here's the final design before construction starts next year (The model has been at the leasing off for a few weeks now):

This is the next apartment complex in the center right and the Alamo Drafthouse (which is 100% going here at this location) that has taken the place of the glass condo...

Based on the timeline right now, they told me construction of this next phase should start Q1 of next year. (She told me January or February of 2015).

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/14280647319_01d0522133_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14487420203_fea16c8ac4_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14466121284_b19a1a6e4b_b.jpg

That's the Regent Square representative helping me around the model.... not a giant human monster. ;) That's Sovereign in the background including the early stages of Phase III.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14444175856_40b2211c52_b.jpg

We should all be familiar with this side... it is looking from Allen Parkway:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/14465932712_25cf0c10fb_b.jpg

Note how the tower on the right is now gone (same picture from earlier)
Edit: The tower is "gone" at the moment but still in it's very early design stages.
http://www.gid.com/photos/development/regent-square.jpg

This is the only building lit because it is an office tower
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14466110174_891dc57197_b.jpg

Parking garages lit
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14467264735_c598d6a176_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/14280687358_7594f1a661_b.jpg

This is also the other area we should know by now as well:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14463909821_aedbfdb4ce_b.jpg

I think we had seen this before... outdoor glass cafe or future restaurant:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14444178826_81d356cca6_b.jpg

This is Phase III which is still in its early stages:

They are talking about a tall condo highrise being located here
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14463908051_e01a520aae_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14467268445_caa49519af_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14280631879_25c55548a7_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5154/14465919722_c45bc603a1_b.jpg

[rdavis4559]

Hermann Park Residences: This will be going up next to The Tower at Hermann Place

http://www.age-se.com/hermann-park-residence

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08b9ce4b0b8ba0661fec5/1403031006585/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_1.jpg?format=1000w



http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08b9fe4b0b8ba0661feca/1403031020420/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_2.jpg?format=1000w

http://static.squarespace.com/static/5238652fe4b00c5c300f33a0/53a08a47e4b0a181d651eb58/53a08c56e4b0a181d651f022/1403031141912/HPR_SD%20RENDERINGS_CORGAN-SD_20140512r_Page_3.jpg?format=1000w

Does this leave enough room for the tower that is supposed to sit on the corner of Jackson and Hermann?

[Urbannizer]

Pearl at The Mix: Demolition underway at 2910 Milam.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14467294064_8669f99678_b.jpg

Southside Place: By Mill Creek Residential, on Bellaire Blvd.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14470571645_26c9cc61ba_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14283954949_72867a8063_b.jpg

[AviationGuy]

Not enough money or interest. So it rots.

I would have thought the city would start proceedings to force the land or building owner to demolish the structure. it's a huge blight on the landscape (regarding the abandoned hotel near the Skyhouse).

[DBGHouston]

There are two abandoned hotels in that part of downtown: the Savoy and Days Inn. One has a happy ending and the other is THE major eyesore for Downtown Houston. A Tale of Two Shitties....

The Savoy is adjacent to Skyhouse. It is a two part building, 7 stories built in 1909, Houston's first highrise apartment, and a 17 story addition built in 1966. It has been vacant since 1988 but is currently undergoing renovation into a Holiday Inn Flagship. According to this article from the Houston Chronicle it is in great shape. (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Old-Savoy-Hotel-to-be-Holiday-Inn-flagship-4577185.php)

The Days Inn is the biggest eyesore in Downtown Houston and it has been for decades. It is pretty fascinating why this remains in limbo but it apparently involves the guru to the Beatles, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - yeah you just read that right.

Here is a story about it by Ivan Koop Kuper from 2012 which pretty much gives the entire history (http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/ivan-koop-kooper-maharishis-bad-houston.html), including the groovy parts and the not so groovy parts of the story, such as asbestos abatement.

As it cannot be torn down, I suggest the city condemn it and then turn it into a 33-Story LED advertising support structure which can generate money for funding infrastructure projects. :yes:

[AviationGuy]

There are two abandoned hotels in that part of downtown: the Savoy and Days Inn. One has a happy ending and the other is THE major eyesore for Downtown Houston. A Tale of Two Shitties....

The Savoy is adjacent to Skyhouse. It is a two part building, 7 stories built in 1909, Houston's first highrise apartment, and a 17 story addition built in 1966. It has been vacant since 1988 but is currently undergoing renovation into a Holiday Inn Flagship. According to this article from the Houston Chronicle it is in great shape. (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Old-Savoy-Hotel-to-be-Holiday-Inn-flagship-4577185.php)

The Days Inn is the biggest eyesore in Downtown Houston and it has been for decades. It is pretty fascinating why this remains in limbo but it apparently involves the guru to the Beatles, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - yeah you just read that right.

Here is a story about it by Ivan Koop Kuper from 2012 which pretty much gives the entire history (http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/ivan-koop-kooper-maharishis-bad-houston.html), including the groovy parts and the not so groovy parts of the story, such as asbestos abatement.

As it cannot be torn down, I suggest the city condemn it and then turn it into a 33-Story LED advertising support structure which can generate money for funding infrastructure projects. :yes:

Sad story about the Days Inn. Interesting, but sad. Thanks for the link.

[toxteth o'grady]

A 7-story apartment tower on Bellaire? Near Southside Place? CALL OUT THE NIMBYs!! :runaway::koko:

[JManc]

I would have thought the city would start proceedings to force the land or building owner to demolish the structure. it's a huge blight on the landscape (regarding the abandoned hotel near the Skyhouse).

City would have to have good reason to knock it down without owner approval...ugliness not one of them. Unless site is needed for a new road or infrastructure or the building structurally unsafe, not much can be done about it.

[TowerSpotter]

Multifamily Highrise, Midrise, and homes to go up on Beacon Island - Clear Lake

Page 26:

http://www.bayareahouston.com/Assets/documents/real_estate/hot%20projects%20-%20march%202014.pdf

Woodloft Multifamily Midrise - Shenandoah by highway 45

http://i.imgur.com/DwQm3ri.jpg

And lastly an update for a mixed-use development in Pasadena

Pasadena – Strategic Advisory Group was contracted by the Pasadena Second Century Corporation
(economic development corporation) to prepare developer solicitation packages to identify potential
development partners for the various components outlined in the master plan prepared by SAG. They will
manage the developer solicitation process and select a short list of candidates from which to request a formal
proposal. The proposed staggered development project includes a hotel, water park, amphitheatre, retail and restaurant facilities and would include an entertainment venue based on concepts approved by Mickey Gilley.
The site is portions of the 200 acres adjacent to and surrounding the Pasadena Convention Center on
Fairmont Parkway.


http://www.bayareahouston.com/Assets/documents/real_estate/bdu%20issue%2051%20website%20version.pdf

[toxteth o'grady]

The Deyaar property near the Galleria that everyone thought was ripe for a supertall...has been sold. No word on who bought it, or for what.

Prime Galleria-area site sold (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2014/06/prime-galleria-area-site-sold.html)

On edit: Bob McNair has bought the property. This one's probably not a theatre.

[TowerSpotter]

Kings Creek - $1.2 billion Mixed-Use Development in Kingwood


Kings Creek:

"A $1.2 billion LEED certified mixed-use condo apartment-retail development located along the tract of land along highway 59 South Frontage Road, situated between Sorter McClellan Rd and South Eastex Freeway Service Rd. The development will provide 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, 1 million square feet of office space, 1000 condo apartment units, two hotels and infrastructure improvements, such as an extension of kingwood Place Drive and expansion of Sorters Rd from highway 59 to North Park Drive. Construction scheduled to begin late summer 2014."


The Site:

http://i.imgur.com/Lpt04L2.jpg

http://www.lakehoustonedp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Overview-of-Economic-Activities-6-2014.pdf

[toxteth o'grady]

BisNow's daily letter just dropped word on this development. I suspect it will be like every other Elan in Houston. Shall I wrap that up or will you have it here?

"Greystar purchased Skyline Apartments (2222 White Oak). The building will be demolished, and the firm will build a new Class-A property called Elan Heights on the 1.8-acre site. Greystar has worked with Woodland Heights Civil Association for 12 months to create a property that complements the area. Moody Rambin’s Chris Dray repped the buyer and Marcus & Millichap’s Juan Cuevas repped the seller."

Out with the old...
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/21/32/73/4566779/3/1280x1280.jpg

In with the new...
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/21/32/74/4566787/3/1280x1280.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Another Montrose midrise. Six floors, 15 units. HBJ has an image which can't be linked...

Montrose to get more luxury condos (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/montrose-to-get-more-luxury-condos.html)

http://img3.terabitz.com/mls/HRIS/img/031/794/685/2.jpg

[Urbannizer]

BisNow's daily letter just dropped word on this development. I suspect it will be like every other Elan in Houston. Shall I wrap that up or will you have it here?

"Greystar purchased Skyline Apartments (2222 White Oak). The building will be demolished, and the firm will build a new Class-A property called Elan Heights on the 1.8-acre site. Greystar has worked with Woodland Heights Civil Association for 12 months to create a property that complements the area. Moody Rambin’s Chris Dray repped the buyer and Marcus & Millichap’s Juan Cuevas repped the seller."

That's the old rendering, the new rendering was posted a few pages back; the Skyline Apartments are already in the process of being demolished.

[Urbannizer]

More on CityPlace:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14497942904_6477b13ed7_b.jpg

What’s in store for retail portion of Springwoods Village mixed-use development

Here’s a breakdown for the first phase of retail, which will open in the first quarter of 2016:


Three waterfront restaurant sites

10,000 square feet on the ground floor of a 268-unit, Class A multifamily apartment community.
[/LIST]

30,000 square feet of space with parking garages surrounding a central green space.


The first phase of the development will also include the construction of two Class A office buildings, which will total 440,000 square feet. The first building will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2015, which will include 27,000 square feet of first-floor retail space.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/what-s-in-store-for-retail-portion-of-springwoods.html

[Wattleigh]

Another Montrose midrise. Six floors, 15 units. HBJ has an image which can't be linked...

Montrose to get more luxury condos (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/montrose-to-get-more-luxury-condos.html)

http://img3.terabitz.com/mls/HRIS/img/031/794/685/2.jpg

Another instance in which HAIF scoops 'em yet again. Almost by a month...

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30407-topaz-villas-on-yoakum/

[Monarch]

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/21/32/74/4566787/3/1280x1280.jpg
i find this particular illustration / rendering to be simply gorgeous! PLEASE allow for it to be completed like this...

[AustinTay]

i find this particular illustration / rendering to be simply gorgeous! PLEASE allow for it to be completed like this...

As already stated that's the old rendering. This is the new one.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2934/14068855717_3de8a7de67_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Apparently they added a couple of levels of parking. Overall height is now ten floors. Colors are more drab, too.

[Monarch]

As already stated that's the old rendering. This is the new one.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2934/14068855717_3de8a7de67_b.jpg

this newest rendering looks just awful. what on earth happened?

[photoLith]

Are you serious? That first rendering is the awful design.

[Urbannizer]

k3Y4bAZZLWk

[toxteth o'grady]

The latest downtown map.

Get ready for more construction cranes downtown (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/06/get-ready-for-more-construction-cranes-downtown/)

The png posted by the Chron doesn't reproduce well...

And an article from DowntownHouston from last week...

It’s Good to be in Downtown Houston (http://www.downtownhouston.org/news/blogpost/its-good-be-downtown-houston/)

"...Today, more than $1.39 billion in new Downtown construction projects are underway and another $2.58 billion in pre-development/design—nearly one-third of these projects being residential developments. Additionally, Houston continues to welcome waves of new businesses relocating offices to its central business district and with that, urban professionals also will see an additional 2.86 million square feet of office space being constructed, as well as eight new, modern and luxurious hotel high-rises dotting the city’s skyline. And who can overlook the success of two of Houston’s most beloved urban parks: Discovery Green and Market Square Park..."

[Clev]

The recladding for 800 Bell looks nice, but I don't really see why it's necessary. I'd rather them just convert it to residential and build a new office building somewhere else. It doesn't look like there is anything new on the latest Downtown map. There are a lot of projects planned to start in 3Q or 4Q 2014, so there should be a lot of activity in Downtown pretty soon!

[toxteth o'grady]

Judging from what I've seen recently, the pace of announcements has slowed down significantly. I suspect we got ahead of ourselves; there are just so many projects in the pipeline that it will take a while just to whittle down the backlog.

[TritonHouston]

Another angle:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14535355253_21c89eb059_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o9ruHk)Screenshot 2014-06-26 16.22.28 (https://flic.kr/p/o9ruHk) by marclongoria (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

[Monarch]

i am still awaiting our very long planned prospective luxury brand hotels, (ritz carlton, w hotel, le meridian) just to name a few... where on earth are they?

[atlantaguy]

i am still awaiting our very long planned prospective luxury brand hotels, (ritz carlton, w hotel, le meridian) just to name a few... where on earth are they?

I have always wondered about this, especially as someone in the Travel industry.

Houston is larger and wealthier than Atlanta, yet we have three W's, two Ritz-Carlton's, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, the flagship U.S. Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, etc.

I know you have a Four Seasons, and are getting a J.W. ;)

The only reason I can imagine is the difference in the size of the convention & meetings industries between the two?

[TowerSpotter]

I have always wondered about this, especially as someone in the Travel industry.

Houston is larger and wealthier than Atlanta, yet we have three W's, two Ritz-Carlton's, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, the flagship U.S. Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, etc.

I know you have a Four Seasons, and are getting a J.W. ;)

The only reason I can imagine is the difference in the size of the convention & meetings industries between the two?

Could be they are saving the best for last :)

[TexasBoi]

I have always wondered about this, especially as someone in the Travel industry.

Houston is larger and wealthier than Atlanta, yet we have three W's, two Ritz-Carlton's, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, the flagship U.S. Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, etc.

I know you have a Four Seasons, and are getting a J.W. ;)

The only reason I can imagine is the difference in the size of the convention & meetings industries between the two?

I think the convention part you mentioned is a big reason. Houston also has a st.regis.

[Urbannizer]

Core Park West: More renderings, info & site plan.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14538385173_d5e1231d70_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14495177296_dbf9efe099_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14331619080_81d24d875a_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/14495175066_e14864c212_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14517190872_1f695254ca_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

I have always wondered about this, especially as someone in the Travel industry.

Houston is larger and wealthier than Atlanta, yet we have three W's, two Ritz-Carlton's, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, the flagship U.S. Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, etc.

I know you have a Four Seasons, and are getting a J.W. ;)

The only reason I can imagine is the difference in the size of the convention & meetings industries between the two?

We still don't know who will be operating the Alessandra yet. One of the above may take over operations of the hotel when it get built.

[Urbannizer]

Block 52: new renders.

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/block52_0001_20140512_SD-Marquette-Revised_Part4.jpg

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/block52_0000_20140428_marquette-Architecture_Part1.jpg

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/block52_0005_20140320-DESIGN-MEETING-small_Part2.jpg

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/block52_0006_20140320-DESIGN-MEETING-small_Part1.jpg

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/block52_0004_20140320-DESIGN-MEETING-small_Part3.jpg

http://polizzottodevelopment.com/portfolio/block-52/

[Urbannizer]

We still don't know who will be operating the Alessandra yet. One of the above may take over operations of the hotel when it get built.

Valencia Group will be operating Hotel Alessandra.

[texanuh]

I really like the block 52 renders

[Urbannizer]

609 Main at Texas: new renders.

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/02.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/03.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/04.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/05.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/05.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/06.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/07.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/08.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/09.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/10.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/11.jpg

[Monarch]

http://jeffallanach.com/wp-content/uploads/First-Place-Ribbon.jpg

609 main, shall certainly win FIRST PLACE in my view.. as most beautiful in houston..

[Clev]

The Block 52 tower looks very good. It will look great in the area. And wow, 609 Main looks amazing! I really like the last rendering where it shows both 609 Main and the Market Square residential tower.

[cloud713]

I have always wondered about this, especially as someone in the Travel industry.

Houston is larger and wealthier than Atlanta, yet we have three W's, two Ritz-Carlton's, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, St. Regis, J.W. Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, the flagship U.S. Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, etc.

I know you have a Four Seasons, and are getting a J.W. ;)

The only reason I can imagine is the difference in the size of the convention & meetings industries between the two?

We've had a JW in Uptown.. Also we have a St Regis, and are getting a Grand Hyatt (you failed to mention those for some reason after listing them for Atlanta). I agree though.. It's a little odd. Looking forward to a large W or Ritz hotel & residences to come to Houston.. If it weren't for the crash in 2008 we would of had a Ritz and La Meridien by now.. Oh well.

[JManc]

What's on block 52 now? surface lot? I cant picture it?

[texanuh]

^ yes I believe so

[DanielG425]

We've had a JW in Uptown.. Also we have a St Regis, and are getting a Grand Hyatt (you failed to mention those for some reason after listing them for Atlanta). I agree though.. It's a little odd. Looking forward to a large W or Ritz hotel & residences to come to Houston.. If it weren't for the crash in 2008 we would of had a Ritz and La Meridien by now.. Oh well.

What Grand Hyatt?

[cloud713]

What Grand Hyatt?

17 stories, next to/south of Landrys HQ on 610.

[toxteth o'grady]

There's a Hyatt Regency going up just west of the Galleria.

[atlantaguy]

We've had a JW in Uptown.. Also we have a St Regis, and are getting a Grand Hyatt (you failed to mention those for some reason after listing them for Atlanta).

Sorry, I had no idea - but I should have known this.

Thanks for letting me know.

[cloud713]

There's a Hyatt Regency going up just west of the Galleria.

True, but I'm talking about the Grand Hyatt proposed on 610.

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o701/skyline_713/BB5B476F-3C59-4E4C-AFDD-D003E88F77E7_zpshmpsacbi.png

Sorry, I had no idea - but I should have known this.

Thanks for letting me know.

No worries!

[DanielG425]

There is also a second Hotel Zaza going up in Memorial City.

[TowerSpotter]

Parks at Boulder Creek - Pearland (Beltway 8)

http://i.imgur.com/R8jD365.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WS4V86S.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/PWj8sEx.jpg

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

http://www.maverickgrouponline.com/commercial.html

http://www.maverickgrouponline.com/plats/houston/theparks/new%20brochure.pdf

[toxteth o'grady]

I'm seeing similarities between the Pearland development and the Grand Hyatt.:shrug:

[cloud713]

Parks at Boulder Creek - Pearland (Beltway 8)

http://i.imgur.com/R8jD365.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WS4V86S.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/PWj8sEx.jpg

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

http://www.maverickgrouponline.com/commercial.html

http://www.maverickgrouponline.com/plats/houston/theparks/new%20brochure.pdf

Awesome news! About time Pearland gets some high-rises

[TowerSpotter]

I'm seeing similarities between the Pearland development and the Grand Hyatt.:shrug:

Lol, the only similarity I see is the top part that sticks out.

Awesome news! About time Pearland gets some high-rises

Right! I'm hoping Ivy District also brings some highrises to their development in Pearland.

[Double L]

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/08.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/09.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/10.jpg

Do these pictures mean there will be an observation deck in the building?

[cloud713]

Right! I'm hoping Ivy District also brings some highrises to their development in Pearland.

if the conceptual renderings were indicative of anything, the hotel at Ivy District should be a high-rise.

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/08.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/09.jpg

http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/10.jpg

Do these pictures mean there will be an observation deck in the building?

(unfortunately) i dont get that impression at all? everyone in the photos are wearing business suits and look to be engaging in some sort of business casual discussions. not a bunch of tourists with cameras taking in the view while eating a hot dog or something.

[Double L]

Well that's what the Chase tower is like, professional people filling the room.

[cloud713]

i guess it depends when you go. the last few times ive been up there, there have been multiple groups of people/tourists in casual street wear with cameras and cell phones taking pictures, and hardly anyone professional looking except the one or two attendants who make sure people arent doing something their not supposed to (like having drinks or goofing off i guess).

[toxteth o'grady]

Anyone up for Phase 2 of Parc Binz Plaza? From BisNow:

"As Phase 1 of Parc-Binz nears completion in the Museum District, developer Balcor Commercial is finalizing plans for Phase 2. Balcor principal Chris Balat grew up in the Museum District and wanted to create something remarkable for his neighborhood. How: Class-A mixed-use (the property is primarily medical users) with quality dining. (Taste buds open wallets faster than fingers.) Chris is also a successful restauranteur—he opened the popular Cloud 10 Creamery in Rice Village two years ago with partner Chris Leung (the two are pictured here together at the Parc-Binz Phase 1 topping out), and it was named one of the 21 best ice cream shops in America last month by Thrillist.

Parc-Binz will have three new restaurant concepts, developed by the Chris and Chris duo (AKA Balcor Hospitality). A wine/coffee bar called Bosta is already open, and Museum Park Café will open in the next few weeks. The third venue will be a Korean fried chicken restaurant. Transwestern SVP Tim Gregory is leasing the project and tells us the 50k SF building delivering soon has inked deals with Plaza OBGYN and Binz Surgery Center, which will each take down a full floor (about 14k SF). (Just make sure the doors are clearly marked.) He's got one group looking to take down another floor, which would leave 6k SF to lease. The next building is slated for construction over the next year and will be built directly across the street. It'll be pretty similar to Phase 1, and Tim tells us it could potentially go single-tenant (he's talking to an interested group). Energy Architecture designed the project and Linbeck Group is GC."

[toxteth o'grady]

Jefferson Heights

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/06/MEMORIAL-MF-page-0-600x387.jpg

High-end apartments under way near downtown (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/06/high-end-apartments-under-way-near-downtown/#21137101=0)

[econik]

Jefferson Heights

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/06/MEMORIAL-MF-page-0-600x387.jpg

High-end apartments under way near downtown (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/06/high-end-apartments-under-way-near-downtown/#21137101=0)

Unimaginative design mixed with dreary puke colors at luxury prices, somebody pinch me!

[toxteth o'grady]

Unimaginative design mixed with dreary puke colors at luxury prices, somebody pinch me!

Thanks! I got a million of 'em...:slob:

[toxteth o'grady]

No details yet about this project, other than it's a 200,000 sf building and parking garage, and it joins the Academy Sports and Outdoor corporate campus (that's right, David).

Exclusive: Academy Sports + Outdoors expands headquarters (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/06/exclusive-academy-sports-outdoors-expands.html)

[Urbannizer]

Mixed-Use Development Planned at 100 Waugh Drive

100 Waugh Drive is in the planning and design stages with Hines. The mixed-use complex in Midtown is expected to arrive in mid-2017 and will be highlighted by high-end hi-rise residential, a premiere hotel, and 650,000 square feet of Class A office space.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30626-mixed-use-development-planned-100-waugh-drive/

[Cory]

Mixed-Use Development Planned at 100 Waugh Drive



http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30626-mixed-use-development-planned-100-waugh-drive/
Waugh doesn't run through Midtown.

[TowerSpotter]

Waugh doesn't run through Midtown.

I know, I'm a little confused as to where this would be. Can someone add this to devmap.io.

[toxteth o'grady]

The JLL summary says this is separate from the Waugh tower being developed by Stream. That one has already started turning dirt (in case anyone wants to get a couple of pictures for here).

The other interesting item is the three tenants who are looking for a million square feet (cumulative). Some big names there - Linn, Foster Wheeler and Transocean. CB &I has already inked a lease for their additional square footage, in the Woodlands if my memory serves me right.

Groundbreakings that might have been missed are:
1885 St. James Place (15 stories)
Westcreek Centre
Waugh Drive
Total square footage under construction with timelines for delivery between late 2014 and early 2017 are over 8 million sf. With absorption still running 4 million sf a year, it will all find tenants.

[cloud713]

The JLL summary says this is separate from the Waugh tower being developed by Stream. That one has already started turning dirt (in case anyone wants to get a couple of pictures for here).

The other interesting item is the three tenants who are looking for a million square feet (cumulative). Some big names there - Linn, Foster Wheeler and Transocean. CB &I has already inked a lease for their additional square footage, in the Woodlands if my memory serves me right.

Groundbreakings that might have been missed are:
1885 St. James Place (15 stories)
Westcreek Centre
Waugh Drive
Total square footage under construction with timelines for delivery between late 2014 and early 2017 are over 8 million sf. With absorption still running 4 million sf a year, it will all find tenants.

Yeah, I was wondering when Westcreek center broke ground.. I didn't think that was supposed to happen until later this year?

[Urbannizer]

Not all information from the report is correct. 1885 St. James Place is 13-floors, Westcreek Centre breaks ground later this year and 22 Waugh has been delayed.

[Urbannizer]

I know, I'm a little confused as to where this would be. Can someone add this to devmap.io.

http://devmap.io/developments/100-waugh-drive

[TowerSpotter]

http://devmap.io/developments/100-waugh-drive

Awesome and thanks, this definently isn't midtown though, I mean obviously they messed up.

[DBGHouston]

100 Waugh Drive (Waugh at Memorial) is a prime location and a hotel would be a welcome addition. There are currently no hotels along Allen Parkway or Memorial Drive, at least inside the loop. I for one like seeing the Hines name on the project. :yes: Can't wait to see some renders!

[JoninATX]

I'm also little confused on what recently broke ground?