HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Wattleigh]

A few photos I took Sunday afternoon of the ongoing demolition of the West Building. This will be part of the block that is cleared for MainPlace.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01828.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01829.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01830.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01832.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01831.jpg

[rdavis4559]

I'm glad to see that going down... the whole area has a bad smell. Also, I have to find a different route when walking toward the bus stop during deconstruction because the dust from that work is so bad.

[Xeelee]

"Phoenix Tower getting new skin

The Phoenix Tower is undergoing a major exterior renovation to improve its look and energy efficiency.

Horizontal rows of glass panels between each floor of the all-glass office building are being replaced with silver bands.... "

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2007/11/19/daily3.html?ana=from_rss

I didnt notice anything....

[Xeelee]

Yeah I dont really see a difference... perhaps they are working on the other side of the tower?

WAMU has vacated their space there. They moved all their small business operations to San Antonio. Some huge building with lots of square feet of space. :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3170036.jpg

[Wattleigh]

Yeah I dont really see a difference... perhaps they are working on the other side of the tower?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3170036.jpg

You can see it on the north and south sides of the tower... It's even in a portion of your photo.

Add that and the fact they installed a landscaped Jack Nicklaus putting green atop the garage for tenants, and they're primed to be attractive to interested parties. Lots of places would kill for a Greenway/ UK area address.

[Xeelee]

You can see it on the north and south sides of the tower... It's even in a portion of your photo.

Sorry dude but maybe it's me. I mean I see some color difference but it does not look like much... Perhaps I'm just :koko:

[Wattleigh]

Sorry dude but maybe it's me. I mean I see some color difference but it does not look like much... Perhaps I'm just :koko:

It shows up better on clearer or at least brighter days when the sunlight interacts with the building more visibly. Alternating bands of Bluish-green & Silver.

Plus, if I'm not mistaken, the vacancy rate in that building is around 10%... so it's not that terrible.

[rdavis4559]

Has anyone heard of this yet?

http://www.pickardchilton.com/pagProject.aspx?Group='CORPORATE'&ID=11

[Wattleigh]

Has anyone heard of this yet?

http://www.pickardchilton.com/pagProject.aspx?Group='CORPORATE'&ID=11

That project was cancelled earlier in the decade. It would've been an impressive tower for the area, and was supposed to have been 588' tall. AIM scaled back their plans after 9/11 and this was one of the victims of that move.

The site it would've occupied went undeveloped for a number of years and it had decent frontage between the Lakewood campus and the Mercedes dealership. It was developed over the past few years and is currently an apartment complex with a shopping center in front.

[Wattleigh]

I took these photos of several projects under construction around town over the past week.

Cosmopolitan
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/Cosmopolitan111807A.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/Cosmopolian111807B.jpg

Mosaic II
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/Mosaic2111507A.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/Mosaic2111507C.jpg

Methodist Outpatient Tower
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/MethodistTower111807.jpg

Rice Collaborative Research Center
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/RiceCollaborative111807B.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/RiceCollab111807A.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/RiceCollabCenter111807C.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Houston is actually growing quite a bit faster than the Phoenix metro. Atlanta and Dallas are the only ones that are ahead, but not by much.

And Atlanta and Dallas both benefitted from faster growth earlier in the decade. I think Houston's growing faster.

And for the first time in decades, Houston's got a lower office vacancy rate than metro DC.

[toxteth o'grady]

Without going into the whole Houston v. Dallas thing, I do think it is unfair that most statistics about Dallas actually include Fort Worth as well. They are far enough apart, and I'm sure that if you just included the Dallas metro area without including Fort Worth, Houston's growth would be equal to or higher than that of Dallas.

Actually, in 1980, the Houston MSA was bigger than the two of them put together. That was back in the days of the last oil price shock. Things seem to have come back around again.

That said, DFW's a big, sprawling metro. The two cities have more or less merged.

[TexasBoi]

Without going into the whole Houston v. Dallas thing, I do think it is unfair that most statistics about Dallas actually include Fort Worth as well. They are far enough apart, and I'm sure that if you just included the Dallas metro area without including Fort Worth, Houston's growth would be equal to or higher than that of Dallas.

Downtown Dallas to Downtown Fort Worth is 30 miles.
Dallas Western most city limits to Fort Worth's eastern most city limits is 10 miles.

I think that's close enough, IMO. Not to mention that a good bit of Tarrant County residents work in Dallas County.

[Trae]

And Atlanta and Dallas both benefitted from faster growth earlier in the decade. I think Houston's growing faster.

And for the first time in decades, Houston's got a lower office vacancy rate than metro DC.

Houston has grown faster than Dallas-Fort Worth since 2002 every year (except 2005 when DFW grew faster by about 9,000).

[CALMSP]

Houston has grown faster than Dallas-Fort Worth since 2002 every year (except 2005 when DFW grew faster by about 9,000).
and that was probably when all of Houston drove North to escape Rita!! :haha:

[Xeelee]

Why can't we all just get along?

[JManc]

the phoenix tower really needed to be renovated. the mismatched glass panels really made the building look neglected.

[Trae]

Why can't we all just get along?

Uh..who is arguing?

[Saddle Man]

Yeah, why just do some of the glass? It needs a completely new exterior.

[Xeelee]

Yeah, why just do some of the glass? It needs a completely new exterior.

Perhaps they can add extra floors?

[Xeelee]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3280028.jpg

[Xeelee]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3280020.jpg

[Xeelee]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3280018.jpg

[Saddle Man]

Perhaps they can add extra floors?

I don't get it.

I just think it needs all new glass, but I don't know if the building can handle more floors.

[Wattleigh]

I just recieved this from The Titan's "First Choice" mailing service...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/TITAN.jpg

[Wattleigh]

I don't get it.

I just think it needs all new glass, but I don't know if the building can handle more floors.

I sincerely doubt the demand would be there for a vertical expansion at this point, if not just for that but there would be some definite engineering issues involved. I doubt this was designed like a number of the 6-12 story buildings in the Medical Center that can piggyback the additional stress of extra, post-construction floors.

[Saddle Man]

I sincerely doubt the demand would be there for a vertical expansion at this point, if not just for that but there would be some definite engineering issues involved. I doubt this was designed like a number of the 6-12 story buildings in the Medical Center that can piggyback the additional stress of extra, post-construction floors.

Be sure to let Xeelee know, because he was the one that brought it up.

[Xeelee]

Made to measure... hrm...

[vjhe]

The Meninger Clinic is going to move from West Houston to an area closer to the Med Center (I think Main at South Post Oak). They plan on building a 280,000 + square foot new campus with around 150 beds. Maybe that's the news?

The only other thing I can think of is maybe Methodist Hospital is getting ready to release a rendering for their new "north campus" facility? That thing is supposed to be HUGE.

Apparently the Big announcement I enquired about on last week was the Medical Center announcing the addition of 30,000 new jobs over the next 7 years, which will include 7 Billion Dollars of investment. So that of course means more buildings. Lets hope some nice designs are chosen.

[Wattleigh]

Apparently the Big announcement I enquired about on last week was the Medical Center announcing the addition of 30,000 new jobs over the next 7 years, which will include 7 Billion Dollars of investment. So that of course means more buildings. Lets hope some nice designs are chosen.

Ah, I take it to correspond with this Press Release (http://www.texmedctr.tmc.edu/root/en/TMCServices/News/BreakingNews/MediaRelease.htm) and an AP story rewritten from it.

With the institutions of the Medical Center able to get just about anything green-lighted, you're right about quality designs being pretty much the only concern. Considering they're building further and further out of the traditional core they certainly have the space to work with. On the opposite side of things, the area is one of the densest in terms of structures in the city, so it could also be a fantastic opportunity to create a signature presence above or within the forest of buildings. Fantastic news all around!

[Xeelee]

This is good news

[Wattleigh]

A few photo updates, taken today while attempting to walk off the turkey and everything else...

High Street Houston - looks to be in the beginning stages of being cleared out
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/HSHsign.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/HSH112207A.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/HSH112207B.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/HSH112207C.jpg

2727 Kirby
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/2727112207.jpg

[Wattleigh]

The possibility of twin 27-story condos for the Memorial area, developed by Azorim and managed by Boymelgreen...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5323129.html

Nov. 22, 2007, 10:34PM
Two luxury condo towers in works for Memorial area
New York developer says demand is there


By NANCY SARNOFF
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

A New York developer is planning two condominium towers on San Felipe near the tony neighborhoods of Tanglewood and Memorial.

The company chose Houston as the location for the project because of its strong economy and unmet demand for luxury high-rise housing, development executive Sara Mirski said.

Plans for the 5.4-acre site, at the corner of San Felipe and Woodway, include two towers with 27 residential floors and a total of 223 condominiums surrounded by lush landscaping and fountains.

The project is being developed by Azorim, an Israeli real estate firm whose shares trade on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. Brooklyn-based Boymelgreen Developers, whose founder owns 64 percent of Azorim, is managing the pro- ject.

Sales will begin next fall on the units, which will start at $1 million and average 2,500 square feet.

A sales center will be built across from the building site, which now houses a cluster of low-rise commercial structures.

In recent years, other developers have tried to hawk similarly priced units, but their buildings never came out of the ground.

The developers gave various reasons for the cancellations, including market uncertainties related to Hurricane Katrina and slow unit sales.

Turnberry, a Florida developer, recently began preselling condominiums in a building proposed near the Water Wall at Williams Tower with units ranging from $1 million to more than $8 million.

The company is taking a patient attitude about sales.

"We're off to a good start," Turnberry's Jim Cohen said. "We know we're not going to sell the building over- night."

Turnberry has secured sales contracts on about 25 of the 184 units in a little over two months, Cohen said, adding that foundation work should start in the first quarter of next year.

Many of the buyers are from South America, Europe and the Middle East.

"We didn't realize how deep that market is," Cohen said.

Averaging just under 3,000 square feet, the units are "decorator ready," meaning they're not entirely finished out. Bathrooms and kitchens, however, do come finished.

Mirski said the development of the Azorim project is not dependent on preselling a portion of the units, which will all come completely finished.

"We believe in the product," she said. "We're willing to move forward without sales."

The design of the project — which has not yet been named — sets the towers back from the street. After passing a manned guardhouse, residents will drive up an ascending path to the buildings that will be connected by a centralized service area where they can leave their cars with a valet.

To allay potential concerns from nearby residents, Mirski said, the buildings were designed so their shadows won't be cast on the single-family neighborhoods.

The buildings are also oriented so their narrowest sides are exposed to the western sun, which is expected to reduce energy costs.

An 18,000-square-foot amenity building — closed to the public — will include a fitness center and spa. Swimming pools will be throughout the property.

Houston-based Ziegler Cooper is the project architect, and the developer is seeking national certification for environmentally friendly buildings.

Mirski expects the project to appeal to empty nesters, including residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who want to downsize and minimize required maintenance of their homes without sacrificing design or the feeling of being in a natural environment.

Almost 2 acres are being reserved for open space as an environmental buffer between the site and the neighbor- hoods.

Maintenance fees will be comparable to other high-end buildings.

The project is unusual for Houston because its acreage is so substantial for a high-rise development, said David Joachim of International Realty Concepts, who is familiar with the plan.

"There's never been anything like it here because of the grounds," he said. "And it's going to have amenities like a country club would."

Boymelgreen has developed residential, mixed-use and retail properties in New York, Toronto, Las Vegas and Miami. The company has developed more than 5 million square feet of space in New York City alone.

When it entered the Houston market, its development plans included more than the San Felipe project.

The company owns about 9 acres near Richmond and Post Oak that it acquired for $34 million. The land is now under contract to another buyer for $57.5 million

[Wattleigh]

A graphic depicting the location of the condos in the above story, from today's paper...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/BoymelgreenSanFelipe.jpg

[Shasta]

This project sounds horrible. Guarded access huts, removed from the street, and located literally right on top of Buffalo Bayou and the River Bend neighborhood. I hope this doesn't make it out of the ground. I can't wait to hear what the Piney Point/River Bend folks are going to think of this one!

[toxteth o'grady]

This project sounds horrible. Guarded access huts, removed from the street, and located literally right on top of Buffalo Bayou and the River Bend neighborhood.

Sounds like Bayou Bend. But that one turned out well.

At least we don't have to guess at the mysterious Boymelgreen project.

On another note, Emirates begins air service.:tup:

[toxteth o'grady]

and that was probably when all of Houston drove North to escape Rita!! :haha:

Well, all but 24 of them came back...:(

[toxteth o'grady]

Apparently the Big announcement I enquired about on last week was the Medical Center announcing the addition of 30,000 new jobs over the next 7 years, which will include 7 Billion Dollars of investment.

I think some of that has already been announced - by the usual players - Hermann, Methodist, BCM, etc. If this is above and beyond the $2 billion plus we've already heard about, that is some major expansion. It's like they're building an airport in the Persian Gulf, right in the middle of the Medical Center.

Those 30,000 jobs work out to about 4,000 a year. Factor in the usual multiplier, and that's a nice base for some solid job growth over the next decade.:cheers:

[Wattleigh]

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Tower progress- a few I've taken over the past week

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/MHMCTower112107.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/MHMCTower112107B.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/MHMCTower112407.jpg

You'll notice that the cranes are somewhat stuck in the clouds in the last photo. Similar situation elsewhere around town today, as evidenced by my bonus photo...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DTHouston112407.jpg

[rdavis4559]

Heres another bonus, also from yesterday (with low cloud cover):
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00298.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/IMG00299.jpg

[Trae]

I hate this weather. Feels like Seattle.

[CALMSP]

i'm just glad its cooled down a little bit..........was a comfortable 14 degrees in Denver over the holiday!! Felt so good!!

[CONative]

Was 55 today in Denver. 14 degrees isn't a normal temp. for Denver this time of year -- even as a low.

[CALMSP]

a few pics from this morning while i was our walking around

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics11-25004.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics11-25003.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics11-25002.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics11-25001.jpg

[rdavis4559]

nice

[Xeelee]

Was 55 today in Denver. 14 degrees isn't a normal temp. for Denver this time of year -- even as a low.

how r u?

[Complex01]

You have to love those low cloudy mornings...

:yes:

[Xeelee]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3300048.jpg

[Xeelee]

I felt cold and alone that day.

[Xeelee]

deleted

[toxteth o'grady]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P3300048.jpg

There's a metaphor in there somewhere...:shrug:

[Complex01]

I love how they lit up the BofA building at night, it looks so kewl, i wish they did that the whole year. Also i do love how most of the buildings have those white lights that circle their tops...

:yes:

[rdavis4559]

"City continues to tinker with downtown traffic lights

Houston officials are not ready to retreat on their efforts to improve the timing of downtown stoplights, despite some bad reviews from motorists."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5336797.html

[Xeelee]

I thought they were controlled by a central computer... like the ENIAC or something. :happysad:

[Great_Hizzy]

I think the lights in the Med Center and Uptown are a lot more aggravating. Downtown is "okay" for the most part. Same with Midtown.

[rdavis4559]

If it were powered by ENIAC (consider the age) that would explain everything

[Xeelee]

Ah... so then I was right! :)

[Xeelee]

One Park Place today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070088.jpg

[Xeelee]

Projects on Kirby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070126.jpg

[Xeelee]

New houses off Navigation

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070042.jpg

[Xeelee]

Le Maison on Revere
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070127.jpg

[Xeelee]

New building for HCC Central Campus in midtown.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070071.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Projects on Kirby

That's pretty massive. All one project or several separate ones?

[Wattleigh]

That's pretty massive. All one project or several separate ones?

The two buildings on the left are part of West Ave. and the one on the right is 2727 Kirby. The two projects are across the street from each other so it does look like one large project from that angle.

Thanks for all the pix too!

[Xeelee]

New building for HCC Central Campus in midtown.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070071.jpg



I think I just noticed the wind blowing in different directions. Or is it just me? :happysad:

[Xeelee]

You're welcome. :)

[Bailey]

"While the national economy will be modestly affected by the tightening of credit, overall demand for energy and commodities will continue to rise, putting Houston in a strong position, Hines' Cover said.

The company is even looking into the future beyond MainPlace.

Hines is locking up a second location on Main Street, between Texas and Capitol, where it's considering another office building.

"It's a great opportunity, whether it's this cycle or the next," said John Mooz, a vice president for the company.

Meanwhile, its current focus is on MainPlace, which will be the company's "most sustainable effort in the city."

I suppose they are talking about City Centre in this article. Do we have any more information on this project? It's been a while since any news broke and there has to be further development on this project. Any spies out there?

[CALMSP]

New houses off Navigation

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/xeelee/P4070042.jpg


buying the last 3 story one just to the left of these!!

[toxteth o'grady]

I think I just noticed the wind blowing in different directions. Or is it just me? :happysad:

No, it's blowing towards the camera. Flags have a tendency to flap like that - back and forth.:cool:

[Complex01]

I drove by the projects on Kirby yesterday. Those 2 projects are really having a huge impact on the area, it looks so dense. It is gonna be awesome when they are finished...

[Great_Hizzy]

Thanks for the photo updates, Xeelee.

[rdavis4559]

"Carmel Builders has unveiled its most upscale, highest-priced townhome product to date in the Houston area.

The Brownstones at CityCentre, which will open in 2008 at Interstate 10 and Beltway 8, range in price from $810,000 to more than $900,000.

The 35 brownstones are 3,245 square feet to 3,694 square feet in size. Each three-story home will feature stucco and stone exteriors with wood clad windows, gas lanterns and wrought iron details...."

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2007/12/03/daily8.html?ana=from_rss

[Wattleigh]

Two sites from today...

One Park Place

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP12307A.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/OPP12307B.jpg

Regent Square

A look at the blocks involved...

Allen Pkwy/Dunlavy/W. Dallas/Tirrell

East View
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01951.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01952.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01953.jpg

South View
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01954.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01955.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01956.jpg

W. Dallas/Dunlavy/W. Clay

East View
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01957.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01959.jpg

Up Dunlavy
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01958.jpg

A remaining portion of the Allen House Apartments on the W.Dallas/Rosine/W.Clay/Dunlavy Block
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/RegentSq/DSC01960.jpg

[Wattleigh]

It also looks like Shenandoah might be getting in on the office building boom, thanks to its proximity to the Woodlands and location along I-45.

Nov. 30, 2007, 12:34PM
Shenandoah: Developer plans new office building in city


By BOB HOWIE
Chronicle Correspondent

Dallas-based Granite Development Corp., is planning a 10-story, Class A office building enclosing 250,000 square feet of space in Shenandoah.

The building, to be located just west of Interstate 45 near Café Adobe with access to the Interstate 45 frontage road, is the first of its kind in Shenandoah, but its construction depends on the City Council.

"The company is seeking a variance that currently limits the height of buildings in the Vision Park (business park) area to six stories," said Assistant City Attorney Manny De La Rosa. This building is planned for 10 stories and to start the variance process, the builder comes to City Council which then decides whether to recommend it to the Planning & Zoning Commission. In this case, that's what the council has done."

The builders are also asking Shenandoah to ease its parking space requirement as well as grant the variance.

"Currently, Shenandoah requires four parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of office space," De La Rosa said. "Granite Development is asking for three-and-a-half spaces per 1,000 square feet because their experience shows the four-space requirement to be too much. The request is somewhat supported by a study completed by the American Planning Association."

The request is expected to be back before City Council for approval in January.

[Wattleigh]

This week's Houston Business Journal (11/30-12/6/07) mentioned a few more projects headed for the Energy Corridor.

The first being Three Eldridge Place, a 275,000 to 300,000 sq ft Class-A office building to be constructed within Eldridge Place. That property currently consists of a 12 & 14 story office building. There was no height or # of floors given, but I would guess it would be 12-16 floors based on the data provided. The construction was mentioned to begin in Spring of 2008.

Another project mentioned was that of Woodcreek Developments slated for Park 10, including a 6-story. 150,00 sq ft office building to be built regardless of pre-leasing. Construction should begin in late 2008 and be completed by Summer 2009. This is in addition to a small Comfort Suites motel and a new 90,000 sq ft tiltwall building to house the development firm.

[Wattleigh]

http://www.jenningsisland.com/img/rendering.jpg
www.jennings-island.com

It looks like Jetall Companies has taken hold of the Jennings Island (Seabrook) project now, launching a website for it and putting out feelers for buyers. The phone # is a recorded message that explains in brief the intent of the new developer and soon switches to a prompt for those who have interest to leave a message.

[Wattleigh]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/gateway_1207071042A.jpg
http://www.metronational.com/cam_hospital.html

Crown at Memorial Hermann's Memorial City tower looks very close to topping out at this point.

[Xeelee]

That memorial building looks like a squat fat building... I think the crown is going to make it look fatter and out of proportion. :shrug:

[Xeelee]

That Jennings island thing looks pretty good. :)

[Saddle Man]

That memorial building looks like a squat fat building... I think the crown is going to make it look fatter and out of proportion. :shrug:

It's not turning out so well.

[Cory]

It's not turning out so well.

I agree. If there is a building that you cannot not trust the design based off the renderings, this is the posterchild.

[toxteth o'grady]

That memorial building looks like a squat fat building... I think the crown is going to make it look fatter and out of proportion. :shrug:

Given that it's 34 stories in height, that building looks pretty massive.:worship:

As does the Turnberry Tower.

I don't think the crown was ever a good idea.:yuck:

[toxteth o'grady]

That Jennings island thing looks pretty good. :)

Another Clear Lake development?

I keep hearing they can't sell condos down in Galveston, yet Clear Lake has all these highrises either in construction or being offered to buyers. Is the market that much hotter farther inland?

[rdavis4559]

It is pretty massive, and though its ugly, one cool thing about it is that it is very prominent when seen from the vantage point of several highway interchanges.

[CALMSP]

a few pics from this morning..........
the Houston Pavilions certainly keeps going up and up!!!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8014.jpg

right down the middle of the buildings.....these pics taken from Caroline

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8015.jpg

Main & Bell
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8018.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8017.jpg

One Park Place
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8013.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8012.jpg

Southwestern Building
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8011.jpg
Chase Tower
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8009.jpg
Fullbright Tower
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8008.jpg
Main Street between Preston & UH
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/abrads2/HoustonCityPics12-8004.jpg

[Trae]

I think Houston's Thanksgiving Parade should go down Main Street. The red Line is closed on Thanksgiving anyway isn't it? If it is a problem, get it on another street Downtown in the middle of buildings and not near Minute Maid Park right next to a freeway.

[Wattleigh]

Here's a bit of an update to the earlier Houston Pavilions series I did about 2 months ago, all taken on Friday. I tried to shoot from some of the same locations, but was a bit pressed for time.

Main & Polk Block

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01980.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01971.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01972.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01975.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01976.jpg

Above Polk Street

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01977.jpg

Pavilions Tower

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01978.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01981.jpg

Polk & Caroline Block

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01982.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01983.jpg

Looking Back

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01986.jpg

[Wattleigh]

Was out and about earlier this afternoon and swung by a few of the various construction sites. Here's a look at em.

BLVD Place (Demolition and signs)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02032.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02025.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02027.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02033.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02023.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/BLVD%20Place/DSC02024.jpg

West Ave.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02008.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02009.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02010.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02011.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02012.jpg

2727 Kirby

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02020.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02016.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02017.jpg

CityCentre

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02036.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02037.jpg

[Complex01]

:previous:

Nice pics, thanxs for posting...

[Boris]

Great update pics both Calm and Watt. :tup:

[Xeelee]

Cool. :)

[Wheelingman04]

Lots of construction. I really like it.:tup:

[Cory]

What a beautiful picture:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01980.jpg

[CALMSP]

anyone know why they are putting up a "tent" at the open lot of the Wedge Tower parking garage??

[Wattleigh]

anyone know why they are putting up a "tent" at the open lot of the Wedge Tower parking garage??

It's for a private concert put on by someone to be played by The Doobie Brothers.

[JManc]

the doobies? wow.

[Xeelee]

How many City "Centres" do we have? I know there is a Town "Centre" in sugarland. Now there is one way out there by memorial. I mean come on... Do they think anyone really buys that it's the "Centre" of the city? Strange.

[weatherguru18]

Houston is becoming a lot like Dallas...layout I mean. It's becoming lopsided. Driving to Dallas on 45, you don't even know your in a city till you get downtown. It mostly field. Houston's downtown is slowly moving further and further east in my opinion. All the growth is in the Galleria area or up near Cypress. Anybody else see where I'm coming from?

[rdavis4559]

I see exactly what you mean. It seems that all the growth is in North Houston or out towards Katy.

[Xeelee]

There is only 1 downtown but it seems there are forces that - for what seem like strictly marketing reasons - want people to think of something upscale when they hear the words City "Centre". Perhaps in a British accent. Not sure.

I think our skyline is growing in different directions though.