HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Double L]

No what I meant is raze down all the abandoned warehouses and factories east of downtown/in east end as well as fill up all those vacant land and surface lots with these and make like 50 or more of those 6 story Chateau 10 type developments. Preferably more.

It's beautiful infill. I love the design and it's a great leap to increase the density in a midrise fashion.

My only problem with this is that Chateau 10 doesn't have street level retail and commerce, the areas you mentioned would be better with street level retail and commerce...but you're in luck because the inner loop is getting a lot of this modern midrise residential development like Chateau 10.

[Urbannizer]

2929 Weslayan, 2nd crane being installed. Today by fastestdisatr (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/15624-40-story-residential-tower-by-interfin-at-weslayan-and-west-alabama/?p=426858)

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/photo_zpsdb67fb2a.jpg

[photoLith]

^
Thats that Aqua looking residential right?

[Urbannizer]

^
Thats that Aqua looking residential right?

Yes, it's going up pretty fast now.

[photoLith]

Sweet, that building is going to be friggen epic.

[Urbannizer]

BLVD Place - 6/29 by Skylineview (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/6106-latest-blvd-place-news-and-pictures/?p=426876)

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2006%2029/IMG_1883_zps4aaabb7c.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2006%2029/IMG_1884_zps5c25b8ac.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2006%2029/IMG_1885_zps1a0104e7.jpg

Astoria site also by Skylineview (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/26018-updates-on-the-astoria-condos-25-stories-at-1405-post-oak-boulevard-in-uptown-houston/page-10#entry426875)

Update... guys are removing what I would call the "skirt" of the Astoria trailer and have a dumpster on site... is it possible they are preparing to move it?

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2006%2029/IMG_1882_zps040b5531.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Jennie Sealy Hospital in Galveston, yesterday by me:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9169490103_c06aa1ec10_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/9169489083_72054da8ac_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/9171713068_020f9cb812_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9169478805_aea4a3e576_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9169480733_be0e102fc1_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9171701838_0f932f1b4b_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248672_461573500569985_827061153_n.jpg

- Phase One consist of an 18-story office building
- Phase Two consist of a hotel/residential tower ( rendering n/a for now)
- Construction to begin this September for Phase One
- Phase Two will begin construction once the office tower is complete

Phase One:

The 400,000 square foot Class A+ office building will benefit from easy ingress and egress from Highway 59 and close proximity to Interstates 610, 45 and the Westpark Tollway. Tenants will enjoy panoramic views of Houston, including the CBD, The Galleria, River Oaks and the Medical Center as well as convenient access to numerous shopping and dining centers, such as Highland Village. Floor plates will be an efficient 25,800 square feet.

Phase Two:

Once phase one is completed, the existing 97,000 square foot office building will be demolished to make way for phase two. Phase two is anticipated to include a single high-rise tower comprised of a full-service hotel on the bottom-half of the tower and a 250 unit high-end apartment building on the top-half of the tower. The hotel and apartments will be joined by a high-end resort styled amenity deck to which both hotel guests and apartment residents will have exclusive access. From concierge services and in-residence dining to a dedicated residential management team, the apartment residents will experience unparalleled comfort and elegance in the heart of Houston.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1233_461577223902946_258196934_n.jpg

http://3737buffalospeedway.com/propertyoverview.html

[Urbannizer]

There are plans in place to redevelop the ExonnMobil Building, which includes a new facade/interior and connecting the building to the tunnel system. Here are the first renderings.

Current look:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9182625309_40165f6098_o.jpg
Photo Credit: HBJ

New Design:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/9180878127_10c6ebaf97_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9180874411_8c6e169a38_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9183094540_281d1bbde1_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9180879321_1e39c9a21d_c.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9180880669_9b8e734508_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/9183095766_168bc0e6a1_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/9183097266_5c6192643d_c.jpg

Article from January regarding the possible change:

San Francisco developer plans major re-do for Exxon Mobil tower with possible tunnel expansion

Shorenstein Properties, a prominent San Francisco-based developer, on Monday confirmed it has acquired the 45-story Exxon Mobil building in downtown Houston for a major redevelopment that may include linking the building into the downtown tunnel system.

Shorenstein recently received rave reviews for redeveloping a historic building in San Francisco for the headquarters of the Twitter company.

The Exxon Mobil building, located at 800 Bell at Travis, was built in 1962 as the headquarters of Humble Oil & Refining, a predecessor to Exxon Mobil.

The sales price was not disclosed. As part of the deal, Exxon Mobil, the seller, agreed to lease back the entire building until 2015, when it will relocate its employees to its new corporate campus just south of The Woodlands.

The Exxon Mobil tower and its seven-story garage cover two downtown blocks. The 1.2 million square foot building is downgraded by real estate because it is not connected to the tunnel system that links many of the first-class office buildings and hotels in downtown Houston.

Although nothing is official yet, Shorenstein is expected to spend many millions to connect the building to the tunnel system, if possible, and make major upgrades to the office tower.

“We purchased this property markedly below current replacement cost, which gives us the opportunity, one the current user vacates, to employ all our company’s core skills in capital transaction execution, redevelopment, leasing and operations to increase the property’s value by establishing its long term position and further enhancing its reputation in the market,” Douglas Shorenstein, chairman and CEO of Shorenstein Properties said in a statement.

The price paid for the building was not disclosed, but people in the real estate community said it was around $50 million. By comparison, the Shell Plaza in downtown recently sold for around $550 million.

Shorenstein’s budget for renovating the property is expected to be significant because the company specializes in owning only prime “Class A” buildings and does not typically hold any dog-eared buildings in its portfolio.

Article: http://houston.culturemap.com/news/realestate/01-07-13-11-07-san-francisco-developer-buys-exxon-mobil-building-for-major-re-do-and-possible-tunnel-expansion/

[shakman]

Not bad at all. Definitely much better than the current facade. The crown may provide an additional 15 - 20 feet from the current height of this tower. Perhaps a similar crown rising from the mechanical penthouse would provide some more flare.

[photoLith]

That sucks. The current facade is very unique and to turn it into just another blue glass building is kinda boring.

[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah, that is one of the best looking buildings from the 1960s in the US. To me that building still looks modern and fresh. I LOVE photographing that tower. It's such a neat building.

Anyway, yeah, that extra glass panel jutting up from the main roof should add a good 20 feet or so. In the renderings it looks to be around 630 feet. It appears to be a good bit taller than the old Enron tower, which is 600 feet.

[toxteth o'grady]

2929 Weslayan, 2nd crane being installed. Today by fastestdisatr (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/15624-40-story-residential-tower-by-interfin-at-weslayan-and-west-alabama/?p=426858)

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/photo_zpsdb67fb2a.jpg

I was in town over the weekend, and I saw four cranes in that location. Which project are the other two associated with?

[Double L]

The new Exxon/Mobil building will have a new more modern look for the space city.

[Urbannizer]

*Update* -- Swamplot got in contact with the developer, Shorenstein Properties and they deny this being the new design for the 44-Story building and that Kirksey wasn't the architecture firm awarded the rights to design it. The screenshots are from a video I discovered this morning, and that video which was uploaded by Kirksey, is now private. The building will still receive major upgrades.

Here's the article: http://swamplot.com/no-the-renovated-bell-st-exxonmobil-building-is-not-gonna-look-like-this/2013-07-01/

I agree with photoLith and Kevin, the building still looks great today. I see no need for a new facade, just give it a new interior and connect it to the tunnel system and I'm sure they won't have a hard time getting a tenant to move into the tower in 2015.

I was in town over the weekend, and I saw four cranes in that location. Which project are the other two associated with?

Willockwick Place at River Oaks

[Wattleigh]

Work on the long-planned River Oaks District apparently started today...

Per bisnow (http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/river-oaks-district-breaks-ground/);





We know you've been tracking the River Oaks District, and today (after years of planning) it's in the dirt. The massive mixed-use project locked in construction financing and that's all she wrote.

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/deneoliver-at-ICSC.jpg
Above, a scale model of the luxury project developed by OliverMcMillan. CEO Dene Oliver reminds us that the firm's been planning this since '06. It sits at the corner of 610 and Westheimer and will have 252k SF of retail, 92k SF of office, and 279 residential units. If you're hoping for the standard shovel shot today, we hate to disappoint... but today is the actual start of construction, not the ceremonial groundbreaking.

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_2193.jpg
Oliver McMillian managing director Greg Wattson is spearheading the project. The $150M in construction financing was provided by a syndication of banks led by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and including BBVA Compass, Cadence Bank, and First Bank of Hawaii. HFF's Trey Morsbach and Cameron Cureton secured financing on the borrower's behalf. Check out our past coverage of this project.

[DanielG425]

New flights from IAH to Wilmington, Delaware with Frontier Airlines!

[econik]

I think the Exxon building looks now is more original than the redo. I'm not exactly happy with the way it looks now just because its gotten old and you can kind of tell. However, I still find myself looking at that building a lot when I'm around town. Something just draws my eye and thats totally missing from the redo.

[AviationGuy]

Yeah, that is one of the best looking buildings from the 1960s in the US. To me that building still looks modern and fresh. I LOVE photographing that tower. It's such a neat building.

Anyway, yeah, that extra glass panel jutting up from the main roof should add a good 20 feet or so. In the renderings it looks to be around 630 feet. It appears to be a good bit taller than the old Enron tower, which is 600 feet.

I've always hated the look of that building. Well, not always. I remember when it was built, and back then it was something else, especially because of the nice observatory. But I really like the proposed new look (which now sounds in doubt?).

[KevinFromTexas]

I've always hated the look of that building. Well, not always. I remember when it was built, and back then it was something else, especially because of the nice observatory. But I really like the proposed new look (which now sounds in doubt?).

The thing is those fins on the roof are following a trend in modern architecture that has popped up in the last few years. I've seen them on buildings in New York, Los Angles, Atlanta and soon to be in Austin with the Fairmont Hotel. How many buildings are there around the US like the Exxon Building? Not many, although, I can think of a few new ones with that kind of facade. A few in Chicago and Miami, and even the Fairmont Hotel that is planned for Austin will resemble it a little. That's pretty telling that buildings now days 50 years later are inspired by its design.

[Urbannizer]

Rendering of the Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites and Hyatt Place for DT:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/9190775100_73f9fc21cb_c.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/9187981027_f978983de0_c.jpg

http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2013-06-27/2013-07-08_Downtown_Update-sm.pdf

[kingkirbythe....]

The Exxon/Mobil building facade should stay as-is.

[AustinTay]

The Exxon/Mobil building facade should stay as-is.

Meh... It looks ugly and dated. I like the fins but the actual building is an eyesore. It looks okay based on the pic posted but that is just a flattering pic imho.

[KevinFromTexas]

Imagine going to an art museum filled with art that all looked the same even though each painting was by a different artist. I'd want my money back. There are other buildings in Houston I'd rather see updated long before this one since those others are forgettable designs and a dime a dozen in just about any American city. Houston has enough post-modern designs. It's refreshing to see international style or mid-century designs to break up the monotony.

[Urbannizer]

1 Waterway Square Place. A residential tower planned for The Woodlands. The first news on this building was announced in 2008 at 22 floors, 239 feet. Construction was expected to be complete in 2011 but never began. Now on the Waterway Square website, new renderings are up (http://waterwaysquare.designbynewton.com/hirise.html). There are also rumors of a 40 Story residential tower (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27358-40-story-residential-near-the-woodlands-waterway/).

Building on the left is complete and the building to the right of the residential tower is a botique hotel.
http://waterwaysquare.designbynewton.com/imgs/banner-hirise.jpg

http://waterwaysquare.designbynewton.com/imgs/banner-hotel.jpg

Previous Design:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/2409330852_e417809ce6.jpg?v=0

[Double L]

Imagine going to an art museum filled with art that all looked the same even though each painting was by a different artist. I'd want my money back. There are other buildings in Houston I'd rather see updated long before this one since those others are forgettable designs and a dime a dozen in just about any American city. Houston has enough post-modern designs. It's refreshing to see international style or mid-century designs to break up the monotony.

This isn't a museum, it's the city skyline and pretty is better than ugly IMO.

[Von]

-Nancy Sarnoff, Houston Chronicle

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The building will add to Chevron’s existing downtown footprint, which includes 1500 Louisiana and 1400 Smith, the former Enron buildings.
http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/07/chevron-to-build-downtown-tower/
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b604/jessekat96/chevron-506x600_zps4e7706a2.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/jessekat96/media/chevron-506x600_zps4e7706a2.jpg.html)

[photoLith]

Wow glad those ugly grass lots are getting developed in the woodlands, that area is going to look sexy as hell in like 3 years when all of its developed.

[Shasta]

The Chevron Tower proposal looks to be a 50 story office tower on top of a podium. If the rendering is even close to being accurate, we're going to have a 700+ footer going up!

As for the design, it's rather bland. However, I'll take this over a corporate campus out in the burbs any day of the week.

This time next year, it's possible all of this will be happening or in the immediate pipeline for downtown;

1) New light rail lines opening
2) Chevron Tower
3) Skyhouse
5) 5 story apartment near Skyhouse
6) 7 story Fingers apartment near Minute Maid
7) Hyatt Place
8) Hampton Inn-Homewood Suites
9) Groundbreaking for Marriott Marquis
10) Hines' 609 Main
11) International Tower
12) Linbeck tower proposal for market square
13) Hines' apartment tower proposal
14) HSPVA new campus
15) Savoy conversion to Holiday Inn
16) 806 Main conversion to JW Marriott
17) Rumored hotel component added to Green Street

[Double L]

Houston is really modernizing.

[photoLith]

Houston I don't think was ever not modern.

[Urbannizer]

The Chevron Tower proposal looks to be a 50 story office tower on top of a podium. If the rendering is even close to being accurate, we're going to have a 700+ footer going up!

As for the design, it's rather bland. However, I'll take this over a corporate campus out in the burbs any day of the week.

This time next year, it's possible all of this will be happening or in the immediate pipeline for downtown;

1) New light rail lines opening
2) Chevron Tower
3) Skyhouse
5) 5 story apartment near Skyhouse
6) 7 story Fingers apartment near Minute Maid
7) Hyatt Place
8) Hampton Inn-Homewood Suites
9) Groundbreaking for Marriott Marquis
10) Hines' 609 Main
11) International Tower
12) Linbeck tower proposal for market square
13) Hines' apartment tower proposal
14) HSPVA new campus
15) Savoy conversion to Holiday Inn
16) 806 Main conversion to JW Marriott
17) Rumored hotel component added to Green Street

#11 and #12 - The Linbeck Tower is the International Tower. Here's more:

18) 23-Story Tower for Hilcorp Energy on Macy's Site
19) 34-Story Capitol Tower
20)38-Story Residential Tower as part of the 1111 Rusk (Old Texaco HQ) Redevelopment Plan
21) ExxonMobil Building Redevelopment
22) 50-Story Five Allen Center

[GoldenBoot]

Great news about the new Chevron tower. I just wish it was taller and more aesthetically dynamic.

[Double L]

Houston I don't think was ever not modern.

Before the 1950s.

[AviationGuy]

Before the 1950s.

Even before the 50s. But it's all relative.

[Bailey]

Do we know when these are set to break ground?

1) New light rail lines opening- Under Construction
2) Chevron Tower- 2Q 2014
3) Skyhouse- Under Construction
5) 5 story apartment near Skyhouse- ??
6) 7 story Fingers apartment near Minute Maid- Under Construction
7) Hyatt Place- 1Q 2014
8) Hampton Inn-Homewood Suites- 1Q 2014
9) Groundbreaking for Marriott Marquis- ?? 1Q 2014
10) Hines' 609 Main- ??1Q 2014
11) Linbeck tower proposal for market square- Proposed
12) Hines' apartment tower proposal- Proposed
13) HSPVA new campus- 1Q 2014?
14) Savoy conversion to Holiday Inn- ??
15) 806 Main conversion to JW Marriott- ??
16) Rumored hotel component added to Green Street- Proposal
17) 23-Story Tower for Hilcorp Energy on Macy's Site- Proposal
18) 34-Story Capitol Tower- ??
29)38-Story Residential Tower as part of the 1111 Rusk Redevelopment Plan- Proposal
20) ExxonMobil Building Redevelopment- Not Confirmed
21) 50-Story Five Allen Center- Proposal

[Urbannizer]

^^^^

14. - the building is currently being cleaned out.
15. - 806 Main renovation has already begun.
17. - Macy's building is expected to come down by the end of the year so I'm guessting construction will begin in the first half of 2014 - given December 2015 as the expected completion date.
18. - Houston Club building should also be demolished by the end of the year or early next year. Not sure when construction will start since a tenant is needed for it to begin.
20. - begins sometime in 2015, and ready for occupancy late 2016.

Here's a look at how 1600 Lousiana will affect the skyline from one view:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=3624


..And here's a look at how a few of the other developments planned will affect the skyline. The tower all the way to the left is a filler for the international tower. By brijonmang (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28345-skyline-update/?p=427153) on HAIF.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/brijonmang/DtownSkyline_zpsfc4a0b55.jpg

[Trae]

Looks like that's the view from the west.

[TexasPlaya]

Do we know when these are set to break ground?

1) New light rail lines opening- Under Construction
2) Chevron Tower- 2Q 2014
3) Skyhouse- Under Construction
5) 5 story apartment near Skyhouse- ??
6) 7 story Fingers apartment near Minute Maid- Under Construction
7) Hyatt Place- 1Q 2014
8) Hampton Inn-Homewood Suites- 1Q 2014
9) Groundbreaking for Marriott Marquis- ?? 1Q 2014
10) Hines' 609 Main- ??1Q 2014
11) Linbeck tower proposal for market square- Proposed
12) Hines' apartment tower proposal- Proposed
13) HSPVA new campus- 1Q 2014?
14) Savoy conversion to Holiday Inn- ??
15) 806 Main conversion to JW Marriott- ??
16) Rumored hotel component added to Green Street- Proposal
17) 23-Story Tower for Hilcorp Energy on Macy's Site- Proposal
18) 34-Story Capitol Tower- ??
29)38-Story Residential Tower as part of the 1111 Rusk Redevelopment Plan- Proposal
20) ExxonMobil Building Redevelopment- Not Confirmed
21) 50-Story Five Allen Center- Proposal

Here's a great link that puts that info on a map:

http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2013-06-26/dt_current_projects_130626_FOR_PRINT.pdf

[toxteth o'grady]

Looking at that list, I would guess that the new Chevron building and 5 Allen Center are one and the same.

Meanwhile, here's a rendering of Noble Energy's new building, also from the Chron:

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/energy-companies-break-ground-on-new-buildings/c.jpg

[photoLith]

The second I leave Houston it explodes with construction.

[Bailey]

The second I leave Houston it explodes with construction.

You shouldn't have left.

Houston is going through a phase right now that very few cities ever have to opportunity to even come close to. Houston is transforming from a regional city to a world city. We are starting to add the last ingredients. A vibrant live/work/play downtown, city amenities everywhere (multiple park projects), mass transit options, etc.

The only thing we are lacking is having Houston 100% our public University. Rice is a great asset but the City of Houston needs to seriously considering helping the University OF Houston become the best public University in the state of Texas. This is a big ambition and it would also include the renovation of third ward.

[photoLith]

No I'm glad I moved to pittsburgh, this city IMHO is a much better city with better bones. Lived in Houston most of my life, needed to get out.

[Selasaur]

Looking at that list, I would guess that the new Chevron building and 5 Allen Center are one and the same.

Meanwhile, here's a rendering of Noble Energy's new building, also from the Chron:

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/energy-companies-break-ground-on-new-buildings/c.jpg

The two Chevron buildings are NOT part of Allen Center, so no.

[oscarinhouston]

Houston needs more ATTRACTIONS!!!! I feel like this is a great place to work, but there's not much to do besides bars and restaurants... COME ON, Houston needs it and waits it.

[AviationGuy]

Houston needs more ATTRACTIONS!!!! I feel like this is a great place to work, but there's not much to do besides bars and restaurants... COME ON, Houston needs it and waits it.

Lot of great parks and greenbelts if you're into walking and jogging. Also tons of cultural events, especially ethnic festivals, opera, plays, symphony, concerts, etc. But as far as touristy stuff, not much. That's fine with me, though.

[KevinFromTexas]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/brijonmang/DtownSkyline_zpsfc4a0b55.jpg

What's that one behind the Texaco Heritage Plaza? Is that the Centerpoint Energy Plaza? The angle seems a bit funky for it to be.

[Double L]

I think that's Enterprise Plaza, which is already there, not a new project,.

[KevinFromTexas]

Lot of great parks and greenbelts if you're into walking and jogging. Also tons of cultural events, especially ethnic festivals, opera, plays, symphony, concerts, etc. But as far as touristy stuff, not much. That's fine with me, though.

Yeah, I'd rather see more parks. Although, I guess Houston does have a lot of them already. Parks are so good at making and keeping people physically active. They're also wonderful at encouraging kids to run and play outside and not sit for hours playing video games. I was just in downtown Austin at Butler Park, and it was filled with families and kids running around through the fountain and grass. Some of them obviously had those light toys from the fireworks display last night, and it was nice to see they chose to come back to the park the next day. Anyway, I just rode 23 miles on my bike today. Most of that time was spent in and around several parks.

[AustinTay]

Yeah, I'd rather see more parks. Although, I guess Houston does have a lot of them already. Parks are so good at making and keeping people physically active. They're also wonderful at encouraging kids to run and play outside and not sit for hours playing video games. I was just in downtown Austin at Butler Park, and it was filled with families and kids running around through the fountain and grass. Some of them obviously had those light toys from the fireworks display last night, and it was nice to see they chose to come back to the park the next day. Anyway, I just rode 23 miles on my bike today. Most of that time was spent in and around several parks.

This

More than anything I just want a comfortable setting with essential amenities. Although I wouldn't mind if they legalize gambling especially for Galveston even though I don't gamble.

As of right now though I am really excited that Houston is adding a 150 miles of bike trails.

[Bailey]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/brijonmang/DtownSkyline_zpsfc4a0b55.jpg

What's that one behind the Texaco Heritage Plaza? Is that the Centerpoint Energy Plaza? The angle seems a bit funky for it to be.

Do we have anymore renderings/info on the building on the far left?

[Brijonmang]

Do we have anymore renderings/info on the building on the far left?

Lockmat on HAIF was able to get a small brochure on the building including a rendering but was told that if the rendering were to find it's way to the masses there could/would be legal ramifications. We had a meet up a little over a month ago and he brought the rendering for those in attendance to see it. It's a sleek glass building about 47 stories if I remember correctly.

[TexasPlaya]

Houston needs more ATTRACTIONS!!!! I feel like this is a great place to work, but there's not much to do besides bars and restaurants... COME ON, Houston needs it and waits it.

Like what?

I can think of 2 things: theme park or casino.

[Urbannizer]

Richmonds Landing - 7/6 by Jax (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/12741-richmond-landing-richmond-and-garrot/?p=427274) on HAIF

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=3634

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=3633

Skyhouse by Jax (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27237-skyhouse-1625-main-street-downtown-houston-24-stories-336-apartments/?p=427348) HAIF

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7158/mx16.jpg

[oscarinhouston]

Well for example: Chicago - Millennium Park/Downtown, Miami - The Scene, Las Vegas - The Strip, Dallas, Six Flags, NOLA - French Quater, San Antonio - The River, Austin 6th St./Downtown/Rivers (I've visited all these cities)... I've been to all this cities and they all have something that the other city doesn't have, I'm very disappointed with what the owners of the Astrodome and their plans to turn it into another convention center. Houston (politicians) keep talking about how this city is turning into a World Class city but I feel like it need an Extra Push to really turn it into a World Class City and not a Regional...

[toxteth o'grady]

Houston needs more ATTRACTIONS!!!!


Here you go. Six Flags over Whatever...

Developers close on land for New Caney theme park
(http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/07/developers-close-on-land-for-new-caney-theme-park/)

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/grand-texas-theme-park/622x350-1.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

The Next Great American City?

Smithsonian Magazine asks 'What Makes Houston the Next Great American City?' (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2013/07/smithsonian-magazine-examines-what.html)

[cole world11]

I see you, Houston! :cool:

I was in town a few weeks ago for a concert. WOW. All the development happening around our hotel (we stayed in the Greenway) and around town was crazy. Houston is seriously a city I don't mind getting lost in because you find so many new things that you had no idea were even there. I really enjoy visiting y'alls fine city but really appreciate coming back home where I'm not in stop-and-go traffic for an hour ha. I'm excited for my next trip to the city on the 19th!

[Von]

BY RALPH BIVINS 7.8.13 | 3:13 pm Culture Map Houston

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/realestate/07-08-13-houstons-next-great-skyscraper-hines-to-texas-size-new-main-street-office-tower-speed-up-development/

“We are moving full speed ahead on design and expect to break ground first quarter of 2014."

[photoLith]

Freaking sweet!

[chris08876]

WOW 609 Main Street came as a surprise. This tower is super nice. Does anyone know the estimated height?

[shakman]

:previous: I second your WOW. Great times for Downtown!!! :multibow:

[KevinFromTexas]

WOW 609 Main Street came as a surprise. This tower is super nice. Does anyone know the estimated height?

Well the renderings for the 46-story version of it seem to show it at about 630 feet tall. That link that Von posted shows a rendering, and I counted 51 floors. I don't think that is the larger version, though, because they said the design wouldn't be finalized until the end of the year. The current design calls for 815,000 square feet.

1600 Louisiana that Chevron will occupy is planned to have 1.7 million square feet. That tower seems to be around 750 feet tall. It's planned to have 50 floors. 609 Main seems to have a larger footprint than 1600 Louisiana does. So let's say they doubled the size of 609 Main to that of 1600 Louisiana and added 50 percent of the height of 1600 Louisiana. That would be 25 more floors for a total of 71 floors. Adding half the height of 1600 Louisiana in feet would be another 375 feet for a total of 1,005 feet. Of course these are just estimates based on the renderings.

[houston19514]

Houston needs more ATTRACTIONS!!!! I feel like this is a great place to work, but there's not much to do besides bars and restaurants... COME ON, Houston needs it and waits it.

With respect, if you are having trouble finding something to do in Houston, it says more about you than it does about Houston. ;-)

[houston19514]

Well for example: Chicago - Millennium Park/Downtown, Miami - The Scene, Las Vegas - The Strip, Dallas, Six Flags, NOLA - French Quater, San Antonio - The River, Austin 6th St./Downtown/Rivers (I've visited all these cities)... I've been to all this cities and they all have something that the other city doesn't have, I'm very disappointed with what the owners of the Astrodome and their plans to turn it into another convention center. Houston (politicians) keep talking about how this city is turning into a World Class city but I feel like it need an Extra Push to really turn it into a World Class City and not a Regional...

Houston -- Discovery Green, Market Square Park, Kemah Boardwalk, San Jacinto Monument and Battleground Park, Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, Memorial Park, I could go on. You should explore Houston some time.

[oscarinhouston]

I think Houston's Commercial Real-state can handle the "Tallest Building in the South" or one of the "Tallest" in the Country. Those are exciting news and a building that size will help to attract more International Companies.

[shakman]

Well for example: Chicago - Millennium Park/Downtown, Miami - The Scene, Las Vegas - The Strip, Dallas, Six Flags, NOLA - French Quater, San Antonio - The River, Austin 6th St./Downtown/Rivers (I've visited all these cities)... I've been to all this cities and they all have something that the other city doesn't have, I'm very disappointed with what the owners of the Astrodome and their plans to turn it into another convention center. Houston (politicians) keep talking about how this city is turning into a World Class city but I feel like it need an Extra Push to really turn it into a World Class City and not a Regional...

I use to live in Houston during the mid-80's and still found plenty to do and see.

The next time I come out to Houston, I will give you a personal tour. :tup:

[oscarinhouston]

Deal!!

[toxteth o'grady]

The render for the Hines skyscraper.

http://media.culturemap.com/crop/48/02/800x600/-Hines_Starts_Marketing_New_Skyscraper_on_Block_69_Tower_in_Downtown.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

WOW 609 Main Street came as a surprise. This tower is super nice. Does anyone know the estimated height?

Well, it's been on the radar. I am surprised at the size increase and the plan to go ahead without a tenant signed beforehand.

[chris08876]

Looking through the development list, I have a feeling a super-tall is coming soon. Just seems like a prime time for one.

[Urbannizer]

Some news on Five Allen Center..

Downtown has a serious pull: It's what got Brookfield local head Paul Frazier into real estate. He worked as mail clerk at Vinson & Elkins the summer before he entered college—intending to become a lawyer like his father—and as he walked the area delivering packages, he was fascinated by the construction boom under way.

Now Paul manages 8.4M SF in the submarket—it's a mailbags to riches story. After graduating from Baylor in 1981, Paul joined The Office Network (an affiliation of companies started by The Horne Co) as a marketer. Two years later, he moved to The Horne Co as an office leasing rep, which has remained his focus. He tells us his two all-time favorite deals were Chevron's lease in 1400 Smith in '06 (it was the largest transaction in the country at the time) and KBR's renewal and expansion Downtown in 2010. The latter was particularly meaningful because KBR planned to build a West Houston campus and his team convinced it to stay Downtown, a major coup for both Brookfield and the submarket.

On his professional bucket list: redeveloping Allen Center and developing Five Allen Center. (That's better than our bucket list which is just: "Meet Cher.") Paul tells us he's never done a significant repositioning of an existing property, so he's looking forward to that process. (Look for more info in a few months.) And Five Allen Center isn't far off; Brookfield plans to build the 1.1M SF 50-story skyscraper on a site it owns. It won't go spec, but based on today's market, Paul imagines he could negotiate a pre-lease in the next year or so and be in the ground in a few years.

Article: http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/my-story-paul-frazier/

[Urbannizer]

Project Alpha - 34 Story office tower that may be a part of BLVD Place. If so, it's for the Apache Corporation. They plan to build a tower there.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9256085125_f8739b393e_b.jpg

http://issuu.com/swrmarketing/docs/seb_q1_2013__final_electronic

[photoLith]

Man, Houston is going crazy right now, or is about to. All that big oil money is good for one thing only in my eye, more awesome skyscrapers.

[KevinFromTexas]

I haven't seen this rendering yet for the Marriott Marquis. It looks like they redesigned the top a little. I still think this will be about 400 feet.

http://www.hvs.com/StaticContent/image/jenn%20pope%201/Luigi%20Major%20-%20Houston/PROPOSED%20MARRIOTT%20MARQUIS.png

[Double L]

Not to be a damper on anything but there is a logo on that Marriott Marquis. Logos on skyscrapers are illegal in Houston unless city council approves it.

[photoLith]

I thought they were going to break ground on the Marriott like now pretty much.

[Shasta]

City Council will let Marriott put whatever lighting they want on top as long as they deliver 1,000 rooms. See the Hilton Americas for an example of how that works...

The Marriott wont break ground until quarter 1 of 2014. It isn't due to open until 2016. The Hyatt Place and Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites will open first.

[guess]

Even the awful Embassy Suites has a logo.

[atlantaguy]

Wow at 609 Main! And I trust Pickard Chilton to come up with a beautiful design, I love their work.

You guys are most definitely on fire!

[treblelino]

Embassy Suites may not be classified as a skyscraper. Even if it is, there is no letter E at the top of the hotel in those empty spaces.

[toxteth o'grady]

I haven't seen this rendering yet for the Marriott Marquis. It looks like they redesigned the top a little. I still think this will be about 400 feet.

http://www.hvs.com/StaticContent/image/jenn%20pope%201/Luigi%20Major%20-%20Houston/PROPOSED%20MARRIOTT%20MARQUIS.png

They got rid of the pompadour?

[toxteth o'grady]

Some news on Five Allen Center..

They say they're still looking at a pre-lease - sometime next year. So ground breaking could still be a way's off.

[toxteth o'grady]

I thought they were going to break ground on the Marriott like now pretty much.

I thought groundbreaking was going to be the beginning of next year.

That 34-story project looks to be for a tenant other than Apache, which is supposed to build its 30-story home near Four Oaks Place and the Astoria. Either its for a different tenant or it's wishful thinking.

[Urbannizer]

I thought groundbreaking was going to be the beginning of next year.

That 34-story project looks to be for a tenant other than Apache, which is supposed to build its 30-story home near Four Oaks Place and the Astoria. Either its for a different tenant or it's wishful thinking.

Several HAIFers have confirmed that the 34-story tower is indeed for Apache. They bought some land that's part of BLVD Place and plan to build their new HQ there. The 30-Story tower planned to go up near Four Oaks Place is for BHP Billiton.

The tower is also similar to the largest building seen here in the latest plan for BLVD Place:
http://www.blvdplace.com/Images/Gallery/RetailRenderings/Large/6.jpg

[texboy]

Wow, Houston is going to be loaded with tower cranes come this time next year! Not that it already isn't. Exciting times to be living in this city for sure!

KJ

[houston19514]

I thought groundbreaking was going to be the beginning of next year.

That 34-story project looks to be for a tenant other than Apache, which is supposed to build its 30-story home near Four Oaks Place and the Astoria. Either its for a different tenant or it's wishful thinking.

This one is clearly Apache. You are confusing it with BHP Billiton. BHP Billiton plans the 30-story tower that is in the Four Oaks Place complex (and rumor has it some preliminary site work has started).

[Reverberation]

I just received this email alert this afternoon;

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/realestate/07-10-13-houston-high-school-to-be-turned-into-a-luxury-mixed-use-development-bidding-war-winner-seems-to-be-emerging/


Houston high school to be turned into a luxury mixed-use development? Bidding war winner emerging

By Whitney Radley
7.10.13 | 12:56 pm
he bidding war is coming to a close for the Houston Independent School District's High School for Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice campus, which went on the market earlier this summer.

Will HISD select the $42 million bid from St. Thomas High School, the adjacent all-boys Catholic school looking to increase the footprint of its 17-acre campus? Perhaps not, The Leader speculates, since St. Thomas officials aim to charge HISD $225,000 each month over the next five years while the high school finds a new home.

Although the $41,121,411.11 offer from AV Dickson Street, LLC appears to be less on the front end, the investment firm promised to lease back the school to HISD for just $100,000 per month — which could mean a savings of $7.5 million for HISD in the long run.

Plus, as The Leader notes, the sale of the property to a non-educational entity would put the prime 10.9-acre plot back on the tax rolls to funnel an additional $450,000 per year (or more) into the district's coffers.

The group behind AV Dickson Street, which closed on the nearby Bayou Park apartment complex at 4400 Memorial Drive in April, is looking to "create a 26-acre mixed-use luxury retail-office-residential development on the combined properties" over the next decade, according to The Leader.



This site wraps around St. Thomas High School from Memorial Drive to Shepherd.

[AustinTay]

I just received this email alert this afternoon;

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/realestate/07-10-13-houston-high-school-to-be-turned-into-a-luxury-mixed-use-development-bidding-war-winner-seems-to-be-emerging/



This site wraps around St. Thomas High School from Memorial Drive to Shepherd.

That's my old high school, heard about this a couple months ago. It used to be a good school.

[Urbannizer]

Energy Corridor construction update thanks to Bisnow:

Energy Tower III

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Energy-Tower-I-II-III.jpg

Woodbranch Campus Expansion

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Woodbranch.jpg

Energy Center Three

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Energy-Center-III.jpg

Office buildings by Transwestern

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Westgate.jpg

6-Story Texas Medical Center West Expansion

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Methodist.jpg

http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/my-story-paul-frazier/

[Urbannizer]

More Energy Corridor stuff, Energy Tower IV breaks ground next month.

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/680101/machaik-energytoweriv.jpg

Mac Haik Realty to move forward on next Energy Corridor Tower

Mac Haik Realty said Thursday it is moving forward with the development of the Energy Tower IV, a speculative, Class A office building in the Energy Corridor.

The 17-story, 450,000-square-foot tower will be identical to the Energy Towers II and III at Kirkwood and Interstate 10.

Energy Tower IV is scheduled to break ground in August with occupancy slated for late 2014.

Energy Tower III topped out last week, and Houston-based Technip USA Inc. — which leased the entire tower in April — is expected to move in by the end of January, said Steve Bryant, director of leasing. Energy Towers I, II and III are all 100 percent leased.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/07/mac-haik-realty-to-move-forward-on.html

[shakman]

They got rid of the pompadour?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I like the pompadour look. Hopefully that is an older rendering?

[JoninATX]

Now Houston just needs to build a 1,200ft.+ mixed use tower. :D

[treblelino]

Child, yes! They got rid of the pompadour.

[toxteth o'grady]

More Energy Corridor stuff, Energy Tower IV breaks ground next month.

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/680101/machaik-energytoweriv.jpg

This sounds like a re-announcement, since IV has been speculated about for a while. This picture from the Chron should look familiar.

Houston developer to add new tower to Energy Corridor (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/07/houston-developer-to-add-new-tower-to-energy-corridor/?cmpid=businesshcat)

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2013/07/rendering-600x273.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Updates taken today

BLVD Place by Skylineview (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/6106-latest-blvd-place-news-and-pictures/?p=428073)

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2007%2013/IMG_1889_zps36ac9d64.jpg

Astoria site by Skylineview (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/26018-updates-on-the-astoria-condos-25-stories-at-1405-post-oak-boulevard-in-uptown-houston/?p=428072), trailer now gone. Construction said to begin at the end of this month.

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2007%2013/IMG_1888_zps1ec90c70.jpg

Another rendering of Capitol Tower, time of day has changed:
http://texas.construction.com/texas_construction_firms/2013/extras/0617a/5.jpg

A fence is now in place to demolish the current building on the site, but the rent-a-bike rack has to stay due to a 30-day notice requirement.

By Nate99 (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/25074-demolishing-the-houston-club-at-811-rusk-street/?p=427953) on HAIF
http://i42.tinypic.com/de71jd.jpg

[cloud713]

Well the renderings for the 46-story version of it seem to show it at about 630 feet tall. That link that Von posted shows a rendering, and I counted 51 floors. I don't think that is the larger version, though, because they said the design wouldn't be finalized until the end of the year. The current design calls for 815,000 square feet.

1600 Louisiana that Chevron will occupy is planned to have 1.7 million square feet. That tower seems to be around 750 feet tall. It's planned to have 50 floors. 609 Main seems to have a larger footprint than 1600 Louisiana does. So let's say they doubled the size of 609 Main to that of 1600 Louisiana and added 50 percent of the height of 1600 Louisiana. That would be 25 more floors for a total of 71 floors. Adding half the height of 1600 Louisiana in feet would be another 375 feet for a total of 1,005 feet. Of course these are just estimates based on the renderings.

i didnt realize there were renderings for a 46 story version. there was a diagram of the Hines tower somewhere showing the side view of the 41 story tower, with a 9 story crown, so your count of 51 floors was pretty close. agreed they havent released the larger version yet and wont until the end of the year.
1600 Louisiana has all of that square footage because they have a huge 4 story podium at the base, which is being included in that amount. im not sure the 815,000 ft includes the podium of the Hines tower. i dont see them doubling the size of Hines but even if they "only" bump it up 25%, thats a 51-52 story tower, with a 12 story crown (assuming they keep the proportions of the tower, and bump the 9 story crown up 25%). so we would have a 64 story building. that would mean its a contender for being 900'.
as for Chevron only being 50 stories, if you look at the large rendering the tower itself is 50 floors, with the top and bottom stories being 2 floors high, and then the podium which is 3 floors underneath the tower, each floor being double height too, giving you a 58 story building. i think Chevron could easily be an 800+ footer.. or maybe im just hoping since i think downtown needs some 8-900 footers to fill in the void between 800' and 1000'. id love to get another supertall though.

edit. here is the Hines rendering showing the 9 story crown.
http://www.colvilloffice.com/colvill_new/609/plans/hr_plan.png

[Urbannizer]

609 Main at Texas said to be 52 Stories now, from HAIF:

I spoke with a guy who is a structural engineer on this project, he did not disclose the height but did tell me the building will be 52 stories.



Signs up for 3737 Buffalo Speedway

By LarryDierker on HAIF
http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/tebor79/IMG_0659.jpg

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x322/tebor79/IMG_0660.jpg

[Tom In Chicago]

Drove by this site earlier today, are they demolishing anything on that block to build this new office building? Looks like they're keeping the trees. . .

. . .

[Tom In Chicago]

Looks like the existing office building will remain. . .

http://3737buffalospeedway.com/

. . .