HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[weatherguru18]

Cleared cookies, both home and work computers. Used IE, chrome, firefox. Still down on my end. What the hell is going on here?

SAME HERE!!!:hell:

[toxteth o'grady]

"Site under construction" seems to mean it's not going to be accessible for a little while.

Anyway, has anybody seen JLL's Q2 report? There were 2 million sf of space leased and Downtown's office vacancy is under 10%.

Energy companies dominate Q2 real estate activity (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/07/energy-companies-dominate-q2-real-estate-activity.html)

HAIF is back in operation again.

[JManc]

I'm loving all these residential towers, but i'm still waiting on one of these.


http://www.jhjackson.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/austonian1.jpg

do the smelly (trust fund) hippies come with that building since it is Austin after all.

[toxteth o'grady]

BisNow says Houston's retail vacancy rate dropped to 6.3% (the lowest they've ever recorded). It suggests now's a good time to build stores. (And at CBRE's conference yesterday a lament was heard that downtown doesn't have a large grocery store yet). All in due time, I guess.

[toxteth o'grady]

DNV-GL gets bigger (and the Chron misspells their name).

DMV GL expanding Katy headquarters (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/07/dmv-gl-expanding-katy-headquarters/)

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/07/DNVGL-600x247.jpg

[lockmat]

Here's another rendering of the tower:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14483651189_6fea938120_b.jpg


This rendering and/or angle makes it look much better. The white will look very nice I think.

[AviationGuy]

do the smelly (trust fund) hippies come with that building since it is Austin after all.

You're thinking of another Austin, not the current Austin.

[Urbannizer]

The facelift for Two Shell Plaza (now 811 Louisiana) is well underway. Here's a shot I took today.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14701761773_6eea0ed38c_b.jpg

[Monarch]

yes, i concur natenate! however, i am still awaiting some of these...
http://filmatography.com/wp-content/Cimy_User_Extra_Fields/Ritz%20Carlton%20Dubai/ritz-carlton-logo-218.png http://www.chicagofbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/W_Hotels-logo.gif http://dubai.epicexpo.com/media/1309/the_address_logo.gif http://www.directhotelsupplies.com/images/logo-kemp.jpg

does anyone anywhere know anything regarding any of the wonderful hotel brands venturing into our fair city of houston... please come forth! please..

[JManc]

You're thinking of another Austin, not the current Austin.

It's still pretty granola there. Which is not a bad thing. That's what help makes Austin a great town.

[toxteth o'grady]

You're thinking of another Austin, not the current Austin.

I see. Tacky "Silicon Valley" Austin. Needs more hippies.

[toxteth o'grady]

Another day, another tout for Houston.

America’s Opportunity City (http://www.city-journal.org/2014/24_3_houston.html)

http://www.city-journal.org/assets/images/24_3-jktg1.jpg

[shakman]

Another day, another tout for Houston.

America’s Opportunity City (http://www.city-journal.org/2014/24_3_houston.html)

http://www.city-journal.org/assets/images/24_3-jktg1.jpg

Excellent article!!! :cheers:

[Bailey]

Excellent article!!! :cheers:

Ever notice how every "positive" article about Houston is full of back handed compliments?

Things like...

Houston is hot muggy and intolerable most of the year BUT....

Or, despite the sea of strip malls, concrete, and freeways there are...

[Monarch]

Another day, another tout for Houston.

America’s Opportunity City (http://www.city-journal.org/2014/24_3_houston.html)

http://www.city-journal.org/assets/images/24_3-jktg1.jpg

i concur, EXCELLENT ARTICLE! however, plenty of work still to be completed. so very much to look forward to. viva houston!

[AviationGuy]

Ever notice how every "positive" article about Houston is full of back handed compliments?

Things like...

Houston is hot muggy and intolerable most of the year BUT....

Or, despite the sea of strip malls, concrete, and freeways there are...

I stopped reading after the first couple of hundred words. I found the introduction misleading and in some cases false. So typical.

[Urbannizer]

Construction Updates c/o Triton

Market Square Tower

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14714003733_91bda7ce97_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14507484908_de7c55c12d_b.jpg

500 Crawford

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14691739924_7eec429a36_b.jpg

609 Main at Texas

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14507473069_113e406dee_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14671108066_1709669827_b.jpg

Camden Conte

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3859/14507440100_3dc88950d0_b.jpg

Alley Theatre Renovation

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/14694145045_a0ec88c48d_b.jpg

GreenStreet

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14714011163_e729fabbae_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14507696757_1e2b389cba_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14671127436_c9fdcaff39_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14714017263_dbae8b7bcf_b.jpg

Block 334

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14690973911_48275a0648_b.jpg

Skyhouse Houston

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14507503488_c00eb6e61e_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14693873862_6172cd715f_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14693871882_223635e790_b.jpg

Flagship Holiday Inn

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14671142816_6127dca412_b.jpg

Central Bank Building

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14694181865_583df6cca8_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14691724514_94ae73893d_b.jpg

914 Bagby

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14693891722_441d42b968_b.jpg

Alexan Midtown

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14507493960_f934a95bb8_b.jpg

Broadstone Midtown

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14507732707_286acf8285_b.jpg

Broadstone Midtown Phase II

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14507734867_ac0a35fbb4_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14693898162_2c49fa6d0f_b.jpg

MATCH

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14690997681_3d419d927b_b.jpg

Dolce Living

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14507721247_d7bd15c965_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/14690987241_f54abc3342_b.jpg

Buffalo Bayou Revitalization

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14691799714_ecd135cb20_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14671173306_23fe7a6fca_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/14507515920_7db7e0c615_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/14671177976_f874e3e20f_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14507545248_0337465b56_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14507751637_6e5bc2467a_b.jpg

Alexan Heights

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14671103126_d08a8f8230_b.jpg

The Suzanne

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14694194955_9d55e5d153_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14507537148_b8d8fc16d8_b.jpg

Chelsea-Montrose

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14694193325_5eac174bca_b.jpg

Hanover Southampton

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14507532419_2d07eb5318_b.jpg

Pics c/o Skylineview

Astoria

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14693350831_00d8c22c62_b.jpg

BHP Billiton

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/14673504016_0c99e434e7_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14509872018_aacf30c644_b.jpg

[Clev]

I'm glad that a lot of those Downtown projects are still making progress.

[cloud713]

I'm glad that a lot of those Downtown projects are still making progress.

Why wouldn't they? Many are multi family projects using the downtown residential incentives program.. Plus, billions are being poured into downtown before the super bowl.

[texanuh]

^No need to fire off, he's just making a statement

[cloud713]

Fire off? Lulz.. I was "just making a statement" as well..

[toxteth o'grady]

Some random shots I had no other place for.

21 Eleven...

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston201407201_zps0657dc8a.jpg

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston201407206_zpsf1226ca6.jpg

6 Houston Center site - barricaded off...

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston201407209_zpsa6e81feb.jpg

Texaco crane (?)

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston2014072010_zpsa198eabe.jpg

500 Crawford - the garage is more massive than the building.

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston2014072012_zpse98a7678.jpg

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx345/toxteth_ogrady/Houston2014072011_zps9810f9f9.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Metro West added these renderings to the existing downtown skyline to give us an idea on how some of the new projects will change the area around Market Square.

http://s28.postimg.org/8pag12xa5/Houston_North_Future.jpg

[OZ1970]

Please pardon me if this has already been discussed but is the Mcdonald's staying next door to the currently under-construction Astoria?
I wonder if the Mcdonald's employees are a little nervous because the crane looks like it's literally directly above them in one of the pictures posted yesterday.

[JManc]

^ yes, that McDonalds is brand new and is not going anywhere anytime soon. It was a replacement of a 2-story one (which was actually kinda cool) that straddled parking lot of the new McD's and Astoria property.

[toxteth o'grady]

Yet another NIMBY lawsuit against the Hines highrise on San Felipe...

A Second Neighborly Lawsuit Against Hines’s San Felipe Office Tower Demonstrates Effect of Ashby Highrise Ruling (http://swamplot.com/a-second-neighborly-lawsuit-against-hiness-san-felipe-office-tower-demonstrates-effect-of-ashby-highrise-ruling/2014-07-21/)

[toxteth o'grady]

The Chron is moving to the Houston Post's old citadel on the Southwest Freeway.

Houston Chronicle to move into “state-of-the-art” facility (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/07/houston-chronicle-to-move-into-state-of-the-art-facility/#25267101=0)

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/houston-chronicle-southwest-facility/20140721_southwestbuilding_mdj_02-1.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Belfiore: 7/20 by larrydierker

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14698566964_215785a375_b.jpg

BLVD Place & Hanover Post Oak: 7/19 by Javi Kawai

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14518695799_6cff39bdff_b.jpg

Premier Medical Center: 7/20 by larrydierker

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14700790972_07a32e0a22_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

I'm not familiar with the Premier Medical Center, but that sure looks like Brays Bayou.

[TexasPlaya]

Metro West added these renderings to the existing downtown skyline to give us an idea on how some of the new projects will change the area around Market Square.

http://s28.postimg.org/8pag12xa5/Houston_North_Future.jpg

Nice. Fingers crossed on the office building being built.

[toxteth o'grady]

I'm not able to see the rest of this article, so I don't know if this means local shifts in the job base or firms moving in from out of town. UPDATE: Thanks to Swamplot, the whole article is now accessible. Five companies are looking from outside the Metro, including two Fortune 250s.

Partnership: Exxon Mobil project sparking interest in nearby Woodlands (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/woodlands/news/article/Partnership-Exxon-Mobil-project-sparking-5639390.php?cmpid=twitter-premium&t=aa65da44bf#/0)

[Urbannizer]

On Block 368 (the vacant lot next to Skyhouse Houston), soil testing work was going on a few days ago. Rumor is that it may be Skyhouse #3 with work beginning soon.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30695-potential-residential-development-on-block-368/

[toxteth o'grady]

Nice. Fingers crossed on the office building being built.

It may be needed - Foster Wheeler is looking for 325,000 sf of space.

Energy engineering giant plans substantial Houston expansion (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/drilling-down/2014/07/energy-engineering-giant-plans-substantial-houston.html)

[toxteth o'grady]

Another day, another tout. This time, video...

If You’re From Houston, This Video Will Be The Best 4 Minutes Of Your Day (http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/houston-city-passion/)

[toxteth o'grady]

BisNow has an update on Beltway Lakes:

"Radler is also flying along on development of its Beltway Lakes campus. Building 3, which broke ground last year, is reaching core and shell completion in October. Building 4, its mirror image (each is nine stories and 270k SF), will go into the dirt in the next 90 days. Radler is also beginning planning on Building 5, a 20-story tower that’ll top 600k SF.

Tom tells us the original site plan (pictured) called for three sets of mirror-image buildings, but now that the Beltway is booming and land is scarce, he really has to focus on being a true Class-A development. And that means upping the amenities game. (They’re near the top of every credit tenant’s wish list.) Instead of a sixth office building, Radler is in late negotiations with a hotel that will also offer dining and conference facilities to tenants."

In short, it sounds like the two smaller buildings in the picture will instead be a 20-story office tower and a hotel. No word on what the office tower will look like.

https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/QyV7p7lCBz51MzlKv9VRZeojSEhfcV2kEvccy0QhR0RqJXFjdCWkd1JaGFG5PQbV3JB7mtzLcDxz9Xm6wmLsqyQ7pSHWzfzHhOyfH7tDgTsQ_egFW-hXtE5cm2SHT6ETjH6AyqXZMz-r264B8mrbPLfZO0ZblkMuJkX0LtsA8CSiTiZGVoH0ZU04YBhGZ2k=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/64748_1406151511_BeltwayLakes-medium.jpg

[Brijonmang]

BisNow has an update on Beltway Lakes:

"Radler is also flying along on development of its Beltway Lakes campus. Building 3, which broke ground last year, is reaching core and shell completion in October. Building 4, its mirror image (each is nine stories and 270k SF), will go into the dirt in the next 90 days. Radler is also beginning planning on Building 5, a 20-story tower that’ll top 600k SF.

Tom tells us the original site plan (pictured) called for three sets of mirror-image buildings, but now that the Beltway is booming and land is scarce, he really has to focus on being a true Class-A development. And that means upping the amenities game. (They’re near the top of every credit tenant’s wish list.) Instead of a sixth office building, Radler is in late negotiations with a hotel that will also offer dining and conference facilities to tenants."

In short, it sounds like the two smaller buildings in the picture will instead be a 20-story office tower and a hotel. No word on what the office tower will look like.

https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/QyV7p7lCBz51MzlKv9VRZeojSEhfcV2kEvccy0QhR0RqJXFjdCWkd1JaGFG5PQbV3JB7mtzLcDxz9Xm6wmLsqyQ7pSHWzfzHhOyfH7tDgTsQ_egFW-hXtE5cm2SHT6ETjH6AyqXZMz-r264B8mrbPLfZO0ZblkMuJkX0LtsA8CSiTiZGVoH0ZU04YBhGZ2k=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/64748_1406151511_BeltwayLakes-medium.jpg

Actually, the buildings in the picture are all being built as shown. The two smaller buildings to the right were buildings 1 and 2, building 3 (which is under construction now) is one of the two taller blue buildings. The 20 story building would be out of frame.

[toxteth o'grady]

Thanks for that clarification.

New crane for FMC's building at Generation Park has gone up.

Generation Park has gone vertical (http://www.hkatexas.com/2014/07/generation-park-gone-vertical/#.U9Kn3Pnd-09)

http://www.hkatexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Generation-Park-FMC-Campus-DSC06514-660x330.jpg

Just a reminder of what it will look like:

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/27/70/70/6262278/9/784x2048.jpg

[Urbannizer]

A crane operator for Astoria has fallen and is currently stuck in a confined space within the crane 200ft above ground.

You can watch the rescue live here:

http://abc13.com/live/

[toxteth o'grady]

This image, in the latest edition of National Geographic, should be a hint to Trader Joe's, Aldi and WinCo on where to put their next supermarkets. Mapping the Houston Food Desert.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/hunger/images/Houston_map_web.png

[toxteth o'grady]

TSU Dorms: 7-27-2014 by Triton. Crane is up

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14572631019_80ef2c7728_h.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Construction Updates:

Noble Energy Tower: 7/2 by hldjhn987

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh177/hldjhn987/DSCN3826.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh177/hldjhn987/DSCN3809.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh177/hldjhn987/DSCN3814.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh177/hldjhn987/DSCN3817.jpg

Birdsall Memorial: 7/27 by larrydierker

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14574902818_0be39cd137_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14574884219_1b3e039ef2_b.jpg

Temenos Place: 7/27 by Triton

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14572112249_7355c73d93_b.jpg

Rendering:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14758762545_058cc25921_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/14762487831_2212885a7e_b.jpg

The new Harris County Institute for Forensic Sciences will be built on a 3.2-acre site adjacent to the existing Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office in the Texas Medical Center. The 200,000-square-foot Phase One will comprise a nine-story tower housing approximately 140,000 square feet of laboratory, morgue, administrative and support space and approximately 60,000 square feet of unfinished shell space. The parking will be accommodated offsite. Phase Two will accommodate another tower on site for future expansion needs of the institute.

Page is partnering with Crime Lab Design on this project.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14579027258_fa9d9a4477_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/14579202997_2948fa7e9b_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14765341882_d47d1323d6_b.jpg

http://pagethink.com/v/project-detail/Harris-County-Institute-of-Forensic-Sciences/7p/

[toxteth o'grady]

Another wrap may be coming to Montrose, reports Swamplot. Tenants in the old apartments just got eviction notices. Dolce Living appears to be behind the move, with possibly a City Centre at Midtown complex replacing it. Wrap it up.

New Owners to Montrose Apartment Dwellers: Everybody Out by the End of August, We’re Tearing These Places Down (http://swamplot.com/new-owners-to-montrose-apartment-dwellers-everybody-out-by-the-end-of-august-were-tearing-these-places-down/2014-07-28/)

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/1920-w-alabama.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

More on the Southmore and other possible highrises in Midtown, from BisNow...

https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/C1zbAyjUJrfgKxIczNR6a_tQN7AApOVId4dirLWI5Xr6-qTPbjFWvrlQea44GTnfv3LB8R1SChKWN4EIse5rgPe7Txe73f88uJpaWfodSCLvXLTWkEjoXBIPA5CHFcolbIX6cNxi5ng0R0p_2UYiyaZjnvCwRNRa41se_TCFplM15PI194gAWazy6Ih6WmE=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/64847_1406556617_TheSouthmore-medium.jpg

"Two of the big ones are Morgan’s building on Smith and a redevelopment site on Main. The latter—right on the rail line a few blocks south of the Superblock—is proposed to be the first high-rise in the submarket.

Here's Hines' proposed high-rise on Southmore. David says Midtown has changed a lot in the last few years and it’s about to change significantly again in the next few. Gentrification in the area has increased due to the influx of some of the city's best restaurants and the ease of travel down into the Med Center. He says it's also benefiting from its position between two of the largest employment centers in the city (CBD and TMC). And as office development continues nearby, Midtown will continue its progression into a top place to live for young pros who want a vibrant nightlife. The land team is bringing two more sites to market there now—one at West Dallas and 45 and the other cattycorner to the Superblock (it might go high-rise as well)."

[Monarch]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/14762487831_2212885a7e_b.jpg
really enjoying the modern clean lines of this edifice. very quiet.. very nice.

[Urbannizer]

http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/31/31/26/6657452/3/622x350.jpg

Kings Creek to Have Top Location, Design


A rendering features apartments that will be constructed in Kings Creek in Kingwood area north of Deerbrook Mall.
Plans are under way to break ground on the $1.2 billion Kings Creek project by David Development.

It will include 1 million square feet of Class A office space, a sustainable park with 1.5 miles of hike-and-bike trails with water features throughout, outdoor fitness areas, more than 150,000 square feet of retail space, two hotels and 1,000 condominium units.

"This is a prime location because it's north of Deerbrook Mall and contiguous with Kingwood Medical Center; and you don't have any shopping on the west side. Kingwood in that area is starting to fill in and develop," said David McCarble, principal for David Development. "The entire project will be the first LEED-certified sustainable master-plan development in Houston, as far as I know."

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/kingwood/news/article/Kings-Creek-to-have-top-location-design-5654608.php

[toxteth o'grady]

AmREIT has doubled down against potential suitors, adding a $650 million proposed expansion at Uptown Park. This is your first look at the Palazzi.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/new-project-in-uptown-park/palazzi.jpg

AmREIT reveals new Uptown Park development (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/07/amreit-reveals-new-uptown-park-development/#25499101=1)

This may be a little underwhelming after speculation of something in the 40-50 floor range. They're spreading out rather than going up.

[TowerSpotter]

AmREIT has doubled down against potential suitors, adding a $650 million proposed expansion at Uptown Park. This is your first look at the Palazzi.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/new-project-in-uptown-park/palazzi.jpg

AmREIT reveals new Uptown Park development (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/07/amreit-reveals-new-uptown-park-development/#25499101=1)

This may be a little underwhelming after speculation of something in the 40-50 floor range. They're spreading out rather than going up.

Actually the one that was supposed to be 50 floors turned out to be 40 floors now. (The lot south of the cosmopolitan)

[cloud713]

AmREIT has doubled down against potential suitors, adding a $650 million proposed expansion at Uptown Park. This is your first look at the Palazzi.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/wp-content/blogs.dir/1876/files/new-project-in-uptown-park/palazzi.jpg

AmREIT reveals new Uptown Park development (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/07/amreit-reveals-new-uptown-park-development/#25499101=1)

This may be a little underwhelming after speculation of something in the 40-50 floor range. They're spreading out rather than going up.

the 650 million is spread across 3 different Uptown properties.. the Post Oak/San Felipe northwest site, the Post Oak/Uptown Park northwest site, and the Uptown Park site. here is a different article about it..

Houston-based Am- REIT, owner of the Uptown Park shopping center and other prime retail parcels here, rejected a buyout offer from Regency Centers Corp. on Tuesday and simultaneously announced plans for more than $650 million worth of new development in the Galleria area.

The projects, many proposed through complex joint-venture agreements or partnerships, are a 40-story multifamily tower; a 560,000-square-foot office project; a four-star hotel with residential units; and a luxury residential complex.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/AmREIT-rebuffs-buyout-offer-and-announces-new-5655319.php

and while the Palazzi is underwhelming, it was only supposed to be around 28 stories. like Tower Spotter said, the 50 story residential project was downsized to the now 40 story residential tower AmREIT has planned for Post Oak/San Felipe northwest, just south of the cosmo.

[toxteth o'grady]

the 650 million is spread across 3 different Uptown properties..

and while the Palazzi is underwhelming, it was only supposed to be around 28 stories.

The larger article does appear to flesh out the proposed investments in more detail. Apparently, when AmREIT dropped the partner, they reconfigured the project. That initial investment is $80 million.

"...Its agreement with Crimson Real Estate Adivsors to develop a high-rise in Uptown Park expired and was terminated. After negotiating for development rights on a parcel adjacent to the high-rise site, AmREIT now plans to develop an $80 million project with 200 high-end rental units and 40,000 square feet of retail. Construction is expected to begin next year.

›› It is negotiating a joint venture with a multifamily developer to build a 40-story, 365-unit residential tower with two stories of retail on a 1.58-acre site at the northwest corner of Post Oak Boulevard and San Felipe. AmREIT would retain ownership of the land and ground-lease the site to the anticipated venture. Total costs are estimated to be $142 million. Construction could begin in the next 12 months.

›› It has acquired a 20.3 percent ownership interest in the Inverness Townhomes at the northwest corner of Post Oak Boulevard and Uptown Park Boulevard and plans to purchase the entire site and form a joint venture with Trammell Crow Co. to develop 560,000 square feet of office space and 16,000 square feet of retail space. Estimated project costs are more than $225 million, and construction could begin within the next 12 to 15 months.

›› It is in negotiations with a four-star hotel brand and development partner for a mixed-use project at the southeast corner of Uptown Park. The project could include 243 hotel rooms, 234 residential units and up to 20,000 square feet of retail space. Total project costs are estimated at around $204 million, and construction could begin within the next 18 months..."

None of these projects starts moving dirt until 2015, so we'll wait to see what happens.

[toxteth o'grady]

The building permit for Pearl at the Mix was listed in this week's HBJ:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14467294064_8669f99678_b.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Energy Center V breaks ground.

Energy Corridor office space to have upscale, campus-like feel (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/sarnoff/article/Energy-Corridor-office-space-to-have-upscale-5660838.php)

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/31/33/65/6667641/3/784x2048.jpg

[DanielG425]

Within the loop I think Houston as a city needs to build more classic world-class monuments or attractions that people can actually admire and that are unique. It'd help the city with tourists and make the streets a lot nicer!

[toxteth o'grady]

30-60 days...

New details emerge on 6 Houston Center (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/08/new-details-emerge-on-6-houston-center.html)

[Htowngrown]

30-60 days...

New details emerge on 6 Houston Center (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/08/new-details-emerge-on-6-houston-center.html)

I'll believe it when the cranes up! They already "broke ground" once already, and then said earlier in the year that they'd break ground this summer. Now they are saying this fall! Don't get me wrong, I like the tower and hope it happens, Crescent just needs to stop having all these press releases over nothing.

[DBGHouston]

Second Hyatt property designed by Gensler on W. Alabama at Sage (adjacent to the Galleria.) Appears to be at least 12 stories. Link to the Chronicle Story here. (http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/08/second-hyatt-hotel-to-be-built-near-galleria/) Image from the Chronicle credited to Songy. http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/07/HYATTS-600x399.jpg

Quote from the article by Nancy Sarnoff at the Chronicle:

The owners of the Galleria Place development along Sage Road between Westheimer and West Alabama, are building a second hotel on the property, which by the end of next year will have close to 500 new hotel rooms – all under the Hyatt brand.

The new hotel, a Hyatt Place, will join a 325-room Hyatt Regency that broke ground earlier this year.

Both projects are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2015, according Atlanta-based Songy HighRoads, which is developing Galleria Place with The Carlyle Group.

The new Hyatt Place will have 157 rooms and its entrance will face West Alabama Street. It will offer fewer amenities than the full-service Hyatt Regency next door.

[JManc]

What's the tall building in top center in that last post? Doubletree?

[Clev]

I hope they aren't replacing the Hyatt Place that was proposed for Downtown with this one.

[toxteth o'grady]

What's the tall building in top center in that last post? Doubletree?

I couldn't tell, either. I thought that one was north of Westheimer. The pool looks new.

[AustinTay]

It's just DoubleTree.

[BraveNewWorld]

I can't find any info on the 7200 Main tower, what's going on with that ?

[cloud713]

I can't find any info on the 7200 Main tower, what's going on with that ?

i dont believe anything new has been released on that project. its owned by the same people that are developing the Springwoods Village project, and they put a variance request in back in January(?).


there was quite an update by Urbannizer over on HAIF the other day, i was waiting for the updates to be posted here but they havent made their way over so im going to go ahead and post them here.

21 story 378 unit residential tower for the Texas Medical Center
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14620347920_68d9db7313_b.jpg

800,000 sq ft 4 star Hotel & Residences tower (potential W[?]) at Uptown Park
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/14803950721_66c078766a_b.jpg


Trammel Crows Uptown Office Tower
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14806710012_2c8860d094_b.jpg


First sketches of the 40 story residential tower at Post Oak and San Felipe
745,000 sq ft
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/14620531107_e4387ebd84_b.jpg


Kirby Grove/Levy Park - Upper Kirby
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14784594606_539b26f4cd_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5577/14804482761_97cd278fc5_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14804483741_ea9e4fe38c_b.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/levy-park-site-plan.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

Another report on the status of office and industrial leases seems to point to continuing good times for the Houston market - 2.2 million sf of office absorption and 1.9 million sf of industrial absorption in the second quarter.

Houston’s Commercial Outlook Remains Healthy Entering the Second Half of 2014
(http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/08/new-details-emerge-on-6-houston-center.html)

[toxteth o'grady]

One of the companies expanding is Frank's International, which has recently expanded to four floors in Westchase and will take over the entire building, says HBJ.

Oilfield services company expands in Houston, Alvin and Louisiana (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/drilling-down/2014/08/oilfield-services-company-expands-in-houston-alvin.html)

And new oil and gas companies keep getting minted (or spun off).

Paragon Offshore completes spinoff from Noble Corp., begins trading (http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/08/04/paragon-offshore-completes-spinoff-from-noble-corp-begins-trading/)

Terminals startup Zenith Energy gets $600 million infusion (http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/08/04/terminals-startup-zenith-energy-gets-600-million-infusion/)

[Urbannizer]

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/08/ghpbuilding.jpeg

Greater Houston Partnership Building to go up next to downtown convention center

A 10-story Greater Houston Partnership Building and a parking garage behind it will be built directly north of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The office building’s tenants will include the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston First Corp., the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Center for Houston’s Future, said Ric Campo, Houston First’s chairman. Plans for future tenants include the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, he said.

The parking garage will hold 1,900 spaces.

Both the office building and parking garage will have street-level retail, likely restaurants, Campo said.

The building’s iconic feature will be a 2,000-square-foot terrace offering a panoramic look at Discovery Green park, several hotels, a soon-to-be-renovated convention center facade, landscaped pedestrian walkways and sidewalk cafes as well as a dramatic view of the skyline, said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the GHP.

Houston First owns the property and is developing the office/parking garage project which will cost about $76 million, Campo said.

The GHP will have the top two floors, which include the terrace.

The foundation of the office building was designed to allow it to support a future boutique hotel that would be built on top of it, Campo said.

Full Article: http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/08/greater-houston-partnership-building-to-go-up-next-to-downtown-convention-center/#21137101=0

[toxteth o'grady]

I'll believe it when the cranes up!

The schedule for this may be believable. BisNow is reporting that Crescent has promoted two people to manage development - Joseph Pitchford and Dan Novelli. Novelli's now the CM for Crescent.

And another Houston company is on the prowl for office space.

BRS Labs on the hunt for a new Houston headquarters (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/2014/08/brs-labs-on-the-hunt-for-a-new-houston-headquarter.html)

[Urbannizer]

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/files/2014/08/PEARL-WASH-TD.jpg

More luxury apartments headed for Washington Ave.

Morgan Group has started construction on its latest Pearl branded luxury apartment complex.

Pearl Washington is being developed at the corner of Washington Avenue and T.C. Jester, between downtown and Memorial Park.

The 5-story building will have 322 one-, two- and three-bedroom units over two levels of parking, the developer announced Tuesday. Units will range from 652 square feet to 1,443 square feet and each will have a balcony. Amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool with private cabanas and sun decks, two courtyards, a dog park and a bocce court.

Morgan, and co-developer LCB Holdings, plan to open in the complex in spring of 2016. Wells Fargo provided construction financing, and Dwell Design Studio is the architect.

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/08/more-luxury-apartments-headed-for-washington-ave/

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14837234802_7f9201b5bd_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/31/37/66/6684058/4/1024x1024.jpg

FPSF organizers moving on from Fitzgerald's partnership to open new three-stage venue

The successful concert promotion group behind Houston’s Free Press Summer Festival has secured land just north of downtown Houston to build a three-stage music venue complex with two indoor stages and an outdoor stage.

Pegstar Concerts head Jagi Katial said Monday the project has been two years in gestation. Plans for the development at 2915 N. Main and North Street were leaked onto Houston’s Reddit outpost Saturday afternoon in part from a resident who attended a meeting about the development, which lead to Katial wanting to clear the air on some details that were bandied about.

This new venue would call for Pegstar to leave its current digs at Fitzgerald’s music venue on White Oak Boulevard, and set up shop at the new site five minutes away. This new complex as of now does not have a name, Katial says. He predicts that the doors could be open by late 2015.

Full Article: http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/Pegstar-plans-new-music-on-north-side-of-downtown-5668117.php#photo-6684060

http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/31/37/66/6684060/4/1024x1024.jpg

[toxteth o'grady]

I sure wish they'd find a creative way to incorporate the creek that runs near the property.

[JManc]

I wonder which corner those Pearl Apts are going up? The one with old office building or dumpy auto shop...hopefully auto shop.

[toxteth o'grady]

Swamplot had the story on the Pearl earlier. I think whatever was on the site has already been leveled.

Meanwhile, there's news that the Towering Inferno of Montrose may be rebuilt, as son as they decide whether the garage is structurally sound.

Developer plans to rebuild after Montrose apartment fire (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/2014/08/developer-plans-to-rebuild-after-montrose.html)

[Urbannizer]

I wonder which corner those Pearl Apts are going up? The one with old office building or dumpy auto shop...hopefully auto shop.

The corner with the auto shop. The site is already cleared for construction on the complex to begin.

[xbryanisbeastx]

Hi. I haven't been on skyscraperpage in a while now so half of this stuff I don't know about, but I have one question. Is generation park actually going to be built? :???: :shrug: :???:

[toxteth o'grady]

They are actually building a headquarters for FMC in Generation Park at the moment.

[toxteth o'grady]

I'm thinking this headline means there's not much risk of oversupply of residential anytime soon.

Sorry, homebuyers. Houston is out of houses (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2014/08/06/sorry-homebuyers-houston-is-out-of-houses.html)

Real Estate Market Trends Continue to Strengthen (http://www.ziprealty.com/blog/real-estate-market-trends-continue-strengthen)

[toxteth o'grady]

Swamplot's got a nice description of the tenants who will be in the office building attached to the Convention Center. And it's got a cool view of downtown.

Houston’s Biggest Boosters Planning Their Own Downtown Perch, Offices, Track-Through Parking Garage, Future Hotel (http://swamplot.com/houstons-biggest-boosters-planning-their-own-downtown-perch-offices-track-through-parking-garage-future-hotel/2014-08-06/)

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ghp-bldg-north.jpg

[llamaorama]

21 story 378 unit residential tower for the Texas Medical Center


This thing looks like a sleek green glass and shiny panel 2014 version of something from 1984.

Especially the round thing on the roof, reminds me of where a rotating restaurant would usually be placed.

[texanuh]

So today I stumbled upon the construction cam for 2929 Weslayan and I was wondering if there were any more cam's than the ones I have bookmarked. I have obviously, 2929 Weslayan, the UH stadium, skyhouse, 609 main, the marriot, and the river oaks district.

[DBGHouston]

1311 Louisiana...this is coming out of the ground fast now. Gensler designed the 16-story garage soon to be eating up the half-empty block at Louisiana/Polk/Milam/Clay. Thought I'd post some pics since it doesn't show up as "under construction" on the compilation page. Here's the image from devmap.io of what's to come:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_10_2013/post-723-0-32323300-1381451016_thumb.jpg

Construction progress August 7, 2014

http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p504/dbghouston/20140807_111544_resized_zps684945bd.jpg?t=1407430841

http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p504/dbghouston/20140807_111546_resized_1_zps584d6164.jpg?t=1407344663

[toxteth o'grady]

It would be nice if they put some residences on top. But I guess cars gotta park, too.

Today's BisNow just came through the mailbox with some interesting insights. The upshot is that developable land is scarce at the moment and getting pricier, with the result that more multifamily developments are coming and land is being snapped up fast out along the Grand Parkway. Developers are saying they can't put together blocks of land larger than about 300 acres; there's nothing left. Here's an example:

https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/dAlQtp6AZK68SaD_Hxe4rXEUw9eZI-mHzXv9Rrgu2MeCyxaSwtv03WdRRzSnWSjS8od-O67d2pyZsUUkrl49zjcarNpm5Cg9mpzjiDvSBfr1NwnEL5VgPBRjW60y9dCw9-_0reR-5ebhQfQdsVzyOOhvJ-duYBcC3oLlJ95-zlkmSYSpqb_zmQHNE1DE39Fvvec=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/65188_1407358075_KatyHockleySite-medium.JPG

Inside the city, the trend is multifamily and mixed use. BisNow says this corner is going to end up mixed use:

https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/UuYvCU5w0DVHvle2T7admb9TUqsNH6XztcgtQqK6IOpAcvgTJ5IFbkMuzfUjgs-FjNOTkFJBuehV5yfBcSuU58_ZytCXAkiAPvrjYIRmUxcrdHQ7ntMonq4d8Q8Pd2vPfDMX6mT5m-TX0X8kTaCfI1OfH6xprLXX1XM20xlPQU6thimyVVC2QU2asM8YV3VL=s0-d-e1-ft#http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/65188_1407358078_McAlisterSale-medium.jpg

There also appears to be a lot of interest in adding multifamily to the neighborhood along the north-south Metrorail corridor near Fulton Street. That seems to make sense with the proposed live music venue.

Four Big Land Trends (http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/houston/2521-four-big-land-trends/)

[AviationGuy]

So today I stumbled upon the construction cam for 2929 Weslayan and I was wondering if there were any more cam's than the ones I have bookmarked. I have obviously, 2929 Weslayan, the UH stadium, skyhouse, 609 main, the marriot, and the river oaks district.

Here's one for you:

http://www.jackson-myers.com/Webcam/

It's not great but I use it for weather watching.

What are the links for the Marriott and River Oaks District?

[texanuh]

The marriot
http://www.ridadev.com/page_hotel_marriott_marquis_houston.cfm

River oaks
http://www.earthcam.net/projects/olivermcmillan/rod/?cam=cchd

[shakman]

It would be nice if the facade's design would give the appearance of a struture other than a parking garage.

[cloud713]

It would be nice if the facade's design would give the appearance of a struture other than a parking garage.

the facade on which development?

[toxteth o'grady]

The Woodlands is expanding. According to HBJ, the Howard Hughes people have acquired 2,000 acres between the Woodlands and Conroe, into which 4,600 home lots and a certain amount of commercial development will go by 2016.

2,000-acre master-planned community to rise next to The Woodlands (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2014/08/08/2-000-acre-master-planned-community-to-rise-next.html)

[Urbannizer]

Hines has released two videos on 609 Main at Texas.

http://www.609main.com/themovie

Here's some screenshots from the vid:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14858817904_827f5e3074_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/14881151093_a860cdc6c5_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14858205111_dc23afaff9_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14881159083_afcb523385_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14838289926_ce230618a4_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14860931702_42f14c06ce_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14860936912_448d59dc00_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14838285976_30124b5119_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14674589730_7b59087e31_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/14858809644_08e8263609_b.jpg

[Clev]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14881159083_afcb523385_b.jpg

Wow! This building will look incredible. I love this picture right here. It really does a good job of showing Downtown's density, along with the TMC in the background.

[East7thStreet]

It would be nice if the facade's design would give the appearance of a struture other than a parking garage.

I'm just amazed there is such a thing as a 16 story Gensler designed parking garage. WTF?

[Sic'EmBears]

I'm just amazed there is such a thing as a 16 story Gensler designed parking garage. WTF?

Up in Dallas, we were blessed to receive a Pelli-designed parking garage...it happens.

I think it's great that 609 Main will break up the monotony of all the flat tops. Reminds me of the BOA in NYC.

http://buildipedia.com/images/masterformat/Channels/In_Studio/2012.01.04_bank_of_america_tower/images/photos/bank_of_america_tower_obp_ext_2park10.jpg http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/02.jpg

[cloud713]

Up in Dallas, we were blessed to receive a Pelli-designed parking garage...it happens.

I think it's great that 609 Main will break up the monotony of all the flat tops. Reminds me of the BOA in NYC.

http://buildipedia.com/images/masterformat/Channels/In_Studio/2012.01.04_bank_of_america_tower/images/photos/bank_of_america_tower_obp_ext_2park10.jpg http://www.pickardchilton.com/mobile/img/PORTFOLIO/609_Main/02.jpg

Pelli designed a parking garage in Dallas too? I knew about the garage he designed in Houston, along with all the other projects he's designed in Houston..

[Sic'EmBears]

http://pcparch.com/img_cache/176920bb98d32981dc44696bb8d711b8/mckinney-olive-uptown-dallas-tower(1).jpg

[cloud713]

http://pcparch.com/img_cache/176920bb98d32981dc44696bb8d711b8/mckinney-olive-uptown-dallas-tower(1).jpg



oh i thought you meant there was a stand alone parking garage in Dallas designed by Pelli. not Pelli designed a development in Dallas with a parking garage.

[shakman]

the facade on which development?

That 16-story garage under-construction in Downtown.

[HoustonHorns]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14881159083_afcb523385_b.jpg

Wow! This building will look incredible. I love this picture right here. It really does a good job of showing Downtown's density, along with the TMC in the background.

This will be my new favorite view of Houston!

[Urbannizer]

This project here is listed as "Gray + Houston". I don't have enough to know if it's for Houston or not. GDA is a Dallas-based architect, behind the design for Chelsea-Montrose and Crest at Fondren.

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_projects.html

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_boards_files/GDA%20architects%20grayhouston.jpg

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_projects_files/GDA%20architects%20Gray.jpg

[HoustonHorns]

This project here is listed as "Gray + Houston". I don't have enough to know if it's for Houston or not. GDA is a Dallas-based architect, behind the design for Chelsea-Montrose and Crest at Fondren.

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_projects.html

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_boards_files/GDA%20architects%20grayhouston.jpg

http://www.lake53.com/GDA_architects/GDA_projects_files/GDA%20architects%20Gray.jpg

Could this possibly be in Midtown?

[toxteth o'grady]

Gray and Houston don't intersect.

[toxteth o'grady]

New office building not too far from Springwoods.

New office building to rise near Exxon Mobil campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/08/new-office-building-to-rise-near-exxon-mobil.html)

[toxteth o'grady]

Does anyone know anything about the Hanover River Oaks? Its existence is heralded by this sign, which is shown on Swamplot.

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/kirby-court-variance-sign.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Gray and Houston don't intersect.

I know, but I can't find a Gray and Houston that intersect in any city.