HOUSTON | Development Thread II [Archive] - Page 127

The Best Forumer

Jul 12, 2022, 4:47 PM

I assume the owners of the Tanglewood condos were limited by money, because they didn’t put much effort into the design. Or, perhaps they don’t value architecture too much.

Your assumption is correct.

Another issue I have with the project is that this will be yet another high rise building built in a single family home residential neighborhood. I hope the city takes into account the traffic impact and the developer needs to make the project pedestrian oriented. Street side retail and nearby bus stops would be nice.

I was under the impression this is part of the process of building a highrise tower. The traffic study.

Cory

Jul 12, 2022, 6:43 PM

*delete*

Cory

Jul 12, 2022, 6:55 PM

I assume the owners of the Tanglewood condos were limited by money, because they didn’t put much effort into the design. Or, perhaps they don’t value architecture too much.

Another issue I have with the project is that this will be yet another high rise building built in a single family home residential neighborhood. I hope the city takes into account the traffic impact and the developer needs to make the project pedestrian oriented. Street side retail and nearby bus stops would be nice.

If this is the corner of San Felipe and Sage, there are plenty of bus stops around this lot although no one living here will use them. Also the “sprawl” of this lot makes this high rise probably have the density of your average mid rise building. The price of this lot would not call for a low density single family home or even homes.

DCReid

Jul 12, 2022, 7:36 PM

If this is the corner of San Felipe and Sage, there are plenty of bus stops around this lot although no one living here will use them. Also the “sprawl” of this lot makes this high rise probably have the density of your average mid rise building. The price of this lot would not call for a low density single family home or even homes.

The new development does not seem that far from the other highrises in that area (is this uptown?). I think those two brown buildings are also condos and went up int he early 80s. The single family owners should not be all that surprised with encroaching high rises, although it seems that their community may be protected. I guess a developer would have to buy out the entire community, which I doubt would happen, anytime soon at least. I don't live in Houston and have only been there twice, so the Houston residents probably have a better idea. I do know that Houston has very lax zoning...

Cory

Jul 12, 2022, 7:46 PM

I do know that Houston has very lax zoning...

Yeah but property values, a lot of times, indirectly set zoning and a lot of residential areas still hold on to their deed restrictions not through HOA’s but through the city. The lot faces a 6x4 lane thoroughfare.

Also in defense to Uptown’s towers in the park development style, the city has a residential buffering ordinance for tall buildings next to residential streets.

Cory

Jul 16, 2022, 8:07 AM

Some skin finally being shown on Skanska's 1550 on the Green courtesy of urbanize713 @ HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=658925). Personally excited about this one.

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/1C929C94-E9DE-4E7E-AD8F-4B897C914EB5.jpeg.4734d5e46c1c57449c442990257dcb82.jpeg

Just a reminder of the design:

https://www.usa.skanska.com/4917dc/siteassets/what-we-deliver/projects/1550-on-the-green/image-gallery/1550-on-the-green-05.jpg?w=944&h=531&mode=crop&scale=bothhttps://www.usa.skanska.com/4917dc/siteassets/what-we-deliver/projects/1550-on-the-green/image-gallery/1550-on-the-green-05.jpg?w=944&h=531&mode=crop&scale=both

https://www.usa.skanska.com/4917dc/siteassets/what-we-deliver/projects/1550-on-the-green/image-gallery/1550-on-the-green-06.jpg?w=944&h=531&mode=crop&scale=bothhttps://www.usa.skanska.com/4917dc/siteassets/what-we-deliver/projects/1550-on-the-green/image-gallery/1550-on-the-green-06.jpg?w=944&h=531&mode=crop&scale=both

Three Block Site plan for the mixed-use Discovery West
https://www.1550onthegreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1550-on-the-green-discovery-neighborhood-master-plan-xl.jpg
https://www.1550onthegreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1550-on-the-green-discovery-neighborhood-master-plan-xl.jpg

JManc

Jul 17, 2022, 2:50 AM

The two surface lots to the west of there are being developed? Any more info on Discovery West?

photoLith

Jul 17, 2022, 7:18 AM

So glad that hideous hotel at disco green is getting covered up finally by that new skyscraper.

AviationGuy

Jul 18, 2022, 3:49 AM

So glad that hideous hotel at disco green is getting covered up finally by that new skyscraper.

Which one do you mean? I think I know but not sure.

Seems like there's also an electrical station somewhere around there that's also an eyesore. I need to get on Streetview and see if it's still there. Haven't been to that part of downtown since 2008. Even then, it was looking nice.

Cory

Jul 18, 2022, 6:58 AM

Which one do you mean? I think I know but not sure.

Seems like there's also an electrical station somewhere around there that's also an eyesore. I need to get on Streetview and see if it's still there. Haven't been to that part of downtown since 2008. Even then, it was looking nice.

The building will hug and tower over the Embassy Suites on the same block. Skanska took one for the team. The substation is south of this block across from the Embassy Suites and Hilton Americas.
https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=658462

JManc

Jul 18, 2022, 7:04 AM

That substation is something downtown has to live with. At least it has tall walls blocking view from street level.

AviationGuy

Jul 19, 2022, 1:50 AM

The building will hug and tower over the Embassy Suites on the same block. Skanska took one for the team. The substation is south of this block across from the Embassy Suites and Hilton Americas.
https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=658462

The photos on the website look great. Wondering how it will look from the other side, where the Embassy Suites is.

AviationGuy

Jul 19, 2022, 2:04 AM

I was looking on Streetview and it looks like the old abandoned hotel downtown is still there (was formerly several hotels). I did a search on it and didn't find anything recent. Anyone know anything about it?

Wattleigh

Jul 19, 2022, 1:15 PM

MD Anderson South Campus Research Building 5

This is an addition to MD Anderson's South Campus site at Fannin & OST and would also effectively be an extension of TMC|3, which is already under construction on the north side of OST. Like many of the buildings with that project, Elkus Manfredi is the architect.

Renderings provided by Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45347-md-anderson-tmc-master-facilities-framework-2030/?do=findComment&comment=659211)

https://i.imgur.com/OXfD5EN.png

https://i.imgur.com/TNBL0PI.png

Additional screenshots from Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45347-md-anderson-tmc-master-facilities-framework-2030/?do=findComment&comment=659253)

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

https://i.imgur.com/8i9bqgo.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/sYm7SlX.jpg

colemonkee

Jul 19, 2022, 2:30 PM

That looks pretty nice.

Wattleigh

Jul 19, 2022, 4:51 PM

TMC 3

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31442-tmc3-texas-medical-center-bioresearch-campus/?do=findComment&comment=659258)

Collaborative Building:

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

https://i.imgur.com/Oo0iJsn.jpg

Parcel J:

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

https://i.imgur.com/9TfDXLw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tHsd6Sil.jpg

Helix Park:

https://i.imgur.com/YwedM7V.jpg

Mixed-Use Garage:

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

https://i.imgur.com/trRw2E2.jpg

One Discovery Way:

https://i.imgur.com/I5zRsCu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bU6bmGU.jpg

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

Texas A&M Innovation Plaza

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32143-texas-am-innovation-plaza-main-at-holcombe-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=658861)

https://i.imgur.com/fVDkJ4Yl.jpg

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32143-texas-am-innovation-plaza-main-at-holcombe-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=659255)

https://i.imgur.com/rWjO2Vs.jpg

JManc

Jul 19, 2022, 6:58 PM

Those MDA buildings will fill in a lot of empty surface lots.

Dariusb

Jul 19, 2022, 11:37 PM

Wow, good stuff!!

Wattleigh

Jul 20, 2022, 5:54 PM

Parkside Residences at Discovery Green

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-parkside-residences-43-story-residential-high-rise-for-block-98/?do=findComment&comment=658542)

https://i.imgur.com/2MbdqX8l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8in4bNTl.jpg

c/o CREguy13 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-parkside-residences-43-story-residential-high-rise-for-block-98/?do=findComment&comment=658804)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/unnamed.jpg.8949307ec72faa6c81fcad42898fbe84.jpg

The Allen

c/o cityliving on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/20277-the-allen-mixed-use-development-at-allen-parkway-gillette-st/?do=findComment&comment=659335)

https://i.imgur.com/euK3wl1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xTIIIa7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lJ6x2Fo.jpg

Ismaili Center Houston

c/o Cityliving on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=659337)

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

https://i.imgur.com/Oh90WGu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AAuW0NA.jpg

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

Modera Waugh

c/o cityliving on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/39188-modera-waugh-multifamily-at-716-waugh-dr/?do=findComment&comment=658600)

https://i.imgur.com/coCsx9O.jpg

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

Hanover Autry Park

c/o cityliving on HAIF
(https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/44432-hanover-autry-park-mixed-use-at-allen-parkway-w-dallas-st/?do=findComment&comment=659301)

https://i.imgur.com/j1b7nCo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aFko6hZ.jpg

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/44432-hanover-autry-park-mixed-use-at-allen-parkway-w-dallas-st/?do=findComment&comment=659083)

https://i.imgur.com/fQP4lQhl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EFv0as7l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9GjlOSSl.jpg

X Houston

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=659339)

https://i.imgur.com/lABcp8Ml.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/g0Z5iB1l.jpg

Fairmont Museum District

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/9037-fairmont-museum-district-on-dunlavy-phase-iii-12-stories/?do=findComment&comment=659338)

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

Houston Methodist Centennial Tower

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/19831-houston-methodist-north-campus-expansion-walter-centennial-tower/?do=findComment&comment=658860)

https://i.imgur.com/rUkH8Sll.jpg

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/19831-houston-methodist-north-campus-expansion-walter-centennial-tower/?do=findComment&comment=659257)

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

TexasPlaya

Jul 21, 2022, 2:20 AM

Nice updates. Buffalo Bayou is seeing so much growth.

Wattleigh

Jul 22, 2022, 7:52 PM

1550 On The Green

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=659499)

https://i.imgur.com/pW1XVMMl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KzPvr41l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z1ITJJWl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9wfrg6ll.jpg

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

Wattleigh

Jul 27, 2022, 3:21 AM

The RO

https://i.imgur.com/4tYeBP3.jpg

Rendering c/o Pickard Chilton (https://www.pickardchilton.com/work/ro)

Soil testing underway again. c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/907-the-ro-mixed-use-development-at-west-alabama-and-buffalo-speedway/?do=findComment&comment=659719)

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

Additional Photos from Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/907-the-ro-mixed-use-development-at-west-alabama-and-buffalo-speedway/?do=findComment&comment=659770)

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

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

https://i.imgur.com/p3G66Zc.jpg

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

Regarding those trees - an observation from astrohip on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/907-the-ro-mixed-use-development-at-west-alabama-and-buffalo-speedway/?do=findComment&comment=659821)

I walked over today, to get a closer look (and came back drenched--it's hot!). It looks like they're trying to save the trees. I don't know if they're going to move them, or build barriers around them, but it's definitely not your typical "doze 'em to the ground" process. Lots of them have those dirt walls around them.

pm91

Jul 27, 2022, 4:42 PM

TMC3 is being built at Dubai speed

JManc

Jul 27, 2022, 7:42 PM

Good to see the RO is still alive. Totally forgot about that one.

Wattleigh

Jul 28, 2022, 1:15 PM

Lynn Wyatt Square

c/o Cityliving on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32179-theater-district-master-plan/?do=findComment&comment=659803)

https://i.imgur.com/gm4545z.jpg

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

1801 Smith Residential Conversion

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31439-1801-smith-renovationconversion-to-residential/?do=findComment&comment=659502)

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

c/o Brooklyn173 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31439-1801-smith-renovationconversion-to-residential/?do=findComment&comment=659814)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/image.jpeg.c7ca33ac84d1adffeecfa831d3677c21.jpeg

1801 Main Apartments

c/o Brooklyn173 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31407-1810-main-st-block-387-multifamily/?do=findComment&comment=659815)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/image.jpeg.6f16c1fe6a45cc2692d637db326e6c64.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/image.jpeg.7381e4fbe68ea0cc3518146546b103d1.jpeg

c/o 004n063 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31407-1810-main-st-block-387-multifamily/?do=findComment&comment=659880)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/20220727_132005.jpg.1365afed691269dedd8bb10f1d69bfaa.jpg

X Houston

c/o HoustonMidtown on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=659741)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52241536179_d494cd7765_b.jpg

c/o 004n063 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=659899)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_07/20220727_184144.jpg.20c42c5e8b969151fe1f1aa5c0a7eecc.jpg

Wattleigh

Jul 28, 2022, 7:08 PM

1920 W. Alabama

Updated renderings c/o Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/44489-montrose-multifamily-13-story-building-at-1920-w-alabama-st/?do=findComment&comment=659942)

https://i.imgur.com/1KAtCjil.png

https://i.imgur.com/vS3GkESl.png

https://i.imgur.com/7nHRFtol.png

https://i.imgur.com/kk7S9yrl.png

https://i.imgur.com/FzYF42Jl.png

JManc

Jul 28, 2022, 9:11 PM

^ that is cool and houston needs more of this sort of thing.

Wattleigh

Jul 30, 2022, 3:20 AM

East River

c/o East River Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/eastriverhouston/)

https://i.imgur.com/K9Oo70K.jpg

pm91

Aug 1, 2022, 2:05 PM

Delete

Wattleigh

Aug 1, 2022, 3:12 PM

1810 Main

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31407-1810-main-st-block-387-multifamily/?do=findComment&comment=660103)

https://i.imgur.com/PaYKRf7l.jpg

X Houston

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=660098)

https://i.imgur.com/CJJV2L5l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pCk7f4xl.jpg

Rice University

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/12663-rice-university-campus-developments/?do=findComment&comment=660088)

-Abercrombie Science Building

https://i.imgur.com/LyKpwx4l.jpg

-Hanszen College

https://i.imgur.com/yYSwg5Hl.jpg

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

Houston Methodist Centennial Tower

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/19831-houston-methodist-north-campus-expansion-walter-centennial-tower/?do=findComment&comment=658860)

https://i.imgur.com/lAMZ9nhl.jpg

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/19831-houston-methodist-north-campus-expansion-walter-centennial-tower/?do=findComment&comment=659775)

https://i.imgur.com/OvA6AIG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/g69WiHZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R3UjpMS.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/Eny602F.jpg

Texas A&M Innovation Campus

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32143-texas-am-innovation-plaza-main-at-holcombe-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=660090)

-Horizon Tower / Garage

https://i.imgur.com/aR6Wfzfl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3qGvrIil.jpg

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

-Life Tower

https://i.imgur.com/NNj9q54l.jpg

TMC 3

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31442-tmc3-texas-medical-center-bioresearch-campus/?do=findComment&comment=660115)

-Collaborative Building

https://i.imgur.com/Eg9Sr06.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/izetOU9.jpg

-Helix Park

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

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

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

-Two Discovery Way

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

-Mixed-Use Garage

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

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

https://i.imgur.com/IT066O4.jpg

-One Discovery Way

https://i.imgur.com/J5CLVx5.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/RUP2h5S.jpg

Hyatt Place / Hyatt House TMC

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32996-hyatt-placehyatt-house-hotel-at-7329-fannin-st/?do=findComment&comment=660092)

https://i.imgur.com/ueMQeb8l.jpg

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

Wattleigh

Aug 4, 2022, 12:57 PM

100 Park Place

New rendering from Loopnet profile for building (https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/4100-Westheimer-Rd-Houston-TX/25593751/). It would be the glass tower closest to the railroad tracks.

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

Wattleigh

Aug 4, 2022, 8:00 PM

3615 Montrose

Fencing went up early last month

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

The process of demolishing the homes on scene is taking a while due to asbestos removal.

https://i.imgur.com/SzrNdd5l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VSRX93Pl.jpg

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

Stormwater permit board went up today

https://i.imgur.com/A1Q1Eyil.jpg

All photos c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45430-36-story-multifamily-high-rise-at-3615-montrose-blvd/page/5/)

Wattleigh

Aug 5, 2022, 1:32 PM

Memorial City Mall Redevelopment - Memorial Town Square

https://www.papercitymag.com/fashion/memorial-town-square-starts-dramatic-memorial-city-mall-transformation/#406787

Memorial City Mall Transformation Is Only Beginning With New Open Air Center — An Inside Look at Memorial Town Square and What Else Is Coming

The Bigger Move From an Enclosed Mall Will Bring Plenty of New Restaurants, Walkable Lands and Even a Potential New Hotel

BY CHRIS BALDWIN // 08.03.22

There are many struggling malls, places that are a shadow of themselves, still just sitting there as almost dying relics of shopping past. Memorial City Mall is not one of them. It ranks second to the Houston Galleria in sales per square foot. It is still a very successful, profitable hub.

Many business advisors might say leave well enough and just continue to take in the steady revenue. MetroNational president Jason Johnson and the family that’s helped shepherd this mall since Johnson’s grandfather started building it in the late 1950s knows better.

The future is coming. In many ways, it’s already here. And Johnson and MetroNational are determined to be ready for it. Get ready for Memorial Town Square, a new 27 acre mixed-use development that will turn the old Sears section of Memorial City Mall into an outdoor shopping center. This will be a new look for Memorial City, a land of lush landscaping, unique stores, health and wellness centered in some ways, definitely restaurant driven.

With construction set to start late this year, Memorial City’s new Town Square (the name is very intentional) could open by late 2025.

“To me this is really an opportunity to make it very intimate, very walkable, very comfortable whenever you’re coming in — day or night,” Jason Johnson says of what’s coming at Barryknoll Lane and Gessner Road.

Renderings from the piece

https://i.imgur.com/Io2s1Ej.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/g6Ji24Q.jpg

JManc

Aug 5, 2022, 10:36 PM

Very cool but parking is going to suck big time. It's already bad with the huge lot there now. That will be gone but with more activity. Hopefully a garage is in the plans.

Wattleigh

Aug 8, 2022, 1:39 PM

Very cool but parking is going to suck big time. It's already bad with the huge lot there now. That will be gone but with more activity. Hopefully a garage is in the plans.

Based on the renderings, it looks like there are several garages - one obscured by the three story buildings immediately south of the "Town Square". Another is just south of that for the hotel near the intersection of Gessner and Barryknoll. It also looks like the office tower and apartments would share a garage, just east of the hotel, wrapped by the apartment building.

Wattleigh

Aug 8, 2022, 1:43 PM

Found by user BEES?! on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/48330-downtown-redevelopment-authority-plans-to-launch-a-commercial-real-estate-conversion-program/) - the potential of an incentive plan offered by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority to convert underutilized office buildings to residential.

In their meeting from June 2022, the DRA appears to be putting out feelers to find building owners who are potentially interested in participating in what they’re calling an “adaptive reuse feasibility study”. It sounds like, down the line, they want to launch a program to incentivize redevelopment of underutilized office buildings into residential.

This is what they said:

To begin shaping an adaptive reuse incentive program, Central Houston Inc. (CHI), in collaboration with the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA), seeks to identify building owners, within the Downtown Houston boundaries of the DRA, interested in participating in an adaptive reuse feasibility study. This is the first phase of a process that is meant to lay the groundwork for an Office Conversion Program, designed to incentivize the rehabilitation and repurposing of underutilized office space in downtown buildings within the boundaries of the DRA.

At this juncture, we are seeking to gauge interest in the initial consideration for the study. We will use a broad set of criteria to identify candidate buildings, including consideration of [ vacancy rate over time, market position, location, overall square footage available, full floor availability, property value performance, access to mass transit, walkability, existence of past building feasibility studies]. To warrant full consideration, building owners will be required to provide design, engineering and financial data on the buildings for the study. Once we have identified buildings/owners we will return to the Board to request authorization to produce a feasibility study – addressing economic, design, and engineering variables -- through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the reuse opportunities within each building envelope and the financial challenges in realizing specific adaptative reuse opportunities.

The meeting PDF is here: http://www.downtowntirz.com/downtownhouston/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Board-Book-6.14.22.pdf

The bit about the feasibility study is on page 40.

1801 Smith is already undergoing such a conversion (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251877) without any incentive program.

Wattleigh

Aug 15, 2022, 5:52 PM

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Exclusive-Trendy-6-acre-project-with-retail-17370673.php

Exclusive: Trendy 6-acre project with retail, apartments could transform part of Houston's East End

Marissa Luck,
Staff writer
Aug. 15, 2022
Updated: Aug. 15, 2022 10:36 a.m.

Houston’s East End is already undergoing major changes, but a hip, new six-acre mixed-use project rising at one the neighborhood’s most visible intersection underscores how quickly the neighborhood is transforming.

Triten Real Estate Partners, a Houston real estate firm, is breaking ground on the first phase of The Mill, a nearly 840,000 square-foot, 6.23-acre development at 2315 Navigation Blvd. at the corner of Canal Street and Navigation Boulevard. Plans for the project include converting a decaying brick building into a boutique office and retail site surrounded by restaurants, open-air plazas and apartments.

Combined with new stores, coworking space and apartments across the street, The Mill is poised to help reshape one of the East End’s key entrances from downtown Houston. The Canal Street-Navigation Boulevard intersection is considered a gateway into the East End area, according to the area’s economic development management organization East End District.

Houston construction firm Arch-Con started work last week on the initial phase of The Mill, which will include 341 market-rate apartments opening in 2024, plus 6,036 square-feet of retail. Future phases include two retail buildings expected to house restaurants or a small bodega grocery store, plus a 90,000 square-foot office project with 8,654 square feet of retail.

Renderings from article

https://i.imgur.com/d78b1Fdl.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/MH8HzUwl.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/lMwddpfl.png

https://i.imgur.com/1dfzmdFl.png

https://i.imgur.com/Ijl3S4Ml.png

https://i.imgur.com/3CjXuBql.png

TexasPlaya

Aug 16, 2022, 1:28 PM

TexasPlaya

Aug 16, 2022, 1:35 PM

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Exclusive-Trendy-6-acre-project-with-retail-17370673.php

This part of the east side is really gaining steam as it's really starting to attract some development near Buffalo Bayou. You have the major East River project by Midway just north of this along the Bayou and several new apartment blocks in the vicinity of this one.

Wattleigh

Aug 16, 2022, 1:52 PM

9753 Katy Freeway

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2022/08/15/metronational-topping-out-office-tower.html

MetroNational tops out on Memorial City office tower

By Jeff Jeffrey – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Aug 15, 2022

Houston-based MetroNational has topped out on a 190,000-square-foot, nine-story office building in Memorial City, marking a major milestone for a project that was initially put on hold as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The topping out ceremony, a tradition that celebrates the final beam being placed at the top of the building, for the office tower at 9753 Katy Freeway was held Aug. 15. The building is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023.

MetroNational originally broke ground on the office building in early 2020 but paused construction as the pandemic took hold in Houston. However, MetroNational said the additional time allowed the developer to update its design of the building.

Houston-based Kirksey Architecture’s design includes a modern two-story lobby with a 27-foot art wall setting off the patterned terrazzo tile floor.

Each floor of the building will have floor plates offering 22,605 rentable square feet.

The building will also have a range of amenities, including a full-service tenant engagement app, easy access to the Memorial City Club fitness center and close proximity to a number of restaurants and Memorial City's new greenspace dubbed "The Lawn," which offers outdoor entertainment and community events.

MetroNational has not said whether any tenants have signed leases for space in the new office tower.

Image from article

https://media.bizj.us/view/img/12322595/dsc0946.jpg

Wattleigh

Aug 16, 2022, 5:15 PM

1550 On The Green / Parkside Residences at Discovery Green

c/o Nate99 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=661233)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/5A5620C0-8354-44D6-9E9E-E0EE2975F5C1.jpeg.548655753a2851cd19f3ca121ec2ff70.jpeg

AviationGuy

Aug 16, 2022, 11:38 PM

Wattleigh

Aug 17, 2022, 1:16 PM

This part of the east side is really gaining steam as it's really starting to attract some development near Buffalo Bayou. You have the major East River project by Midway just north of this along the Bayou and several new apartment blocks in the vicinity of this one.

I mistakenly thought I had missed a rendering from the piece on The Mill... forgot it was the recently completed Forth at Navigation which is across the street from that site. It was from the same piece in the Chronicle. Was about to give props for a fairly current view of the skyline in the background.

Thought this was good info on that project...

At Forth at Navigation, a luxury apartment community that opened last year across the street from The Mill site, the project’s 300 units are 94 percent occupied with rents ranging between $1,700 to $3,700, according to the developer, Chicago-based Marquette. When Marquette first acquired land for the site there weren’t many newer luxury apartments in the vicinity, so the developer wasn’t sure how quickly the project would lease, said Darren Sloniger, president of Marquette.

“I thought it would take it couple years to fully lease, but we leased up and stabilized it in nine months,” Sloniger said. “I never would have guessed that would happen.”

He attributes the fast lease-up to the project’s Chicago-style steel and concrete architecture, but also because it filled a demand for high-end apartments in the up-and-coming neighborhood. In 2021, Marquette also bought a 244-unit older apartment project nearby, East End Lofts, which the firm is renovating. Sloniger thinks more residents will seek out the area’s proximity to downtown.

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/26/76/55/22801250/9/1200x0.jpg

Wattleigh

Aug 17, 2022, 8:08 PM

Parkside Residences at Discovery Green

c/o rechlin on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-parkside-residences-43-story-residential-high-rise-for-block-98/?do=findComment&comment=661346)

https://i.imgur.com/0Gu8SJtl.jpg

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-parkside-residences-43-story-residential-high-rise-for-block-98/?do=findComment&comment=661359)

https://i.imgur.com/0oUAcbdl.jpg

photoLith

Aug 18, 2022, 3:56 AM

Glad to see those finally completed. I remember that proposal from like 2013 or so. They look really nice at night.

Wattleigh

Aug 18, 2022, 2:52 PM

Autry Park

Overview rendering c/o Autry Park Website (https://autrypark.com/)

https://i.imgur.com/zr26Izp.jpg

More on one of the two small office buildings c/o Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/44432-hanover-autry-park-mixed-use-at-allen-parkway-w-dallas-st/?do=findComment&comment=661420)

https://i.imgur.com/uGDGdXW.png

The Autry Park office building site is bound by Allen Parkway to the north, Buffalo Park Drive to the east, Autry
Park Drive to the south and a high rise residential tower to the west. It is going to be a 6-story, 110,000 GSF building with basement garage parking (about 75 cars). Level 1 will have about 8,000 SF of retail and restaurant space with approximately 5,500 SF of outdoor patio area. Levels 2-6 will be future tenant space and each level (except 5) will have outdoor terrace area. Gensler is the architect.

Wattleigh

Aug 18, 2022, 3:11 PM

Hines "Project Green" / SCI New Tower

The tower component of this project looks to be moving ahead, starting next year.

prev renderings / new info c/o Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/47628-project-green-mixed-use-development-on-allen-parkway-by-hines/).

https://i.imgur.com/ezTnPl9.png

https://i.imgur.com/eAIzdhd.png

https://i.imgur.com/sFfnGmn.png

https://i.imgur.com/N9dBQhk.png

https://i.imgur.com/YfzVXgg.png

Wattleigh

Aug 19, 2022, 3:33 AM

Ismaili Center Houston

Updated renderings from The Ismaili facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theismaili?__cft__[0]=AZUGT8xvEtrqX_ZC6C6USAxxkBv41j5K0rJfrtWWMNey8g_PdXQfsX2JV2-sTH59_S8wHZ10OJbvzXmjJtpChxA_lv3duWCZ05FSoF-TxXF6t2rXbxHqShrvmYTupLlgmr9HEldJyQw2wsjvQAkdsJOo&__tn__=-]C%2CP-R)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/299336459_606932744121305_2810989531596402555_n.jpeg.9a5d4ae2b77e3cbaab8c3f2d8b0964f2.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/298463023_605969780884268_584720046896693664_n.jpeg.8d7d4abd6d25f72c4fd9e70dc797c9d8.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/299019161_605969810884265_2274850549340140325_n.jpeg.9d01a0dbaf10f7f063e87ccad737b966.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/298573901_605969937550919_6238410845705744568_n.jpeg.53ffa02207f9ab64e8bfae7f77488986.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/298262662_605970047550908_3648719895085699303_n.jpeg.e3ea4f0f104443797c70e497ef579766.jpeg

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/298411585_605972614217318_7677813395395882628_n.jpeg.0a0fa776c7f21a098077f56918f63739.jpeg

Construction photos all c/o hindesky on HAIF

June 18 (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=657223)

https://i.imgur.com/4u66J5il.jpg

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

July 9 (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=658628)

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

July 16 (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=659098)

https://i.imgur.com/9YREOppl.jpg

July 21 (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=659428)

https://i.imgur.com/nKCI93ll.jpg

July 24 (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8403-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center-first-in-us/?do=findComment&comment=659632)

https://i.imgur.com/K8oXZY2l.jpg

colemonkee

Aug 19, 2022, 3:14 PM

Ismaili Center is going to be really nice.

Urbannizer

Aug 23, 2022, 11:32 PM

80-Year-Old Landmark Office Building Downtown To House Luxe Apartment Units (https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/multifamily/80-year-old-landmark-office-building-downtown-to-house-luxe-apartment-units-114459)

Owners of the nearly century-old downtown Esperson building will convert parts of its office space into multifamily units, part of the greater trend of repurposing old office space as tenants flock to newer, highly amenitized buildings.

The building at 808 Travis St. was first built in the 1940s, and was the largest office building built during the Great Depression, as well as the first Houston skyscraper to have central air conditioning. The renovations, designed by Gensler, will add multifamily units as well as an amenity space on the 17th floor, available to both residents and office tenants.

Owner Cameron Management will decide how much office space to convert based on market demand, so an official square footage and number of units is yet to be determined, according to a Gensler spokesperson. Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2023; renovations are estimated to take a year.

https://positiveimage.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Esperson-Building.jpg

JMKeynes

Aug 23, 2022, 11:44 PM

That’s a gorgeous building.

kingkirbythe....

Aug 23, 2022, 11:56 PM

It sure is.

JManc

Aug 24, 2022, 5:17 AM

Is it going to be for both Esperson buildings? The one pictured is the Niels Esperson Building which is actually from the 20's. The attached Mellie Esperson Building is from the 40's is shorter and boxier and not nearly ornate.

JMKeynes

Aug 24, 2022, 11:13 AM

Houston has a lot of potential. I wish that the city would add more greenery to the downtown streets (beyond Bagby) and redevelop the parking garages that exist everywhere.

JManc

Aug 24, 2022, 6:18 PM

Houston has a lot of potential. I wish that the city would add more greenery to the downtown streets (beyond Bagby) and redevelop the parking garages that exist everywhere.

Problem with planting trees is that they are small and highly vulnerable to being vandalized by the multitudes of shit bags who take delight in destroying stuff that isn't theirs. Downtown is still pretty seedy after work hours.

As for parking garages, they are badly needed. I would like to see all the surface lots redeveloped though.

pm91

Aug 25, 2022, 1:34 PM

I would go for some overhangs for the sidewalks to provide some shade tho. Similar to I think it’s the Rice with the chipotle.

JMKeynes

Aug 25, 2022, 1:50 PM

Problem with planting trees is that they are small and highly vulnerable to being vandalized by the multitudes of shit bags who take delight in destroying stuff that isn't theirs. Downtown is still pretty seedy after work hours.

As for parking garages, they are badly needed. I would like to see all the surface lots redeveloped though.

That stinks. I didn't realize that there was such a Wild West element in DT Houston. They should increase the police presence. Despite the public hatred of cops, which is prevalent today, the NYPD are all over the streets of Manhattan, and they really maintain order.

Wattleigh

Aug 25, 2022, 4:13 PM

80-Year-Old Landmark Office Building Downtown To House Luxe Apartment Units (https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/multifamily/80-year-old-landmark-office-building-downtown-to-house-luxe-apartment-units-114459)

https://positiveimage.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Esperson-Building.jpg

Based on the address, It would be the shorter but connected Mellie Esperson building to start, not Neils.
https://www.tshaonline.org/images/handbook/entries/MM/mellie_esperon_bldg.jpg

image c/o TSHA (https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/esperson-mellie-keenan)

The Chronicle piece today (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Esperson-Building-Houston-50M-makeover-17395344.php) clarifies this a bit.

Initially the work will start in what's known as the Mellie Esperson building, which is attached to the Niels Esperson building in the complex at 808 and 815 Travis Street, he said. Plans calls for creating 100,000 square-feet of residential space spread across both buildings, on top of about 400,000 square feet of office space and 100,000 square feet of flex/coworking spaces on the lower six levels, Cameron added.

About five residential units have already been pre-leased, he said. Depending on market demand, the entire office complex could be converted into residential use over the next decade. For now, it will stay a mixed-use project.

“We are trying to produce a vertical entrepreneurial village,” Cameron said. “We will respond to the market, but we always plan to have flex office and residential and perhaps some hotel/dorm-like rooms for young entrepreneurs.”

The proposal includes starting construction early next year an amenity deck on the 17th floor featuring a swimming pool, dog park, wellness facility and speakeasy, as well as indoor/outdoor lounge areas and space for catered meeting. Cameron Management has hired global architecture firm Gensler to design the renovations and Tellepsen Construction as the general contractor.

Images from Chron piece.

Speakeasy

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/27/11/77/22847465/5/ratio3x2_1200.jpg

Outdoor Amenity Deck - appears to be on the Neils side.
https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/27/11/77/22847464/5/1200x0.jpg

Montrose1100

Aug 25, 2022, 5:07 PM

Based on the address, It would be the shorter but connected Mellie Esperson building to start, not Neils.
https://www.tshaonline.org/images/handbook/entries/MM/mellie_esperon_bldg.jpg

image c/o TSHA (https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/esperson-mellie-keenan)

The Chronicle piece today (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Esperson-Building-Houston-50M-makeover-17395344.php) clarifies this a bit.

Images from Chron piece.

Speakeasy

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/27/11/77/22847465/5/ratio3x2_1200.jpg

Outdoor Amenity Deck - appears to be on the Neils side.
https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/27/11/77/22847464/5/1200x0.jpg
The Pool views of Pennzoil Place & TC Energy Center - WOW

Wattleigh

Aug 25, 2022, 5:32 PM

Images of all projects c/o Hindesky on HAIF unless otherwise noted.

1550 On The Green

c/o sapo2367 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=661708)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/6EFCA604-0EFF-45EB-808E-E2A59C2D7839.jpeg.9337b28c5247779c15e130d672479d32.jpeg

c/o Nate99 on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45448-discovery-west-mixed-use-development-downtown-by-skanska/?do=findComment&comment=661715)

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2022_08/C45F2078-5FC1-4D0F-95B0-5CD2E61E046E.jpeg.8f1b1d09e239e37721a06129133a974f.jpeg

The Allen

https://i.imgur.com/Z9ZXPBE.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52305145329_2b03574f24_k.jpg

716 Waugh

https://i.imgur.com/snBx4fG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2TrM4dB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MqRlOo8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJW8iSt.jpg

Pearl Rosemont

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52305155775_8c8d3c63fc_k.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52304632036_3a9b60dec7_k.jpg

East River

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306870639_c1d98f5530_k.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306881865_5e692a6398_k.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306882090_61c51cc2f4_k.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306817613_cc5d1c4b7b_k.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306817823_88af4d389d_k.jpg

The Mill

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52306859164_da040a3c25_k.jpg

Haven at Elgin

https://i.imgur.com/93XBgLJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lxRT0CZ.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/ymwX8Ww.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1r86qvO.jpg

X Houston

c/o Houstontexasjack on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=661521)

https://i.imgur.com/AUxD4Yx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/w0CnLp5.jpg

c/o hindesky on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45018-x-houston-residential-high-rise-at-5501-la-branch-st/?do=findComment&comment=661543)

https://i.imgur.com/zWMqBd1.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/zPqQ61D.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tx1MB5x.jpg

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

Wattleigh

Aug 26, 2022, 1:30 PM

3615 Montrose

Renderings and information posted by Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/45430-36-story-multifamily-high-rise-at-3615-montrose-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=661856)

https://i.imgur.com/lAsEdaB.png

https://i.imgur.com/JzMwygG.png

https://i.imgur.com/wQhg2v3.png

https://i.imgur.com/7g35v03.png

https://i.imgur.com/wJblgAp.png

https://i.imgur.com/Q4a3e3e.png

https://i.imgur.com/NpUmk3J.png

TexasPlaya

Aug 27, 2022, 12:01 AM

Montrose is starting to form its own skyline.

That's a really sharp rendering.

bilbao58

Aug 27, 2022, 4:23 AM

Based on the address, It would be the shorter but connected Mellie Esperson building to start, not Neils.

I thought as much, considering Niels was completed in 1927.

bilbao58

Aug 27, 2022, 4:33 AM

I would go for some overhangs for the sidewalks to provide some shade tho. Similar to I think it’s the Rice with the chipotle.

And the old Texaco building.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51806891395_c3f1f45413_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mVZRTr)
Old Texaco Building Arcade (https://flic.kr/p/2mVZRTr) on Flickr

Wattleigh

Aug 31, 2022, 12:52 PM

Another small pre-covid office project has returned from the dead...

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Developer-breaks-ground-on-8-story-tower-in-this-17406091.php

New 8-story tower coming to CityCentre area, where office space is in unusually short supply

Marissa Luck
Aug. 30, 2022
Updated: Aug. 30, 2022 12:32 p.m.

A long-awaited office tower is breaking ground in Town and Country Village after the developer secured a key lease in the west Houston project in the latest example of tenants gravitating toward newer offices in mixed-use districts post pandemic.

Greystar, a major national apartment property manager and owner based in Charleston, has signed a 68,000 square-foot lease in the yet-to-be-built office tower, called Town Centre Two, at 730 Town & Country Boulevard. Greystar is relocating its Houston offices by early 2024 from a 41-year-old building about seven miles away at 750 Bering Drive where it's been for more than 15 years.

Moody Rambin and American National Insurance Company broke ground this month on the 8-story, 167,141-square-foot tower. The building is within the 41-acre Town & Country Village mixed-use development owned and managed by Moody Rambin just south Midway's CityCentre and west of MetroNational's Memorial City Mall. Construction is expected to complete in the third quarter next year.

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/27/17/23/22869235/5/1200x0.jpg

Wattleigh

Aug 31, 2022, 6:06 PM

Found by user BEES?! on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/48330-downtown-redevelopment-authority-plans-to-launch-a-commercial-real-estate-conversion-program/) - the potential of an incentive plan offered by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority to convert underutilized office buildings to residential.

1801 Smith is already undergoing such a conversion (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251877) without any incentive program.

This may have legs. From user Texasota on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/48330-downtown-redevelopment-authority-plans-to-launch-a-commercial-real-estate-conversion-program/?do=findComment&comment=662113) regarding the latest meeting of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority...

From the August meeting:

Pursuant to the DRA Board’s recommendation, Staff has distributed a letter of request to property owners inside the boundaries of TIRZ3, seeking participation in a feasibility study to go to an RFP later this summer. The study will evaluate approximately five opportunities for conversion of office space into other uses such as residential. The study is intended to inform the development of a financial tool that can be used to more easily facilitate the conversion of obsolete office space.

Also this sounds pretty interesting:

Staff has submitted a revised strategic annexation & term extension request to the City Planning Department for Mayoral review later in August. This request will come before the DRA Board in the Fall as a proposed Project Plan and Financial Plan, as has been exercised in the past. The limited annexation holds the promise of assisting the DRA in its mandate to address blight remediation and invigorating Downtown public spaces because the proposed annexation involves a significant redevelopment project that would generate significant incremental tax revenue.

The Best Forumer

Sep 1, 2022, 4:49 AM

I am glad that Marissa Luck is still running around. Thanks for the info!

Wattleigh

Sep 2, 2022, 11:42 PM

Holiday Inn Express/Staybridge Suites Downtown

Rendering c/o Mitchell Carlson Stone (https://mcshouston.com/)
https://i.imgur.com/yVrpFn1l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NbooUStl.png
https://i.imgur.com/MQ0aJaAl.png

Wattleigh

Sep 10, 2022, 7:36 PM

Farb Hyde Park

The site of the formerly proposed Bowery on Montrose (https://farbhomes.com/galleries/montrose/) is now sporting a taller structure with GFR.

Info c/o Paco Jones on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30882-farb-hyde-park-multifamily-high-rise-at-2409-montrose-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=662716)

I bring you all news of a beautiful building with tons of GRF. Happy Friday, everyone!

Project:
Farb Hyde Park

Architect:
Ziegler Cooper

Information:

20-story residential tower comprised of 256 units for a total of 541,657 S.F. Level 1 is Leasing and a whopping 12,185 S.F. of GFR. Parking is at Levels 2-6 while Levels 7-20 are residential. A 19,000 S.F. outdoor terrace deck and 4,500 S.F. indoor amenity area are located at Level 7.

https://i.imgur.com/awfTt48.png

https://i.imgur.com/2MTYWGA.png

https://i.imgur.com/YNTeFQI.png

https://i.imgur.com/3O1xyq2.png

https://i.imgur.com/w7vohPN.png

Current view of the site by cityliving on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30882-farb-hyde-park-multifamily-high-rise-at-2409-montrose-blvd/?do=findComment&comment=662731)

https://i.imgur.com/YK6ovJh.jpg

kingkirbythe....

Sep 10, 2022, 11:15 PM

Nice.

Wattleigh

Sep 13, 2022, 12:58 PM

The Ion (District)

Marketing materials have been updated in the past couple of months, per InTheKnowHouston on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/17090-ion-district-in-midtown/?do=findComment&comment=662635)

They tend to point to a more vertical development than previously indicated. The buildout plan is a total of four phases with the second phase is expected to begin next year and the last ending in 2030.

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

https://i.imgur.com/ITCAKG8l.jpg

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

currysteph

Sep 14, 2022, 5:09 PM

[QUOTE=Wattleigh;9729220]The Ion (District)

Marketing materials have been updated in the past couple of months, per InTheKnowHouston on HAIF (https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/17090-ion-district-in-midtown/?do=findComment&comment=662635)

They tend to point to a more vertical development than previously indicated. The buildout plan is a total of four phases with the second phase is expected to begin next year and the last ending in 2030.

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

They're going to be running off a lot of homeless people once they start building in that area....

JManc

Sep 16, 2022, 8:34 PM

Looks like they will redevelop Greenstreet Labs

N90

Sep 16, 2022, 8:42 PM

Good that place has such a grotesque suburban design in what should be Houston’s most urban and walkable neighborhood.

Wattleigh

Sep 20, 2022, 12:39 PM

1661 Tanglewood

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/home-design/article/1661-Tanglewood-planned-as-a-tower-of-mansions-17450241.php

'A tower of mansions' comes to Houston's Tanglewood area in new $300 million high rise

Diane Cowen,
Staff writer
Sep. 20, 2022

For nearly 70 years, the Farrington/Miller family has handled its development and property management business from an unassuming brick building with a prime address – 1661 Tanglewood. Next spring, those offices will be demolished to make way for construction on what will be the city’s newest luxury condo high-rise, a $300 million building aptly named 1661 Tanglewood.

Kendall Miller, the youngest of the four children of Mary Catherine Miller, a fifth-generation Texan whose father, William Farrington, developed Tanglewood in the late 1940s and early 1950s, said that he and his siblings, Bill, Michelle and Jim Miller, are working together on a project that will launch a new chapter – business-wise, anyway – for the family.

“We started working on it seriously in the summer of 2020 – it was time to refocus the company and make a big transition,” Kendall Miller said of their decision after disposing of some family properties following their mother’s death in 2018. “This is much more in the spirit of the founding of the family business, developing, creating and selling rather than just managing assets. We’re so proud of this. We feel like it might be a crowning achievement, something to send along with the next generation.”

Wattleigh

Sep 20, 2022, 8:35 PM

Some interesting tidbits from the annual State of the Texas Medical Center address today...

TMC Helix Park (Formerly TMC 3)
https://www.tmc.edu/tmc3/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/08/tmc3-main-banner.png
Rendering c/o TMC (https://www.tmc.edu/tmc3/)

TMC 3 appears to have been renamed to TMC Helix Park - referring to the central landscaping element on that section of the campus, though the existing website has to be updated to reflect this. The first phase, consisting of several buildings, is set to be delivered next year.

TMC BioPort

Perhaps the biggest news from the event was the announcement of a 500 acre site, whose location is yet to be revealed, called the "TMC BioPort", signaling the continued physical growth of the TMC as an entity, now split into 4 districts (Medical Campus / Innovation Factory / Helix Park / BioPort).

From the press release (https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220920006149/en/TMC-CEO-unveils-Plans-for-Growth-of-Texas-Medical-Center-as-a-Leading-Life-Science-Corridor)

BioPort is TMC’s newest initiative and will serve as the Texas Medical Center’s biomanufacturing and medical supplies distribution engine. The district will span several hundred acres driving the much-needed repatriation of critical medical supplies and new cell and gene therapies. In addition, TMC BioPort will provide on-site upskill training center, creating over 100,000 new job opportunities for residents in the Greater Houston region. This vital initiative is aligned with the expectation that the US will significantly increase its biomanufacturing capacity to assure ready access to pharmaceuticals, therapies and medical supplies.

More details will likely be forthcoming in the next few days and weeks. Hoping to see updated renderings and site plans soon.

N90

Sep 20, 2022, 9:50 PM

The bioport is very significant for Houston. It’s an economic game changer for the city.

JoninATX

Sep 21, 2022, 1:20 AM

Houston about to give Austin a run for it money with all this new job creation.

N90

Sep 21, 2022, 2:04 AM

I’m still gonna call it TMC3 instead of TMC Helix Park, the name resonated with me plus it’s shorter. So easier to write when you’re busy.

Cory

Sep 21, 2022, 2:14 PM

Good that place has such a grotesque suburban design in what should be Houston’s most urban and walkable neighborhood.

With all the office space getting built at ION, I always assumed they would relocate and the old site would be redeveloped.

DCReid

Sep 21, 2022, 7:18 PM

The bioport is very significant for Houston. It’s an economic game changer for the city.

Is that the land of the former Six Flags; if not, has that land been developed?

N90

Sep 21, 2022, 8:09 PM

Is that the land of the former Six Flags; if not, has that land been developed?
No, this is a little bit southwest of the Astroworld site. Parts of the Astrosworld site have been developed into homes but the Astroworld site was never really big enough for this 500 acre TMC BioPort development.

DCReid

Sep 22, 2022, 1:10 AM

The bioport is very significant for Houston. It’s an economic game changer for the city.

I read a few years ago that Houston lost out to NC Research Triangle for an Amgen facility and College Station lost out to NC for a vaccine manufacturing facility...

JManc

Sep 22, 2022, 4:32 AM

The bioport is very significant for Houston. It’s an economic game changer for the city.

This is the ace in the hole Houston needs to transition away from oil and gas (which is a sunsetting industry) and remain relevant for the foreseeable future.

JManc

Sep 22, 2022, 4:40 AM

No, this is a little bit southwest of the Astroworld site. Parts of the Astrosworld site have been developed into homes but the Astroworld site was never really big enough for this 500 acre TMC BioPort development.

I'm assuming here (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6514704,-95.4293694,2633m/data=!3m1!1e3) along Buffa Speedway/ Holmes.

The University of Texas bought and almost developed a new campus just north at Willowbend and Buffalo Speedway. It since sold the land.

DCReid

Sep 22, 2022, 12:56 PM

I'm assuming here (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6514704,-95.4293694,2633m/data=!3m1!1e3) along Buffa Speedway/ Holmes.

The University of Texas bought and almost developed a new campus just north at Willowbend and Buffalo Speedway. It since sold the land.

They should have let UT develop a campus, but I read UH complained about new competition. Amgen cited availability of bio talent in choosing NC, and other companies will look for talent in addition to land, cost, taxes, incentives. I read the state even offered $100 million in incentives to Amgen and they still did not take it.

Green Country

Sep 22, 2022, 6:03 PM

N90

Sep 22, 2022, 6:07 PM

They should have let UT develop a campus, but I read UH complained about new competition. Amgen cited availability of bio talent in choosing NC, and other companies will look for talent in addition to land, cost, taxes, incentives. I read the state even offered $100 million in incentives to Amgen and they still did not take it.
I mean Amgen was looking at 15 markets across the US and then narrowed it down to just Houston and Holly Springs, N.C. They didn’t pick N.C. because Houston lacks a biotech talent pipeline, Houston is an extremely large biotech cluster. The largest in the south along with Raleigh. I’m sure there were other competing markets with larger biotech clusters than Houston or N.C. that were passed over.

“NCBiotech also provided $100,000 in funding support to local entities to help North Carolina land the project over an initial 15 competing markets and metro areas that the company ultimately narrowed to a contest between Holly Springs and Houston.”

https://www.ncbiotech.org/news/amgen-build-550m-biologics-manufacturing-facility-add-355-jobs-holly-springs

Whatever incentives and deals N.C. offered were the determining factor in why they were picked along with N.C. being more aggressive in their recruitment.

“But the North Carolina incentives proved critical, as records show “the company has stated that an award at this level is critical to North Carolina’s consideration as the project location.”

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2021/08/19/why-amgen-pick-nc-over-texas.html

As it is, this isn’t a big deal to me. You’re talking about a small manufacturing facility that’ll employ a few hundred people. Now if you were talking about an R&D facility or tens of thousands of jobs for a manufacturing facility then I’d care for it.

To add context, this TMC BioPort development is more than 200x larger in scope both by manufacturing capacity and employment than that Amgen facility and neither HOU nor TX have to dole out incentives for it. This TMC BioPort will add 100,000 permanent jobs to Houston on 500 acres of soon to be developed land, every and all jobs created in the process will be in the biotech industry.

TMC3, which is a massive R&D facility currently under construction will add 20,000-30,000 permanent jobs in 5 million square feet of mostly lab space. TMC3 + TMC BioPort are a combined 120,000-130,000 permanent jobs being created.

N90

Sep 22, 2022, 7:01 PM

Wattleigh

Sep 22, 2022, 8:03 PM

TMC Helix Park

c/o Highrise Tower on HAIF

The TMC now has a commercial website! It focuses on showing off their 4 campuses. The new website features a 4-minute video of a TMC3 animation that we've never seen before. I'll post a bunch of new renderings from the video.

The aggressive facades are just beautiful. A dream!! Really amazing stuff here.

https://texasmedicalcenter.com/

Helix Park Video: https://vimeo.com/750444025

https://i.imgur.com/obsDyov.png

https://i.imgur.com/JKNlKb6.png

https://i.imgur.com/c4OcFRF.png

https://i.imgur.com/3ZU8T2B.png

https://i.imgur.com/1swMs0m.png

https://i.imgur.com/uIXUrs0.png

https://i.imgur.com/HkNKthF.png

https://i.imgur.com/7WmOvMl.png

https://i.imgur.com/MUV0kPi.png

https://i.imgur.com/j88b2TU.png

https://i.imgur.com/chgqMXP.png

https://i.imgur.com/dbzPnV0.png

https://i.imgur.com/o7AbIm4.png

https://i.imgur.com/wgaMx5b.png

https://i.imgur.com/JjKWW60.png

https://i.imgur.com/1BJKSw6.png

Bailey

Sep 22, 2022, 9:33 PM

Missing out on the UT campus was a big blunder for Houston because it was self-inflicted. UH became threatened by UT entering the Houston metro with a school and did everything in their power to prevent it from coming true and ultimately succeeded.

As if Houston and Texas have the luxury of passing up on a new school in a fast growing city and state that needs more educational institutions.

Do you have any idea how public universities are funded in the state of Texas?

Texas basically ONLY funds two school systems (UT and TAMU) and the rest either fund themselves or have to go to Austin and beg for funding on an as-needed basis.

This type of protected funding is called the Permanent University Fund, and it is written into the Texas Constitution.

That pot of $17.5 BILLION ONLY goes to those two systems...not UH, not TT, or the dozens of other state schools outside of the UT or TAMU systems.

Read more about it here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_University_Fund

The University of Houston has been grossly underfunded for their whole life by the state and, despite that, have created a Tier One research Public University. So....justifiably so, they are going to push back on a state, and a UT system, that is NOT an ally and is a threat to the school they built themselves.

Furthermore, if you go back and watch the congressional hearings over this specific project, you will find out that the University of Texas broke a number of laws in acquiring the land and revealing the campus. UH merely had to point out the rules that were broken or ignored. It was a slam dunk case for UH.

There is a reason why Texas A& M isn't proposing a Texas A&M-Austin (which is more of a need in fast growing Austin than a new campus in Houston BTW) or Texas proposing a University of Texas-college Station miles away from the main campuses in both cities. It's a crappy thing to do to other state systems WITHOUIT taking the proper channels to do so. UT planned this all on their own..and were called out for it.

UH's stance to the state of Texas is to HELP US, an already 100 year old State School, become another prestigious public school in a top metro, another UCLA, INSTEAD of using those resources create yet another a mediocre start-up campus a few miles away.

The fact is that states like California produce way more AAU public Universities than the state of Texas.

In my opinion, the state of Texas should focus on helping the University of Houston and then Texas Tech improve to be in contention for that coveted AAU status.

Urbannizer

Sep 22, 2022, 9:52 PM

Houston rises to No. 3 in U.S. for most downtown apartment growth

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/houston-downtown-apartments-most/

new study suggests downtown Houston has evolved into a magnet for apartment dwellers.

From 2013 to 2022, downtown Houston has added 15,607 apartments, according to a new study from StorageCafe. That puts Houston in third place among 100 major U.S. cities for the most growth in downtown apartment supplies. Atlanta ranks first (21,508), with Los Angeles at No. 2 (19,432).
During the 10-year period covered by the study, Houston’s inventory of downtown apartments rose 63 percent.

“While office workers aren’t yet returning in droves, people still seem interested in living in downtown Houston, which has another 2,700 new apartments currently under construction with completion dates spanning approximately two years,” according to StorageCafe.

JManc

Sep 22, 2022, 10:41 PM

TexasPlaya

Sep 22, 2022, 11:55 PM

The problem is that the UT System really had no concrete plans for that land. They were angling for some type of research campus, not a stand alone campus; e.g. The University of Texas at Houston which what UH was pushing back hard on as well as increasing their footprint in the area. UT having no idea what they were doing backed out. Plus, they already have UTHealth, MD Anderson and UTMB nearby.

I went to UH for all three of my degrees so I was with them in this debate. Go Coogs!

This. It was only going to be a "data science center" after the fact.