HOUSTON | Development Thread II [Archive] - Page 104

Urbannizer

Nov 15, 2017, 6:58 PM

Downtown Houston Releases 20-Year Vision Plan (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/downtown-houston-releases-20-year-vision-plan-300553246.html)

HOUSTON, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston Downtown Management District (Downtown District) and Central Houston, Inc. have released Plan Downtown: Converging Culture, Lifestyle & Commerce. This 20-year vision plan outlines recommendations for both short-term and long-term planning, development and design that will improve the visitor appeal, business climate, livability and connectivity within and around Downtown Houston leading up to the city's bicentennial in 2036.

Plan Downtown should be considered a framework for our collective actions over the next 20 years," said Bob Eury, Executive Director of the Downtown District. "The Plan's recommendations challenge us to continue — and even accelerate — Downtown's current development, and to capitalize on the opportunities and address the challenges of the future."

Plan Downtown is broken down into four pillars: Downtown is Houston's greatest place to be; Downtown is the premier business and government location; Downtown is the standard for urban livability; and Downtown is the innovative leader in connectivity. The Plan considers these interdependent goals in nearly 150 recommendations, ranging from big-picture ideas to small, localized upgrades that would subtly improve the quality of urban life.

The Plan's strategic recommendations include:

Creating a Green Loop, a 5-mile transportation and recreation circuit that connects Downtown to adjacent neighborhoods.

Enhancing walkability of Downtown through the development of Downtown Design Guidelines and the addition of new destinations.

Establishing an Innovation District as the center for technology and entrepreneurship in the Houston region by strengthening connections between businesses/funders and entrepreneurs and pursuing partnerships with area universities.

Building 12,000 additional Downtown residential units to support population growth from 7,500 to 30,000 over the next 20 years, and enhance the area amenities available to current and future residents.

Adapting to autonomous vehicles by positioning Downtown to benefit from new technologies.

Details: http://downtowndistrict.org/static/media/uploads/attachments/plan_downtown_report_final_spreads_sm.pdf

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-FiIs_8hYdXwFH2BGfPY93xfD2I=/0x0:5303x2862/920x613/filters:focal(2228x1007:3076x1855):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57580943/Plan_Downtown_Perspective_South_Pierce_St.0.jpg

New north canal and island (http://swamplot.com/the-north-canal-a-new-downtown-island-and-other-secret-plans-for-downtown-houstons-future/2017-11-14/):

https://archpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Plan_Downtown_Perspective_North_Canal-1024x0-c-default.jpg

Proposed green loop (http://swamplot.com/a-roundabout-first-look-at-the-green-loop-the-newest-idea-for-a-houston-ring-road-around-downtown/2017-11-09/):

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/green-loop-close.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 16, 2017, 3:30 PM

Hyatt Place Hotel to occupy Southwestern Bell building after redo (http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Hyatt-Place-Hotel-to-occupy-Southwestern-Bell-12361027.php)

The midcentury Southwestern Bell building in downtown Houston will get new life as a 150-room Hyatt Place Hotel.

The development group, including Anthony Patel and Nick Patel of Pride Management, has obtained a $22.8 million loan for the long-vacant building from Dallas-based Hall Structured Finance, the companies announced. Renovation of the 16-story high-rise is targeted for completion by March 2019.

Rooms at the Hyatt Place Hotel project, between Fannin and San Jacinto, will be on floors 3 through 16 and average more than 400 square feet each, according to Hall Structured Finance. Plans call for a dining area on the ground floor, a rooftop cocktail bar, a pool and fitness center in the basement, and 800 square feet of meeting space on the second floor.

The project team includes Excel Enterprise as general contractor and Alecha Architecture of New Orleans. Interior demolition work began this week.

http://www.capcommercialrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4111.jpg

The Best Forumer

Nov 16, 2017, 10:15 PM

http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Caydon-nabs-financing-for-luxe-Midtown-tower-12335465.php?utm_campaign=twitter-desktop&utm_source=CMS%20Sharing%20Button&utm_medium=social
http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/67/23/56/14498714/5/920x920.jpg
https://staging.caydon.com.au/assets/img/CaydonLoginLogo.png
^^^ it's all coming together.....

Whoa... nice... !!! About time midtown gets something like this....

The Best Forumer

Nov 16, 2017, 10:18 PM

Texas A&M board OKs joining TMC3 (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/11/07/texas-a-m-board-oks-joining-tmc3.html)

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/37317708466_2eab295081_b.jpg&key=bad05d18e260ad70c3c88cc7201be982f2ab8525910dd3ec0ed0de166d6cf44d

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4414/37335011452_a4fd96198a_b.jpg&key=2a42124fcded58bd503e474c9ce8ea8d3bda27101533d994e755a946c147ae9c

It's good that they are collaborating... but the architecture - other than the twisty thing - feels like such a let-down.

The Best Forumer

Nov 16, 2017, 10:21 PM

https://houston.eater.com/2017/11/13/16644490/post-oak-at-uptown-houston-hotel-restaurants
https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/930140241641594881/FEW-DtQV?format=jpg&name=600x314
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://assets.hospitalityonline.com/brands/employers/logos/000/264/797/logo.PNG?1477429366&key=7ce35bf9e6f42dea96c862cb6b1687bfd5fc03ad09fb4f080ca94beea339da0e
^^^ once this magnificent hotel opens, HOUSTON shall blast-off into the stratosphere......

Excellent news.

The Best Forumer

Nov 16, 2017, 10:22 PM

1801 Post Oak (https://vinetower.com/project/luxury-hotel-residences-houston-tx/): 44-Story Luxury Hotel & Reidences

https://vinetower.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/houston.jpg

I hope they can make that spire more architecturally significant... :)

Urbannizer

Nov 18, 2017, 1:29 AM

Medistar to develop health care tower in Texas Medical Center (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/11/17/exclusive-medistar-to-develop-health-care-tower-in.html)

The article says 25-stories but the renderings suggest something a bit taller. For reference the apartment tower below is 423' ft. The Best Western on site will be demolished.

Houston-based Medistar will develop a roughly 25-story health care tower in the Texas Medical Center – right across the street from the dual hotel-multifamily development the company's currently building.

The health care-focused developer will break ground on the 550,000-square-foot health care tower in the second or third quarter of 2018, Monzer Hourani, CEO of Medistar, told the Houston Business Journal. Medistar is in talks with several health care systems, including Houston and out-of-town systems, to occupy the building. By the time the building breaks ground, Medistar will have secured a user, Hourani said.

"The number one medical center in the world has to have the number one infrastructure to serve it," Hourani said.

Kirksey designed the tower's exterior. A general contractor hasn't been selected. Financial partners or the cost of the project weren't disclosed.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4567/24619211328_d5b9a6fdbd_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4562/38436699006_db42b52479_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4568/37605504425_609aaff2cf_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4563/38410104556_47403f113f_b.jpg

Monarch

Nov 18, 2017, 7:07 AM

http://www.medistarcorp.com/wp-content/themes/medistarcorpMain/images/logo.png
^^^ just what the doctor ordered......

The Best Forumer

Nov 20, 2017, 5:35 AM

The Best Forumer

Nov 20, 2017, 5:36 AM

And thank you Urbannizer for your work, sir.

The Best Forumer

Nov 20, 2017, 6:26 AM

On a side note... how long before Houston gets a tall skinny tower ala nyc'S 11w57 Tower?

JManc

Nov 20, 2017, 4:16 PM

^ Never. Houston real-estate is not that expensive compared to NY so developers would redevelop an entire block or most of it. Plus, this is Houston, they will need a parking garage at the bottom. Towers are getting taller but nothing like those in NY.

Is this thing already being built???

No. Different hotel in the foreground (this thing is right outside my office window) but the proposed new tower will go where that beige 4-story hotel is just behind it in that photo.

Slyfox

Nov 21, 2017, 1:32 AM

And thank you Urbannizer for your work, sir.

Or madam. :P

Urbannizer

Nov 21, 2017, 10:09 AM

Or madam. :P

Sir. :tup:

Urbannizer

Nov 21, 2017, 10:19 AM

Heard about this one back in March but just now coming across this article. It's possible Harvey has affected plans for the site.

Interfin Plants its Flag at Buffalo Bayou (http://houston.towers.net/2017/05/24/interfin-plants-its-flag-at-buffalo-bayou/)

Cathexis Real Estate Development, a subsidiary of Houston-based Cathexis Holdings, is in the catbird seat with its ownership of prime Buffalo Bayou waterfront property — property that Interfin Corporation wants to develop.

Cathexis owns 9.25 undeveloped acres on the south end of the Rice Military neighborhood, just across the bayou from River Oaks Country Club. According to state records, Interfin — a Houston developer of luxury residential properties — wants to build a 28-story luxury apartment tower on the site. The tower will include a pool deck on the eighth floor.

Such a filing implies the land is either under contract, or Cathexis is collaborating. But Cathexis is in the oil and gas business and uses its real estate operation primarily to acquire energy-related resources. Interfin has made no official announcement and did not respond to our request for comment.

However, the project architect, Ziegler Cooper Architects, gave the state notice of plans for a tower with an estimated project cost of $92 million.

http://houston.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/AvantBuffaloBayou-aerial-concept-768x437.jpg

nw290

Nov 26, 2017, 11:52 PM

On a side note... how long before Houston gets a tall skinny tower ala nyc'S 11w57 Tower?

there is one skinny tower in galleria...its hideous

Urbannizer

Nov 27, 2017, 12:47 AM

Urbannizer

Nov 29, 2017, 5:52 PM

2850 Fannin (http://cdn.skyrisecities.com/sites/default/files/images/articles/2016/11/23867/23867-83028.jpeg): Midtown

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4530/38009407324_20c80de6f8_b.jpg

Pearl Whole Foods (https://media.bizj.us/view/img/10332719/pearl-whole-foodsview-011-20-2017*1200xx4500-2528-0-752.jpg): Midtown

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4549/24853747468_3e5cabd2c3_b.jpg

Broadstone Heights Waterworks: The Heights

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4579/38009404624_63fb52a123_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4566/37839096625_b2d4b05db3_b.jpg

Azure (http://d2kcmk0r62r1qk.cloudfront.net/imageSponsors/xlarge/2016_12_02_01_15_23_1111durhamdrive_rendering.jpg): The Heights

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4560/37839094525_378182fc31_b.jpg

Photos by hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/profile/13072-hindesky/)

Urbannizer

Nov 29, 2017, 8:57 PM

Capitol Tower: Downtown

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4584/37842280485_594a4eb58b_b.jpg

Lyric Centre Market (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://x.lnimg.com/photo/poster_1920/cc2d2002966945d0bda160eb579337a1.jpg&key=2a3373c611c637f022d19371169f14a50d0a109758ef04baaae9bfe321159586): Downtown

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4538/23864985967_739985ebd6_b.jpg

Americana Building Demo: Downtown

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4557/38675474062_232475bb7f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21VBV1j)
Americana Building (811 Dallas) (https://flic.kr/p/21VBV1j) by Darius Fontenette (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128036658@N05/), on Flickr

HSPVA (http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/33/63/44/7289107/7/rawImage.jpg): Downtown

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4564/38707744471_48d799ea59_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21YtiSF)
HSPVA (https://flic.kr/p/21YtiSF) by Darius Fontenette (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128036658@N05/), on Flickr

Mondrian at The Museums (http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/41/12/34/8693536/5/920x920.jpg): Museum District

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4558/23864984117_df71bec213_b.jpg

Museum of Fine Arts Expansion (https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/steven-holl/uploads/projects/project-images/StevenHollArchitects_MFAH_SHA_21_DSC05143-final_WH.jpg): Museum District

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4552/37842278315_bd46a2c014_b.jpg

Methodist Inpatient Hospital: Texas Medical Center

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4543/37661924025_7953e376ee_b.jpg&key=a98ee297ce8345b8f95d9d67e37bf685a559888f12599e1a8f75bee75f50c590
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mlsnp/37661924025/sizes/l

Latitude Med Center: Texas Medical Center

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4534/38655801976_720ae48877_b.jpg

Residence Inn (http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/67/12/32/14460546/5/920x920.jpg): Texas Medical Center

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4535/26935328849_121ddca239_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4577/24838403278_da67fedda3_b.jpg

The Moderne (http://content.har.com/high_rise/hr/191_1.jpg): Rice Village

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4579/23864984797_bc129e4861_b.jpg

Photos by hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/profile/13072-hindesky/)

The Best Forumer

Nov 29, 2017, 9:00 PM

excellent.

jtown,man

Nov 30, 2017, 2:33 AM

Awesome update. Houston is still on fire.

The Best Forumer

Nov 30, 2017, 10:14 PM

That building Latitude Med Center: Texas Medical Center in the TMC... I didn't even know it was going up until this post... tall buildings like that get lost in the TMC these days...

Urbannizer

Nov 30, 2017, 10:54 PM

Texas A&M board OKs joining TMC3 (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/11/07/texas-a-m-board-oks-joining-tmc3.html)

UT Board of Regents and MD Anderson also gave approval to join TMC3. This paves the way for construction to begin on the double helix structure and hotel in 2018.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5939cbb39de4bb2e6dbeb555/594ff2e7725e258922b70f7d/594ff9d94c8b03ee09b95b72/1498413685397/Architectural-Rendering-Gensler-Piazza.jpg?format=1000w&key=7cabb60d5b5771fdc8926af001090ed622a0691efdd3326a5543e4003ede62a2

Urbannizer

Dec 1, 2017, 2:24 AM

Homewood Suites by Hilton (http://www.hardamhotels.com/portfolio/homewood-suites-by-hilton-texas-medical-center-nrg-park-houston-tx/): Another hotel featuring a garbage design proposed for the Med Center.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4579/37842815445_4d63709acb_b.jpg

TexasPlaya

Dec 1, 2017, 3:05 AM

The Village of Southampton (http://www.prdgarch.com/modules/collections/on-the-boards/village-at-south-hampton-otb)

First look at this 17-story senior living high-rise for Rice Village. Construction begins next month/early 2018.

http://res.cloudinary.com/govimg/image/upload/q_80,f_auto/v1509301720/58d155d37f47b79023e61161/village_s_hampton.jpg

Hopefully we see quite a few more of these within relative close proximity to the TMC.

Homewood Suites by Hilton (http://www.hardamhotels.com/portfolio/homewood-suites-by-hilton-texas-medical-center-nrg-park-houston-tx/): Another hotel featuring a garbage design proposed for the Med Center.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4579/37842815445_4d63709acb_b.jpg

At least this is close to the TMC3 site and adds a little density. Seems hotels are realizing the TMC is a good market, I'd imagine medical tourism is up.

Urbannizer

Dec 1, 2017, 8:07 AM

At least this is close to the TMC3 site and adds a little density. Seems hotels are realizing the TMC is a good market, I'd imagine medical tourism is up.

They are indeed.. There's two hotels u/c in the TMC with six proposed for the area.

The Best Forumer

Dec 1, 2017, 2:55 PM

JManc

Dec 1, 2017, 6:34 PM

That Homewood Suites is south of the main TMC and in a meh area surrounded by bland office and medical buildings. The small building to the left in that render is a crappy rundown Subway. It's shitty infill but it's infill

Urbannizer

Dec 4, 2017, 3:05 AM

$1.5 billion veterans museum proposed for Houston.

http://www.theveteransmuseumintexas.com

The Veterans Museum in Texas ($1.5B facility to be built in Houston)

Projected opening date July 4, 2025, in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the acceptance of the Declaration of Independence as adopted by the Continental Congress of 1776.

Mission: To plan and build a world-class veterans museum honoring all five branches of service from the American Revolution to the present and incorporating allies of America, with attention to education, economic development, tourism, and advances in medicine and war-fighting technologies.

The Veterans Museum in Texas (VMIT) will serve as a non-profit educational resource for the community regarding the service of America's veterans. The Veterans Museum in Texas is dedicated to the documentation and communication of the service of all American veterans from the American Revolution to the present.

The Museum will serve as a gathering place for veterans groups to meet and share their experience of past service together and to surrounding Independent School Districts.

The goal of this Museum is to construct a permanent facility to honor veterans and their service to America. Through permanent and changing exhibits, educational program and community outreach, the Veterans Museum in Texas will pay tribute and remembrance to the battles and people from the American Revolution to the present.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://www.theveteransmuseumintexas.com/img/7525/984.jpg&key=1487bcaa9f3c24f6504676e559bae6d70049695542160f81a14b716d1694276b

Urbannizer

Dec 4, 2017, 7:07 PM

Brookfield Acquires Houston Center for $875 Million; Major Redevelopment Planned (http://realtynewsreport.com/2017/12/04/brookfield-acquires-houston-center-for-875-million-major-redevelopment-planned/)

Brookfield Property Partners has finalized its acquisition Houston Center, a collection of four downtown skyscrapers and a 200,000-SF retail center.

The $875 million sale of the 4.2 million SF Houston Center is one of the biggest real estate transactions ever completed in Houston.

Brookfield is expected to spend heavily – well in excess of $50 million – for a redo of Houston Center, which was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s.

“The focus of our redevelopment efforts is going to be on enhancing the overall tenant experience,” said Travis Overall, Executive Vice President and Head of the Texas Region for Brookfield. “Specifically, we want to expand and improve the offering of amenities and redefine the public areas- lobbies, skybridges and plazas.”

The buildings acquired by Brookfield include:

LyondellBasell Tower – 46 stories; 1.1M SF at 1221 McKinney St.
2 Houston Center – 40 stories; 1M SF at 909 Fannin.
Fulbright Tower – 51 stories; 1.2M SF at 1301 McKinney.
4 Houston Center – 16 stories; 674,000 SF on Lamar Street
The Shops at Houston Center – 3 stories; 196,000 SF on McKinney Street.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4555/24963658888_ba61e9bcf2_b.jpg

The Best Forumer

Dec 5, 2017, 11:14 PM

Let's hope they throw up something around 1400 feet tall.... :)

Urbannizer

Dec 6, 2017, 5:38 AM

Let's hope they throw up something around 1400 feet tall.... :)

This will only be enhancements to amenities and public spaces. No mention of a new tower in the article.

CHAPINM1

Dec 6, 2017, 10:32 AM

Let's hope they throw up something around 1400 feet tall.... :)

I hear that! With Houston on track to surpass Chicago as the nations third largest city it should really flex its muscle and have the skyline to match. Been keeping a 'very' close eye on development in Houston, especially within this last year. Considering back in 1982 there actually was a 1,400 foot proposal, just wondering by chance that's why you mentioned that particular number. :)

CHAPINM1

Dec 6, 2017, 10:41 AM

Garbage indeed.

Thanks for the updates!

Can't all be winners unfortunately...

JManc

Dec 6, 2017, 2:27 PM

I hear that! With Houston on track to surpass Chicago as the nations third largest city it should really flex its muscle and have the skyline to match. Been keeping a 'very' close eye on development in Houston, especially within this last year. Considering back in 1982 there actually was a 1,400 foot proposal, just wondering by chance that's why you mentioned that particular number. :)

Houston proper is about at least decade away from surpassing Chicago proper but Chicago metro is still several million bigger than the Houston metro and will be decades before that gap closes. Plus, Houston doesn't build them tall like it used to.

glowrock

Dec 6, 2017, 2:49 PM

Houston proper is about at least decade away from surpassing Chicago proper but Chicago metro is still several million bigger than the Houston metro and will be decades before that gap closes. Plus, Houston doesn't build them tall like it used to.

Not to mention the fact that there are more high-rises going up in Chicago right now than Houston has had built in at least the last 5-10 years combined. Houston's got the population, but Chicago's got the multitudes of 500-1000 footers going up, along with at least one 1000'+ supertall at the moment.

Aaron (Glowrock)

Urbannizer

Dec 6, 2017, 5:30 PM

Stages announces plan to build a $30.5 million theater complex (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/arts-theater/article/Stages-announces-plan-to-build-a-30-5-million-12407832.php?utm_campaign=twitter-premium&utm_source=CMS%20Sharing%20Button&utm_medium=social#photo-14654710)

Stages Repertory Theatre plans to build a $30.5 million theater complex to bolster its position as the city's largest performing arts nonprofit outside of the downtown Theater District — a move to improve not only the company's artistic freedom, but also provide an amenity for the surrounding north Montrose neighborhood.

The company wants the 66,850-square-foot proposed building, which features three stages and a two-story parking garage, to be more than a theater.

"We want to change this idea that a performance space opens itself for 90 minutes a night," said Managing Director Mark Folkes "We want to, rather, create a dynamic gathering space, where there can be post-performance open mic cabaret."

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/67/71/63/14654708/3/1200x1200.jpg&key=3cdb60fd9817bfebf5a40efc31b5d0bbe48da6527d96c4174b51a6bb5ea4d430

Urbannizer

Dec 6, 2017, 11:36 PM

Houston has taken back plans (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/37474-texas-music-museum/) for a Music Museum.

https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2017/12/council-drills-capitol-plan/

Asked by Council Member Alison Alter what type of museum would eventually grace the new pedestrian mall, Howard said that although hopes of a Texas Music Museum had been dashed by Houston-area legislators during the last legislative session, whatever is approved would be something complementary to the nearby Bullock and Blanton museums.

The Best Forumer

Dec 7, 2017, 3:02 PM

Not to mention the fact that there are more high-rises going up in Chicago right now than Houston has had built in at least the last 5-10 years combined. Houston's got the population, but Chicago's got the multitudes of 500-1000 footers going up, along with at least one 1000'+ supertall at the moment.

Aaron (Glowrock)

Unfortunately for Houston this is true.

Perhaps the biggest hindrance to Houston is the fact that it's not landlocked by other cities. Argh.

Cory

Dec 8, 2017, 6:29 PM

Unfortunately for Houston this is true.

Perhaps the biggest hindrance to Houston is the fact that it's not landlocked by other cities. Argh.

What are you talking about?

Urbannizer

Dec 8, 2017, 10:56 PM

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/38912796441_fe73682e1b_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22hAfFt)
Houston Snow 2017 (https://flic.kr/p/22hAfFt) by Marc longoria (https://www.flickr.com/photos/119926851@N02/), on Flickr

pacarlson

Dec 9, 2017, 1:32 PM

Wow! Very pretty..and rare!

AviationGuy

Dec 10, 2017, 5:11 AM

Wow! Very pretty..and rare!

I think the last snow that accumulated there was in 2009. I was in Houston for a funeral and that day was clear and sunny, and not too cold at all. I got up and left to go back to Austin around 5 a.m. the next morning, and by the time I got to Austin, snow was moving into Houston. That particular event in 2009 pretty much missed Austin.

Urbannizer

Dec 27, 2017, 2:55 AM

The Western Union Building, consumed by the Bank of America Center in the 80's, will be opened up for additional office and retail use.

Bank of America to bring hidden building to light (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Bank-of-America-Center-to-bring-hidden-building-12456235.php#photo-14755912)

A curious corner of downtown's Bank of America Center will be transformed into a restaurant topped by a floor of new office or conference space that could open by the end of 2018.

Houston-based M-M Properties tapped Sydness Architects to find a way to utilize the former Western Union building that was wrapped inside the bank tower when it was constructed in the early 1980s. That space, at Louisiana and Capitol, was completely hidden by a granite facade. It has not been used for sending telegrams for decades.

Bringing the long-dormant Western Union building out into the open will be part of a $15 million project that could add up to 30,000 square feet to the 56-story skyscraper. Sydness said work is to begin in February or March.

A second phase, which will add two floors of glass encased offices above Bank of America's expansive lobby along with tenant amenities in the lobby, will begin after the namesake tenant vacates in 2019.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/70/22/41/14755924/3/1200x1200.jpg&key=947ece0d61ecc6b6464607d7212ff9824d952859d694882765415d6552535c31

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/70/22/41/14755923/3/1200x1200.jpg&key=12034188c8da757840e95379cb5d80c9e2d305aefafa849e7c89ac423e12cb00

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/70/22/41/14755909/3/1200x1200.jpg&key=303d51efdd034e9e4cd16b69142cdab384da77d01e6f3a35f5e58dbccf0b3af6

Current look:
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bank-of-america-banking-hall.jpg&key=48407bd0579aa1048ff82af4f10aafbcde80183cae3f0f79b8c72915c04bbdb9

Sic'EmBears

Dec 27, 2017, 3:12 AM

Too rarely do exterior alterations enhance an original structure's facade.

This isn't one of them.

Well done.

deja vu

Dec 27, 2017, 7:12 PM

Speaking of Bank of America Center, last night we went to the Alley Theatre to see 'A Christmas Carol.' The tickets were a gift from the in-laws, and the production was very good. At intermission I ventured onto the outdoor terrace to view the skyline, which was partially enshrouded by fog. Unfortunately, I just had my phone, which takes pretty crappy nighttime shots:

https://viqobq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mebCCzIpSgq1Qg5HLvKiG1Oc_GEPEpoPFauw3Ra5RsS4nUEThMNSYLXNa8RofHWYSgXkcB83BOL8senHYH9qrfbG2GGYxC3FR2eXuEJx3Mu8SInFKC7UYKSvi_H89Z0-PqvUlnXpxm5Vtd1_4wPbBMVIaxUwKcG9BQ7Rg54K9nJuLEaH8Do7pL3wkqO5XMabnJ7R7Rxezldz-6UfV9WfUnQ?width=1024&height=1820&cropmode=none

Jones Hall, with new construction (Capitol Tower) behind:
https://u4qobq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mTsfyS7T1n4jAV20OLUMorbLtutL6RuvITRlEhp9-TaqWJQjVq8ZaZbEusBlj9oormKe5fvqle_nINFRjwTE0LfmeAyQhQZwKkAtkngEwDrfuLYNZeXXPNQl3uuHhypij3vszCB6K3AsFohFpH8gBx7dUI4Gweez-MhcDmv4X0qqHRrnP29O3EPKwShD6l_onag11Sv_HayFp2f2f7YhPkA?width=1024&height=576&cropmode=none

Jones Hall and Capitol Tower, with JP Morgan Chase fading into the sky:
https://uoqobq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mUpR8BwmC8eqihIrTWFdYpytQ8MNbznZgf_HbFzq0Vv7ko5DQdMlZ9vQrR743mGHrGi7Rqj_1FgblhuhaOXn1G0n6Sx0CA_AVbvD4jR1sGcc8wzpeEC47pd87C_N4dzXigalq1teae7v73R7WyXXHcomoluFSHftarMVHDXm1NUP0cfBPxWXt-YaNP6Y9ULggcluynwmAry6BX_GCOiWmKg?width=1024&height=1820&cropmode=none

View of the skyline terrace:
https://r4qobq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mkf0GbiR_WF319t9xMEox3pUOeJ4WJ5JtdMG-TLesJO81AHKgJ_DNTUNwQJjzaqvom2u7__8_020xK-B7n4JTWSEHrOWYLJhATmF1-gNPZ8SEOuTR2WcYn0oure1qvox5XtM4isiSR2G4OWkWbkEF0XIfol05R3xO4X0g62FYM5-BIrs2NTU-sbn-cn_-PXExuuXAP5VjdBCMsi8o5GDN0Q?width=1024&height=576&cropmode=none

The Alley Theatre partially reopened in time to put on this holiday tradition. It is still partially rebuilding from damage done by Harvey. From the larger Hubbard Theatre space and main lobby, you would never know that any flooding had occurred, but the smaller Neuhaus Theatre and back-of-house facilities in the lower levels were destroyed, and are still being remodeled. Neuhaus is on schedule to reopen in February 2018. Here's a view of the main lobby, decorated for the holidays:
https://uyqobq-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mzZx9c4bNmmupasMbi3a_M0fjpuXtNLUEL7L6L-p2Xigj5M9FIv057dFEi5oxZWwsXhAYI_eXfY2GhwYIg3SfRDC4D2asmrPRGzyezrllSnlVAMNe9vrz86O55H4l_2PsHpSTti4Vw6xM6B7ZxlUyVMFia9-kayaDQT59nzx8fGjV98bnoPLWvz8PrhjWLpQ9aKpfCeCBWPXo3dy7v4X-zQ?width=1024&height=1820&cropmode=none

Urbannizer

Dec 27, 2017, 9:12 PM

Sidewalk scaffolding going up for Camden Conte (http://zieglercooper.com/camden-downtown/). :cheers:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2017_12/92A8AA9A-2D87-47E1-99F5-5F0F8A9B48E2.jpeg.903f595252bb5e5dde3fa76c4d23bf77.jpeg
MarathonMan (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29372-camden-conte-21-stories-x2-2-phases-downtown/?do=findComment&comment=562687)

http://zieglercooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cover-Shot-940x626.jpg

Urbannizer

Dec 28, 2017, 2:04 AM

Hanover River Oaks

39-story high-rise in Upper Kirby also began this month.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4633/25470014488_47dcefe99a_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4644/25470014118_a76e1de865_b.jpg
ChannelTwoNews (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30853-hanover-river-oaks-39-stories/?do=findComment&comment=562630)

http://images.skyscrapercenter.com/building/upperkirby_(c)scb.jpg

pacarlson

Dec 28, 2017, 12:19 PM

AviationGuy

Dec 29, 2017, 4:17 AM

Drove through Upper Kirby on Christmas Eve. It's my new favorite area in Houston. Lots of choices for living, good restaurants and stores, and much less congestion than Uptown.

Urbannizer

Jan 4, 2018, 6:21 AM

A developer is asking the city to abandon Rosalie Street between Louisiana and Milam for a mixed-use project in Midtown (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27553-mixed-use-project-planned-for-two-blocks-in-midtown-formerly-3001-louisiana/?page=5).

I received a call back from the City of Houston today. The plan is for this to be a mixed-use development--the term used over the phone was "a little bit of everything." Unfortunately, I got pretty sparse details.

https://imageserver-bisnow1.netdna-ssl.com/CYufO0jYN_Y3_4iF3oNWIQ0KKxc=/0x0/publisher/5a4bbc5642d45_IMG_0559.jpeg

JoninATX

Jan 8, 2018, 4:51 AM

What? No updates in 3 days? Come on now Houston starting to boom again.

The Best Forumer

Jan 8, 2018, 1:05 PM

What? No updates in 3 days? Come on now Houston starting to boom again.

I think things are slowing down... ugh.

The Best Forumer

Jan 8, 2018, 1:07 PM

The Best Forumer

Jan 8, 2018, 1:10 PM

A developer is asking the city to abandon Rosalie Street between Louisiana and Milam for a mixed-use project in Midtown (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27553-mixed-use-project-planned-for-two-blocks-in-midtown-formerly-3001-louisiana/?page=5).

https://imageserver-bisnow1.netdna-ssl.com/CYufO0jYN_Y3_4iF3oNWIQ0KKxc=/0x0/publisher/5a4bbc5642d45_IMG_0559.jpeg

If the renderings I saw were accurate... this will be a letdown...

Urbannizer

Jan 8, 2018, 4:51 PM

I think things are slowing down... ugh.

A number of new announcements and groundbreakings lately, quite the opposite..

I wonder if this will be the final design.

The design has been locked in place since the project was first announced in late 2014.

If the renderings I saw were accurate... this will be a letdown...

What renderings have you seen?

Urbannizer

Jan 8, 2018, 5:08 PM

*bump*

Urbannizer

Jan 8, 2018, 5:17 PM

$58M food hall coming to Houston's Theater District (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/01/05/58m-food-hall-coming-to-houstons-theater-district.html)

Lyric Market will open this fall at 411 Smith St. on the corner of Louisiana, Preston and Smith streets, according to a Jan. 5 press release. The $58 million, 31,000-square-foot culinary destination is under the direction of real estate developer Jonathan Enav, the president and CEO of Houston-based U.S. Property Management, which manages the 27-story Lyric Centre office building.

Local restaurant group Clark Cooper Concepts — behind eateries such as Brasserie 19, Coppa Osteria and the recently closed SaltAir Seafood Kitchen — is partnering with Enav on the project, per the release.

Chef-driven concepts will dominate the space, which also is expected to include a variety of vendors with offerings such as fresh produce, fresh flowers, artisan baskets or handmade hats, according to a September 2016 post from Houston-based Capital Reality Group, which is handling leasing for the hall. In total, 34 spaces ranging from 105 to 790 square feet are available to lease as of Jan. 5, according to LoopNet.

The space will be fully enclosed in glass and designed by Austin-based Joel Mozersky Design with New York kitchen designer Jimi Yui of YuiDesign, per the release. Plans also call for an underground speakeasy and a second-story open-air terrace and café. Houston-based landscape architecture firm Kudela & Weinheimer Landscape is designing the terrace with seating, fire pits and a downtown view.

Just outside of the hall will be a public plaza centered around the Lyric Centre's 36-foot-tall "Virtuoso" sculpture by David Adickes, per the release. Once open, the plaza will host community programs. The exterior, designed by Houston-based Munoz+Albin Architecture, will include LED-lit moving panels and a glass box hovering 60 feet above the sidewalks.

Lyric Market will be on the ground level of the eight-story, 327,315-square-foot Lyric Centre Parking Garage project under construction. The parking garage portion will offer nearly 700 above-ground parking spaces.

The concept is modeled after international food halls, including New York’s Chelsea Market, Porugal’s Time Out Market and Israel’s Sarona Market.

Three other food hall concepts are planned or already located within a few blocks of Lyric Market. Conservatory Underground Beer Garden & Food Hall, at 1010 Prairie St., opened in 2016. Finn Hall is opening this spring in The Jones on Main, the renovation and rebranding of 708 Main and 712 Main. And Bravery Chef Hall, at 409 Travis St. inside Aris Market Square, is expected to open this summer.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4589/38871102054_dcea0a4105_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4635/38871119274_36bf28c15b_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4733/38871105304_26d6cdb4f4_h.jpg
ChannelTwoNews (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32367-new-garage-with-retail-next-to-lyric-center/?do=findComment&comment=562632)

Urbannizer

Jan 8, 2018, 5:32 PM

AC Hotel by Marriott

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4594/38871101794_29508215be_b.jpg

Camden Conte (http://zieglercooper.com/camden-downtown/)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4600/38648697125_26595c1fc1_b.jpg
hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/profile/13072-hindesky/)

Capitol Tower

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4731/38683826935_3f63155103_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4592/38683827285_fa82e85d19_b.jpg

One Market Square

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4731/38683833685_13f0e049e5_b.jpg

HSPVA

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4646/25709704078_b0a4b23e1d_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4591/39579666821_11ebb42596_b.jpg

Marlowe

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4590/38683827905_479523ef8e_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4599/38683828505_169edbdf7a_b.jpg
ChannelTwoNews (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/profile/380-channeltwonews/)

Monarch

Jan 8, 2018, 7:25 PM

https://getbento.imgix.net/8fwnUdq9TDGu1KqVNK3H_lyric-market-logo.png
^^^ if the brand new LYRIC MARKET is constructed to exact scope and scale, this place shall become the essential for downtown houston renewal.
everyone shall want or need to be here!

Urbannizer

Jan 9, 2018, 4:44 AM

Petroleum/Great Southwest Building conversion to a Cambria hotel will begin this quarter (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31687-petroleum-building-great-southwest-building-to-become-cambria-hotel/?do=findComment&comment=563001).

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Great_Southwest_Building%2C_2008.jpg

Also beginning 1Q 2018 (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-40-story-high-rise-for-block-98-behind-hess-tower/?do=findComment&comment=563002), Tramell Crow's 40-story Block 98 high-rise.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/13912893495_d24e90a667_b.jpg

Urbannizer

Jan 9, 2018, 2:44 PM

State approves initial funding for UTHealth psychiatric hospital in Houston (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/01/09/state-approves-initial-funding-for-uthealth.html)

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will build a $125 million behavioral health campus in Houston, and the state of Texas has approved the initial funding.

The Legislative Budget Board and the Governor to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission approved the first $6 million in state funds for the project, according to a Jan. 8 press release from UTHealth. That funding will be for the architectural planning and design phase.

Plans for the UTHealth Continuum of Care Campus for Behavioral Health include acute, subacute and residential treatment with up to 300 beds. When combined with the UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center’s 274 existing acute care beds, the facility is expected to become the largest academic behavioral health hospital in the country, per the release.

The new UTHealth Continuum of Care Campus building is expected to break ground in January 2019 and be complete in fall 2021, according to a spokeswoman. The architect selection is in the final stage, and general contractor top bidders will be interviewed next month. The project will be about 200,000 square feet and will be built on the site of an existing parking lot adjacent to the UTHealth HCPC. The press release says it “will incorporate the latest design concepts for a behavioral health facility.”

Site is just outside the Texas Medical Center: https://www.google.com/maps/place/2800+S+MacGregor+Way,+Houston,+TX+77021/@29.7115275,-95.3746963,3a,75y,279.77h,93.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sU2JfaN4iiyYPnKes4n3MAQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x8640bf97b4082a43:0xd01096f0aebe7d01!8m2!3d29.7122117!4d-95.3743252

Urbannizer

Jan 9, 2018, 10:01 PM

2850 Fannin (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=222640&page=2)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4761/25717544568_f91b1a71e1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fbz91Q)
Crane at The Midtown (https://flic.kr/p/Fbz91Q) by Urbanize713 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/136803843@N03/), on Flickr

Peal Whole Foods

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4750/25727926628_c18327a1e6_b.jpg

Holocaust Museum Expansion

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4724/38702337275_728eb0459b_b.jpg

The Mondrian at The Museums

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4705/25727926078_d520bb5bb9_b.jpg

Museum of Fine Arts Houston Expansion

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4614/38890115704_9f7bfd5ca8_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4673/38702249495_80cb5d3439_b.jpg

Rice Opera House

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4623/38702246125_69981ccd41_b.jpg

Memorial Hermann Expansion

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4745/24730836327_9f91a1f5fc_b.jpg

Methodist Hospital North Campus

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4603/38702248075_6e6b94d570_b.jpg

Residence Inn

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4715/25727878998_10bf2d05ca_b.jpg
hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/profile/13072-hindesky/)

JoninATX

Jan 9, 2018, 10:51 PM

Awesome update guys! :cheers:

R1070

Jan 10, 2018, 3:43 AM

Great to see Houston pushing along after the floods. thanks for the update.

The Best Forumer

Jan 10, 2018, 5:32 PM

Excellent update sir.

Seems like Marlowe's been UC for 17 years now... ugh.

Urbannizer

Jan 27, 2018, 9:10 PM

Highrise apartments will replace La Colombe d'Or historic ballroom (http://www.chron.com/life/home/design/article/Highrise-apartments-will-replace-La-Colombe-d-Or-12529317.php#photo-14947417)

The historic ballroom of Montrose Boulevard's boutique hotel La Colombe d'Or will see its last waltz at a private party this weekend.

Le Grand Salon de la Comtesse, an 18th-century Rococo room with walls of English oak paneling, gild-ed-frame mirrors and grand chandeliers.

The salon is named for the French-Belgian princess La Comtesse Elisabeth Greffulhe, who is immortal-ized as a character in Marcel Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past."

Oil tycoon John Mecom Sr. brought the 45x65 feet room over in pieces in the 1960s. His son sold it to Houston businessman Steve Zimmerman in the 1990s, who ensconced it in a stucco building adjacent to his hotel and restaurant. Starting Monday, it will be dismantled and stored to make way for a new 34-story luxury apartment building.

Residents and hotel guests in both buildings will share a slew of luxury amenities, including the tower's 10th-level swimming pool and the courtyard's sculptures, fountains and an outdoor fireplace.

Hines tried to be as sensitive as possible to the property's historical asset, said Kevin Batchelor, senior managing director for Hines' southwest region. "The alternative would be to tear it down and build a bigger, clunkier building. Instead of using every square inch of land, we reduced the footprint and went slightly taller, but left room for parks, which enhances the connectivity."

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/71/01/21/14947403/3/1524x1524.jpg

http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/71/01/21/14947412/3/1500x1500.jpg

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/71/01/21/14947413/3/1524x1524.jpg

clubtokyo

Jan 29, 2018, 7:05 PM

Nice updates! Nothing seems to stop Houston!

DBGHouston

Jan 30, 2018, 6:47 PM

Caydon pours foundation for Midtown apartment tower
By Katherine Feser /Houston Chronicle, Tuesday, January 30, 2018

http://www.chron.com/business/bizfeed/article/Caydon-pours-foundation-for-Midtown-apartment-12534898.php

Rain didn't stop Melbourne-based Caydon from marking a milestone at its 27-story apartment high-rise going up at 2850 Fannin in Midtown.

A parade of 523 truckloads of concrete began pouring the mat foundation at 7:30 a.m. and continued for 9 1/2 hours. Hoar Construction and TAS Concrete oversaw the project, which involved 70 workers and 600 tons of rebar.

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/71/04/46/14961046/6/1024x1024.jpg

photo credit: Caydon/Houston Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/business/bizfeed/article/Caydon-pours-foundation-for-Midtown-apartment-12534898.php#photo-14961046

Urbannizer

Feb 1, 2018, 9:40 PM

Luxury condo project in Upper Kirby to break ground next month (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/01/sneak-peek-luxury-condo-project-in-upper-kirby-to.html)

A luxury condominium project named after a high-end Italian furniture maker is set to break ground in March, according to a Feb. 1 press release.

Georgia-based developer Stolz Partners announced in the release that the company has closed on the 39,453-square-foot site at 2701 Steel St. where Giorgetti Houston will rise.

http://www.papercitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/034_e_0716-1024x576.jpg

Urbannizer

Feb 2, 2018, 7:42 PM

More Than $49M Expansion Begins At Holocaust Museum Houston (https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2018/01/31/264939/more-than-49m-expansion-begins-at-holocaust-museum-houston/)

The Holocaust Museum Houston’s expansion project that will double its size has begun with the relocation of two of their most valuable historical artifacts, the rescue boat Hanne Frank and a World War II-era rail car of the type used by Nazis to transport their victims to concentration camps.

The Houston Chronicle reports , in what was a slow and careful operation using a high-capacity crane, the two museum pieces were relocated from their place in the patio, where they were previously on display, to another area 120 feet away to protect them from the risk of being damaged during the construction project.

The construction project, which officially began Monday with a projected cost of $49.4 million, will more than double the museum’s space to a total of 57,000 square feet. At its scheduled completion in spring 2019, it will become the fourth largest Holocaust museum in the country, according to the spokesperson Robin Cavanaugh.

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/62/04/15/13124437/5/1024x1024.jpg

Urbannizer

Feb 2, 2018, 7:48 PM

New residential mid-rise to break ground on Studemont (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/02/exclusive-new-residential-mid-rise-to-break-ground.html)

Alliance Residential Co. will begin construction the week of Feb. 5 on a five-story, 375-unit mid-rise apartment building near the southwest corner of Summer and Studemont, across the street from Arne's Warehouse in Washington Heights.

Broadstone Studemont will sit on a 4-acre section of land within a 10-acre vacant plot, close to the Olivewood Cemetery and the expected Memorial Hermann convenient care center, according to Cyrus Bahrami, managing director for Phoenix-based Alliance.

The multifamily developer bought the land in November 2017, with the project's expected delivery in 2019. Alliance did not disclose the purchase price or budget for the project.

The Carlyle Group is financing the project and Citizens Bank is the project lender. Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects and Terra Associates are the architects and engineers behind the project, respectively.

Urbannizer

Feb 2, 2018, 8:01 PM

Museum District boutique condos in development (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/02/exclusive-museum-district-boutiquecondos-in.html)

A Houston-based multifamily developer is preparing to break ground on a luxury midrise project in the Museum District.

Urban Flats Builder is in the preconstruction phase on its latest project, Park on Caroline, which will stand at five stories and contain 40 one- and two-bedroom units. Though a firm groundbreaking date wasn't made available, Urban Flats Builder is developing the project with the intention of being initially leased. Eventually, the units will be sold as condo units, said Kenny Antoniono, director of leasing and marketing at Urban Flats Builder.

Park on Caroline's residential units will be designed with open floor plans, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hard finish surfaces and lots of natural light. There will be 10 one-bedroom units that offer 1,100 square feet of space and 30 two-bedroom units that offer between 1,291 square feet and 1,387 square feet. The average monthly rent for a Park on Caroline unit will be $3,227.

The stone-line building's exterior will be landscaped with mature oak trees, Antoniono said, and parking will be offered on the building's lower levels. It's unclear if an architect and general contractor have been retained.

Urban Flats Builder typically develops projects with the intent of selling them, Antoniono said. The Park on Caroline project's current valuation, when marketed as a condo project, is more than $18,595,800, Antoniono said. The project's total cost of development is $12,419,437, and Urban Flats Builder is requesting a conventional loan of $8,072,634, per a company statement.

Urban Flat Builders has several projects underway in the Museum District. In April 2017, it unveiled the Oaks on Caroline, a six-story, 28-unit midrise condo at 4820 Caroline Street. Click here to take a tour of that project. The developer's currently planning the Ridge on Caroline at 4802 Caroline St. These residential projects will be marketed as "sister projects" to one another.

cjreisen

Feb 2, 2018, 8:06 PM

JManc

Feb 2, 2018, 9:51 PM

I'm curious, when do y'all think Houston will have no more block-large surface lots downtown anymore? I've never been to Houston, but it was famous for its horrible sea of lots downtown, but they appear to be disappearing by the day. Good to see!

I think there will always be at least a few surface lots lingering even if most of downtown is developed. The area around the jails and court buildings is not that desirable and can't see many developers racing to build around there.

Reverberation

Feb 2, 2018, 10:31 PM

I think there will always be at least a few surface lots lingering even if most of downtown is developed. The area around the jails and court buildings is not that desirable and can't see many developers racing to build around there.

I would say that some of the area around the stadiums and the Bayou too. The lots around the stadiums are owned by the county, and likely will remain reserved for their uses as they are needed, and the bayou through downtown forms a nice cutbank and would not be good long-term for anything too intensive.

kingkirbythe....

Feb 5, 2018, 6:51 PM

Urbannizer

Feb 5, 2018, 9:20 PM

Construction start imminent for The Village of Southampton, a 17-story senior living high-rise in Rice Village.

https://www.prdgarch.com/modules/collections/on-the-boards/village-at-south-hampton-otb

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4705/40105145481_7fc1d2c1e9_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4665/40105145211_be57db2c20_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4665/40070338122_57e4678382_b.jpg
@hindesky

The Best Forumer

Feb 6, 2018, 3:36 PM

Not much of an impact if it's going to be right next door to that motorcycle bar and the Robin Hood.

Urbannizer

Feb 6, 2018, 6:14 PM

University of Houston Quad Housing Replacement (http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/fpc-projects/spotlight/Quad-housing-replacement/)

Began construction Dec. 2017, 1200 beds

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/fpc-projects/spotlight/Quad-housing-replacement/New-Quad-Housing.JPG&key=58548c4d5f98b512c8ce57223ad4133822d6d64d8e0aca98696d0462ef48b0f6

Texas Southern University Library & Learning Center (http://www.matrixstructural.com/project_details.php?Cat_ID=24&subcat_id=315)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4752/39221351935_fab55ce6d1_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4617/39221352985_670537ae62_b.jpg
@hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27268-texas-southern-university-developments-and-updates/?do=findComment&comment=563575)

Texas Southern University Technology Building (http://www.theldnet.com/project/tsu-technology-building/)

Texas Southern University (TSU) demolished the previous Leonard N. O. Spearman Technology Building, due to not only to damages sustained from Hurricane Ike but also because of the age and condition of the facility.

The Technology Building replacement is a 100,000 SF, four-story, state-of-the-art facility. It includes a 25,000 SF mechanical penthouse and a 100-foot transmitting tower for the university’s radio station.

Adjacent to the building is a one-story, high bay industrial building to house laboratories, simulators, and other training equipment.

Urbannizer

Feb 6, 2018, 8:50 PM

H-E-B buys land in Upper Kirby for new mixed-use project (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/bizfeed/article/H-E-B-buys-land-in-Upper-Kirby-for-new-mixed-use-12555811.php#photo-12061287)

H-E-B plans to develop a new mixed-use project with Midway in Upper Kirby.

The San Antonio-based grocer purchased 3.8 acres on the northwest corner of West Alabama and Kirby for the yet-to-be-announced project. Financial terms of the acquisition, which closed January 17, were not disclosed.

The vacant parcel, formerly the site of the Kirby Court apartments and A.D. Players Theater, sits across from a Whole Foods Market and Bed Bath and Beyond. It is near Gables' West Ave mixed-use development, Hanover's Upper Kirby apartment project and Stolz Partners' Giorgetti luxury condo project.

https://i.imgur.com/zHkLoek.jpg

Soignies Forest

Feb 10, 2018, 11:32 PM

Whoever designed the TSU building I suspect was in the Navy at some point. Like the building

The Best Forumer

Feb 12, 2018, 4:26 PM

Looks good..

clubtokyo

Feb 13, 2018, 3:41 AM

Bailey

Feb 13, 2018, 6:18 PM

H-E-B buys land in Upper Kirby for new mixed-use project (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/bizfeed/article/H-E-B-buys-land-in-Upper-Kirby-for-new-mixed-use-12555811.php#photo-12061287)

https://i.imgur.com/zHkLoek.jpg

Since Uptown is persistent in rejecting the light rail, can we build one down Kirby/Allen Parkway back to downtown. Kirby will have density with all of these new projects continuing the walkable urban theme.

kingkirbythe....

Feb 13, 2018, 8:08 PM

since uptown is persistent in rejecting the light rail, can we build one down kirby/allen parkway back to downtown. Kirby will have density with all of these new projects continuing the walkable urban theme.

yes!

DBGHouston

Feb 13, 2018, 8:50 PM

:runaway: If the political might of lowly Afton Oaks was enough to stop the light rail on Richmond to Post Oak (which would have intersected Kirby not far from this new development) I tremble at the mention of light rail going through River Oaks. Don't go there.... :runaway:

AviationGuy

Feb 14, 2018, 5:40 AM

Drove through Upper Kirby over Christmas and really liked the feel of it. Kirby south of 59 wasn't very appealing.

Urbannizer

Feb 14, 2018, 9:10 PM

City mulls plans to build W Hotel in downtown Houston (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/14/city-mulls-plans-to-build-w-hotel-in-downtown.html)

A proposal to build a luxury hotel in downtown Houston found support at a Feb. 13 meeting from residents and business leaders who have long bemoaned the Bayou City's lack of high-end hotel inventory.

Texas Hospitality Partners LLC is proposing to build a W Hotel on top of the downtown Partnership Tower, which was designed to support the structure, according to meeting attendees and a public agenda document. Houston First Corp. held the public board of directors and hotel committee meeting, and an ad hoc committee was formed to study over the next 45 days a potential term sheet for the hotel.

Any plan would need final approval from both the Houston First board and the city of Houston before a signed development agreement is put in place — a process that could take months.

Houston First, Texas Hospitality Partners and W Hotel chain owner Maryland-based Marriott International Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) couldn't immediately be reached for comment. The Greater Houston Partnership declined to comment through a spokeswoman.

https://cdn.hpm.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/04203213/GHP-Partnership-Tower-Exterior.jpg

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27750673_10155413114408067_674199220863439699_n.jpg?oh=d4c8cbe3f6007bf496b5b15afd2d3eab&oe=5B187F3F

clubtokyo

Feb 14, 2018, 11:47 PM

Wow for some reason I thought Houston had a W! They should for build it!

TexasBoi

Feb 15, 2018, 2:02 PM

Would be a weird location, no? I don't know of any W hotel by a convention center.

Urbannizer

Feb 16, 2018, 6:31 PM

Heights Mercantile developer to acquire, redevelop old Stages Theatre building (https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/16/exclusive-heights-mercantile-developer-to-acquire.html)

Radom Capital is set to redevelop the old Stages Repertory Theatre building and an adjacent warehouse at 3201 Allen Parkway, Steve Radom told the Houston Business Journal. Both properties will be redeveloped into a 45,000-square-foot, two-story mixed-use project that'll include creative offices, retail, restaurants and hospitality. Construction on the mixed-use development will begin in late 2019, Radom said.

“We are excited to refresh one of Houston’s most beautiful buildings," Barton Kelly, vice president of Radom Capital, said in a statement. "Careful attention will be paid to preserving and accentuating the building’s historical details."

The construction timeline accommodates Stages' plans to occupy the property until late 2019, when it'll move into its new $30.5 million, three-theater complex dubbed The Gordy.

Radom Capital acquired the properties in 2017 for an undisclosed cost. The future mixed-use project will include 20,000 square feet of green space, an amenity deck on the project's second floor and a 6,000-square-foot patio that'll bridge the Stages building with the warehouse property. The mixed-use project will be connected to Buffalo Bayou Park and its trails, Radom said in a statement.

San Francisco-based Gensler's Houston office will oversee the project's design.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4648/40303834191_1728d4e137_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4745/40303834441_d11e8d8b99_h.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4760/25432772187_4353fe9914_h.jpg

AviationGuy

Feb 17, 2018, 2:40 AM

I don't recall ever seeing that building. It's beautiful.

The Best Forumer

Feb 20, 2018, 9:07 PM

It's a hidden gem right off the parkway.

clubtokyo

Feb 21, 2018, 12:28 AM

Looks great!

Urbannizer

Feb 21, 2018, 9:37 AM

The RO, Phase I (http://www.spearstreetcapital.com/portfolio/owned/)

17-acre mixed-use development replacing ExxonMobil's research campus off W Alabama and Buffalo Speedway (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30783-the-ro-mixed-use-development-for-exxonmobils-former-research-campus-w-alabama-and-buffalo-speedway/), Greenway Plaza

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://www.spearstreetcapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170802_Buffalo-Speedway-Phase-1-Rendering-1-800x532.png&key=3603d096318b253a7d63dea1270c4b200f847a770dea0364f1cba4e6995ec570