HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Urbannizer]

BLVD Place

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/13788892255_9af4a7c547_b.jpg
BLVD Place Northern Facade Night (https://www.flickr.com/photos/paramarphoto/13788892255/) by Mabry Campbell (https://www.flickr.com/people/paramarphoto/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/13789240974_ce9a7944e9_b.jpg
BLVD Place South Facade Night (https://www.flickr.com/photos/paramarphoto/13789240974/) by Mabry Campbell (https://www.flickr.com/people/paramarphoto/), on Flickr

UH Football Stadium - 4/9

cc1LBLVKbX0

[texanuh]

Hey I'm a new member here on this site. I am a U of H student that lives on campus and have been lurking on this site for about a month now. I don't really know if I can contribute much but I really like looking at all of the progress on the projects that are transforming this great city. I recently got into this by noticing all the new building going up in town and found this great forum. I can possibly post progress of the U of H stadium, University center and the Vue apartments/dorm thing going up on south Macgregor. I cant wait to see some of the stuff that is about to be built in this city.

[kingkirbythe....]

BLVD Place looks gorgeous in those pictures.

[Urbannizer]

Hey I'm a new member here on this site. I am a U of H student that lives on campus and have been lurking on this site for about a month now. I don't really know if I can contribute much but I really like looking at all of the progress on the projects that are transforming this great city. I recently got into this by noticing all the new building going up in town and found this great forum. I can possibly post progress of the U of H stadium, University center and the Vue apartments/dorm thing going up on south Macgregor. I cant wait to see some of the stuff that is about to be built in this city.

Welcome. :) All the new construction occurring here is indeed very exciting, and pics of new developments at UH would be great. Also, feel free to ask questions or join in on the discussions we have on this forum.

:cheers:

[Reverberation]

Town Centre One:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/13848784985_b56e4dd5d9_h.jpg

The theater base is on the left, the garage is coming out in the back, and the courtyard can be seen in the middle.

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/575149_10151509003806570_353826424_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/575149_10151509003806570_353826424_n.jpg

http://towncentreone.com/images/tc_midBuilding.png
http://towncentreone.com/

http://towncentreone.com/images/tc_homeBuilding.png
http://towncentreone.com/

[JManc]

Reality check.

Houston's downtown is home to world class Opera, Ballet, Symphony, and Theatre companies. Downtown Houston is also home to a MLB, NBA, and MLS team (close enough). UH Downtown and South Texas College of Law are also located downtown. Not sure why Houstonians are so quick to dismiss our downtown and act as if Austin's central core is way better.

Austin has better residential options and LadyBird Lake provides a great setting, but I hate it when people act as if there's nothing going on in downtown. If you think that, you must hate the arts, professional sports, festivals, parades, parks, restaurants, and bars.

Also, between UH and Texas Southern, there are over 10,000 students living IN the Third Ward. The light rail is going to be a game changer.

Downtown on of its self is not much of a destination. That's reality. The stadiums and the theaters happen to be there and for the most part, when the shows and games are done, people get into theirs and head home. Discovery Green has done a lot to draw people downtown but even then, do they venture to Market Sq. or the Flying Saucer? Downtown Austin has tons of clubs and bars that attract students and residents. Downtown has come a long long but for an area of 6.5 million, it's got a long way to go. We need more residents and amenities and yes, that is happening.

[shakman]

Downtown on of its self is not much of a destination. That's reality. The stadiums and the theaters happen to be there and for the most part, when the shows and games are done, people get into theirs and head home. Discovery Green has done a lot to draw people downtown but even then, do they venture to Market Sq. or the Flying Saucer? Downtown Austin has tons of clubs and bars that attract students and residents. Downtown has come a long long but for an area of 6.5 million, it's got a long way to go. We need more residents and amenities and yes, that is happening.

I agree with you. During my trip to Houston, I was very disappointed being in Downtown. However in the next five years, I am sure my experience will be something to remember.

[Hawk89]

I agree with you. During my trip to Houston, I was very disappointed being in Downtown. However in the next five years, I am sure my experience will be something to remember.

Yes, I agree with you. I stayed at the Hilton when I was in Houston, and the hotel and park were nice, but I had to walk by two blocks of parking lots just to get to some restaurants besides the ones on the park or in the hotel. Something that really surprised me was the lack of building construction going on in Houston. I think I only counted 2 lots with cranes up and one with a demolition crane when I was there. I'm not trying to start anything here, but I was much more impressed with my trip to Dallas than my trip to Houston. Dallas had much more cranes in the air in its downtown and much more new, modern buildings. They have really added a lot around AA Arena since last time I visited. Maybe Houston will pick it up in a few years because of the Super Bowl in 2017, but with an economy as strong as Houston's, I don't know why it would take a Super Bowl just to start building in downtown.

[Bailey]

Yes, I agree with you. I stayed at the Hilton when I was in Houston, and the hotel and park were nice, but I had to walk by two blocks of parking lots just to get to some restaurants besides the ones on the park or in the hotel. Something that really surprised me was the lack of building construction going on in Houston. I think I only counted 2 lots with cranes up and one with a demolition crane when I was there. I'm not trying to start anything here, but I was much more impressed with my trip to Dallas than my trip to Houston. Dallas had much more cranes in the air in its downtown and much more new, modern buildings. They have really added a lot around AA Arena since last time I visited. Maybe Houston will pick it up in a few years because of the Super Bowl in 2017, but with an economy as strong as Houston's, I don't know why it would take a Super Bowl just to start building in downtown.

This is about to happen to Houston....

http://devmap.io/cities/houston/developments##341 (http://http://devmap.io/cities/houston/developments##341)

[DBGHouston]

Does anybody know the criteria for a building to be listed as "under construction" on the city compilations? Just curious. I see projects around town that are clearly underway in terms of the site being cleared (609 Main comes to mind) or that have had ground-breaking ceremonies (Convention Center Hotel) but are not listed. Also, wondering if the Kirby Grove project is listed twice or are there two buildings slated for that area.

The reason I ask is that I use the list to plan trips around town on the weekends to see what is going up and the list is really useful. I am totally appreciative of the amount of work it takes to keep up with all of this so please don't take my query as a criticism. Whoever you are, thank you! :worship:

[shakman]

Yes, I agree with you. I stayed at the Hilton when I was in Houston, and the hotel and park were nice, but I had to walk by two blocks of parking lots just to get to some restaurants besides the ones on the park or in the hotel. Something that really surprised me was the lack of building construction going on in Houston. I think I only counted 2 lots with cranes up and one with a demolition crane when I was there. I'm not trying to start anything here, but I was much more impressed with my trip to Dallas than my trip to Houston. Dallas had much more cranes in the air in its downtown and much more new, modern buildings. They have really added a lot around AA Arena since last time I visited. Maybe Houston will pick it up in a few years because of the Super Bowl in 2017, but with an economy as strong as Houston's, I don't know why it would take a Super Bowl just to start building in downtown.

There are many upcoming developments in Downtown which have nothing to do with the 2017 Super Bowl.

[Hawk89]

There are many upcoming developments in Downtown which have nothing to do with the 2017 Super Bowl.

Not all of the projects have to do with the Super Bowl, but a lot of them do. Looking at the map, I'd say about one-fifth of the projects are new hotels, hotel renovations, and convention center renovations which are specifically happening because of the Super Bowl. Also, it looks like most of the projects in Houston's downtown are just proposed right now, not under construction. I hope all of them get built because Houston has a lot of potential, but they aren't set in stone until they actually break ground. If you compare that to Dallas, they already have a lot under construction in their downtown.

[N90]

Not all of the projects have to do with the Super Bowl, but a lot of them do. Looking at the map, I'd say about one-fifth of the projects are new hotels, hotel renovations, and convention center renovations which are specifically happening because of the Super Bowl. Also, it looks like most of the projects in Houston's downtown are just proposed right now, not under construction. I hope all of them get built because Houston has a lot of potential, but they aren't set in stone until they actually break ground. If you compare that to Dallas, they already have a lot under construction in their downtown.
The Marriott Marquis is for the convention center not the Super Bowl. Same can be said of the Homewood Suites. The building conversion to JW Marriott was announced much before Houston even won SB51. Hotel Alessandra is being built for the specific purpose of reintegrating GreenStreet and bringing it to life unlike its days as a forgotten destination as Houston Pavilions.

Just because Parker says "let's get everything built before the SB" doesn't mean the projects are related to the SB.

[Hawk89]

The Marriott Marquis is for the convention center NOT the Super Bowl. Same can be said of the Homewood Suites. The building conversion to JW Marriott was announced much before Houston even won SB51. Hotel Alessandra is being built for the specific purpose of reintegrating GreenStreet and bringing it to life unlike its days as a forgotten destination as Houston Pavilions.

Just because Parker says "let's get everything built before the SB" doesn't mean the projects are related to the SB.

I'm not too familiar with Houston, but it would be a pretty big coincidence if all of these hotels were planning on being built even without the Super Bowl. I hope I'm wrong though because usually Super Bowl host cities experience a building boom, and if these proposals aren't a part of that boom, then Houston can expect a new wave of proposals to be announced soon. Just look at what Indianapolis was able to do for their Super Bowl.

[Wattleigh]

There are many upcoming developments in Downtown which have nothing to do with the 2017 Super Bowl.

This. If anything, a lesser number are tied specifically to Superbowl events.

If I'm not mistaken, a substantial amount of the plans currently out there are tied to residential.

Tell me if you ever saw that day coming.

The formalized plans for a revamp of the GRB and surrounding area preceed both the introduction of the Residential Initiative & the awarding of the Superbowl - appearing in late 2011/early 2012 (http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2012-01-24/111212-GRBCC-2025_Master_Plan.pdf). Even then, the initial version of those plans date back to maybe 2007-08? A number of those rendered aerials in the presentation, in a somewhat less refined vision, were presented when Hess Tower was still under construction and were included in their marketing materials. Houston First, the entity in charge of the GRB & other facilities downtown, has long had plans to update the Convention Center and increase the number of hotel rooms within walking distance.

Let's not forget the Convention Center was the media center and host to numerous fan events and activities during the '04 Superbowl. No Discovery Green. Only Hilton, Inn at The Ballpark & The Four Seasons within walking distance. Just the first seven miles of the rail line. Near universal praise for the venue itself, IIRC, but that's an aside.

The 380/residential incentives plan was approved in August 2012 (http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2012-08-30/DLI_Final_Application_Materials.pdf). Skyhouse was the first project approved under that plan in November 2012 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFAQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fhouston%2Fnews%2F2012%2F11%2F13%2Fdowntown-gets-its-first-incentivized.html&ei=sbdNU-yZN-qy2gX19IGgDQ&usg=AFQjCNHVdBTzoVJe-G7vVY6esKxqZcuwUg&sig2=1kKcKPm3WU5uSVcqJOe-uQ&bvm=bv.64764171,d.aWw). The awarding of the Super Bowl came in May 2013. The boundaries for the residential incentives have since been expanded.

In the core, at this present moment, there are a grand total of what maybe 4 cranes up? One for Skyhouse, two for the Hilcorp tower and the other for the demolition of the Texas Tower, on the site that's starting to be excavated for 609 Main. A couple other sites are currently being developed, sans tower cranes (for now), including the Finger Apartments across from Minute Maid, the apartments across from Skyhouse and that 16-story parking garage next to the Wedge Tower.

The previous boom actually offered more cranes at one point, with the Houston Pavilions, One Park Place and Hess Tower sites going up at close to the same time. Others followed, but not to the eye-popping version that view once had. Even then, that was nothing to what was going on in the TMC.

More are coming though. Keep an eye on the view between Rusk & Capitol. If the timeline holds, that's gonna be quite the sight within a year or so.

[N90]

I'm not too familiar with Houston, but it would be a pretty big coincidence if all of these hotels were planning on being built even without the Super Bowl. I hope I'm wrong though because usually Super Bowl host cities experience a building boom, and if these proposals aren't a part of that boom, then Houston can expect a new wave of proposals to be announced soon. Just look at what Indianapolis was able to do for their Super Bowl.
All this is for GRB BTW. Houston isn't investing in DT for SB51. It's increasing it's room count in DT from 5k to their desired limit of 10k to make DT competitive as a convention market. This is all for GRB convention center. You should see GRB's master plan. The Marquis brand from Marriott is mostly for conventions anyhow and the city became only the 6th to get this Marriott brand.

The SB51 running concurrent with these is just a coincidence. Most hotel plans like the Marquis, JW, etc have been in the pipeline for a while. Research Dan Nip and see how long they've been trying to push DT to increase hotel room count. Your city Seattle has 10k rooms in DT and Houston's main focus is to become a competitive destination for conventions/events.

Here's an article from 2011 before Houston even won (or bid) for the SB51:

Parker said in the letter she would recommend tax incentives for the developer, if the project meets certain criteria, because adding 1,000 hotel rooms close to the convention center would provide economic benefits to the city.

Greg Ortale, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said having more hotel rooms downtown would allow Houston to attract larger, more lucrative conventions.

There are nearly 5,000 downtown hotel rooms in the neighborhood of the convention center. In comparison, San Antonio’s convention center is surrounded by 13,000 hotel rooms.

http://bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/02/11/houston-backs-downtown-convention-hotel.html?page=all&r=full

There are literally HUNDREDS of articles since 2007 stressing the same point about how DT needs more hotel rooms. 5k isn't enough, they want 10k. Just like 2500 residents DT isn't enough, their DT master plan from 2005 spelled they desired at least 16k by 2025.

Yes, all this construction is just that "coincidence" to be around the SB51 time.

I've been following Houston development since 2008, finally registered on this site in 2011, also I don't live in TX.

[AviationGuy]

Not all of the projects have to do with the Super Bowl, but a lot of them do. Looking at the map, I'd say about one-fifth of the projects are new hotels, hotel renovations, and convention center renovations which are specifically happening because of the Super Bowl. Also, it looks like most of the projects in Houston's downtown are just proposed right now, not under construction. I hope all of them get built because Houston has a lot of potential, but they aren't set in stone until they actually break ground. If you compare that to Dallas, they already have a lot under construction in their downtown.

Glad to see your interest in the downtown area. Things are definitely looking up in more ways than one.

[Hawk89]

All this is for GRB BTW. Houston isn't investing in DT for SB51. It's increasing it's room count in DT from 5k to their desired limit of 10k to make DT competitive as a convention market. This is all for GRB convention center. You should see GRB's master plan. The Marquis brand from Marriott is mostly for conventions anyhow and the city became only the 6th to get this Marriott brand.

The SB51 running concurrent with these is just a coincidence. Most hotel plans like the Marquis, JW, etc have been in the pipeline for a while. Research Dan Nip and see how long they've been trying to push DT to increase hotel room count. Your city Seattle has 10k rooms in DT and Houston's main focus is to become a competitive destination for conventions/events.

Here's an article from 2011 before Houston even won (or bid) for the SB51:

http://bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2011/02/11/houston-backs-downtown-convention-hotel.html?page=all&r=full

There are literally HUNDREDS of articles since 2007 stressing the same point about how DT needs more hotel rooms. 5k isn't enough, they want 10k. Just like 2500 residents DT isn't enough, their DT master plan from 2005 spelled they desired at least 16k by 2025.

Yes, all this construction is just that "coincidence" to be around the SB51 time.

I've been following Houston development since 2008, finally registered on this site in 2011, also I don't live in TX.

Ok, I was wrong about the hotels being built because of the Super Bowl. I hope that you guys do get a mini buildings boom for the Super Bowl because your downtown has so much potential. But if these plans go back to 2007, why are they just about to start construction now? In Seattle, most of our projects that were halted during the recession started construction a year ago. Why is it taking so long for Houston? Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just got back from business trips to Houston and Dallas, and I was surprised at the lack of construction cranes in Houston's downtown, especially because I know how strong the Houston economy is.

[toxteth o'grady]

The crane went up today at Skyhouse II.

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/HOU2-25_zpsc0de8db7.jpg

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/HOU2-24_zps3f08b40e.jpg

[N90]

Ok, I was wrong about the hotels being built because of the Super Bowl. I hope that you guys do get a mini buildings boom for the Super Bowl because your downtown has so much potential. But if these plans go back to 2007, why are they just about to start construction now? In Seattle, most of our projects that were halted during the recession started construction a year ago. Why is it taking so long for Houston? Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just got back from business trips to Houston and Dallas, and I was surprised at the lack of construction cranes in Houston's downtown, especially because I know how strong the Houston economy is.
The plan in 2007 was before DT's initiatives. Hotels and residentials are now able to get incentive money from the city (TIRZ), this was formed shortly after plans started surfacing in 2007 I think in 2009 or something like that.

The issue with the plans from 2007 was that it was right when the economy crashed too and the developer (Dan Nip) is a Chinese national, the plans simply stalled like they did everywhere else. Houston weathered the recession better than most places but at the end of the day, a recession is still a recession, especially when it comes to financing and lending.

Houston has spent 2013 announcing the projects that will start construction in 2014. Your timing was just a little off, as DT is just now seeing it's boom on the horizon. Before that, the boom was all over spread, it still is but DT is one of the biggest boomers on the horizon now. That's the difference I guess.

[Hawk89]

The plan in 2007 was before DT's initiatives. Hotels and residentials are now able to get incentive money from the city, this was formed shortly after plans started surfacing in 2007.

The issue with the plans from 2007 was that it was right when the economy crashed too and the developer (Dan Nip) is a Chinese national, the plans simply stalled like they did everywhere else. Houston weathered the recession better than most places but at the end of the day, a recession is still a recession, especially when it comes to financing and lending.

Houston has spent 2013 announcing the projects that will start construction in 2014. Your timing was just a little off, as DT is just now seeing it's boom on the horizon. Before that, the boom was all over spread, it still is but DT is one of the biggest boomers on the horizon now. That's the difference I guess.

Thanks for the info. I visit Houston again in the summer, so hopefully I'll be able to see some major progress!

[toxteth o'grady]

I spent the weekend in town, and the development pace is ramping up. I got photos of a few sites, but missed many more. Cranes for Skyhouse II, Kirby Grove, Azalea Court, the Brazos Tower and the Hyatt Regency are all up or being erected.

Also a big shout-out to Catalina Coffee on Washington Street, which celebrated its 7th birthday over the weekend. :cheers:

[Urbannizer]

The long-abandoned Hotel 31 off I-610 will be demolished very soon for a new mid-rise, there's a fence around the site.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/13886075825_8efb9dfa76_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/13886467824_52a3ec1b06_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Actually, there appears to be some demolition going on at the moment at the back of the hotel.

Meanwhile, two more hotels are going up in another part of town.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/west-houston-hotels/hotel-courtyard.jpg

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/west-houston-hotels/hotel-hampton.jpg

Marriott and Hampton Inn headed for Energy Corridor (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/04/marriott-and-hampton-inn-headed-for-energy-corridor/?cmpid=businesshcat#22483101=1)

[TexasPlaya]

Ok, I was wrong about the hotels being built because of the Super Bowl. I hope that you guys do get a mini buildings boom for the Super Bowl because your downtown has so much potential. But if these plans go back to 2007, why are they just about to start construction now? In Seattle, most of our projects that were halted during the recession started construction a year ago. Why is it taking so long for Houston? Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just got back from business trips to Houston and Dallas, and I was surprised at the lack of construction cranes in Houston's downtown, especially because I know how strong the Houston economy is.

Frankly, there's been a ton of construction but downtown lagged behind. If Houston's economy remains stable then we should be able to get 5000 units of residential constructed through the incentive program mentioned earlier from the TIRZ.

[Urbannizer]

Elan Med Center

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/1656296_735097486522882_2369681609388497104_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/1660732_735097329856231_5720245219665313843_n.jpg

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/1044649_735097146522916_1056317139815563776_n.jpg

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10153053_735097419856222_2573659315617454973_n.jpg

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1621884_735097596522871_424728596224786184_n.jpg

[Urbannizer]

The crane went up today at Skyhouse II.

Another look from this morning, by BaderJF

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/816x612q90/706/jxu3.jpg

[Urbannizer]

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/27/43/03/6172873/5/784x2048.jpg

Memorial Hermann to begin expansion, renovation at TMC

Memorial Hermann Health System is launching a $650 million expansion and renovation project at its flagship Texas Medical Center hospital, president and CEO Dan Wolterman announced Wednesday.

Wolterman said construction highlights include more parking, updated infrastructure, such as loading docks, and a new patient care building, where much of the hospital's trauma units and specialty intensive care units will be located. The expansion will provide 160 more beds, 24 new operating rooms and 16 additional emergency room bays. Six floors and six operating rooms will be constructed in anticipation of growth, potentially adding 264 beds.

"We recognize that our community will continue to grow and so will their health needs, so we're designing the building with a forward-looking perspective to meet those needs," Wolterman said.

He said reduced reimbursements from government programs such as Medicare and Medcaid and outdated buildings and infrastructure are forcing the health system, Houston's largest, to take on the project, expected to begin this summer. The expansion is to be completed in 2018.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/medical/article/Memorial-Hermann-to-begin-expansion-renovation-5406802.php?cmpid=btfpm

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/13898732424_b9b19dfbb3_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

I count 16 floors on that new building. What I can't tell is if it's 1.34 million sf or whether another building is in the works.

[toxteth o'grady]

BisNow just e-mailed the following to its subscribers regarding the Woodlands:

"That's not all: retail—including the buzzed-about Whole Foods—and One Lake’s Edge, a 400-unit luxury multifamily tower are also under construction. Over in the Waterway Square District, Howard Hughes is breaking ground next week on the 303-room upscale hotel overlooking the Fountains at Waterway Square. (Rendered here.)"

That's this building:

https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Q2yrpSMV9krj3PkP5hZbQg3gTZGQtNVw0TlLkd9dKS7PqrO5K0ntTCKRcGtF0c1hd2KrGmZHqiajSAe_hFAKrzEv1hIHsmOYNiuSyymPLrIB9jc7Aqa7i5SwL-HjjGbQgEyldxW6---Pt5ixrFIke29w1dXVeB-EF0nwzDA9DjkFTOpCOuXMjw=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/61672_1397674340_houre041614b.jpg

I don't know which development is One Lake's Edge. Anyone have a pic?

[JoninATX]

One Lakes Edge

http://zieglercooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/c01-940x626.jpg

http://zieglercooper.com/one-lakes-edge/

[N90]

That is indeed the edge of one lake.

[N90]

Domain West:
http://www.connellrealty.com/sites/default/files/styles/property_gallery_link/public/properties/commercial/slides/domain%20west%20rendering.jpg?itok=feUFVgpJ
http://www.connellrealty.com/sites/default/files/styles/property_gallery_link/public/properties/commercial/slides/domain%20west%20rendering.jpg?itok=feUFVgpJ

Domain West - Houston, Texas

Domain West will consist of a 4 story wood framed garage wrap apartment building situated on an approximately 4.59 acre parcel off of the southwest corner of Memorial Drive and North Dairy Ashford in Houston, TX. The development will include 333 units with a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.

The site is located just minutes away from an abundance of restaurants, shopping and recreational parks and trails. Also, three major grocery stores (Randall’s, HEB and Kroger) are located within a mile of the property.

Link: http://www.connellrealty.com/portfolio/under-development/texas/domain-west-houston

[Urbannizer]

New Downtown Living Initiative Program Approved:

Council expands subsidy for downtown development

Houston will double the number of tax breaks it gives developers for apartments and condominiums they build downtown in a bid to lure residents and retailers to the city's long sleepy central business district.

The City Council on Wednesday unanimously agreed to expand the Downtown Living Initiative, first launched a year and a half ago, to offer tax breaks for 5,000 residential units, up from a previous cap of 2,500. The total cost of the tax breaks could reach $75 million.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/houston/article/Council-expands-subsidy-for-downtown-development-5408456.php

[Clev]

New Downtown Living Initiative Program Approved:

Great news for Downtown Houston!

[Dariusb]

Houston is just taking off with all the growth/projects! It's a beautiful thing. I love that city!

[toxteth o'grady]

I think eventually they will have to expand the incentive program to 10,000, although the subsidy is no longer needed to attract apartments downtown. Let's see what kind of response is generated by the expanded subsidy cap.

Then a program needs to be set up to attract retail establishments.

[Urbannizer]

I got my hands on the new downtown development for April. It's not officially online yet. Here's a list of what is new:

New Projects:
#28 - Aloft Hotel: Stowers Building Conversion
#30 - Hilton Garden Inn: 12-floors, 230 hotel rooms.

Revised Projects:
#1 - 1111 Travis: 24-floors, 1Q 2016 Completion. Up from 23-floors
#20 - One Market Square: 41-floors, 1Q 2017 Completion. Formerly known as "International Tower"
#22 - Block 98: 39-floors, 314 units. Up from 38-floors, 299 units.
#27 - Camden Property Trust Residential: 21-floors, 580 units. Up from 12-floors, 518 units.

Removed Projects:
Hyatt Place: 11-stories, next to Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites. Cancelled?

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/13912898155_4787082091_b.jpg

[Clev]

I got my hands on the new downtown development for April. It's not officially online yet. Here's a list of what is new:

New Projects:
#28 - Aloft Hotel: Savoy Building Conversion
#30 - Hilton Garden Inn: 12-floors, 230 hotel rooms.

Revised Projects:
#1 - 1111 Travis: 24-floors, 1Q 2016 Completion. Up from 23-floors
#20 - One Market Square: 41-floors, 1Q 2017 Completion. Formerly known as "International Tower"
#22 - Block 98: 39-floors, 314 units. Up from 38-floors, 299 units.
#27 - Camden Property Trust Residential: 21-floors, 580 units. Up from 12-floors, 518 units.

Removed Projects:
Hyatt Place: 11-stories, next to Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites. Cancelled?

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/13912898155_4787082091_b.jpg

I really like that the Camden project increased to 21 floors. That should be great for the area.

[DBGHouston]

* note: Aloft Hotel is going into the 1913 Stowers Building, not the Savoy (which will become a Holiday Inn)

[Urbannizer]

* note: Aloft Hotel is going into the 1913 Stowers Building, not the Savoy (which will become a Holiday Inn)

Woops, fixed that. Anyway, the Hyatt Hotel is no longer on the map because the developer is now looking at selling the land.

[Urbannizer]

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/5918-san-felipe-court.jpg

Randall Davis Trying To Buy an Entire Westhaven Estates Townhome Complex, in One Fell Swoop

Developer Randall Davis has been trying to buy an entire 16-unit townhome complex at the corner of San Felipe Dr. and Nantucket Ln. “They have tried multiple times to purchase,” a source tells Swamplot, noting that the offers have been rejected so far. In September of last year, Davis sent an offer of $400,000 for each unit at 5918 San Felipe St., sweetened with a $50,000 discount off the purchase price of a unit in the condo building Davis intends to build in their place. “They needed a unanimous decision” from all 16 owners, the source notes, “which did not happen.”

The townhome complex was built in 1977; it’s directly adjacent to a gas station on the corner of San Felipe and Fountain View, and around the corner from 7-story brick-and-concrete-block Tanglewood Condos (visible at top right in the photo at top).

None of the townhomes in the complex is currently listed for sale. The highest price paid for a townhome in the complex, according to MLS records, was $305,000 for a 1,664-sq.-ft unit last June. But a reader who is not a resident tells Swamplot that the main reason the residents rejected the offer was that the price was too low, “especially for the people that purchased and renovated within the past couple years. Also, it would be difficult to find a home in the area in that price range with the same appeal.”

Link: http://swamplot.com/randall-davis-trying-to-buy-an-entire-westhaven-estates-townhome-complex-in-one-fell-swoop/2014-04-17/

[toxteth o'grady]

According to BisNow, Tim Relyea of Cushman & Wakefield has presented a set of development maps that show how much is underway or expected to begin construction. I'd be interested to see those maps.

Meanwhile, FMC Technologies has begun construction in Generation Park. I don't recall the particulars of this project.

[toxteth o'grady]

Anyway, the Hyatt Hotel is no longer on the map because the developer is now looking at selling the land.

I wonder if the Hyatt Regency in Uptown/Galleria is a replacement for that?

[natenate]

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/5918-san-felipe-court.jpg

I actually hope they don't succeed in buying these town homes. I like the site (apartments) next to Uptown Park and Camden Post Oak that they've been trying to buy for a while. A Condo would look much better there instead on San Felipe and Fountain View.

[ktp7]

I got my hands on the new downtown development for April. It's not officially online yet. Here's a list of what is new:

New Projects:
#28 - Aloft Hotel: Stowers Building Conversion
#30 - Hilton Garden Inn: 12-floors, 230 hotel rooms.

Revised Projects:
#1 - 1111 Travis: 24-floors, 1Q 2016 Completion. Up from 23-floors
#20 - One Market Square: 41-floors, 1Q 2017 Completion. Formerly known as "International Tower"
#22 - Block 98: 39-floors, 314 units. Up from 38-floors, 299 units.
#27 - Camden Property Trust Residential: 21-floors, 580 units. Up from 12-floors, 518 units.

Removed Projects:
Hyatt Place: 11-stories, next to Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites. Cancelled?

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/13912898155_4787082091_b.jpg

Great news! Much more exciting than the two suburban-style hotels announced for the Energy Corridor yesterday.

[Urbannizer]

I wonder if the Hyatt Regency in Uptown/Galleria is a replacement for that?

I wouldn't think so. Two different developers, two different areas, and the one for downtown was going to be a Hyatt Place. I actually don't mind that the project is being cancelled, didn't care for the design. Hopefully something better & taller goes up on that site.

[Urbannizer]

Block 98: Hi-res rendering.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/13912893495_d24e90a667_b.jpg

[natenate]

Block 98: Hi-res rendering.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/13912893495_d24e90a667_b.jpg

Will the new hotel stretch to that parking lot and take its place or will the hotel not stretch that far and the lot will stay?

[N90]

Will the new hotel stretch to that parking lot and take its place or will the hotel not stretch that far and the lot will stay?
The hotel will be on that lot.

[natenate]

The hotel will be on that lot.
Thanks, I just noticed the skywalk

[N90]

I wouldn't think so. Two different developers, two different areas, and the one for downtown was going to be a Hyatt Place. I actually don't mind that the project is being cancelled, didn't care for the design. Hopefully something better & taller goes up on that site.
I just took it as Hilton Garden replacing it. One added and one removed, about the same size and starts in Q4 this year just like the Hyatt.

Lateral move IMO.

[Urbannizer]

Soil testing at Block 98, 4/17

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10176098_10152466333782741_2976670659800950360_n.jpg

edit: and another rendering.

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10154997_10152467713207741_6795957628015152594_n.jpg

[Clev]

The pool looks great. I would have personally rather the pool be facing the Downtown skyline rather than Discovery Green, but it looks nice.

[toxteth o'grady]

Major day for permits, based on HBJ. Both 3737 Buffalo Speedway and Millennium 2 are under contract (3737 already has the crane up), Westway Park is going up at 5060 Westway Park Boulevard (any renders on that one?), Heartis has started an assisted living center in Clear Lake, another Patel is building a Spring Hill Suites hotel in Park Ten, Woodbranch is underway (12120 Wickchester Lane), and the permit for the Astoria was approved (sounds like closing the barn after the horse is out). And a tubular fabrication building is going up in North Houston. Busy, busy...

[Urbannizer]

The Flats on Fairview: New 8-story condo building at 2312 Commonwealth St.

http://flatsonfairview.com/

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/13931472755_b51bb28447_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/13908348816_b787bf4eff_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/13931511563_0e4f98c5d7_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/13931510963_af0b151e6e_b.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/20/hr3361920-5.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

^I like that. We could use a few projects like that on lots that are affected by the capitol view corridors.

[Cory]

^I like it!

[Urbannizer]

^I like that. We could use a few projects like that on lots that are affected by the capitol view corridors.

It's similar to some of the mid-rise buildings on the West Coast. That area of Austin can definitely stand out if a lot of projects like it were put up there. I think we'll eventually see more of them here.

[King DenCity]

with all these projects going on Houston is definitely top 4 on my list of best big cities!

[Urbannizer]

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/07018-A401.jpg

City weighs in as court grapples with decision over Ashby high-rise

Houston's city attorney told a Harris County judge on Friday that halting the Ashby high-rise project would "irreparably impair future developments in the city," despite a jury verdict last year in favor of nearby residents who successfully sued developers of the 21-story tower planned for 1717 Bissonnet.

"The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of such lawsuits would hinder developers from financing, leasing and constructing real estate developments in Houston, which require long-term secure contracts," City Attorney David Feldman wrote in a letter delivered to state District Judge Randy Wilson. "We urge the Court to consider the serious public policy considerations involved."


A jury in Wilson's court last year sided with residents who opposed the project and awarded them $1.7 million in damages while agreeing the building would hurt their property values, damage their homes and create a traffic nuisance.

Four months after that verdict, Wilson will convene a hearing Monday for attorneys to present final arguments over whether the project should be allowed to move forward and how much of the jury damages the developer should pay.

Feldman's letter says the city is concerned that granting a permanent injunction would create uncertainty that could stall other developments. He noted that the project at 1717 Bissonnet is fully permitted and satisfies all deed restrictions as well as regulations that were in effect when it was approved.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/City-weighs-in-as-court-grapples-with-decision-5413793.php?cmpid=btfpm#/0

[toxteth o'grady]

Now that I look at it, the Ashby looks a bit like the Chelsea.

[Dale]

Always a little stunning to see a development opposed in Houston.

[Double L]

Definitely bad news about the Ashby High Rise. Let's hope common sense wins this one.

[ktp7]

I’m surprised at the amount of people who want this project to move forward. This seems like a terrible spot for a 21 story tower to me. The lot is right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood and is near some of the most beautiful and historic homes in all of Houston. Am I missing something here?

I don’t see how this will "irreparably impair future developments in the city.” It might discourage developers from building high-rises right in the middle of single-family neighborhoods, but won’t discourage them from building such developments in more appropriate areas.

[Dale]

Question: did Chase Tower ever receive a much-needed cleaning ? The pictures in the archive have the surface looking horrendous.

[M. Incandenza]

I’m surprised at the amount of people who want this project to move forward. This seems like a terrible spot for a 21 story tower to me. The lot is right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood and is near some of the most beautiful and historic homes in all of Houston. Am I missing something here?

I don’t see how this will "irreparably impair future developments in the city.” It might discourage developers from building high-rises right in the middle of single-family neighborhoods, but won’t discourage them from building such developments in more appropriate areas.

Soooo, not sure if you've ever been to Houston, but... there is really nothing unusual about a tower going up in a single family neighborhood. What's so irksome about the opposition is how nonsensical it is; how it is driven by wealthy homeowners who are some of the most privileged people in the world, frankly (and of all the causes of justice in the world they might fight for, this is the hill they choose to die on!); how it flies in the face of Houston's desperate need to densify the urban core; how it is actually one of the better architectural designs proposed for the city right now; and, yes, how it will discourage developers from taking on similar projects in the future.

So much of Houston is comprised of single-family neighborhoods, and that includes the stuff inside the Loop. If you want Houston to grow sustainably, those areas are going to have to densify. And besides which, how does this building negatively affect those single family homes in any way? They could have a fairly attractive condo building in their neighborhood, where right now there is an empty lot (and before that was an ugly apartment complex). How is that a loss for those homeowners? Oh, right - it will cause "traffic." Far better to push development out to the periphery of the city and force those people to make long commutes; that ought to make the traffic situation better for everybody.

Pure mindless nimbyism at its worst.

[ktp7]

Soooo, not sure if you've ever been to Houston, but... there is really nothing unusual about a tower going up in a single family neighborhood. What's so irksome about the opposition is how nonsensical it is; how it is driven by wealthy homeowners who are some of the most privileged people in the world, frankly (and of all the causes of justice in the world they might fight for, this is the hill they choose to die on!); how it flies in the face of Houston's desperate need to densify the urban core; how it is actually one of the better architectural designs proposed for the city right now; and, yes, how it will discourage developers from taking on similar projects in the future.

So much of Houston is comprised of single-family neighborhoods, and that includes the stuff inside the Loop. If you want Houston to grow sustainably, those areas are going to have to densify. And besides which, how does this building negatively affect those single family homes in any way? They could have a fairly attractive condo building in their neighborhood, where right now there is an empty lot (and before that was an ugly apartment complex). How is that a loss for those homeowners? Oh, right - it will cause "traffic." Far better to push development out to the periphery of the city and force those people to make long commutes; that ought to make the traffic situation better for everybody.

Pure mindless nimbyism at its worst.

I’ve lived in Houston for most of my life, and I can definitely say that it is NOT commonplace for a high-rise building to go up right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood. Yes, it does happen in a few instances, but most of the high-rises are in the main business districts or along freeways.

Yes, Houston desperately needs to densify its core, but is this really the best place to start? Houston has thousands of available lots in more appropriate areas, like Downtown, Midtown, or the Museum district. Houston can still build sustainably by building in these areas I mentioned.

I love the architecture of this building too. It is probably in my top 10 favorite designs for the proposed towers in Houston. That’s why I’m so disappointed in its location. I think it would look incredible in the Museum District or in Downtown’s historic district.

Will this really discourage future developers from taking on similar projects in Houston? It might discourage developers from building high-rises in the middle of single family neighborhoods, which I think is a good thing, but I don’t think it will have any substantial effect.

Houston has already lost a lot of its history, and I don’t want to see it lose much more. Building a high-rise right in the middle of a neighborhood that has been designated a City of Houston Historic District would ruin the feel of the neighborhood to me.

It seems like you have more of a problem with wealthy people opposing it rather than if this building is appropriate in this location. Not all wealthy people are as despicable as you make them out to be and many of them contribute to real “causes of justice” in the world.

[Urbannizer]

Question: did Chase Tower ever receive a much-needed cleaning ? The pictures in the archive have the surface looking horrendous.

No. In person you don't really notice it unless your near it; looking at the building closely.

[toxteth o'grady]

Always a little stunning to see a development opposed in Houston.

Or two.

[AviationGuy]

I’ve lived in Houston for most of my life, and I can definitely say that it is NOT commonplace for a high-rise building to go up right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood. Yes, it does happen in a few instances, but most of the high-rises are in the main business districts or along freeways.

Yes, Houston desperately needs to densify its core, but is this really the best place to start? Houston has thousands of available lots in more appropriate areas, like Downtown, Midtown, or the Museum district. Houston can still build sustainably by building in these areas I mentioned.

I love the architecture of this building too. It is probably in my top 10 favorite designs for the proposed towers in Houston. That’s why I’m so disappointed in its location. I think it would look incredible in the Museum District or in Downtown’s historic district.

Will this really discourage future developers from taking on similar projects in Houston? It might discourage developers from building high-rises in the middle of single family neighborhoods, which I think is a good thing, but I don’t think it will have any substantial effect.

Houston has already lost a lot of its history, and I don’t want to see it lose much more. Building a high-rise right in the middle of a neighborhood that has been designated a City of Houston Historic District would ruin the feel of the neighborhood to me.

It seems like you have more of a problem with wealthy people opposing it rather than if this building is appropriate in this location. Not all wealthy people are as despicable as you make them out to be and many of them contribute to real “causes of justice” in the world.

The more I think about it, the more I agree with you on this. Part of opposition, from what I've read, is the shadowing the highrise would cause.

[rellott]

Soooo, not sure if you've ever been to Houston, but... there is really nothing unusual about a tower going up in a single family neighborhood. What's so irksome about the opposition is how nonsensical it is; how it is driven by wealthy homeowners who are some of the most privileged people in the world, frankly (and of all the causes of justice in the world they might fight for, this is the hill they choose to die on!); how it flies in the face of Houston's desperate need to densify the urban core; how it is actually one of the better architectural designs proposed for the city right now; and, yes, how it will discourage developers from taking on similar projects in the future.


So much of Houston is comprised of single-family neighborhoods, and that includes the stuff inside the Loop. If you want Houston to grow sustainably, those areas are going to have to densify. And besides which, how does this building negatively affect those single family homes in any way? They could have a fairly attractive condo building in their neighborhood, where right now there is an empty lot (and before that was an ugly apartment complex). How is that a loss for those homeowners? Oh, right - it will cause "traffic." Far better to push development out to the periphery of the city and force those people to make long commutes; that ought to make the traffic situation better for everybody.

Pure mindless nimbyism at its worst.
^^^Absolutely correct.:cheers:

I’ve lived in Houston for most of my life, and I can definitely say that it is NOT commonplace for a high-rise building to go up right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood. Yes, it does happen in a few instances, but most of the high-rises are in the main business districts or along freeways.

Yes, Houston desperately needs to densify its core, but is this really the best place to start? Houston has thousands of available lots in more appropriate areas, like Downtown, Midtown, or the Museum district. Houston can still build sustainably by building in these areas I mentioned.

I love the architecture of this building too. It is probably in my top 10 favorite designs for the proposed towers in Houston. That’s why I’m so disappointed in its location. I think it would look incredible in the Museum District or in Downtown’s historic district.

Will this really discourage future developers from taking on similar projects in Houston? It might discourage developers from building high-rises in the middle of single family neighborhoods, which I think is a good thing, but I don’t think it will have any substantial effect.

Houston has already lost a lot of its history, and I don’t want to see it lose much more. Building a high-rise right in the middle of a neighborhood that has been designated a City of Houston Historic District would ruin the feel of the neighborhood to me.

It seems like you have more of a problem with wealthy people opposing it rather than if this building is appropriate in this location. Not all wealthy people are as despicable as you make them out to be and many of them contribute to real “causes of justice” in the world.
^^^ I agree with some of your points like it could go to different location and not all wealthy people are bad. But, the principle of the matter is that when you choose to live in a city without zoning, and a project gets proposed and meets all deed and covenant restrictions, the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood should not be an issue in the court of law. There were decrepit apartments there before with tenants most of these "neighbors" probably didn't agree with. This project got that out and will bring in residents of the same socioeconomic status as the current residents. It doesn't affect the "historic" feel to the neighborhood. It didn't tear down anything worth a damn. IMO the fact that a historic neighborhood in Houston is becoming a "must have" address to outsiders boosts the historic aspect by demonstrating it's adversity through the test of time.

In short, legally speaking, this should be built no question.

[Double L]

Ktp7, legally this can be very bad for Houston, because it creates the precedence that a building can be prevented because the neighbors don't want it. Even downtowns skyline district was once single family homes, we need to be progressive about our developments. Although I do see your point, this can be bad for planning and transportation in Houston.

[AviationGuy]

Question: did Chase Tower ever receive a much-needed cleaning ? The pictures in the archive have the surface looking horrendous.

I have to wonder if even a cleaning would help much. It's just a terrible color. That's just my opinion, of course. Other people seem fine with it. My kind of building is the tall, turquoise glass building (second tallest?). Very classy looking.

[M. Incandenza]

I’ve lived in Houston for most of my life, and I can definitely say that it is NOT commonplace for a high-rise building to go up right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood. Yes, it does happen in a few instances, but most of the high-rises are in the main business districts or along freeways.

We must be having a semantic difference here; I can think of plenty of examples of towers in neighborhoods comprised mostly of detached houses inside the loop. You must have a different definition of being "in" such a neighborhood.

Yes, Houston desperately needs to densify its core, but is this really the best place to start? Houston has thousands of available lots in more appropriate areas, like Downtown, Midtown, or the Museum district. Houston can still build sustainably by building in these areas I mentioned.

I love the architecture of this building too. It is probably in my top 10 favorite designs for the proposed towers in Houston. That’s why I’m so disappointed in its location. I think it would look incredible in the Museum District or in Downtown’s historic district.

I agree! The location is not ideal. But the issue isn't whether the thing gets built where it is proposed or at an ideal location - it's whether it gets built where it's planned or doesn't get built at all.

But also, I don't think we should only build tall buildings in neighborhoods that already have tall buildings. If we had always followed that policy, we wouldn't have any tall buildings at all.

Will this really discourage future developers from taking on similar projects in Houston? It might discourage developers from building high-rises in the middle of single family neighborhoods, which I think is a good thing, but I don’t think it will have any substantial effect.

I'm not a developer, but it seems to me that if I were one, I would look at the Ashby situation and take it as a sign of the power of NIMBYs wherever they might be encountered. I would consider it a possible cost of doing business, and this would raise the bar on what I would consider a profitable project. This would have a dampening effect on future high-density development in general.

Houston has already lost a lot of its history, and I don’t want to see it lose much more. Building a high-rise right in the middle of a neighborhood that has been designated a City of Houston Historic District would ruin the feel of the neighborhood to me.

I just don't see this. The neighborhood is protected; they're not gonna raze these people's mansions. All this building will do is make the neighborhood more dynamic; as I indicated above, I really don't see why this building - an attractive one! - is better for the neighborhood than an empty lot. I just really can't see that.

It seems like you have more of a problem with wealthy people opposing it rather than if this building is appropriate in this location. Not all wealthy people are as despicable as you make them out to be and many of them contribute to real “causes of justice” in the world.

You must be willfully misreading me here. I have nothing against wealthy people. I was specifically criticizing these wealthy people who are opposing this project - and of course not everyone in the neighborhood is opposed to it, either.

What peeves me is that these folks have the social and financial capital to win this sort of fight, which folks in poorer neighborhoods rarely do. It's unjust. And again, it is rather frustrating that these particular people have gone to the mat over this development; what if their energies had gone into something that actually benefits the city, or the world, rather than this extremely parochial battle to protect their (trivial) self-interest?

[ktp7]

^^^Absolutely correct.:cheers:


^^^ I agree with some of your points like it could go to different location and not all wealthy people are bad. But, the principle of the matter is that when you choose to live in a city without zoning, and a project gets proposed and meets all deed and covenant restrictions, the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood should not be an issue in the court of law. There were decrepit apartments there before with tenants most of these "neighbors" probably didn't agree with. This project got that out and will bring in residents of the same socioeconomic status as the current residents. It doesn't affect the "historic" feel to the neighborhood. It didn't tear down anything worth a damn. IMO the fact that a historic neighborhood in Houston is becoming a "must have" address to outsiders boosts the historic aspect by demonstrating it's adversity through the test of time.

In short, legally speaking, this should be built no question.

I haven’t followed this case very much, but I feel that most people are making a bigger deal out of the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood than they should. I’m sure that if there was a project that an entire poor neighborhood opposed that the case would be heard in court as well.

You’re right that nothing of importance was ripped down, but apparently the residents disprove of the height of this project more than who the project will bring into the neighborhood.

[ktp7]

Ktp7, legally this can be very bad for Houston, because it creates the precedence that a building can be prevented because the neighbors don't want it. Even downtowns skyline district was once single family homes, we need to be progressive about our developments. Although I do see your point, this can be bad for planning and transportation in Houston.

I’m not a lawyer so I can’t comment on the legal ramifications of this case. I do, however, think it is irresponsible on the developer’s part to continue pushing this project forward despite the community’s resistance, even if it is legal.
I think we could be more “progressive”, if that’s what you want to call it, if we encouraged developers to build up in the current urban environments, rather than in random single family neighborhoods. The Downtown Living Initiative Program is a good start.

[ktp7]

On a different note. Is anyone else watching the Rockets on TV? The shots of Downtown with all the lights on looks amazing! I wish the lights were turned on more often.

[M. Incandenza]

I’m not a lawyer so I can’t comment on the legal ramifications of this case. I do, however, think it is irresponsible on the developer’s part to continue pushing this project forward despite the community’s resistance, even if it is legal.
I think we could be more “progressive”, if that’s what you want to call it, if we encouraged developers to build up in the current urban environments, rather than in random single family neighborhoods. The Downtown Living Initiative Program is a good start.
How many homeowners have a real stake in whether this project gets built? A few dozen? But compare that to the hundreds of potential residents of Ashby. Their voices aren't being heard because they're dispersed and for the most part don't even know themselves who they are. Why would it be "responsible" for the developer to ignore their interests, just to mollify a few neighbors?

This isn't an incidental point. It's the very core of the problem of nimbyism: those who have incumbent interests have the ability to have their voices heard, and thus can use the political process to maintain the status quo and prevent others from sharing in their privileges - in this case, the ability to enjoy living in a nice neighborhood with a historic character.

[Shasta]

The Ashby proposal is STUPID. The argument that a dangerous precedent will be set is even more laughable. Seriously, pay attention. Since this verdict, how many other projects have gotten off the ground? HUNDREDS.

The tired old argument of "poor developers" is silly. Developers RUN THIS CITY. They always have. If you need evidence, just look at the city attorney and his dumb-assed argument to overturn a JURY's verdict. Wanna guess who's paying for that advice? Hint; it isn't the "big, bad, wealthy neighbors."

[Double L]

I'm not talking about the jury's verdict, I'm talking about how the judge interprets it.

[ktp7]

We must be having a semantic difference here; I can think of plenty of examples of towers in neighborhoods comprised mostly of detached houses inside the loop. You must have a different definition of being "in" such a neighborhood.

I guess we do. I just don’t think that a majority of the single-family neighborhoods in the inner loop have high-rises right in the middle of them. The Huntington is one and I hear that a lot of people in River Oaks still complain about it. I personally don’t think the Huntington has made River Oaks more dynamic or a better place to live.

I agree! The location is not ideal. But the issue isn't whether the thing gets built where it is proposed or at an ideal location - it's whether it gets built where it's planned or doesn't get built at all.

But also, I don't think we should only build tall buildings in neighborhoods that already have tall buildings. If we had always followed that policy, we wouldn't have any tall buildings at all.

If the only two options are that this tower gets built or not, then I personally don’t want it to get built. Maybe if it were a few blocks farther away from South Boulevard, I would support it. But in its current location, it will never connect to any other urban developments unless you start ripping down all the other houses around it.

I agree that we can’t always just build in neighborhoods that already have tall buildings. However, with thousands of lots still available, I don’t really see the point in building this now in this location. We don’t need to start ripping down all the historic single-family neighborhoods in the inner-loop right now when there are still thousands of appropriate lots in Downtown, Midtown, and the Museum District. Maybe that will be an issue in 100 years.


I'm not a developer, but it seems to me that if I were one, I would look at the Ashby situation and take it as a sign of the power of NIMBYs wherever they might be encountered. I would consider it a possible cost of doing business, and this would raise the bar on what I would consider a profitable project. This would have a dampening effect on future high-density development in general.

It could be considered a possible cost of doing business if another developer tries to build in the middle of a single-family neighborhood, but shouldn’t have any effect on any other projects in the currently established urban areas. Look at all the other developments going on around town. This certainly hasn’t made those developers think twice about building in Houston. If residents tried to stop a project like this in Downtown or Midtown, I highly doubt they would even make it to court no matter how much money they had.

I just don't see this. The neighborhood is protected; they're not gonna raze these people's mansions. All this building will do is make the neighborhood more dynamic; as I indicated above, I really don't see why this building - an attractive one! - is better for the neighborhood than an empty lot. I just really can't see that.

I just don’t see how a high-rise in the middle of this neighborhood makes it more dynamic. Maybe if they transformed the entire neighborhood by ripping down all the houses around it and made the whole area more urban, but not as it currently is. Condos or a 5-story mid-rise would fit this location much better in my opinion.

You must be willfully misreading me here. I have nothing against wealthy people. I was specifically criticizing these wealthy people who are opposing this project - and of course not everyone in the neighborhood is opposed to it, either.

What peeves me is that these folks have the social and financial capital to win this sort of fight, which folks in poorer neighborhoods rarely do. It's unjust. And again, it is rather frustrating that these particular people have gone to the mat over this development; what if their energies had gone into something that actually benefits the city, or the world, rather than this extremely parochial battle to protect their (trivial) self-interest?

how it is driven by wealthy homeowners who are some of the most privileged people in the world, frankly (and of all the causes of justice in the world they might fight for, this is the hill they choose to die on!)

I don’t think I misread what you said. You are angry that these people are fighting for their own self-interests and not for some other “cause of justice.” How do you know they aren’t fighting for other good causes? I’m pretty confident that there are people who oppose this project that also participate in many activities and give contributions to projects that improve their communities and the city of Houston. But when they fight for a cause that benefits themselves, they get villainized? It just doesn’t seem fair to me.

Like I said earlier, if an entire poor community was against a project in their neighborhood, it would likely go to court as well. A Civil Rights attorney would make sure of that. And again, why is it so wrong for them to fight for a cause that benefits their own self-interest? And how do you know they aren’t spending their energies on other projects that benefit the city?

How many homeowners have a real stake in whether this project gets built? A few dozen? But compare that to the hundreds of potential residents of Ashby. Their voices aren't being heard because they're dispersed and for the most part don't even know themselves who they are. Why would it be "responsible" for the developer to ignore their interests, just to mollify a few neighbors?

This isn't an incidental point. It's the very core of the problem of nimbyism: those who have incumbent interests have the ability to have their voices heard, and thus can use the political process to maintain the status quo and prevent others from sharing in their privileges - in this case, the ability to enjoy living in a nice neighborhood with a historic character.

I believe that the utility that would be lost from the residents already living here is greater than the utility that would be gained from the potential new residents coming in. The potential residents have other options for luxury high-rise residentials, so they aren’t directly affected by whether this gets built or not. It isn’t a game-changer for them. It obviously does affect the people living here right now; otherwise they wouldn’t be so opposed to this project. I guess we’ll just have to disagree.

[ktp7]

The Ashby proposal is STUPID. The argument that a dangerous precedent will be set is even more laughable. Seriously, pay attention. Since this verdict, how many other projects have gotten off the ground? HUNDREDS.

The tired old argument of "poor developers" is silly. Developers RUN THIS CITY. They always have. If you need evidence, just look at the city attorney and his dumb-assed argument to overturn a JURY's verdict. Wanna guess who's paying for that advice? Hint; it isn't the "big, bad, wealthy neighbors."

I agree!

[Clev]

On a different note. Is anyone else watching the Rockets on TV? The shots of Downtown with all the lights on looks amazing! I wish the lights were turned on more often.

Houston does look pretty good. I just wish my Cavaliers made the Playoffs :(

[Urbannizer]

Large Update.

609 Main: 4/19 by HoustonMidtown

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/13927749851_5f2477361e_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/13927747921_6b1c738374_b.jpg

Texaco Building Reno: 4/19 By HoustonMidtown

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/13927751716_e74cc428d1_b.jpg


2929 Weslayan: 4/20 by larrydierker

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/13928473051_ce0ec46fdb_b.jpg

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https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/13952213174_19f20bb78c_b.jpg

Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor: 4/20 by larrydierker

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/13928368842_10c2e3530f_b.jpg

Astoria: 4/19 by Skylineview

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2014%2004%2019/IMG_2131_zpsad4f7dfe.jpg

BHP Billiton: 4/19 by Skylineview - this project will have 3 cranes.

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2014%2004%2019/IMG_2133_zps5450e4b5.jpg

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/SkylineView/2014%2004%2019/IMG_2132_zps41f0f79f.jpg

Alexan Midtown: 4/20 by Tumbleweed_TX

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/13939090823_00b3b140a8.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/13939504744_ca16fe6da4.jpg

Post Galleria: 4/17 by fastesdisatr

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j83/TscreamosoulT/FF1245D2-083C-41FC-9479-585CD4010DA4_zpskfhdpgk5.jpg

Hughes Landing: 4/16 by ahkelly

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/13974982613_be993d7c0d_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/13951820931_c79f5e12f4_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Skyline North & Skyline South: New 10 & 8-story multifamily buildings with 3 to 4 levels of parking by Alliance Residential, near downtown.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29630-skyline-north-skyline-south-near-downtown/

Pearl on Washington: New 8-story mixed-use apartment building by The Morgan Group at the NEC of TC Jester and Washington.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30168-pearl-on-washington-8-story-mixed-use-apartment-building/

[toxteth o'grady]

The boom in new hospital construction. Some say the worries over Obamacare have abated.

Houston-area health care construction takes off (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/medical/article/Houston-area-health-care-construction-takes-off-5414096.php)

[toxteth o'grady]

Ktp7, legally this can be very bad for Houston, because it creates the precedence that a building can be prevented because the neighbors don't want it.

I see - zoning without actual zoning. Having your cake and eating it, too. That's what I love about the laissez-faire NIMBYism in this town. Cancel the highrise and give them a halfway house for sex offenders.

[toxteth o'grady]

Hughes Landing: 4/16 by ahkelly

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/13974982613_be993d7c0d_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/13951820931_c79f5e12f4_b.jpg

The three cranes can be seen from IH45 and are for 3 and 4, where Exxon Mobil is going.

[toxteth o'grady]

Unlike Block 98, the Marquette's pool will be on the rooftop.

New apartment high-rise on tap for downtown (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/04/new-apartment-high-rise-on-tap-for-downtown.html)

"...as well as two floors of amenities including a resort-style, rooftop pool...."

[Clev]

Unlike Block 98, the Marquette's pool will be on the rooftop.

New apartment high-rise on tap for downtown (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/04/new-apartment-high-rise-on-tap-for-downtown.html)

"...as well as two floors of amenities including a resort-style, rooftop pool...."

This is good news. I really like this building and it will be great for Downtown Houston.

[Clev]

I have to wonder if even a cleaning would help much. It's just a terrible color. That's just my opinion, of course. Other people seem fine with it. My kind of building is the tall, turquoise glass building (second tallest?). Very classy looking.

I believe the second Tallest is Wells Fargo Plaza, and I like that one too. My favorite is the Bank of America Building. It's the red, pointy one. It's one of my favorite buildings in the entire country.

[Urbannizer]

New renderings of the high-rise for downtown by Hines. Now named Residences at Market Square.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/13938601906_5385c59543_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/13938592826_ab399702ed_b.jpg

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https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/13981669383_39849a04ae_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5299/13981676013_5eb952883b_b.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

That's beautiful.

[AviationGuy]

I especially like the base.

[toxteth o'grady]

The reduction in height of 1 Market Square probably means it will be less visible behind the Market Square Tower and the Residence at Market Square. The square itself is going to be surrounded by highrises. I hope they bring in some good retail at ground level. The new residents in those apartments will be able to take advantage of it.

[Clev]

Very nice. The tower looks a little thinner in this rendering than the previous one to me. But it still looks great.

[rellott]

oh lordy, can it be 2017 yet

[ktp7]

The building looks great and definitely complements the area well. I love its interaction at ground level and the retail will be an added plus for the park users. I noticed on haif that the tower decreased a little in height. Does that mean there will be fewer units?

Downtown will definitely seem like a completely different place in a couple of years. It looks like all the residential projects are starting to take steps forward.

[timoric]

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