HOUSTON | Development Thread II [Archive] - Page 57

Urbannizer

Nov 2, 2013, 3:37 AM

Skyhouse

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/10619597446_73435e7500_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/10619599086_d258880334_b.jpg

Savoy Hotel Reno / Flagship Holiday Inn

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/10619588274_de20ee9e74_b.jpg

Texas Tower: New fence around site, interior demo work has begun.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/10619589414_5b1ca08c3b_b.jpg

1500 Post Oak / BHP Billiton Tower

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/10619840853_e67da7d235_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/10619602086_3a83e82d48_b.jpg

Hanover Post Oak

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10619593304_c859150689_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/10619594694_b7a16e5bef_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/10619596114_112024a8fc_b.jpg

BLVD Place

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/10619599324_d61afbfabf_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/10619576595_b061758a13_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/10619705814_b9542baafb_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/10619609026_946a1f0ff6_b.jpg

2929 Weslayan

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/10619623286_a5e001bd3e_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/10619581245_8d32a277cd_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10619607114_cfb3fc44bb_b.jpg
Updates by BaderJF on HAIF

Vargos on the Lake: Groundbreaking Ceremony

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/10619829484_d2c98ccaec_b.jpg

3100 Post Oak

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1422564_406905572770883_2146869758_n.jpg

7 Seventy

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1383079_208397359339244_314866208_n.jpg

3800 Main

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1380624_217140325133138_1343540148_n.jpg

supertallchaser

Nov 3, 2013, 11:49 PM

ok well i was expecting news of a supertall what happened there? :superwhip:

cloud713

Nov 4, 2013, 12:20 AM

ok well i was expecting news of a supertall what happened there? :superwhip:

? are you referring to Block 256 (Hilcorp/Macys redevelopment), or something else? while we knew block 256 was going to be a 23 story tower built for Hilcorp for quite some time, i think many of us had hoped it would end up being a large mixed use tower due to the location.

Urbannizer

Nov 4, 2013, 4:23 PM

ok well i was expecting news of a supertall what happened there? :superwhip:

You asked the same question a few pages back, if there's something new it will be posted here.

Wattleigh

Nov 4, 2013, 6:04 PM

The Alliance apartment block across from SkyHouse may be getting started soon. The billboard on the lot was taken down Saturday Morning and the lot is now closed to parking.

toxteth o'grady

Nov 4, 2013, 8:49 PM

Here's the tower going up on the former Macy's site. Hines is the developer, Ziegler Cooper the architect.[/url]

Okay, so now we know what the Hilcorp block will look like. They better hurry up and get this one started; oil's at $95 a barrel.

Urbannizer

Nov 4, 2013, 11:01 PM

806 Main / JW Marriott: 11/4 by rechlin (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/22874-converting-806-main-into-a-jw-marriott-hotel-downtown/?p=439158)

http://i.imgur.com/qZcpOqP.jpg

Michi

Nov 5, 2013, 5:08 AM

Maybe I missed a previous mention of Belfiore:

http://www.belfiorehouston.com/location.html

Urbannizer

Nov 5, 2013, 7:50 PM

EaDo Place: Updates by Triton on HAIF

http://i.imgur.com/B6dPk15.jpg

Main & Leeland: Fence going up today.

http://i.imgur.com/iHbnEu0.jpg?1

UH Football Stadium

http://i.imgur.com/vILQPMw.jpg?1

AviationGuy

Nov 6, 2013, 1:56 AM

So how is Eado pronounced? I hate the name regardless, but if it's going to stick, might as well learn how to pronounce it.

AustinTay

Nov 6, 2013, 2:26 AM

So how is Eado pronounced? I hate the name regardless, but if it's going to stick, might as well learn how to pronounce it.

It's pronounced East End. ;)

AviationGuy

Nov 6, 2013, 3:43 AM

It's pronounced East End. ;)

I wish.

Reverberation

Nov 6, 2013, 3:57 AM

I wish.

I also refuse to call it "Eado". I have no interest in participating in that pretentious fad and sounding like a douchebag.

AviationGuy

Nov 6, 2013, 4:03 AM

I also refuse to call it "Eado". I have no interest in participating in that pretentious fad and sounding like a douchebag.

Do you know how to pronounce it? Ea-dough or Ea-doo? Either way sounds really dumb.

TexasPlaya

Nov 6, 2013, 4:13 AM

Do you know how to pronounce it? Ea-dough or Ea-doo? Either way sounds really dumb.

I say it like ea-dough in my mind.

AustinTay

Nov 6, 2013, 5:17 AM

I say it like ea-dough in my mind.

I say it like dough too instead of like downtown.

Urbannizer

Nov 6, 2013, 7:49 AM

Breaking: Astrodome proposal rejected by voters, demolition expected

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/10708427705_dd77bf2bbc_b.jpg

Astrodome Faces Likely Demolition As Voters Nix Plan

HOUSTON -- HOUSTON (AP) — Memories will likely soon be all that's left of the Houston Astrodome, the world's first multipurpose domed stadium.

Voters on Tuesday did not approve a referendum that would have authorized up to $217 million in bonds to turn the stadium that once hosted both professional baseball and football games into a giant convention and event center and exhibition space.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said while a final decision on what now happens to the Astrodome will be up to the Commissioners Court, the group of local officials who manage the county, the stadium's future was pretty much sealed with the referendum's failure. Emmett, who is a member of the Court, said there are no other plans to revamp the stadium.

"If we can't spend tax dollars to repurpose the dome and there are no private dollars to repurpose the dome, then the only thing at that point is we can't leave it sitting there. So it would have to come down. But that is a decision to be made by Commissioners Court," he said.

Emmett said a final decision on the Astrodome would have to be made quickly but didn't say exactly when that would happen.

With 97 percent of precincts reporting, 53 percent had voted against the amendment.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/06/astrodome-demolition_n_4222966.html

Rail>Auto

Nov 6, 2013, 8:23 AM

Shame on voters for voting against the Astrodome. The media and city are trying to say that demolition is inevitable now but I think the private bids that were submitted should be used now instead. If not, demolition should have to be placed on the ballot as well.

Urbannizer

Nov 6, 2013, 2:13 PM

TowerSpotter

Nov 6, 2013, 8:47 PM

I wouldn't place all the blame on the voters. The "convention center" proposal wasn't a good idea.

Yea true, I think they should have striped down into it skeletons and fix the landscaping.

toxteth o'grady

Nov 6, 2013, 9:56 PM

Maybe I missed a previous mention of Belfiore:

http://www.belfiorehouston.com/location.html

Yeah, it's been sort of quiet.

toxteth o'grady

Nov 6, 2013, 10:00 PM

Breaking: Astrodome proposal rejected by voters, demolition expected

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/10708427705_dd77bf2bbc_b.jpg

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/06/astrodome-demolition_n_4222966.html

It's amazing how this has now hit the national press. Politico had an article about the defeat of the referendum. But Texans are willing to give $2 billion to a cockamamie water plan that will end up lining the pockets of Rick Perry's friends...while the Dome awaits the dynamite.:help:

Wattleigh

Nov 7, 2013, 6:44 PM

Another tower on the way for Memorial City? Per bisnow (http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/breaking-news-memorial-city-development-coming-soon/)...

We did some good old fashioned digging yesterday and found a gem—MetroNational is gearing up its latest office development in Memorial City.

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ballys-Fitness-center1.jpg

Tenants of the Bally Fitness Shopping Center at 9801 Katy Freeway (built in '01, 49k SF) temporarily shut down on Nov. 1 in preparation. MetroNational declined to comment on its plans, but Le Peep confirmed for us that the center will be demolished and an office tower will be constructed on the 3.4-acre site. It was informed there will be a 14 to 16-month construction process, and then Le Peep will reopen as ground-floor retail in the tower. We've learned the tailor in the center has also snagged a spot in the new project. Not returning is former anchor Bally's: The local stores were purchased by Blast Fitness, which closed this location—among others around town—this February. (What are they doing with old treadmills? We've got some new clothes but nowhere to hang them.)

Samsung's tower in Westchase has recently topped out (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/11/two-briarlake-plaza-topping-out-part-of-westchase-office-construction-frenzy/). The Chronicle has more on that, and other office projects that may be on the way.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/10760501696_53e7170119_b.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/houtosme/media/tblp-current-photo_zps2c1ad248.jpg.html)

Urbannizer

Nov 7, 2013, 8:35 PM

Sunrise Birdsall By The Park

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/10731115863_378002faf7_b.jpg

Astor Tanglewood / 502 S. Post Oak

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1394044_571197649619047_958221498_n.jpg

TexasPlaya

Nov 8, 2013, 4:13 AM

It's amazing how this has now hit the national press. Politico had an article about the defeat of the referendum. But Texans are willing to give $2 billion to a cockamamie water plan that will end up lining the pockets of Rick Perry's friends...while the Dome awaits the dynamite.:help:

+$200 million to build another convention center that would cannibalize what downtown is doing..... No thanks.

$2 billion for new water infrastructure? Count me in. Texas needs it.

Urbannizer

Nov 8, 2013, 1:18 PM

New renderings of River Oaks District:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/10741328245_0edd397815_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/10741424184_ae154c90ed_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/10741458276_bfeab9fbe7_b.jpg

http://www.olivermcmillan.com/uploads/_yagyi.jpg

http://www.olivermcmillan.com/uploads/4yagyi.jpg

http://www.olivermcmillan.com/uploads/9yagyi.jpg

http://www.olivermcmillan.com/uploads/.yagyi.jpg

http://www.olivermcmillan.com/uploads/azagyi.jpg

Cory

Nov 8, 2013, 7:20 PM

I'm pretty sure a retailer like Dior wouldn't open a second location a few blocks from its current store or maybe we will see a shift of retailers from the Galleria populate these mixed use projects popping up.

Wattleigh

Nov 8, 2013, 8:30 PM

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/11/could-new-trees-and-a-promenade-help-blighted-area-in-eado/

Could new trees and a promenade help blighted area in EaDo?

Posted on November 7, 2013 | By Erin Mulvaney

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/2013/11/77.jpg

A blighted area along Bastrop Street in East Downtown, or EaDo for short, could soon be on its way to transforming into a tree-lined, park-like pedestrian promenade .

The rendering above gives an idea to what the East Downtown Management District hopes will be available for the EaDo community at the Houston International Promenade, which spans six blocks along Bastrop Street. Construction begins this month on the project.

Saturday, Nov. 16, the district will host a volunteer tree planting and neighborhood block party. The event will begin at the intersection of McKinney and Bastrop Streets and will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The block party will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The community is excited that construction has begun on the first phase of many improvements on the Bastrop Street right of way,” said Anton Sinkewich, executive director of the East Downtown Management District. “We have numerous capable and enthusiastic neighborhood partners working with EaDo to make this vision a reality.”

Volunteers will work with Trees for Houston, TIRZ 15, Sister Cities of Houston, 8th Wonder Brewery and Wastershed Market to plan more than 200 trees. After planting, volunteers can enjoy the adjacent 8th Wonder Brewery, food trucks and entertainment. Happening simultaneously will be a site clean up in anticipating of the first event of Watershed Market, a new venue in EaDo for local art and goods.

In 2011, the Sister Cities had big ideas for the space – gardens dedicated to several different countries, for instance — but weren’t able to secure enough funding.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/2013/11/1441x1441.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 9, 2013, 4:43 PM

BLVD Place: All updates by SkylineView on HAIF

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2007_zpsee351a84.jpg

BHP Billiton / 1500 Post Oak

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2006_zps3028f498.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2005_zpsb10e471f.jpg

Astoria

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2004_zps58049a1d.jpg

Willowick Park

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2010_zps3c71eda9.jpg

Briar Hollow Lane MF

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2013%2011%2009/IMG_2009_zpsee3509cf.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 9, 2013, 5:43 PM

Midtown Superblock: New park & 7-Story apartments. Construction to begin before years-end.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/10761980226_37a48da00c_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/10761906745_11da466415_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/10762194323_f6be477327_b.jpg

Gables Post Oak: 36-Story Mixed-Use Tower, 2nd phase to BBVA Compass Plaza. Construction begins in early 2014.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/10759989836_6e4a3abec8_b.jpg

weatherguru18

Nov 9, 2013, 7:48 PM

Wow, this is probably mainly office space which means this is another building topping 500' in Houston! Laisse les bon temps roulez!

-Chevron: 50-stories/ 832'
-609 Main: 46-stories/752'
-BHP: 30-stories (prolly over 500')
-Gables: 36-stories (prolly over 500')
-Apache Tower: 33-stories (prolly over 500')

Urbannizer

Nov 9, 2013, 8:47 PM

KevinFromTexas

Nov 10, 2013, 12:37 AM

I would estimate a 36-story residential tower to be around 400 to 450 feet max without any sort of decorative top. They really pack in the floors on residential buildings. Our 2nd tallest has 44 floors and it's only 480 feet to the roof. We also have two 37-story residential buildings. One is 472 feet and the other is 423 feet. Both of them are mixed use. One has residential with office, and the other one has residential with hotel.

As far as I know, Gables has never developed office space.

weatherguru18

Nov 10, 2013, 1:12 AM

AviationGuy

Nov 10, 2013, 2:59 AM

What is the strange building next to BHP Billton that sits on a white pedestal? For some reason when I look at it, I think of R2D2. The pedestal is really plain looking and the rest of the building has a strange design, although interesting.

For Uptown, I don't think any building will ever look better than the two Post Oak Central building's built in the 70s (the ones with black and silver bands on the facades).

TowerSpotter

Nov 10, 2013, 3:09 PM

From Houston Biz Journals. Overview of The Woodlands with new towers. I think this confirms the 3rd Andarko Tower.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/10/a5uzavun.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 10, 2013, 5:25 PM

What is the strange building next to BHP Billton that sits on a white pedestal? For some reason when I look at it, I think of R2D2. The pedestal is really plain looking and the rest of the building has a strange design, although interesting.

That's the Cosmopolitan. Built in 2008 by Randall Davis, design by Brand+Allen architects.

weatherguru18

Nov 10, 2013, 8:19 PM

From Houston Biz Journals. Overview of The Woodlands with new towers. I think this confirms the 3rd Andarko Tower.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/10/a5uzavun.jpg

Yeah, I spoke to a woman a few months ago at the bowling alley who said that a third tower was in the works across Lake Robbins...which is precisely where this picture shows it to be.

From the looks of the picture, the third tower will stand around 20 to 25 stories or so. Allison Tower (the original) is 30-stories. Hackett Tower (the new second tower) is 31-stories. The third tower looks to be a bit shorter than the other two.

Urbannizer

Nov 10, 2013, 10:30 PM

The Sovereign & 2900 West Dallas: by lockmat (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/26974-the-sovereign-at-regent-square-21-story-tower-at-allen-parkway-and-dunlavy/?p=439735)

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/10/yraryjun.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/10/y4epazaq.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 10, 2013, 10:34 PM

*bump*

Urbannizer

Nov 10, 2013, 10:37 PM

Capitol Tower: New Rendering

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/skanska-slideshow/capitol-tower.jpg

West Memorial Place: New Renderings & Website (http://skanska.dev.byp.com/)

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/gallery-slideshow/gallery-3.jpg

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/gallery-slideshow/gallery-6.jpg

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/gallery-slideshow/gallery-4.jpg

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/gallery-slideshow/gallery-5.jpg

http://skanska.dev.byp.com/images/default-source/plans-maps/site-plan.jpg

TowerSpotter

Nov 11, 2013, 3:44 AM

New renderings of 800 bell tower redevelopment.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/10792054266_b591f2061d_o.jpg

Ziegler Cooper won an invitation-only competition for the extensive renovation of the Humble Oil Headquarters building. The 44 level structure, completed in 1962 and located in the southernmost portion of Houston’s Skyline District at Milam and Bell Streets, was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. When the original tenant – now ExxonMobil – vacates in the second quarter of 2015, a complete transformation of the building will begin, bringing it up to compete with other Class A+ properties in downtown Houston.

Ziegler Cooper’s winning design will include deepening the current lease depths to 42 feet to add over 100,000 square feet of new rentable area, bringing the building gross square footage to 1.4 million square feet. In addition, the owner plans to redevelop the grand plaza along Bell Street, tie in the downtown tunnel system, renovate the lobby, re-clad the building in high-performance glazing to meet LEED Gold standards and create an illuminated, iconic crown that will mark 800 Bell as a striking new addition the Houston skyline.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/10792055396_5003eb9f2f_o.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/10792271003_50c6ee92ed_b.jpg

http://zieglercooper.com/800-bell-2/

Metro Solutions University Line Service & Inspection Facility Houston, Texas

http://i.imgur.com/qW6FcmX.jpg

http://sc-arch.com/project/metro-solutions-university-line-service-inspection-facility-houston-texas/

Animal Shelter Sneak-Peak

http://i.imgur.com/JUuNuAb.jpg

3300 Main Redevelopment

http://i.imgur.com/dCWztvd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lKyZlaj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QgipJX8.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 11, 2013, 4:12 AM

New renderings of 800 bell tower redevelopment.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/10792054266_b591f2061d_o.jpg

Ooooh me like, much better than the design proposal by Kirksey. :cheers: Looks like something for Asia.

For those who are not familiar with 800 Bell, this is how the tower looks today:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/HAI/Images/Buildings/1/ExxonMobilBuilding-Jan08-010a.jpg

AviationGuy

Nov 11, 2013, 4:15 AM

I like it, too. I know that others prefer it just like it is.

TowerSpotter

Nov 11, 2013, 4:25 AM

Ooooh me like, much better than the design proposal by Kirksey. :cheers: Looks like something for Asia.

For those who are not familiar with 800 Bell, this is how the tower looks today:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/HAI/Images/Buildings/1/ExxonMobilBuilding-Jan08-010a.jpg

Agreed and thanks for fixing my images, much better like this than with the stamp.

TowerSpotter

Nov 11, 2013, 5:28 AM

Plans have changed and now calls for 2 towers. Kingwood Parc

http://i.imgur.com/UHM6JUD.jpg

And hear is teaser of a new developmen coming soon....location Unknown

http://i.imgur.com/BMkH4Lz.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 11, 2013, 3:14 PM

I like it, too. I know that others prefer it just like it is.

Agreed and thanks for fixing my images, much better like this than with the stamp.

They're really investing a lot into this tower to better compete with new towers proposed. This may be my favorite project for downtown. Not only is the new design great, I also like how the tunnel will be accessible from the outside, not the interior of the building. As for the current design, I don't really care for it. It looks like a condo tower that has balconies that extend pretty far out.

TexasPlaya

Nov 11, 2013, 5:17 PM

3300 Main Redevelopment

http://i.imgur.com/dCWztvd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lKyZlaj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QgipJX8.jpg

What is this? I thought this block (I'm getting a midtown address) would be residential.

TowerSpotter

Nov 11, 2013, 5:41 PM

What is this? I thought this block (I'm getting a midtown address) would be residential.

I thought it was going to be an actual redevelopment but it was a study done by English & Associates to redevelop the site into something much larger. The city actually thinks that idea would be better for the site.

Urbannizer

Nov 11, 2013, 11:17 PM

806 Main / JW Marriott: By rechlin (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/22874-converting-806-main-into-a-jw-marriott-hotel-downtown/?p=439903)

http://i.imgur.com/ABI1NqT.jpg

New UH Center: By Triton (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/8819-new-developments-on-the-university-of-houston-campus/?p=439843)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/10808781254_e8052f38a5_c.jpg

3100 Post Oak: Nov. 6th

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/969168_409276305867143_728948351_n.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 12, 2013, 2:16 AM

Astoria:Scale Model

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/A4_zpsb420f057.png

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/A_zps5e151f05.png

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/A1_zps7133076b.png

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/A3_zpsa013ba32.png

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/A2_zpsec3871fa.png

http://www.pentagonstudios.com/pentagon.swf

AviationGuy

Nov 12, 2013, 4:25 AM

Plans have changed and now calls for 2 towers. Kingwood Parc

http://i.imgur.com/UHM6JUD.jpg

And hear is teaser of a new developmen coming soon....location Unknown

http://i.imgur.com/BMkH4Lz.jpg

Interesting that the rendition for Kingwood Parc leaves out the pine forests in the area.

llamaorama

Nov 13, 2013, 12:51 AM

About the University Line depot, what does this mean about the future of that line? Is it going to get built soon?

InTheBurbs

Nov 13, 2013, 3:01 AM

New mixed-used project planned for NEC of US290/FM1960/HWY6...

http://caldwellcos.com/sites/caldwellcos.com/files/styles/flexslider_full/public/Latest-Development-Rendering---Aerial---8.23.jpg

source:Caldwell Companies (http://caldwellcos.com/development/commercial/cypress-crossinghttp://)

Urbannizer

Nov 13, 2013, 6:10 PM

Hyatt Regency: New owners of the Galleria Plaza plan to build a new hotel, and redevelop the strip center, bringing it closer to the sidewalk. Construction begins this month; ends in 2015.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1468531_574503485955130_1341462516_n.jpg

Hanover West University:

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1451443_574506989288113_830902427_n.jpg

Building next to 806 Main:Also being renovated, but no one knows exactly what the building will be used for. By downtonian (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/22874-converting-806-main-into-a-jw-marriott-hotel-downtown/?p=439988)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad209/houstondowntown1/687504ad-1ced-40a6-9a5f-b2468f108bbe_zpsbc686ff5.jpg?t=1384281941

Urbannizer

Nov 13, 2013, 6:42 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/10841349094_22bc4f18e0_b.jpg

Grand Texas Theme Park Work Underway

Wednesday the group heading up Grand Texas Theme Park which is being build at SH 242 and I-69 in New Caney, met with the members of the East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

The team described the park and what people could expect. in the near future.

The 630 acre facility with feature Big Rivers Water Park a 40 acre site which will include a river ride which flows through the already natural forest at the location. Waterslides that wrap around large oak trees. Several roller coasters including one said to be one of the 10 largest wooden roller coasters in the United States.

The park is expected to draw from a population of 30 million. The numbers they say for visitors compares with several other venues in the Houston area. The 17 day Renfest brings in over 600,000 visitors. Houston Zoo sees 1.6 million visitors annually, Houston Livestock Show had 2.8 million visitors for 21 days. Another comparison is the Kemah Boardwalk which gets over 4 million visitors annually.

The Theme Park is said to be built around Texas history.

Full Article: http://montgomerycountypolicereporter.com/grand-texas-theme-park-work-underway/

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/10841344414_aaed8e914f_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/10841541273_5be766c859_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/10841218705_3de10d361c_b.jpg

TowerSpotter

Nov 13, 2013, 6:47 PM

Allen Center 5/ Allen Center One Update

http://www.bisnow.com/testzz/writer/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Allen-Center-Complex-.jpg

Cassidy Turley was just named the leasing agent for the Allen Center, the first-time owner Brookfield has gone third-party in Houston (it's still leasing the rest of its 8M SF CBD portfolio). It's a 3.1M SF assignment across three buildings. Although Brookfield hasn't released details yet, we know a redevelopment of the iconic complex is in the works, and the firm has discussed breaking ground on a fourth Class-A tower at some point.

glowrock

Nov 13, 2013, 7:14 PM

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 7:32 PM

So does anyone really believe this so-called Grand Texas Theme Park will ever actually get underway, yet alone open in any reasonable timeframe? I have a feeling this will end up like many other proposals that have never gotten off the ground when it comes to theme parks in the Houston area.

Aaron (Glowrock)
Yes.

You cant say a place is going anywhere until they start the ground work and you cant say you've landed it until its complete.

So out of the two step process, they've started work on the site and now we wait 2 years until its finished to tell whether it's real or not.

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 7:37 PM

Nothing concrete but a sneak peak at what next year (2014) could look like in development terms:

The company — which has 300,000 square feet of mixed-use and retail space available for lease in the Houston-area — plans to increase the amount of product it manages by 50 percent in the next year and begin development on 15 new retail projects in the Bayou City.
http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2013/11/08/houston-firm-gears-up-for-retail.html

TowerSpotter

Nov 13, 2013, 7:41 PM

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 7:52 PM

Fun fact, the number of buildings Houston has on hold (1), under construction (17), and proposed (43) combined is 61. That is more than 67.03% of the total number of highrise buildings in all of Charlotte or Austin. Both cities have 91 each in total, respectively.

This decade, Houston is practically adding a medium sized city's entire skyline. If you look at the size and height of these buildings, something like the Chevron Tower is comparable in height to Charlotte's tallest and taller than anything currently in Austin or proposed there. Theoretically a skyline of all of Houston's projects will look taller and possibly larger than Austin's skyline if you put all the buildings together.

Big city, big ambitions.

Urbannizer

Nov 13, 2013, 7:57 PM

It's already on construction.

No, it's not. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year.

I have a feeling this one will happen eventually, I believe the project has been pushed back a few times already.

There's two other theme parks proposed here in the Houston area. Earth Quest Adventures is on thin ice (on hold), they have to re-purchase the property by Dec 15th and secure financing to begin. The project has been in the works since 2006.

Another theme park is proposed for Texas City, along I-45. The owner of the land has intentions of developing a theme park; that's all we now as of right now.

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 8:09 PM

Looks like it's just a matter of time before Chicago and Los Angeles find themselves replaced by Houston and Miami on total skyscraper projects.

Total skyscraper projects (under construction, on hold, and proposed):
Chicago 75
Los Angeles 70
Houston 61
Miami 60 (although the metro area probably higher)

I also think in the next couple of years that Dallas and Atlanta will replace Boston and Philadelphia in the totals but that remains to be seen so far.

Last three months, Houston on average has added between 6-7 buildings to it's total list each month.

TowerSpotter

Nov 13, 2013, 8:20 PM

No, it's not. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year.

I have a feeling this one will happen eventually, I believe the project has been pushed back a few times already.

There's two other theme parks proposed here in the Houston area. Earth Quest Adventures is on thin ice (on hold), they have to re-purchase the property by Dec 15th and secure financing to begin. The project has been in the works since 2006.

Another theme park is proposed for Texas City, along I-45. The owner of the land has intentions of developing a theme park; that's all we now as of right now.

RCS entertainment is one too, although the developers have a bad reputation.
I drove by Grand Texas Theme Park and all they were doing was cutting trees down.

shakman

Nov 13, 2013, 8:31 PM

Urbannizer

Nov 13, 2013, 8:53 PM

RCS entertainment is one too, although the developers have a bad reputation.
I drove by Grand Texas Theme Park and all they were doing was cutting trees down.

Forgot about that one, it would be the largest theme park at 2,500 acres - but it seems to be more of a vision than a serious proposal.

toxteth o'grady

Nov 13, 2013, 9:04 PM

TowerSpotter

Nov 13, 2013, 9:09 PM

Forgot about that one, it would be the largest theme park at 2,500 acres - but it seems to be more of a vision than a serious proposal.

We will have to keep an out for RCS Theme Park. See if you can find something Urbannizer your always finding stuff. :D

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 9:16 PM

I saw something in the HBJ that says 1.2 million sf has been absorbed so far this year (through September) vs 2.5 sf in Atlanta and 3.5 million in Dallas-Fort Worth. Have things slowed down that much, or are some of the build-to-suits not registered in those sf numbers? And who claimed all that space in Dallas?
Yes Houston has cooled off but not because of economics but rather the tiny supply of office space they have compared to an exploding demand.

Those numbers can't be right. Houston added 1.2 million in absorption in just Q2 alone, to say nothing else of Q1 and Q3. Dallas is probably keeping up with Houston. I don't believe Atlanta has the option to. It has already above 20% vacancy, it shouldn't be building in spades but also it's economy hasn't been on pace with the two TX cities.

http://www.cbre.us/AssetLibrary/USOfficeMarketView_Q1_2013.pdf

N90

Nov 13, 2013, 10:00 PM

Here's a more comprehensive one: http://www.avisonyoung.com/sites/default/files/content-files/Offices/National/Research/2013/AYMid13CanadaUSOfficeMktAug12_13Final.pdf

AviationGuy

Nov 14, 2013, 2:20 AM

So does anyone really believe this so-called Grand Texas Theme Park will ever actually get underway, yet alone open in any reasonable timeframe? I have a feeling this will end up like many other proposals that have never gotten off the ground when it comes to theme parks in the Houston area.

Aaron (Glowrock)

I think it's a dumb idea that, based on the plans, caters mainly to "old west" stereotypes that would never have really fit into southeast Texas to any significant extent.

AviationGuy

Nov 14, 2013, 2:26 AM

cloud713

Nov 14, 2013, 5:19 AM

And who claimed all that space in Dallas?

Parkland Hospital most likely.. that place is HUGE.

Owlhorn

Nov 14, 2013, 2:27 PM

And who claimed all that space in Dallas?

When Dallas is discussed, it is often only downtown Dallas' vacancy rate that is mentioned, when the report says DFW. DFW's suburban office markets are just on a much larger scale than Houston's right now, and they pretty much get no coverage here, but there is lots of construction and movement lately. West Plano and Las Colinas both have tens of millions of square feet of office space. Again, doesn't get the pub because they aren't skyscraper dominated, but both have multiple huge corporate hqs that total in the tens of millions of sq ft alone. Las Colinas, Coppell, West Plano/Frisco, Telecom Corridor, Uptown and the medical district have been on fire. Plano actually claimed a victory when a company had to move out of a new building because they've had so much demand. Lots of corporations move their NA hqs or logistics to Dallas, DFW as a whole has been on fire. I know it doesn't get the pub here that other areas, but it did lead the nation in actual job growth.

toxteth o'grady

Nov 14, 2013, 6:04 PM

I think it's a dumb idea that, based on the plans, caters mainly to "old west" stereotypes that would never have really fit into southeast Texas to any significant extent.

I think it's aimed at the "cowboy church" crowd.

Urbannizer

Nov 14, 2013, 6:23 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/10857466956_382a550c0b_c.jpg

Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor will break ground on a 14-story tower as part of a $70 million expansion of the 50-year-old senior living community at 4141 S. Braeswood near Stella Link.

A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday.

Construction firm Lend Lease will build the tower, which will include 84 residences, 25 assisted living residences, 8 memory support residences, wellness and fitness amenities, an indoor pool, dining venues and an 180-seat performance and event center.

Opening is planned in 2015.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/11/brazos-towers-at-bayou-manor-starts-construction-on-major-senior-living-expansion-project/

toxteth o'grady

Nov 14, 2013, 6:23 PM

Here's a more comprehensive one: http://www.avisonyoung.com/sites/default/files/content-files/Offices/National/Research/2013/AYMid13CanadaUSOfficeMktAug12_13Final.pdf

That one and the CBRE report paint a very different picture. AY say there's about 10 million sf of office space under development, and 78% is pre-leased, which is phenomenal. And both reports say the same thing - if there were more product to lease, there'd be more leases.

Dallas and Fort Worth seem to be doing well. I haven't seen Plano, but Las Colinas does not look like it has much going on at the moment, and much of the development in Dallas is occurring closer to downtown. Houston appeared to be moving more slowly back in the Spring, but now I'm seeing the number of cranes increase, so the development is finally starting to get out of the ground. And I have not seen the I-10 corridor out beyond the Beltway yet.:tup:

Urbannizer

Nov 14, 2013, 6:30 PM

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/10858128936_cf98442d63_b.jpg

WHAT’S SLATED for the block just west of the Highland Village Shopping Center, tucked between the railroad tracks and the shopping area on Mid Lane where construction — on a rumored highrise — will reportedly “begin in a few weeks“? An affiliate of Stonelake Capital Partners owns an entire block at 4200 Westheimer, which it assembled in a series of 3 purchases completed in July of 2012. It’s currently the site of the Westheimer Oaks office complex and a still life of demolished modern apartment buildings behind it, accessed from Bettis St. Mid Ln. forms the western border.

Stonelake announced last year that it had hired Gensler to design a dense mixed-use development including shops, offices, apartments, and a hotel on the 12-acre site. It’s made no big announcements since, but the drawings shown here of a complex meeting that description are featured on the company’s website.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/10858076785_41171d3832_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/10858232424_53255d5156_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/10858078875_bc405ce0fb_b.jpg

http://swamplot.com/whats-planned-for-the-block-just-west-of-the-highland-village-shopping-center/2013-11-14/

TowerSpotter

Nov 14, 2013, 6:35 PM

New Mixed-Use Development Planned for the area just west of Highland Village:

http://swamplot.com/whats-planned-for-the-block-just-west-of-the-highland-village-shopping-center/2013-11-14/

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/4200-westheimer-mockup-rendering.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/4200-westheimer-rendering.jpg

Urbannizer

Nov 14, 2013, 8:18 PM

Exclusive: Energy company snatches up former Dow site in Westchase

Cameron International Corp. (NYSE: CAM) recently purchased the former Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW) site in the Westchase District, according to Harris County Appraisal District documents.

The sale price of the vacant 22 acres was not disclosed; however, the HCAD had appraised the property for about $14.4 million as of Jan. 1.

Houston-based Cameron did not comment on their plans for the site. However, Houston-based Patrinely Group confirmed this week it was selected to develop the site for the company, with a groundbreaking on the project sometime next year.
“We are assisting them with the design, but nothing has been finalized yet,” said Dennis Tarro, executive managing director for Patrinely Group.

Although Tarro could not confirm Cameron’s plans for the site, he said the oilfield services company could have a goal of creating a campus-style development with a series of buildings, rather than a large tower.

Houston has had a number of corporate campuses announced recently by energy companies, which are competing with each other for top talent.

Read more: Which Houston energy companies have new digs on the way?
Patrinely has experience with creating corporate build-to-suits for energy companies, such as with the Woodlands-based Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) and with Houston-based Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL).

The site recently bought by Cameron is at 400 W. Sam Houston along Beltway 8. It belonged to Mariner Energy for years after Dow Chemical vacated the site in 2008, then Mariner was purchased by Houston-based Apache Corp. (NYSE: APA). The land was sold to Cameron in the third quarter, the Westchase District confirmed.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/11/exclusive-cameron-buys-old-dow-site.html

cloud713

Nov 15, 2013, 12:14 AM

i really liked the plans Mariner had for the site. hopefully Camerons plans are similar and not a boring cluster of low rises like Exxons campus.

Urbannizer

Nov 15, 2013, 1:03 AM

2929 Weslayan

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/10862507653_c112cfb852_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/10862169605_88ee1f54ea_b.jpg
Photos by Cloud713 (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/15624-40-story-residential-tower-by-pm-realty-at-weslayan-and-west-alabama/?p=440199)

Skyhouse

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/10862211266_0f1141a954_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/10862505433_f4803dce22_b.jpg
Photos by cloud713 (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27237-skyhouse-1625-main-street-downtown-houston-24-stories-336-apartments/?p=440197)

609 Main at Texas: The work going on is more apparent now.

http://i.imgur.com/nAzz2H8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RvMDhT5.jpg
Photos by rechlin (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27729-609-main-at-texas-hines-next-downtown-tower/?p=440130)

Jennie Sealy Hospital

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/10862174006_d05430e5d8_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/10862286614_8963eae739_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10862133345_c8bf16caa9_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/10862471813_0563e04e38_b.jpg
Photos by xsatyr (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/19583-utmb-hospital-to-be-fixed-get-a-new-tower/?p=440334)

Urbannizer

Nov 15, 2013, 8:20 AM

BLVD Place: 11/9/13

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10864266736_161806c47a_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/10864608304_4bab655602_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/10864247085_8028eb09ef_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/10864411444_6f28aecdb2_b.jpg

Hanover Post Oak

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/10864351404_523c7b83b8_b.jpg
Flickr - Mabry Campbell (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paramarphoto/)

toxteth o'grady

Nov 15, 2013, 9:05 PM

i really liked the plans Mariner had for the site. hopefully Camerons plans are similar and not a boring cluster of low rises like Exxons campus.

For some reason, I thought Cameron was interested in a site in the Galleria/Uptown area. They must have wanted some room to stretch out.

Urbannizer

Nov 16, 2013, 3:16 AM

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10879137706_1344498218_b.jpg

Potential buyer under contract to purchase iconic Montrose tower

A notable structure in the heart of Montrose could come down to make way for future development, according to the Montrose Management District.

The 10-story, 96,849-square-foot structure at 3400 Montrose — which once held Scott Gertner’s SkyBar and now stands vacant — may soon have a new owner.

Houston-based Hanover Co. is under contract to purchase the building, which has an estimated value of $1.9 million, according to Harris County Appraisal District documents.

The company could not comment on what it might do with the structure. But Hanover is known for its many luxury multifamily projects in the Houston area, including the Galleria area’s next high-rise next to Blvd Place.

“I would expect a major component of the project will be luxury apartments,” said Ray Lawrence, director of economic development with the Montrose District. “It’s an older building, and I understand that it does have asbestos that would have to be abated. It’s really an obsolete building; there’s no way they could remodel.”

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/11/iconic-montrose-tower-will-bow-to.html

Hanover will build a 30-story residential high-rise on the site. Solomon Cordwell Buenz assigned as the architect; construction expected to begin next year.

Bailey

Nov 16, 2013, 3:25 PM

When do you think we'll see the first "tower of traffic" sign? ha ha

Urbannizer

Nov 17, 2013, 3:31 AM

Adventure Pointe: 35-acre theme park proposed for Texas City.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580604_546326445443188_6273137_n.jpg

Coming Soon, to the Heart of Texas, the 35 acre site will host a thrilling and innovative theme park, a hospitality center with amazing restaurants, retail and hotel accommodations, and an entertainment section complete with a state of the art concert venue.

https://www.facebook.com/adventurepointepark

glowrock

Nov 17, 2013, 3:39 AM

Another amusement park proposal for the Houston area... While I would love nothing more than to see something good happen for Texas City, I have a feeling that this proposal will die off relatively soon. Seems like Texas City is just cursed when it comes to major proposals like this one. :(

Aaron (Glowrock)

Sic'EmBears

Nov 18, 2013, 3:20 AM

I'm sorry, but that proposal is pathetic.

bobbyv

Nov 18, 2013, 6:40 AM

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10879137706_1344498218_b.jpg

Hanover will build a 30-story residential high-rise on the site. Solomon Cordwell Buenz assigned as the architect; construction expected to begin next year.

I do not understand why they have to tear down this building when there's so much vacant land around, I know it's not the most charming building but as little as Houston has preserved I would wish they rehab it.

TexasPlaya

Nov 18, 2013, 7:23 AM

I do not understand why they have to tear down this building when there's so much vacant land around, I know it's not the most charming building but as little as Houston has preserved I would wish they rehab it.

Because this building was not maintained and the economics wouldn't work.

bobbyv

Nov 18, 2013, 9:26 AM

Because this building was not maintained and the economics wouldn't work.

That's a shame, wouldn't it be easier to build on empty land than to raze this building, haul out rubble, and start building a foundation? I'm not an economist but common sense tells me it would be much cheaper to build on a parking lot, am I missing something?

Urbannizer

Nov 18, 2013, 7:22 PM

2929 Weslayan: First signs of glass, by aarosurf (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/15624-40-story-residential-tower-by-pm-realty-at-weslayan-and-west-alabama/?p=440612)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/10930696424_47abc1ef27_b.jpg

806 Main: by urban909 (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/22874-converting-806-main-into-a-jw-marriott-hotel-downtown/?p=440580)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/10930698944_159fc9309c_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/10930565715_8e799efa04_b.jpg

photoLith

Nov 18, 2013, 9:04 PM

806 Main is going to look amazing. It's so nice to see at least one historic building being restored instead of blown up downtown.

Urbannizer

Nov 18, 2013, 9:50 PM

806 Main is going to look amazing. It's so nice to see at least one historic building being restored instead of blown up downtown.

Reno work on the old Texaco building has begun; a few other historic buildings downtown are planned for renovations.

photoLith

Nov 18, 2013, 10:07 PM

toxteth o'grady

Nov 18, 2013, 10:48 PM

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10879137706_1344498218_b.jpg
Hanover will build a 30-story residential high-rise on the site. Solomon Cordwell Buenz assigned as the architect; construction expected to begin next year.

It's a shame that old building is coming down; it has a character that fits in with the Montrose. But I suppose it's too expensive to retrofit...

toxteth o'grady

Nov 18, 2013, 10:52 PM

I'm sorry, but that proposal is pathetic.

Part of the problem is it's competing with the Boardwalk. I think if the dog track had been paired up with a horserace track, then this facility could function as an entertainment venue for the gamblers. And if casinos were legalized, that would be the final element. Mosquito Junction!

cloud713

Nov 19, 2013, 2:40 AM

And a couple more are getting blown up, most notably that Art Deco tower. Such a shame. The texaco building is actually getting restored? Ever since I can remember they've been trying to restore that block, I really hope it happens this time.

you mean the "art deco" tower that barely resembles its former self and had all of its art deco decor ripped off over 50 years ago and has sat empty for so long, infested with asbestos? totally worth saving. just like the Montrose building, it wasnt worth it and is more economical to tear it down and build something else. if the Texas Tower was still in/near its former glory i would be all for renovating it, but its just an empty shell of its old past that needs to come down so Houston can move on and build its future.

Yes the Texaco building is getting converted into residential, and there are plans for a possible 38 story tower in the hole next to/on the same block as Texaco.

they are also preserving that old 1928 State National building on Main Street, and the Savoy, though im sure there are others im forgetting.
i wish they would take the facade off the Just a Dollar store, its got a great art deco siding underneath it.