HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Austinlee]

That's going to be the new huge campus for Exxon Mobil.
http://swamplot.com/a-first-look-at-the-plans-for-exxonmobils-humongous-new-corporate-campus-north-of-houston/2011-03-17/
http://swamplot.com/exxonmobils-top-secret-new-corporate-campus-now-hiding-in-plain-sight-on-google-maps/2011-05-05/

Wow. 3 million square feet. 15-17k employees. That must be the largest construction job in the country.

I clicked the links; No renderings have been released though, right?

[photoLith]

^
No, at least, Im not aware of any yet. I really hope it is more than just a giant suburban office complex, but we'll have to wait and see I guess.

[Trae]

^
No, at least, Im not aware of any yet. I really hope it is more than just a giant suburban office complex, but we'll have to wait and see I guess.

Not sure if there is any hope. Exxon's digs will probably be just a huge suburban office complex. Just a really nice one. Springwoods Village next door will have some cool thing, tho.

[photoLith]

Im really bored right now so Id thought Id trace all the empty lots downtown Houston still has left. We have a long ways to go folks.

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/dowtn.png

[Golyadkin]

To be fair, some of those are parking lots for buildings that are on the same block, so they don't really count. And you also highlighted a least a few empty lots that aren't parking lots.

[mfastx]

And you also highlighted a least a few empty lots that aren't parking lots.
Empty lots are even worse than parking lots IMO. Hopefully Houston will develop its downtown more in the future.

[Shasta]

1111 Studewood in the Memorial Heights/Washington St corridor

6 floors clad in red brick to resemble older bldg

2 underground parking levels for residents
ground floor retail (9,000 square feet)
floors 2 and 3 customer parking
floors 4-6 contain 20 condos
rooftop pool and summer kitchen

Image courtesy of the Houston Chronicle

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2011/06/Studewood.jpg

Nancy's blog claims construction has started. Nice infill for this area.

[photoLith]

Construction has for sure started on that and its right in the middle of the historic Houston Heights neighborhood. Thats a hell of a lot better than most of the tin sided schlock that has gone in on that side of Houston.

[TexasBoi]

Here's more information on it.
http://swamplot.com/a-rooftop-party-deck-behind-the-11th-st-someburger-those-lofty-earlier-designs-for-1111-studewood-place/2011-06-03/#comments

[Nautica]

Curious to see if they move their world headquarters from Irving to this new campus.

[weatherguru18]

Well if you've been by the location, the numerous cranes are the confirmation of this project going forward. Exxon has been incredibly hush on such a huge, new and flashy corporate campus. Don't you think that is strange? It wouldn't surprise me if this is indeed the new world headquarters.

[vjhe]

Exxon Mobil staying quiet on this may also be a wise PR move as well. What with the economy, record gas prices, and not to mention record oil company profits, I think the last thing most Americans want to hear is Exxon is building a "God knows how many multi million dollar " campus/headquarters.

With regard to the actual headquarters moving, I will believe that when I see it. I'm not holding my breath on that however.

[photoLith]

Didnt know this started til I drove past it yesterday. Destroying yet another downtown gem, like Houston hasnt lost freakin enough already. I was able to find a way into the building and walk around. Its the old YMCA building, the Franzheim Building.

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz1.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz3.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz4.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz6.jpg

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/franz7.jpg

:( What a shame. And the new YMCA is about the ugliest damn thing Ive ever seen. No doubt, this will just become a parking garage or parking lot YAY progress!

[Double L]

Pretty sad to lose a historic gem like that. What are they replacing it with? That might provide some clues as to why they are demolishing it. Better not be another empty lot!

[photoLith]

^
Its going to be parking probably for now for the surrounding towers and Chevron is taking over the land. So thats pretty sweet, ugh. It would have cost the YMCA 25 million to totally restore and repair the building. But they decided that was too costly, and instead went the cheaper rout and built an entirely new building for 50 fucking million dollars, makes complete total sense to me.

Chevron, which will take ownership of the land after the building is razed, said it has no immediate plans for the site. But its ranks of downtown employees and contractors have been growing and are now nearly 7,000.

"It leaves us flexibility and options for the future," said Edward Spaulding, Chevron's public affairs manager for North America.

Neither party would discuss financial terms of the deal for the 85,000-square-foot property.

The oil and gas giant already owns 1500 Louisiana and leases all of 1400 Smith. The buildings — connected by a pedestrian skyring — were originally occupied by or planned for Enron. Chevron also leases space in the Continental Airlines building at 1600 Smith.

In all, the company has 2.9 million square feet in the Central Business District.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5865081.html#ixzz1OZ2juGDv

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5865081.html

That article is from 2008, so its pretty outdated.

I read a rumor that Chevron eventually plans on building a mid rise at the site, although, thats probably pretty far off into the future. Im sure it will just be a glass box, which is a fart in the wind compared to this soon to be nothing but dust once beautiful building.

[TTU Arch]

Pretty sad to lose a historic gem like that. What are they replacing it with? That might provide some clues as to why they are demolishing it. Better not be another empty lot!

That would have been an awesome building for lofts or boutique hotel. You could've had a number of terraces. These old YMCA buildings are beautiful and its a shame they are being torn down.

[photoLith]

Just found out that the Exxon headquarters are not moving to that new suburban campus from Irving.

[mhays]

To be fair, some of those are parking lots for buildings that are on the same block, so they don't really count. And you also highlighted a least a few empty lots that aren't parking lots.

Why would a downtown building need surface parking at all?

[austin242]

It all makes me want to cry. :whatthefuck::mad::irked::duh:gaah::tantrum:

[skys the limit]

Curious to see if they move their world headquarters from Irving to this new campus.

Exxon Mobil’s Real Estate Shake Up

By Nancy Sarnoff
Houston Chronicle
Published 06-07-11, 3:47pm CDT

Quotes:

"About 8,000 Houston-area employees will relocate to the new campus just south of The Woodlands.

The long-expected announcement was made to employees early this morning in a memo and later to the public."
...

"Exxon Mobil’s Irving headquarters will not move, nor will the Fort Worth offices of recently acquired XTO Energy. The company’s Fairfax, Va. offices, however, are part of the study. Some 2,500 employees work in that location."
...

"For Houston, the long-expected consolidation will shake up the real estate market."

"Exxon Mobil will vacate several area buildings, including a 44-story tower downtown and several buildings in the Greenspoint area. Employees who work in two additional buildings — one on Buffalo Speedway and another along the Katy Freeway — will also move to the new campus."
....

"Houston economist Barton Smith said the move out of downtown wasn’t likely to be “disastrous,” but there could be repercussions later.

“Are we going to see a mass exodus of energy employment in general from downtown? I think it’s worth keeping an eye on,” he said."



Full article can be found here:

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2011/06/exxons-real-estate-shake-up/
.

[photoLith]

Why they feel the need to abandon downtown is beyond me. Not good news for downtown. Screw exxon.

[TexasPlaya]

Haha exxon doesn't operate just to fulfill your downtown Houston desires. Downtown has certainly seen way worst departures.

[Cory]

Haha exxon doesn't operate just to fulfill your downtown Houston desires. Downtown has certainly seen way worst departures.

yeah but it does make them justifying the use of the word sustainability because of this campus development more of an annoying buzzword with this move into the near exurbs.

[TexasPlaya]

yeah but it does make them justifying the use of the word sustainability because of this campus development more of an annoying buzzword with this move into the near exurbs.

Most definitely, it sucks they are leaving downtown which means there probably won't be any more new office for a little bit (hopefully).

[CALMSP]

Most definitely, it sucks they are leaving downtown which means there probably won't be any more new office for a little bit (hopefully).

most def probably not. Exxon and Continental heading out there will be plenty of office space available to lease.

[weatherguru18]

Man, this is GREAT news for my area (Woodlands)! I just happen to think that their new campus is pretty baller. Too bad it can't be seen from the Freeway.

http://swamplot.com/welcome-to-the-land-of-exxonmobil-a-tour-of-the-companys-new-north-houston-campus/2011-06-07/

[JoninATX]

The Gateway into the campus looks amazing.:tup:

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/xom-energy-center.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/xom-central-quad.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/xom-office-bldgs.jpg

http://swamplot.com/welcome-to-the-land-of-exxonmobil-a-tour-of-the-companys-new-north-houston-campus/2011-06-07/#more-29569

[mfastx]

Wow that does look pretty cool. Too bad it couldn't be built in a more central location, I might never see this in person lol.

[photoLith]

I also wish this was much closer to downtown but oh well. That building in the first post is kick ass though.

[Samwill89]

The Hines real-estate firm is planning a luxury apartment complex in Uptown it says will be a "flagship" property for the Houston-based developer as it expands its multifamily business. The project will be built on three acres in the shadow of the Williams Tower, Galleria mall and Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. The announcement comes as demand for apartments heats up even as the housing market continues to sputter. Moderate job growth in the Houston area combined with little new construction has other developers returning to the market, too.

"We're starting to have more under construction all of a sudden," said Bruce McClenny, president of Apartment Data Services, which tracks multifamily activity. "The proposed list is really growing."
Details of the Hines project are still being worked out, but senior vice president Alan Patton says the complex will be six to eight stories and contain about 300 units. He said the company plans to break ground in the first quarter of 2012. Construction is expected to last two years.

"It's not often that you have the ability to find a site that's located next to a fabulous public park, walking distance to the Galleria, and amongst a large employment center," Patton said.

The project will be the first multifamily complex the company has built in Houston since announcing its push into multifamily development nationwide in January. Hines, which knows the Galleria area well, is building in a particularly strong market. Rents there are 8.2 percent higher today than they were a year ago, according to the data firm.

"That's a pretty significant number," McClenny said.

The average rent for a top-class apartment in the Galleria area is $1.37 per square foot, and 93.7 percent of all such units there are rented. Stan Creech, the real-estate broker who represented the seller of the three-acre site, said the property is unique for several reasons, including the Waterwall park and the possibility that rail could someday run near the site.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7603762.html#ixzz1OuOA33Ln

The site:
http://www.chron.com/photos/2011/06/09/26678273/260xStory.jpg

Previous Proposal for site:
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/turnberry-swedroe-wide.jpg

Too bad the Turnberry project couldn't be revived. But this will have almost twice as many residential units (Turnberry was 184 units at 34 floors vs 300 units on 6-8 floors). This should fill out the block and encourage pedestrian activity. Hines says that this is just the first of many residential buildings of this sort he is looking to develop in Houston over the next few years.

[Bailey]

Too bad the Turnberry project couldn't be revived. But this will have almost twice as many residential units (Turnberry was 184 units at 34 floors vs 300 units on 6-8 floors). This should fill out the block and encourage pedestrian activity. Hines says that this is just the first of many residential buildings of this sort he is looking to develop in Houston over the next few years.

Does Hines have any plans for a residential tower in downtown? I've heard rumors that developers are sniffing around dafter seeing the success of One Park Place.

If you could afford a highrise condo- would you prefer to live in an isolated tower in uptown with freeway like-wide lanes at Wetsheimer and Post Oak....or downtown within walking distance of Discovery Green, Theater District, CBD, Minute Maid, Toyota Center, Dynamo Stadium, and mass transit that in a couple of years can get you around the urban core, including Hermann Park, Museum District and Reliant Park?

[photoLith]

^
Theres two abandoned 1920s buildings downtown being converted into condos/apartments, plus a new 17 story or so residential tower to be built next to them in a vacant lot. I dont think thats a Hines development though.

[CALMSP]

^
Theres two abandoned 1920s buildings downtown being converted into condos/apartments, plus a new 17 story or so residential tower to be built next to them in a vacant lot. I dont think thats a Hines development though.

what is this 17 story residential tower you speak of?

[photoLith]

Refer to page 154

[photoLith]

The new maternal care unit or whatever its called (building on right) of the Texas Children Hospital, they are almost done with the sky walk.

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k591/birdboy1/fsdf.jpg
photo by me

[Samwill89]

Revised groundbreaking schedule

Earth Quest developers set groundbreaking for early 2012

The developer of the proposed Earth Quest project in east Montgomery County has established another deadline for start-up of the 550-acre mixed-use project.

Christopher Brown, president of California-based Contour Entertainment, the project’s master planner and lead designer, met with the East Montgomery County Improvement District board members June 16.

Before Brown and the board went into executive session to discuss the project, EMCID President Frank McCrady asked Brown if groundbreaking within nine months was a “reasonable” expectation.

“That is our plan,” said Brown.

Estimated at a cost of $500 million, Earth Quest is to include a retail shopping experience, a water park, a hotel and a family entertainment center located on 1,600 acres along U.S. 59 between FM 1485 and Texas 242 on the west side, and FM 1485 and Roman Forest Boulevard on the east.

At the heart of the concept is a 150-acre dinosaur theme park and museum. They were scheduled to open sometime this year or in 2012.

Brown said the dinosaur project remains “central” to the development’s project.

We’re not going to put another carnival on the ground,” McCrady said after the EMCID meeting. “Nothing significant has changed.”

Announcing a date for groundbreaking is nothing new for the Earth Quest project. Construction was to start sometime in 2010, but a need for investors and the economy affected the timetable.

source (http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/article_a06074b3-10c7-5466-b1f4-83946d4baedd.html)

Not holding my breath for this one.

[photoLith]

It would be best for that to never get built. Montgomery county doesn't need more sprawl.

[ktk819]

It would be best for that to never get built. Montgomery county doesn't need more sprawl.

I'm not sure why "it would be best" if it didn't go through. It doesn't have to be inside 610 to be beneficial development.

[Illithid Dude]

It would be best for that to never get built. Montgomery county doesn't need more sprawl.

But it's a theme park... for DINOSAURZ!!

[Samwill89]

It would be best for that to never get built. Montgomery county doesn't need more sprawl.

Sorry to break it to you, but Montgomery County is already a lost cause. If this were to be in Liberty County, I could see your point. If anything, this would boost the Northeastern sector of the metro area, which sorely needs it.

[Shasta]

Whiteco Residential is moving forward with plans for a 22 story apartment tower in the Galleria area. A late summer groundbreaking is planned for the site near the corner of Westheimer @ Sage.

Unfortunately, this thing has been scaled back big time. Original plans called for twin towers. They were to be 35 stories tall and sleek and contemporary. The new plans call for just a single tower that is being described as classical and traditional (which in Houston means beige tunnel form).

Features include;

22 floors
300 luxury rental units
6th floor pool deck and fitness center
parking on levels 2 thru 5

Info. gathered from the Houston Biz Journal print edition

[JManc]

That will be on that vacant lot next to the Walgreen's, I think.

[colemonkee]

A tad bit off-topic, but I saw Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" last night, and it has some pretty amazing shots of downtown Houston. The movie itself is a bit long and drawn out, but for true Houston skyscraper fans, it's worth seeing for those shots. And to catch when they cut to shots in filmed in downtown Dallas, trying to make it seamless.

[TexasPlaya]

Swamplot: Midtown Arts Center (http://swamplot.com/independent-arts-collaborative-buying-midtown-lot-for-new-main-st-arts-center/2011-06-24/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+swamplot+%28Swamplot%3A+Houston%27s+Real+Estate+Landscape%29&utm_content=Bloglines)

"Planned for the Midtown block surrounded by Main, Travis, Francis, and Holman streets: a new 90,000-sq.-ft. multi-tenant performing arts center that might look something like this. And after a city-hall vote this week, it seems more likely to be built: Council approved the sale of the property at 3400 Main St., currently a surface parking lot for the soon-to-be-former city permit office one block to the north, for $2.5 million.."

"The buyer and developer of the new building is the Independent Arts Collaborative, a consortium of local arts organizations — including Fotofest, Diverseworks, the Houston Arts Alliance, Musiqa, Suchu Dance, Opera Vista, Catastrophic Theater, Nameless Sound, the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, and Main St. Theater..."

All pics from Swamplot:

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/iac-corner-close.jpg

This will be replacing a surface parking lot next to the rail

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/iac-site.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/iac-section-persp.jpg

Great news for Midtown. Innerlooped (http://innerlooped.com/1010/midtown-may-be-home-to-new-arts-complex/) further expands on how this could attract further development:

"Bob Schultz, who developed some of 3600 Main and the site of four businesses on 3700 Main, plans to build office space, retail and some residential units on 3500 Main and the rest of the 3600 block of Main.
Schultz said he plans to expand on the concept of his nearby developments by bringing more independently owned boutiques and restaurants that are unique to Houston, such as the Tacos A-Go Go and Sig’s Lagoon. He envisions the developing blocks along Main becoming an arts district akin to South Congress in Austin or Magazine Street in New Orleans."

[photoLith]

^
Thats awesome, its about time something new got build in Midtown along Main and the light rail. The area around HCC and midtown in general is pretty desolate and ghetto. This will for sure bring some much needed life to the area.

By the way, I found out that the speciality grocery store at the bottom of One Park Place, Phoenicia, is going to open in July 15th. So that will be awesome.

[Shasta]

^
Thats awesome, its about time something new got build in Midtown along Main and the light rail. The area around HCC and midtown in general is pretty desolate and ghetto. This will for sure bring some much needed life to the area.

By the way, I found out that the speciality grocery store at the bottom of One Park Place, Phoenicia, is going to open in July 15th. So that will be awesome.

Desolate and ghetto?

Sure, there are vacant lots around, but that area is FAR from ghetto. Try going to the Farmer's Market or Breakflast Klub on a weekend around noon. You'll find a line wrapped around the block. Within just a few blocks of this proposal, you'll find HCC's Central Campus, the Calais Apartments, the Ventanna Apts, the Isabella Court Apts, the Ensemble Theatre, the Continental Club, Sig's Lagoon, My Flaming Heart, the Big Top Bar, Breakfast Klub, Mai's, Monica Pope's T'Afia, Natachees Supper and Punch, Tacos a-Go-Go, Crave Sushi, 24 Hour Fitness, Pizzolia, the Maple Leaf Bar, Julia's Bistro, etc...

[Shasta]

From the Houston Chronicle;

Gables new development in Post Oak Park area (just inside the West Loop). This is already under construction. Set to open in 2012. 8 floors. 316 apartments.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2011/06/Gablespost-Oak.jpg
Nancy Sarnoff's Property Blog at www.chron.com

[photoLith]

Desolate and ghetto?

Sure, there are vacant lots around, but that area is FAR from ghetto. Try going to the Farmer's Market or Breakflast Klub on a weekend around noon. You'll find a line wrapped around the block. Within just a few blocks of this proposal, you'll find HCC's Central Campus, the Calais Apartments, the Ventanna Apts, the Isabella Court Apts, the Ensemble Theatre, the Continental Club, Sig's Lagoon, My Flaming Heart, the Big Top Bar, Breakfast Klub, Mai's, Monica Pope's T'Afia, Natachees Supper and Punch, Tacos a-Go-Go, Crave Sushi, 24 Hour Fitness, Pizzolia, the Maple Leaf Bar, Julia's Bistro, etc...

Dude come on, the area around HCC and the main street light rail line in downtown is pretty ghetto. If you dont believe me, lets take a drive down there. Ive had to walk from downtown to the Museum District at 1 am because I didnt get to the light rail line on time. It was pretty sketchy, theres not been too many times Ive worried for my safety, but that night walking the light rail from downtown to the Museum District was pretty scary.

[glowrock]

From the Houston Chronicle;

Gables new development in Post Oak Park area (just inside the West Loop). This is already under construction. Set to open in 2012. 8 floors. 316 apartments.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2011/06/Gablespost-Oak.jpg
Nancy Sarnoff's Property Blog at www.chron.com (http://www.chron.com)

Yay! More overpriced luxury apartments for the Galleria area! :banana:

/sarcasm

Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see construction picking up again, but I really wish that every freaking apartment complex built wasn't planned as one of those luxury "apartment homes" places, whatever the hell that means. Usually winds up being so expensive that the rents are as much or more than a mortgage!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[photoLith]

^
It is The Galleria area afterall, so thats what should be expected. But, at least its getting more dense in that area, which is always a good thing, even if you cant afford to live there unless you are the CFO of a company.

[Reverberation]

Yay! More overpriced luxury apartments for the Galleria area! :banana:

/sarcasm

Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see construction picking up again, but I really wish that every freaking apartment complex built wasn't planned as one of those luxury "apartment homes" places, whatever the hell that means. Usually winds up being so expensive that the rents are as much or more than a mortgage!

Aaron (Glowrock)

It's the Galleria. That block is one of the most valuable pieces of land in the city. Do you expect Section 8?

[JManc]

Yeah, given the desirability of the Galleria (though I just left the area) and property values, everything built here on in will be high end. It's only a matter of time before the two complexes on Yorktown are knocked down for something pricier.

[TexasPlaya]

Dude come on, the area around HCC and the main street light rail line in downtown is pretty ghetto. If you dont believe me, lets take a drive down there. Ive had to walk from downtown to the Museum District at 1 am because I didnt get to the light rail line on time. It was pretty sketchy, theres not been too many times Ive worried for my safety, but that night walking the light rail from downtown to the Museum District was pretty scary.

I mostly agree with you and would say the area is still pretty sketchy and desolate in many places but it has seen quite a bit of new retail and residential built. Also, HCC and Midtown are teaming up to spend ~$20 million on streetscapes, infrastructure improvements, and a large plaza near HCC main campus.

Editor from HAIF: (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24946-huge-midtown-project-hccstar-plaza/)
http://web.me.com/artefaqs/filechute/090603%20Blockfront%20Background1.png

[photoLith]

Wow, with that and the arts center it will make midtown pretty sweet and really clean it up.

[glowrock]

It's the Galleria. That block is one of the most valuable pieces of land in the city. Do you expect Section 8?

Of course not, but there's a hell of a lot in between luxury overpriced units and Section 8 housing... ;)

How about something where you might be able to rent a 1 bedroom unit for under $1300? Maybe rent a 2 bedroom for less than $1700-1800?

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Shasta]

Dude come on, the area around HCC and the main street light rail line in downtown is pretty ghetto. If you dont believe me, lets take a drive down there. Ive had to walk from downtown to the Museum District at 1 am because I didnt get to the light rail line on time. It was pretty sketchy, theres not been too many times Ive worried for my safety, but that night walking the light rail from downtown to the Museum District was pretty scary.


Put on your big boy panties.

Did you get robbed? Mugged? Raped? Pistol whipped?

I am amazed you are alive to tell the tale of walking Main St. at 1 am.

I don't need to "take a drive down there." I live there. I work in the Third Ward. I used to work at 806 Main St. in the heart of downtown back when the Rice Hotel was nothing more than a urinal and remember a time when I road my bike to social work school at U of H through Midtown in the 1990s back before anyone even called it "Midtown!"

[AusHou]

^
It is The Galleria area afterall, so thats what should be expected. But, at least its getting more dense in that area, which is always a good thing, even if you cant afford to live there unless you are the CFO of a company.

Last time I checked HAR.com, there were condos in that area that weren't very expensive. You wouldn't have to be a CFO or CEO. They were older complexes, mind you, but units can be fixed up with some cosmetic changes. I don't know how long you'll be able to find such prices, though.

When I looked at HAR.com, some of the high rises were shocking in that the prices weren't so bad, but the monthly dues were astronomical. Same with a high rise or mid rise in River Oaks. I thought "wow, I can live in River Oaks" until I saw the maintenance fees.

[AusHou]

I mostly agree with you and would say the area is still pretty sketchy and desolate in many places but it has seen quite a bit of new retail and residential built. Also, HCC and Midtown are teaming up to spend ~$20 million on streetscapes, infrastructure improvements, and a large plaza near HCC main campus.

Editor from HAIF: (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24946-huge-midtown-project-hccstar-plaza/)
http://web.me.com/artefaqs/filechute/090603%20Blockfront%20Background1.png

Thanks for the good update on Midtown. Nice to know about the progress. It's what I like most about Houston, in that so many areas are being upgraded very quickly, and the changes are usually for the better.

[TexasPlaya]

More good news for Midtown:

Pic from Jax on HAIF: (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/25115-light-rail-lofts-at-midtown/)

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8325/img8004v.jpg

This was taken outside of the Wheeler station. There is some discussion on HAIF to what exactly is proposed here.

Next, seems The Mix (retail development at Elgin and Louisiana) is adding 2 new restaurant tenets.

http://swamplot.com/artisans-filling-out-the-mix-in-midtown/2011-06-30/

Uptown news:

Seems the new BBVA bank right near the transco tower (it will always be that name to me) is really about to get started. Construction equipment arrived!

Pics from Golyadkin (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24729-bbva-post-oak-blvd/page__st__50)

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_0077.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_0078.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_0079.jpg

[CALMSP]

when did Post Properties cancel their plans for their location near the Wheeler station?

[nava]

http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/07-02-11-new-BBVA-skyscraper-and-hotel-planned/

Yeah just got this off culturemap

[photoLith]

Yay things are starting to slowly pick up again!

[TexasPlaya]

when did Post Properties cancel their plans for their location near the Wheeler station?

I'm not sure exactly what location the Post Properties is proposed for but from the sign in the picture it looks this will have some subsidized housing in it.

[TexasPlaya]

More Midtown updates:

In NW midtown a large parking garage with ground floor retail has topped off and across the street a 3-4 story retail/restaurant/meeting space building has topped off. These buildings are located north of the intersection of Pierce st (just north of grey st) and Bagby. I'm not sure if the parking garage is just for patrons or perhaps for apartments and patrons because it seems large just for patron parking.

Inner Looped: Scout Square: (http://innerlooped.com/1066/scout-square-topped-out/#comment-192)

http://innerlooped.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/wpid-IMG_20110706_105414.jpg

http://innerlooped.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/wpid-IMG_20110706_105424.jpg

[kingkirbythe....]

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2011/07/proposed-rule-could-affect-high-rise-development/

New ordinance concerning highrises.

[Urbannizer]

Dynamo Stadium - July 12th

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_1974.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_1975.jpg

[Nerd341247]

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/41604_110663281216_3816316_n.jpg
Earthquest adventures map.http://houston.culturemap.com/site_media/uploads/photos/2010-09-09/EarthQuest_theme_park_model_2_by_Meredith_Riddle.350w_263h.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester/db_EQ-Model53.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester/db_EQ-Model13-1.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester/db_EQ-Model63.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester/db_EQ-Model33.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester/db_EQ-Model73.jpg
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz49/earthquester
/db_EQ_Waterpark3.jpg
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8474-earth-quest-adventure/page__st__300
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFoNthJmxVOI8FHBbfCPkdopicIrox5vd7hyia_OKj0jWR0Gag

[photoLith]

Good to see the Dynamo Stadium coming along pretty quick. I havent been downtown for like 2 weeks, I just dont have time anymore :( I need to go down there soon and take some update photos.

[Complex01]

I will be downtown next weekend. I will pass by. Cant wait. :-)

[Urbannizer]

Assisted-living tower planned for Med Center area

Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/07/22/assisted-living-tower-planned-for-med.html

W9Hmk5kN6eI

The 48-year-old Bayou Manor assisted-living facility is building a new 14-story tower to offer more long-term health care services to its residents.

The $67 million tower, to be built at 4141 S. Braeswood Blvd., near the Texas Medical Center will include 84 apartments, under-building parking with elevator access to residences and 32 assisted-living and memory-support residences.

In addition, the tower will feature a pool and fitness amenities, dining venues and a 180-seat event center.

[photoLith]

^
Hmmm, doesnt seem to be street level friendly, but oh well, at least its adding a tower to the sea of suburbia thats to the west of Reliant Stadium. I looked it up on google maps, and its not too close to the medical center, but I guess its close enough for emergencies if the old folks need it.

[Urbannizer]

More News

Astroworld site sees signs of life

Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/07/22/astroworld-site-sees-signs-of-life.html?page=2

After more than a year of quiet on the former Astroworld site, it appears now development plans are in the works.

A Lincoln Property Co. sign has gone up on the empty site, which lies on the south side of the South Loop, between Kirby and Fannin. The Mallick Group of Fort Worth acquired the 104 acres of vacant land in May 2010, without concrete intentions for the former site of the iconic amusement park, which closed in 2005.

Regent Square Update

Read More: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7655882.html#ixzz1STlambli

The developer of Regent Square, a proposed mixed-use project at Dunlavy and Allen Parkway, said the company is "in discussions with several significant tenants."

Luxury apartments are also being considered for the site, according to John Darrah of Boston-based GID Urban Development Group.

River Oaks District Update

Read More: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/sarnoff/7616129.html

The company won't discuss those plans just yet, other than to say they've been altered from the original design.

"It's being tweaked to be in alignment with the current market," Hutchens said.

Post Oak Central considers major retail expansion

Read More: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/07/22/bullish-on-post-oak.html

The owner of the Post Oak Central office campus is considering expanding the three-building complex by adding new structures on the 2-acre park that sits at its high-profile entrance.

Crescent Real Estate Equities LLC is looking at developing space for retail shops, restaurants, a conference center, cafeteria and fitness facility in front of the 1.2 million-square-foot complex in the Galleria area. The construction idea comes at a time when new commercial developments are popping up all around the 17-acre complex, the last office building of which was completed 31 years ago.

Dynamo Stadium Update - July 21st
Link: http://s176.photobucket.com/home/andrewjackson1961

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_1988.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_1989.jpg

New Rendering of M Fifty Nine
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/gallery/1287546407/gallery_723_64_19667.jpg

Gables Bering Condos

Read More:http://www.zieglercooper.com/projects.asp?indid=41&projid=165

http://www.zieglercooper.com/images/proj1781.jpg

This upscale mixed-use development, located in the prestigious Tanglewood area, just west of Houston's Galleria area. The 8-story concrete frame building will include a spectacular rooftop pool terrace with a club room and outdoor living room, with views of the Galleria and Uptown Houston.
The design carefully integrates a detailed brick and masonry facade, acknowledging the soft pastel color palette of the surrounding Mediterranean heritage of Tanglewood. Bering adds a dose of luxury apartment living and boutique retail to activate the street scene of this upscale urban development.

[photoLith]

Cool, never heard of that M 59 project, its about time that area got a decent mid rise. Thanks for all the updates. Im also glad to see that Regents Square is still alive, I was dreading that project died, but I guess not...

[Complex01]

M Fifty Nine looks really awesome. I like it...

:tup:

[Reverberation]

It looks like they are expanding the retail at Post Oak Central. Bringing it out to the street!

Rendering:
http://assets.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/Post-Oak-Central-Transformation*280.gif?v=1

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/07/22/bullish-on-post-oak.html

It will look great next to the project next door;
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/bbva-compass-bldg.jpg
www.swamplot.com

[SouthmoreAve]

Thanks for the updates guys.

[Nerd341247]

Never seen this Before:
http://www.libertymotorsportspark.com/images/header_coke_02_24_09.jpg

Their Website:
http://www.libertymotorsportspark.com/index.php

[Nerd341247]

Iv'e found something about a indoor Ski Resort. ( Snow Mountain )
Check their website:
http://s333.org/s333.project.1168.Houston1.html
http://s333.org/NWwebPDFs/s333.1168.Houston.2.jpg

[TexasPlaya]

Look like "Eado" will be getting a craft brewery that will be opening a few blocks from the dynamo stadium

Craft Brewery Coming to Eado (http://innerlooped.com/1145/craft-brewery-coming-to-eado/#more-1145)

"Coming soon to EaDo will be a new craft brewery for all you Houston beer lovers! Opening for the 2011 holiday season, they will be brewing four initial varieties… an alternative Amber Ale, an IPA (India Pale Ale), a Blonde Ale, as well as custom orders for bars and restaurants around the state. While this is great news for Houston beer fanatics, it’s even better for EaDo because this brewery will be near the new Dynamo Stadium and should serve as a good foundation for future nearby development..."

[Urbannizer]

Five Oaks Place rendering, no new info.
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/gallery/1287546407/gallery_723_64_17810.jpg

[Thymant]

:previous: That is a Really nice tower!

[dgpatel]

Hi, I recently moved to Houston around Memorial City. I've been doing some research on the area with regards to future growth and stumbled across this document that talks about the plan for Greater West Houston (along the western part of the Sam Houston Tollway between Katy Fwy and Westpark Tollway in particular. I found it interesting so I figured I'd share.

Link (http://www.westhouston.org/WHP%202050%206-14-07%20Final.pdf)

[eburress]

Five Oaks Place rendering, no new info.
http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/gallery/1287546407/gallery_723_64_17810.jpg

Not too shabby, but it looks a little like a sawed-off Devon HQ tower! hahaha

[TexasPlaya]

Some Midtown updates:

Scout Square in the far NW corner of midtown along Bagby St (near Grey and Bagby) has been making steady progress.

Photos from InnerLooped (http://innerlooped.com/1205/scout-square-update-4/#comment-220)
http://innerlooped.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wpid-IMG_20110823_154753.jpg


http://innerlooped.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wpid-IMG_20110823_154807.jpg

A recap of the project from culturemap, "The development at 1911 Bagby, which will see the addition of one floor and a seven-story parking garage, will include 50,000 square feet of retail and office space. Anchor tenants include Moor's Restaurant and Hooka Bar, a Moroccan-themed eatery, and a Black Finn Saloon. Additional tenants are yet to be announced, but Landmark will keep a portion of the space to develop its own concept"

I'm really excited for this part of midtown as this project, along with phase 3 of the Post Apartments, is increasingly urbanizing this part of Midtown.

In the SE section of Midtown, where desolation is the norm, it seems work on the interior of Midtown Grove is starting. Hopefully this project will help spur some additional residential and retail to creep over.

Photo from InnerLooped (http://innerlooped.com/1205/scout-square-update-4/#comment-220)

http://innerlooped.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/wpid-IMG_20110820_104408.jpg

[TexasPlaya]

Downtown update:

Downtown Houston's courthouse has undergone a +$60 million restoration that has returned the original 1910 courthouse to near "mint condition".

A few pictures from Swamplot, see the rest of the pics and story on Swamplot (http://swamplot.com/inside-downtowns-brand-new-1910-courthouse/2011-08-24/)

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hc-courthouse-ext.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hc-courthouse-ext.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hc-courthouse-circ.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hc-courthouse-floors.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hc-courthouse-court.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I like that Five Oaks Place.

[JoninATX]

UTMB gets OK to build new island hospital

http://galvestondailynews.com/photos/2011.August/8-25-UTMB-Rendering-East-Towers.jpg

By John DeLapp

Published August 26, 2011

GALVESTON — The University of Texas Medical Branch has cleared a major hurdle and is moving ahead with plans to build a $438 million hospital on the island.

After years of planning and negotiating, the UT Board of Regents gave its thumbs-up to the Jennie Sealy Hospital project at its meeting Thursday. The Galveston-based Sealy & Smith Foundation then pledged $170 million to the construction project.

“We greatly appreciate the continued confidence that the regents, the foundation and Texas’ elected officials have in UTMB,” Dr. David L. Callender, president of the medical branch, said. “This new hospital represents a major milestone in the university’s recovery from Hurricane Ike.”
The new hospital has been in the planning stages for many years, Callender
said.

“I got here in 2007, and it is my understanding that a hospital tower was first proposed in 1997,” he said.

To make way for the new hospital and a utility building, the old Jennie Sealy and Shriners hospitals will be demolished, Callender said.

“We don’t implode and we won’t use a wrecking ball (because of the possibility of having asbestos),” he said. “We will take them down piece by piece.”

The demolition will begin later this fall and continue into the spring, when construction will begin. Four years later, Jennie Sealy should be open for
business.

“In early 2016, we should be ready for patients,” Callender said.

http://galvestondailynews.com/story/253098

[JoninATX]

Love the Courthouse.

[TexasPlaya]

Love the Courthouse.

Beautiful renovation.

[TexasPlaya]

More updates:

Dynamo Stadium
Photos from Urbanizzer (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8623-houston-dynamo-stadium-talk/page__st__1700)

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_2041.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_2042.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_2043.jpg

2525 McCue Apartment Complex in Uptown

Photos from Golyadkin (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24828-2525-mccue/)

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_0450.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_0447.jpg

Blvd Place

Info and Photos Golyadkin from HAIF (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/6106-blvd-place/page__st__900)

"They said they need to demolish the Pavilion before they can start work on the Whole Foods. Something to do with the underground parking the Whole Foods will have.
They are scheduled to start actual site prep work in December."

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff345/bppedersen/Architecture%20Photos/DSC_1165.jpg

[TexasPlaya]

Geeze Houstonians just because we don't have any large projects going up doesn't mean we can abandon this thread!

Well luckily Jax from HAIF (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/11978-bg-group-place-formerly-mainplace-in-downtown-houston/page__st__1150) has some excellent photos of the finished Main Place tower in downtown to stoke some fond memories:

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3529/p1010127ua.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6786/p1010128hy.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/595/p1010130uu.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7812/p1010137ml.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/5694/img0777s.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/4049/img0785gw.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2408/img0787q.jpg

[TexasPlaya]

So while Houston doesn't have any large projects going up, it is beginning to burst at the seams with infill. So let's see what's new and plus an update of Dynamo Stadium.

Washington Corridor:

2411 Washington Ave @ Sawyer
Read more: http://www.mmprop.com/featured-properties/current-investments/2411-washington-avenue/

2411 Washington is a 222-unit podium design apartment project with 4 stories of apartments over a 2 level concrete parking structure, situated on 2.46 acres of land and totaling approximately 202,596 net rentable square feet. The community will have a clubhouse with leasing center, exercise facility, coffee house, and cyber lounge. The infinity-edge swimming pool and cabana are located on the podium level and enjoy commanding views of the downtown skyline.

http://www.mmprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2411-e1309480705960.jpg

Food truck park
Read more: http://www.chron.com/default/article/Nancy-Sarnoff-A-place-for-food-trucks-to-flock-2082210.php

Barrash envisions as many as eight trucks that could be rotated on different nights. She leases a warehouse and 400-space parking lot north of Washington Avenue at 1525 Silver for her 2-year-old shuttle business, The Wave. Barrash has other ambitions for the property. She'd also like to use it as a place where the passengers who ride her shuttle buses can connect.
The Wave operates seven souped-up jitneys that run fixed routes primarily on nights and weekends. "It would be a mini-transit center that happens to have a totally cool food-truck park," she said. "You come here, grab food while you're waiting for friends and then hop on the bus."

Midtown:

City Place Phase 2 by Farb Apartments

Phase 1 one is bounded by the major cross roads McGowen and Bagby
Pics by Nole23 on HAIF (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/14707-midtown-construction-at-bagby-mcgowen/page__st__50)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs572.ash2/149444_451700286289_336420306289_5983931_2326232_n.jpg

Phase two will occupy approximately half of a large city block SE of phase 1. According to Farb's facebook page phase 1 is leased 100%.

East Upper Kirby/West Montrose:

Read more and Pic from Bisnow: (http://www.bisnow.com/houston_commercial_real_estate_news_story.php?p=16956)

Design is still in flux, so this rendering will change before shovels hit. Jeff tells us it will be the first of three urban mixed-use developments Read King will bring to the market over the next three years. Why mixed-use instead of grocery-anchored? Jeff says projects in urban cores need density to justify current land prices. Plus, there are three grocery stores within .5 miles of Shepherd and Alabama, making the site ideal as a mixed-use development catering to the growing demand of urban renters. The retail tenant mix will be consistent with the Upper Kirby submarket and will focus on creating quality of life for residents.

http://www.bisnow.com/archives/houstonre/2011/Q3/images/alabamaandshepherd.jpg

More from Swamplot: (http://swamplot.com/the-shops-and-apartments-planned-for-the-block-south-of-the-alabama-theater/2011-08-11/#more-31389)

The development would likely take over more than just the land currently used for the retail block at the corner: An entity called Shepherd Alabama LLC currently owns several adjacent properties on South Shepherd and West Alabama, according to county tax records.

Here's an overview of exactly where this will go from Swamplot (http://swamplot.com/the-shops-and-apartments-planned-for-the-block-south-of-the-alabama-theater/2011-08-11/#more-31389)
http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/shepherd-alabama-aerial.jpg

Also Trader Joes might move into the vacant Alabama Theatre spot next Petsmart.

Dynamo Stadium

Pics from Urbannizer on HAIF (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8623-houston-dynamo-stadium-talk/page__st__1700)
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_2062.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/andrewjackson1961/IMG_2064.jpg

[N90]

250 Room Wyndham Hotel- Planned for East Downtown (EaDo):
http://assets.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/InFormSolMap-FINAL2011a.jpg?v=1
Source Picture: http://assets.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/InFormSolMap-FINAL2011a.jpg?v=1

Excerpt:
Ocean2Ocean Development LLC is planning to build a full-service hotel with at least 250 rooms near downtown Houston that will carry one of the Wyndham hotel brands.

The hotel site is between U.S. Highway 59 and Warehouse Live, on the block bounded by Chartres, Rusk, St. Emanuel and Walker. The area is one block away from the Dynamo Stadium.

Source Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/09/16/developer-plans-wyndham-hotel-downtown.html

This is good EaDo is filling up with towers, now they need more low rises and mid rises but that seems to be coming in also with the multi family units being built there constantly and the town homes.

[CALMSP]

this would be huge having the hotel be built on the other side of 59. Hopefully this is just the start of moving things to EADO......but it needs some more restaurants (which i know will come). Just curious who is going to take the first bite!

[photoLith]

I hope to see the courthouse finished inside, it looks absolutely amazing! And they sure are coming along rather quickly with the Dynamo Stadium.

[JManc]

"EaDo" :no:

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

yeah... ugh.

East End.

[Complex01]

Lots of nice projects. Very Kewl...

:tup:

[nava]

Saw memorial city hospital area is expanding again infront of the main tower, and phoned the project runners to email me the project plans:

All photos from a pdf MetroNational sent to me...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57689869@N00/with/6170560753/

cant figure out how to put those visually on the site

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6171092532_22009fae3a_s.jpg