HOUSTON | Development Thread II

[Urbannizer]

609 Main

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1679/25600625733_b94b0b8a35_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F1eU7R)
DSC03809_2 (https://flic.kr/p/F1eU7R) by Justin Anderson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/141524130@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1698/26136972701_28af6395da_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FPCPon)
Reflections (https://flic.kr/p/FPCPon) by Justin Anderson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/141524130@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1653/25601509133_3f50dcf6d4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F1jqHT)
Construction (https://flic.kr/p/F1jqHT) by Justin Anderson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/141524130@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1589/26154134891_c7bd2716b1_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FR9M7c)Rice Hotel (https://flic.kr/p/FR9M7c) by russell.hancock (https://www.flickr.com/photos/29693644@N04/), on Flickr

Hotel Alessandra

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1585/25598521834_241a4d2009_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F147GJ)
Steady As She Goes (https://flic.kr/p/F147GJ) by Justin Anderson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/141524130@N03/), on Flickr

Convention Center Redevelopment

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/26201040395_f581a4bce9_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FVibtM)
Kendrick Lamar Concert (https://flic.kr/p/FVibtM) by Arie (https://www.flickr.com/photos/coogie/), on Flickr

[Urbannizer]

Luxury hotel-condominium tower planned for former Macy's at the Galleria Mall (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/04/luxury-hotel-condominium-tower-planned-for-former.html)

Simon Property Group Inc. plans to build an upscale hotel and condominium tower at the site of the former Macy's store at the Galleria Mall.

The Indianapolis-based retail developer (NYSE: SPG) announced April 7 that it will develop a 25- to 30-story tower at the northeast corner of Sage Road and West Alabama Street.

The mixed-use project will feature 220 high-end hotel rooms and between 75 and 100 luxury condominium units, according to David Contis, president of Simon Malls.
Simon is in talks with three luxury hoteliers — two brand names and one independent — to operate the hotel, which will be on the lower floors.

The tower is expected to break ground in late 2017.


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[N90]

^That is so cool

[The ATX]

I like this one. A lot of textures and shapes.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1653/25601509133_3f50dcf6d4_h.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Baylor College of Medicine, CHI St. Luke's break ground on next phase of new campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/04/baylor-college-of-medicine-chi-st-lukes-break.html)

The Baylor College of Medicine and CHI St. Luke's Health broke ground on Tower 2 in their McNair Campus on April 5.

The new patient tower will house 420 beds and a medical office building. It will be part of the health care organizations' 27.5-acre, $1.1 billion McNair Campus, which will also be the future site of the Texas Heart Institute.

Completion of the projects and the entire McNair Campus is slated for 2019.

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[Monarch]

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52c66f6de4b0b7f6bd92f232/52ddfa22e4b02ffcb6b7e488/52ddfa24e4b0fb2ead9ca039/1390279209804/w-hotel-logo.png?format=300w
^^^ brand new prospective galleria hotel looks just like a W flag to me.
just saying...

[JoninATX]

Cement poured for The Arabella

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/12976697_997556990323238_8673006016027436379_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9

https://m.facebook.com/RandallDavisCompany/

[Urbannizer]

^Base for a second crane installed as well!

[Urbannizer]

Massive mixed-use project planned for Museum District (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/04/07/massive-mixed-use-project-planned-for-museum.html)

A mixed-use project with a high-rise component is planned in the Museum District, according to public records.

Excelsior Land Co. Inc. submitted a plat record to the city of Houston for the yet-to-be-announced project, located in part on two city blocks bounded by Southmore Avenue, Main Street, Wichita Avenue and Fannin Street.

Excelsior Land’s plat record calls for Palm Avenue, sandwiched between the two city blocks, to be closed off and for the two city blocks to be considered one site for redevelopment. The plat record is expected to go before the Houston planning commission on April 14.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/574/20952504309_e30dcaf926_b.jpg

[DanielG425]

Despite the economic downturn its great to see houston growing. Fantastic.

[Urbannizer]

Washington hotel company to open first Houston location downtown (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/04/07/washington-hotel-company-to-open-first-houston.html)

A Spokane, Washington-based hospitality company plans to open a new hotel in downtown Houston in the second half of 2018.

Red Lion Hotels Corp. (NYSE: RLH) will build its 10th Hotel RL at 1005 St. Emanuel St. Hotel RL Houston Downtown will have 150 guest rooms, retail space and a signature restaurant and bar.

The hotel will also feature meeting areas, a business center and a fitness center.

Site:

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

[Urbannizer]

Midtown Metropole (http://www.pulsoinmobiliario.com/index.php?ver=desarrollos_detalle&desarrollo=51)

8-story, 71-unit condo building by DC Partners @1403 McGowen St. Construction begins Oct. 2016

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[Urbannizer]

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Sale-to-Astros-means-new-digs-for-New-Hope-Housing-7242069.php

New Hope Housing, in turn, will break ground Thursday on a new $25 million mixed-use development at Harrisburg and Sampson that will open in 2017.

The Houston architectural firm GSMA will design the New Hope Housing development on Harrisburg, which Horak-Brown said would include retail and commercial space along with efficiency apartments and the nonprofit's offices.

Horak-Brown said the average cost of housing at the Hamilton Street location is about $450 per month and includes utilities, cable television and access to social services designed to stabilize the lives of residents who struggle with homelessness and financial stress. Average stay at New Hope Housing units is between 18 months and two years.

http://newhopehousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/harrisburgRendering1-e1446582984257.jpg

[Urbannizer]

View from ROD: The Wilshire, cranes for Arabella and Amegy Bank HQ

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_04/image.thumb.jpeg.39fcb87e51519948575d16adf0652c68.jpeg
c/o MarathonMan @HAIF

[Urbannizer]

Washington hotel company to open first Houston location downtown (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/04/07/washington-hotel-company-to-open-first-houston.html)

Site:

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

16-stories:

http://www.hospitalitydesign.com/static/content_images/RLHC.png
http://www.hospitalitydesign.com/news/hotels-rest-wellness/Hotel-RL-to-Introduce-Downtown-Houston-Location-16036.shtml

[Urbannizer]

Retail space to be reintroduced to 712 Main. 19,800 sq ft

Historic downtown building preps for makeover (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Historic-downtown-building-preps-for-makeover-7248944.php#photo-9423310)

The former Gulf Oil Building, an iconic art deco tower on the downtown skyline, will undergo a major renovation by a well-known Houston development company that hopes it will renew interest in a block of Main Street.

Midway, the Houston developer responsible for CityCentre and Green Street, and the building owner Lionstone Investments announced plans Thursday to rebrand and renovate the 37-story tower, now anchored by JPMorgan Chase at 712 Main. The developers with combine it with the adjacent historic building at 708 Main.

Proposed renovations call for the ground-level connection of the two buildings, updated interior and new street-level restaurant and retail spaces.

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/45/31/22/9802930/9/920x920.jpg

[Monarch]

609 MAIN, is coming into its final stretch. should be a genuine stunner....

[Urbannizer]

46Sixteen Center St (http://www.camelothouston.com/4616-center-street/)

36 unit condo complex

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_04/2015_04_29-view-01-4-1.jpeg.4dfa165ad56a6a1cc4a02137e45ffc25.jpeg

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_04/5717bc156e3de_20160419_1919581.thumb.jpg.b6909aa247453c3bd28f5fa4d30a664f.jpg

[natenate]

Hope everyone and their families are ok after all this rain!

[Urbannizer]

Lockton Place starts in Westchase (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Lockton-Place-starts-in-Westchase-7305050.php#photo-9887309)

Houston-based Triten Real Estate Partners broke ground on Lockton Place, an eight-story office building in Westchase named for its main tenant.
Lockton, a global insurance brokerage based in Kansas City, has leased 120,000 square feet on five floors of the 187,000- square-foot building. It will relocate from San Felipe Plaza in the Galleria area.

Triten Real Estate Partners and its Triten IAG (International Alliance Group) affiliate will occupy a floor, leaving a portion of the first floor and the entire second floor available for lease. Triten IAG, which handles engineering projects for refineries and chemical plants, is also part of Triten Corp.

Lockton Place will be finished in December 2017.

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http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/45/55/71/9887309/3/1024x1024.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Sneak peek: Luxe apartment tower with glass-bottom sky pool in downtown Houston (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/04/sneak-peek-luxe-apartment-tower-with-glass-bottom.html)

Woodbranch Investments Corp. has begun preleasing units inside Market Square Tower, the tallest luxury apartment project in downtown Houston.

Market Square Tower’s 463 units will range in size from a 564-square-foot efficiency to a three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit spanning 1,950 square feet with an oversized balcony. There will be several penthouse units, starting at 2,933 square feet. Rents have not been disclosed.

Market Square Tower, which broke ground in 2014, is slated to open in October 2016, ahead of its originally planned 2017 opening.

H_DzzzQyXEI

[gabriel.dlt]

Midway Cos.' new mixed-use underway, more tenants signed
(http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/04/midway-cos-new-mixed-use-underway-more-tenants.html)
Construction is underway on Midway Cos.' new Memorial Green mixed-use project, which has signed on six tenants, according to Realty News Report. The luxury residential, commercial and retail destination will sit on about 14 acres at 12601 Memorial Drive, east of Beltway 8 and a few miles south of Midway's successful CityCentre project. 91 luxury single-family homes, a central green plaza and gated community parks, 50,000 square feet of Class A office space, and an additional 25,000 square feet of boutique retail and restaurant establishments, according to Midway's website.

The project is slated to be completed in 2017. Houston-based Midway purchased the land from Houston Methodist, which had originally planned a neighborhood hospital for the former senior living facility site.

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mE1JI_0lt0s

[weatherguru18]

Anybody know what happened to HAIF?

[Monarch]

^^^ well, whatever happened.. i am most certain that the anomaly shall be resolved. their management along with urbannizer... these guys don't play games. HAIF will be just fine....

[Urbannizer]

Ikea in talks for massive Houston developmen (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/04/28/exclusive-ikea-in-talks-for-massive-houston.html)t

Global furniture retailer Ikea is in negotiations to lease distribution buildings in Houston, multiple sources close to the deal told the Houston Business Journal.

The Netherlands-based furniture, appliance and home accessory company is in talks with Clay Development and Construction Inc. to lease industrial buildings at Cedar Port Industrial Park, a 10,987-acre industrial park near the Port of Houston, the sources said. Ikea is in talks to lease distribution buildings that are 1 million square feet total, one source said. It would be Ikea's first distribution center on the Gulf Coast; Ikea operates three centers on the East Coast and two on the West Coast, according to a company release.

[Urbannizer]

San Jacinto Mall demolition begins (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/04/san-jacinto-mall-demolition-begins.html)

Fidelis Realty Partners kicked off the initial demolition phase of San Jacinto Mall in Baytown on April 28.

The initial phase will demolish the former Ward’s and Bealls buildings, but the mall will remain open for business throughout the three-month process.

“We are very pleased to start this phase of the redevelopment process for San Jacinto Mall that has served the community since 1981,” Alan Hassenflu, CEO of Fidelis, said in a statement. “Currently, we are right on target with our planning efforts. As we unveil our design concept in 2017, the plan will reflect a broad selection of highly sought-after tenants and be recognized as a family-friendly center where the community can congregate to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment options in an inviting, spacious and aesthetically pleasing environment.”

Fidelis is working with Houston-based Boucher Design Group on architectural plans. The entire project will take multiple years.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/yourhoustonnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/3f/d3f0e17d-d22c-5b61-b3d4-5c7e5a8cb0b3/5722679e3e5ee.image.jpg?resize=760%2C507

[Urbannizer]

Australian Developer Buys Two Sites in Midtown for 1,000 residential units (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/33529-australian-developer-grabs-two-sites-in-midtown/#comment-531860)

Melbourne high-rise developer Joe Russo has secured two development sites in Houston, Texas, with plans for about 1000 apartments.

He paid about US$8 million ($10.5 million) for a small block in Houston's "latte and laptop" mid-town district with plans for more than 350 apartments over 28 levels.

Russo told the Australian Financial Review it had an end value of about $228 million.

He has also bought a second site across the road that will hold more than 600 apartments, with plans including shops and a piazza.

"I looked at five cities in the US and fell in love with Houston," he said.

"It's a growing city with 6.5 million people, the biggest medical precinct in the US. In the midtown area where I have acquired my sites, there's a lot of gentrification going on with bars and restaurants opening up and a new light rail in operation."

[tdurham-uh]

Australian Developer Buys Two Sites in Midtown for 1,000 residential units (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/33529-australian-developer-grabs-two-sites-in-midtown/#comment-531860)

come through!! If this project is anything like this developer's other projects, this will be very interesting.

[H-TownChris]

Australian Developer Buys Two Sites in Midtown for 1,000 residential units (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/33529-australian-developer-grabs-two-sites-in-midtown/#comment-531860)

If you do the math, this 600 unit apartment tower could be 48 stories tall if it has the same scale as the 28 story, 350 unit apartment tower! Interesting indeed.

[Urbannizer]

Here's the two sites. It's not yet known which is for the 28-story highrise (phase 1).

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[Urbannizer]

Aris Market Square

via Flickr:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/26705604242_8825c30895_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GFTcJs)
Aris (https://flic.kr/p/GFTcJs) by Marc longoria (https://www.flickr.com/photos/119926851@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/26705599132_b9c8c60855_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GFTbdm)
Aris (https://flic.kr/p/GFTbdm) by Marc longoria (https://www.flickr.com/photos/119926851@N02/), on Flickr

[Urbannizer]

Beijing Developers Begin Construction on $300 Million Mixed-Use Project in Pearland (http://realtynewsreport.com/2016/05/03/beijing-developers-begin-construction-on-300-million-mixed-use-project-in-pearland/)

HOUSTON – America Modern Green, a subsidiary of Beijing-based Modern Land China, has begun construction on a $300 million mixed-use project that will deliver office, retail, multifamily, seniors living and a hotel to Pearland, just south of Houston.

The 48-acre development, called the Ivy District, is expected to have a wide variety of commercial and residential building on-site upon completion in a few years. Ivy District will be located on Highway 288, eight miles south of the Texas Medical Center in southern Harris County.

The Ivy District is expected to include a 224-unit seniors community, 46 townhomes, more than 200,000 SF of Class A office, retail space, 335 units of rental apartments and 142 condominium units, according to the recently revised plan for the project. A hotel has been considered, but the developers will probably opt to build office space instead.

Land work for utilities and streets is underway and vertical construction is expected to begin in 2017.

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/32/35/06/6934959/3/1024x1024.jpg

[Urbannizer]

New luxe apartments rise across from Hermann Park (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/sneak-peek-new-luxe-apartments-across-from-hermann.html)

Tema Development Inc. is nearing completion on One Hermann Place, a $75 million luxury apartment project across the street from Hermann Park.

The Houston developer broke ground in December 2014 on the seven-story, 224-unit apartment complex on 2.25 acres at 1699 Hermann Dr., near Jackson Street in the Museum District.

Tema is expected to deliver the first units inside One Hermann Place in early June, and will hold a grand opening in July.

Tema Development, established in 1981, also developed The Parklane, a 35-story luxury condominium and apartment tower finished in 1983 at 1701 Hermann Dr. in the Museum District. The developer is now in the early stages of planning two high-rise residential towers called Two and Three Hermann Place on the remainder of the 6 acres next to One Hermann Place and The Parklane.

“We’ve started conceptual drawings, but we have no plans to develop anything right now,” said Haytham Haidar, who is leading Tema’s development team. “We’re focused on leasing up One Hermann Place."

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[Urbannizer]

600 Jefferson rebranding into 1801 Smith Street (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/exclusive-downtown-tower-to-be-renovated-as.html)

With Chicago-based United Airlines Inc. leaving its space at 600 Jefferson in downtown Houston and moving to 609 Main at the end of 2018, the owners are planning a revamp of the building.

Stream Realty Partners LP and New York-based DRA Advisors LLC launched a tower renovation and rebrand that should wrap up a year before United leaves.

Construction started in March and are planned to be finished in January 2017, a spokesperson for Dallas-based Stream told the Houston Business Journal. All in all, the building's two lobbies will get updated marble and granite ceilings, light fixtures and new furniture and art. A new conference center, tenant lounge and cafe will also be built.

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/9518822/1801-smith-3.png

[Urbannizer]

Houston may soon get its own Crystal Lagoon (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/houston-may-soonget-its-own-crystal-lagoon.html)

Five Houston developers are in discussions to bring large man-made Crystal Lagoons to the Bayou City.

[Urbannizer]

Allen Center prepares for makeover (http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Allen-Center-70s-era-downtown-icon-prepares-7397650.php#photo-9952861)

*Work is already underway.

The owner of downtown's Allen Center, a 1970s-era office complex known for its skybridges and glass-enclosed entry at the corner of Smith and Dallas, announced a $48.5 million renovation of the property Friday from the grounds of its 7-acre site.

Dramatic changes will be made throughout the development, but the signature piece of the renovation will be the exterior landscaped areas between One and Two Allen Center. The space between the two buildings, a rare patch of green in downtown Houston, is largely obscured from the street by a skywalk, high berm and other features.

The new design opens up the space by removing the bridge and berm and reconfigures it as a nearly one-acre tree-lined lawn. A performance venue will anchor the space on the western end.

As for the buildings, One Allen Center will receive the most dramatic renovation.

As the "front door" to the complex, the current entryway is clad in glass, a feature added after the building was developed. It, along with the heavy brick podium upon which the tower stands, will be rebuilt into a more open, modern and bright space.

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[Slyfox]

Houston may soon get its own Crystal Lagoon (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/houston-may-soonget-its-own-crystal-lagoon.html)

Dear sweet Jesus let this come to fruition. I've been hoping and praying for Houston to implement their own Streets Beach. Hopefully it'll be huge.

Or they could put this along 10 miles of Galveston coast, then you could drive an hour and pretend you're in the Caribbean.

[Urbannizer]

Dear sweet Jesus let this come to fruition. I've been hoping and praying for Houston to implement their own Streets Beach. Hopefully it'll be huge.

Or they could put this along 10 miles of Galveston coast, then you could drive an hour and pretend you're in the Caribbean.

They have one on the table for Galveston! Came across their project list and the locations for the Houston area are given. Would love to see a Crystal Lagoon for Uptown.

http://www.crystal-lagoons.com/projects

Galveston County, TX
Lake Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Galveston Island, TX
New Waverly, TX

[Urbannizer]

Encore Castle Court (http://encore.bz/multi-family/portfolio/ccg/)

Construction now underway, 211 units at 1341 Castle Ct. in Montrose.

http://encore.bz/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Encore-Castle-Court.jpg

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_05/image.thumb.jpeg.ccd8ac2b861fb32d5b97ea0aa69944d6.jpeg

[Urbannizer]

Sampson Lofts (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32155-sampson-lofts-warehouse-to-be-converted-to-residential/)

Warehouse being converted to an 80-unit residential complex with retail.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7060/26865354332_8aa9fed1e0_b.jpg
c/o HoustonMidtown

[Slyfox]

They have one on the table for Galveston! Came across their project list and the locations for the Houston area are given. Would love to see a Crystal Lagoon for Uptown.

http://www.crystal-lagoons.com/projects

Galveston County, TX
Lake Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Galveston Island, TX
New Waverly, TX

That's incredible! Thank you.

[Urbannizer]

609 Main has surpassed BG Group Place in height.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/26604941190_4cc7b7dc82_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GwZh7A)IMG_6168 (https://flic.kr/p/GwZh7A) by George Zimzores (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimzores/), on Flickr

[Monarch]

http://www.ctbuh.org/Portals/0/Media/NewsArchive/2014/Aug/25-29/609Main.jpg
^^^ what a brilliant achievement!

[pacarlson]

609 Main has surpassed BG Group Place in height.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/26604941190_4cc7b7dc82_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GwZh7A)IMG_6168 (https://flic.kr/p/GwZh7A) by George Zimzores (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimzores/), on Flickr

Very nice shot!

[Urbannizer]

Luxury condo to replace axed Italian-style townhomes (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/exclusive-luxury-condo-to-replace-axed-italian.html)

A luxury condominium is planned for the former site of an Italian-style townhome project near Memorial Park.

Stolz Partners LLC is under contract to purchase a nearly 2-acre site at 6017 Memorial Drive, just west of Westcott Street and the Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens. The Atlanta-based developer is set to close on the property within six months, said Will Stolz, founder and owner of Stolz Partners.

The seven-story building, designed by Houston architect Mirador Group, will feature a timeless design and a cast-stone exterior. The interior will feature just 42 units, ranging in size from 2,400 square feet to nearly 5,000 square feet.

Sudhoff Cos. has begun pre-sales inside The Sophie. Stolz Partners will break ground on The Sophie after 50 percent of units are sold.

http://media.bizj.us/view/img/9632982/the-sophie-at-bayou-bend-front-elevation.jpg

[Monarch]

^^^ the above "SOPHIE" seems to harbor very clean lines... stately.. and very elegant. i am in love....

[Urbannizer]

Moody National buys prime Memorial City tract for future development (http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Moody-National-buys-prime-Memorial-tract-for-7506279.php)

Moody National Cos. has purchased a vintage apartment complex on a prime site in the Memorial area for a future development.

The Houston-based company has purchased Le Renaissance apartments on 4.5 acres at 970 Bunker Hill Road, just south of Interstate 10, according to commercial real estate firm Transwestern. The company will operate the 164-unit complex in the short-term, but eventually plans a mixed-use development with office and retail space on the site.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7412/26455053194_e385f30088_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Woodlands Gate (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31295-the-woodlands-gate-mixed-use-project/?page=2)

Office, hotel and retail project near The Woodlands (Rayford Rd near I-45).

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7715/27033056736_4cfb861347_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Mid-Main

360 unit midrise with 30,000 sq ft of retail.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7579/27078443275_d38ddac66e_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7488/26984041792_fd656e3ed2_b.jpg
c/o hindesky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28768-mid-main-—-mixed-use-development-for-midtown-3600-main/?do=findComment&comment=532555)

[Urbannizer]

Construction has begun for Residences at Hardy Yards

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ch3_WF0VEAAS3qB.jpg:large
c/o andre154 @HAIF

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8691/17056783231_407214c311_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Museum Mansions (http://www.tourelleventures.com/html/museum.html)

9-story condo building for the Museum District by Tourelle Ventures, across from the Texas Asia Society Center. Each level aside from the first is one unit.

http://www.tourelleventures.com/_images/plans/5207_042816_01B.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7583/27017487421_16a396cdda_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Houston No. 1 in the nation for retail construction (http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Houston-No-1-for-retail-construction-in-the-7521473.php)

Dallas may have overtaken Houston as the nation's top city for home construction, but when it comes to retail, we've got our neighbor to the north squarely beat.

Builders are projected to complete nearly 3.3 million square feet of retail space in the Houston area this year, making it the No. 1 city in the nation for retail additions, according to a report by commercial real estate firm Marcus & Millichap.

That is on top of the 3.9 million square feet added last year.

[Urbannizer]

Moody National buys prime Memorial City tract for future development (http://www.chron.com/business/real-estate/article/Moody-National-buys-prime-Memorial-tract-for-7506279.php)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7412/26455053194_e385f30088_b.jpg

Developer: Bunker Hill mixed-use will be next River Oaks District (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/05/18/developer-bunker-hill-mixed-use-will-be-next-river.html) (subcriber content)

[Urbannizer]

U of H Preps To Buy Ex-Grand Katy Land, Sell in Cinco Ranch (http://swamplot.com/u-of-h-preps-to-buy-ex-grand-katy-land-sell-in-cinco-ranch/2016-05-18/)

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=38768688

ON THE AGENDA for tomorrow’s meeting of the University of Houston’s board of regents: a who-can-sign-for-it approval for the purchase of a 46-acre property in Katy, about a 10-minute drive from the 10-acre Cinco Ranch property the school is hoping to sell later this year. The land occupies half of the big round tract at the northwest corner of I-10 and the Grand Pkwy. once slated to become Simon Property’s The Grand. That land was sold in 2014 to Moody-controlled Parkside Capital, which had been marketing it as a mixed-use office development called Verde Parc; if all goes according to the terms laid out in a late-April letter of intent describing the sale terms, the area will be rebranded as University Park (currently the name of the street the Cinco Ranch property sits on, at the intersection with S. Mason Dr.).

The Gensler site plan above appears in the notes that go along with tomorrow’s board vote; another aerial map clarifies that the University is buying the top half of the circle, not the bottom parcels.

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/uh-katy-campus-4.jpg

[Twitter1]

Central Market Houston unveils plans for $10 million renovation

http://www.click2houston.com/consumer/central-market-houston-unveils-plans-for-10-million-renovation

HOUSTON - Central Market Houston has unveiled plans for a $10 million renovation, offering an even bigger and better foodie destination, company representatives said.

The new and improved store will boast an additional 10,000 square feet with expanded offerings and a refined shopping experience, according to the company.

Catering to food lovers - from gourmet cooks to families on the run - the renovated store will offer Houstonians the highest quality one-stop shop for everyday grocery shopping, a destination market for gourmet selections and entertaining and extensive Chef Prepared offerings, the company said.

The store will undergo a major transformation and expansion, keeping the Central Market presence current with H-E-B’s growing network in Houston. A new façade will brighten the store, and an atrium will create a dramatic entrance with vaulted ceilings and skylights, the company said.

"Central Market continues to invest in the Houston community and is excited to bring new, innovative offerings to our loyal food lovers and new shoppers alike," said Stephen Butt, senior vice president of the Central Market division. "Houston is an increasingly diverse and dynamic city, and we are committed to staying current with the culinary scene."

Special features include:

- One of the largest produce departments in the company, with 33 percent more space
- Expanded specialty grocery offerings featuring an array of international selections and olive oils
- Expansive dairy department
- New single-lane access checkout area, creating a streamlined checkout process
- Off-site employee parking so all storefront parking is dedicated to customers
- New entry and information desk

The phased renovation will begin in late May and is expected to be complete by spring 2017. The store will remain open throughout construction.

http://i.imgur.com/akdzM9l.jpg

[Urbannizer]

More detailed rendering of Arabella:

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5390e4c1e4b0b4ca7343d8d9/5391bdcee4b0097a84e22496/55b96b9fe4b024f525711743/1438215073263/RD+-+Arabia+-+Houston+-+USA+-+2015.jpg?format=1000w

[JManc]

^ whoa that thing is huge.

There's another tower u/c on the other side of Skyhouse too.

[Urbannizer]

Long-awaited Buffalo Bayou mixed-use moving forward (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/exclusive-long-awaited-buffalo-bayou-mixed-use.html?ana=e_hstn_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2016-05-19&u=zTa%2FlU9LAcQU28BnlJZR0w04914fc9&t=1463666076&j=73340052)

The second phase of Regent Square, a highly-anticipated mixed-use project just south of Allen Parkway that's been delayed for years, is finally moving forward.

Building permits should be secured by the third quarter or end of the year, a source with Houston's Morris Architects, one of the architects on the project, told the Houston Business Journal. Boston-based General Investment & Development Cos. is the developer of Regent Square. GID has already progressed through the design portion, the source said. Harvey Builders is the general contractor.

Morris, as well as Dallas-based HKS Inc. and Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects, designed portions of the 24-acre project. Boston-based CBT Architects is the design architect, and Houston-based The Office of James Burnett is the landscape architect, according to bid documents. A total of 10 architects are working on the project, according to GID's website.

Upon completion, Regent Square should include roughly 400,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, 240,000 square feet of office space, 950 multifamily units and 4,200 parking spaces. The planned walkable community is near Buffalo Bayou along Dunlavy and West Dallas streets on land formerly occupied by the 1960s-era Allen House Apartments, which were almost all demolished in 2007 to make way for Regent Square.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7691/27045868981_c860500f4e_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7169/27114399515_04a92d693c_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7491/27045867731_2e82f7d256_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7430/27045868311_920c443aaf_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7177/27114398745_7f55dcea07_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7459/27045870431_252a84b048_b.jpg

[Ant131531]

Wow that's a great looking project.

[TexasBoi]

Please be true. Regent Square has always been my most anticipated development for Houston.

[Urbannizer]

UHD to buy downtown land to expand campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/uhd-to-buy-downtown-land-to-expand-campus.html)

University of Houston – Downtown plans to buy acreage adjacent to its existing campus to grow its footprint by 74 percent.

The UH System’s board of regents approved the purchase of a 17-acre parcel immediately north of the existing campus. It will increase the campus to 40 acres.

UHD plans to build its new Science and Technology Building on the parcel. The Texas Legislature approved the new building last year, and architecture selection is underway. UHD hopes to complete the project by summer 2019.

The new property will also ensure UHD has space for other new academic and student life facilities, though exact plans have yet to be determined.

http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/46/51/10/10129970/5/920x1240.jpg

[Monarch]

^^^ more wonderful and exciting news for UH. GO COOGS!

[atlantaguy]

Please be true. Regent Square has always been my most anticipated development for Houston.

That is a beautiful project!

GID is about to launch a project here as well that I'm pretty excited about, High Street. It was first proposed prior to the recession, but it isn't Downtown like Regent Square. This is across the street from the Dunwoody train station, in the rapidly urbanizing Perimeter Center area. This area of town has become our largest office submarket.

The design aesthetic seems somewhat similar, and I love both.

http://highstreetatlanta.com/

[drummer]

UHD to buy downtown land to expand campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/05/uhd-to-buy-downtown-land-to-expand-campus.html)



http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/46/51/10/10129970/5/920x1240.jpg

Not hugely familiar with downtown Houston. Would this lot be the one across the freeway to the north from the current buildings?

[Urbannizer]

Not hugely familiar with downtown Houston. Would this lot be the one across the freeway to the north from the current buildings?

Yes. More buildings may end up being constructed on the site once TxDOT plans for I-10 & I-45 are finalized.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7571/26610644113_b25675d18e_o.jpg

[Bailey]

^^^ more wonderful and exciting news for UH. GO COOGS!

They aren't Coogs..they are alligators or something like that.
UHD is part of the University of Houston system but they are all different campuses (like UTEP, UTSA, etc.)

UH-Clear Lake
UH- Victoria
UH- Downtown
..and I think they've opened a building in San Antonio for the UH college of Hotel and Restaurant Management-San Antonio

They are currently working on a UH medical school. Not sure if it will be located as part of the main campus or in the med center.

[Monarch]

They aren't Coogs..they are alligators or something like that.
UHD is part of the University of Houston system but they are all different campuses (like UTEP, UTSA, etc.)

UH-Clear Lake
UH- Victoria
UH- Downtown
..and I think they've opened a building in San Antonio for the UH college of Hotel and Restaurant Management-San Antonio

They are currently working on a UH medical school. Not sure if it will be located as part of the main campus or in the med center.

^^^ props for the clarification. somehow, i had forgotten about the huge mural with the alligator / croc.... or whatever....

[Urbannizer]

Mixed-use district near Exxon campus lands major headquarters (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/05/24/mixed-use-project-near-exxon-campus-lands-major.html)

CityPlace, a delayed 60-acre urban district near Exxon Mobil Corp.’s new campus in Springwoods Village, has secured a major tenant for an office building.

Houston-based American Bureau of Shipping will move its global headquarters to CityPlace 2, a 10-story, 326,800-square-foot mixed-use building that will begin construction early next year. ABS and a subsidiary, ABS Group, will occupy the entire office portion of the building, which also will include 23,700 square feet of ground-floor retail. It is expected to be complete in late 2018.

When completed, CityPlace will include 4 million square feet of Class A office space with 400,000 square feet of integrated retail space, a full-service hotel and additional luxury multifamily projects. The project was announced before oil prices started to fall and was thus delayed. As of last summer, the development partners were still deciding whether they would wait for a lead tenant before breaking ground or would begin construction speculatively.

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/46/51/56/10132361/4/920x920.jpg

[Urbannizer]

The River Oaks

http://theriveroaks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GT-Leach-Constructors-LLC-488581561322825/

On Monday...The River Oaks project team moved in a 275 Ton Capacity Lattice Boom Crawler Crane. The crane will be used by GT Leach's subcontractor Postel Steel Erection. Postel will set and install the steel frame for the 2 NEW Floors that are being added to the existing 16 story concrete structure..... All photos are by GT Leach

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7264/26627667373_ab1c3a3058_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7039/26627663343_68bfa07b28_b.jpg

[JManc]

They aren't Coogs..they are alligators or something like that.
UHD is part of the University of Houston system but they are all different campuses (like UTEP, UTSA, etc.)

UH-Clear Lake
UH- Victoria
UH- Downtown
..and I think they've opened a building in San Antonio for the UH college of Hotel and Restaurant Management-San Antonio

They are currently working on a UH medical school. Not sure if it will be located as part of the main campus or in the med center.

UHD are the Gators
UHCL are the Hawks
UHV are the Jaguars

UH medical school will probably near or on its main campus. It will probably be a part of the TMC even though it's physically not located there. UTMB in Galveston is a member of the TMC

[Urbannizer]

Ascent Med Center (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=210663)

Work now underway!

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy266%2Fbrijonmang%2FIMG_3705_zpstcbnzjjz.jpg&key=5ef583988b0ff67fcad91ef7e4b6eba37dd8f0c286fea393831a7c61875bbcc3

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy266%2Fbrijonmang%2FIMG_3703_zpsq8x2ukhf.jpg&key=7b049a5cf48587a67aa40b0972142ccc18ff90e4bd4b61ff5504ea4b5453850c
c/o bobruss

[Urbannizer]

Kirby Collection (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=210466)

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7735%2F26683360414_046b77b1d7_b.jpg&key=2f14c2c296bdf334cfdca0ef2be4c077cc1767d83a783f0b6834399425c5e96d

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7254%2F27290296505_87c926d347_b.jpg&key=677f0dff5a4e73f44ae03f7ffeea0db4fcbcc1a0aa31b0f289c9644d92991561
c/o Yoda @HAIF

http://www.wylieassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BOOK-11x17_DWA-DD-Pres_Kirby_102714.jpg

[Urbannizer]

The River Oaks

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7039/26627663343_68bfa07b28_b.jpg

Better look:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7428/27213048412_18733952be_b.jpg

Marquis at Greenway Plaza

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7174/27213045942_fdc64220f2_b.jpg
Photos c/o rechlin @HAIF

[Monarch]

^^^ the new RIVER OAKS development is quite stunning... wow!

[photoLith]

Not the greatest photo but while catching a connecting flight from Austin to Pittsburgh I had to land at Houston and got this photo of most of the skyline. You rarely can get a view of the entire skyline, its really amazing how massive it is and I didnt even get all of it.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7153/27304647711_83ec92fdbe_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8)POT_5923 (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8) by photolitherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/photolitherland/), on Flickr

Also passed over The Woodlands.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7664/27304648311_0ed4bf4ef7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsEt)POT_5918 (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsEt) by photolitherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/photolitherland/), on Flickr

[Urbannizer]

Museum District Neighborhood Association received an update this week on Museo Plaza (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=218710). Trammell Crow is the developer.

c/o cranky (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/32552-museo-plaza-mixed-use-for-the-museum-district-54-story-high-rise/?page=6#comment-533519) @HAIF:

Early stages of design - design will take another year
Development would be like City Center
3 buildings to be constructed in this order: medical tower, residential tower, luxury boutique hotel (the most luxurious in Houston or at least top 5)
Each building would have their own parking; underground is being considered but may not happen because of cost
All buildings would have first floor retail/restaurants with outdoor seating - this is why they want to close Palm street
The vision includes a performance stage
Palm street greenery would be open to the public but privately owned. One option they will explore is having the city turn Palm street into a public park
Palm street greenery would be enjoyable/designed to be used year round
Targeting all types of restaurants: family friendly, casual, fine, coffee shop, bars
Multiple entrances to buildings - all entrances will be attractive
Existing oak trees would be kept and additional trees and greenery would be added
Closing Palm street to make it all green space would be a beautiful entrance to Museum Park and would serve as a link between Museum District and Museum Park
Developers will continue to involve the neighborhood as plans progress.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_06/IMG_0829.thumb.JPG.741af371161777ff33e8e7e960d24951.JPG

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_06/IMG_0830.thumb.JPG.a59e197007fe553dc60fec92bb79b7e5.JPG

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/uploads/monthly_2016_06/IMG_0831.thumb.JPG.ce9604dac798edda253bfea5554a438b.JPG

http://www.museumparkna.org/resources/Documents/MPNA.MPSN%20Meeting%204.27.16.pdf


The project is presented as a unique, one-of-a-kind mixed use neighborhood development on three city blocks bounded by Main St., Fannin, Southmore and Wichita. The project will include a hotel at the current site of Mann Eye clinic with 150-180 keys, a residential tower with 300 units north of the hotel, and a medical office building east of the hotel. All will be linked by a pedestrian plaza/”green space” replacing Palm Street. A restaurant is planned on Palm St. along with a Performance Pavilion on Palm St. facing Main. Green space is considered the primary driver for success because a successful green space gives more opportunity for restaurants and retail to succeed. Parking will be above ground and Southmore will be required to be widened by the developer for the length of the project. Private ownership should deter the transient population.

[Slyfox]

It would probably behoove them to have Palm Street Park (Should it come to fruition) privately managed. Not that the city of Houston doesn't do a great job with parks, but as mentioned the transient population could be better dealt with, also it will save Houstonians the resources/tax dollars, and they can keep on top of it and update it if/when the surroundings change down the line. My favorite city park in the entire US is Bryant Park in NYC and it's been privately managed since either the 70's or 80's.

[Slyfox]

[QUOTE=photoLith;7458250]Not the greatest photo but while catching a connecting flight from Austin to Pittsburgh I had to land at Houston and got this photo of most of the skyline. You rarely can get a view of the entire skyline, its really amazing how massive it is and I didnt even get all of it.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7153/27304647711_83ec92fdbe_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8)POT_5923 (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8) by photolitherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/photolitherland/), on Flickr


It would be incredible if they could bring the right and left together with more mid-high rises in between and create one long continuous skyline.

Or at least build up high/mid rises around Memorial Park very densely (Kind of like central park) so you'd have a continues skyline from downtown to memorial/TMC.

Granted it would be tens of billions of dollars worth of investment but one can dream...

[TowerSpotter]

[QUOTE=photoLith;7458250]Not the greatest photo but while catching a connecting flight from Austin to Pittsburgh I had to land at Houston and got this photo of most of the skyline. You rarely can get a view of the entire skyline, its really amazing how massive it is and I didnt even get all of it.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7153/27304647711_83ec92fdbe_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8)POT_5923 (https://flic.kr/p/HAPsu8) by photolitherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/photolitherland/), on Flickr


It would be incredible if they could bring the right and left together with more mid-high rises in between and create one long continuous skyline.

Or at least build up high/mid rises around Memorial Park very densely (Kind of like central park) so you'd have a continues skyline from downtown to memorial/TMC.

Granted it would be tens of billions of dollars worth of investment but one can dream...

Its slowly happening.

[Urbannizer]

*bump*

[Urbannizer]

Its slowly happening.

Not east to west though, but Downtown to /Midtown/Museum District/Texas Medical Center. In photolit's pic, the cluster next to DT is the Med Center, south and further away; there's some towers in between the two.

The pace of forming a skyline connection of these areas into one will pick up soon hopefully. Midtown needs the most work. Several high-rises are proposed waiting for the market to recover, and the demolition of the Pierce Elevated will further tie-in it all. Also some projects proposed and underway in the Museum District, Museo Plaza will make a big impact. Hermann Park creates a gap and is partly bounded by Rice, but it'd be easier for mid/high-rises to surround at least half of it. We already have some buildings doing just that. Memorial Park is just too massive and would take an eternity for Downtown to be one with Uptown. Lastly the Med Center continues to build up its core while moving southward. May even have some buildings spill over to the south side of 610 someday, once the UT Research Campus comes together.

The pano below gives a great visual and also shows we still have a decent amount of work to do.

[Urbannizer]

Scroll ------->

We could also have Uptown/Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby skyline going on if it wasn't for Afton Oaks. :P
http://www.onehermannplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Pano1.jpg

[Monarch]

^^^ what a remarkable illustration of houston urbannizer... wow!

[Urbannizer]

Work has begun for Marlowe. :cheers:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7368/27407678622_6d041dc3b8_b.jpg
c/o Alec @HAIF

http://www.houstoneb5.com/images/project_marlowe_1.jpg

[Urbannizer]

Luxury hotel brand mulls Houston opening (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/06/07/luxury-hotel-brand-mulls-houston-opening.html)

Loews Hotels and Resorts owns a plot of land in Uptown that could one day occupy a Loews hotel, the brand's first in the Houston market, a Loews spokesperson told the Houston Business Journal.

Loews Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of New York-based Loews Corp. (NYSE: L), has "work underway to assess feasibility and concept for a hotel," the spokesperson said, adding that no decisions have been made. The land's specific location wasn't made available, and the spokesperson couldn't be reached for further comment. It's unclear how long Loews has owned the land.

A timeline on when Loews would develop a Houston hotel wasn't made available, but "Houston will be the first to know when the time comes," the spokesperson said. Loews has been interested in Houston since at least 2013, when the company's then-president and CEO Paul Whetsell said Loews was interested in entering the Houston market either through an acquisition or a new development, Hotel News Now reported.

[Urbannizer]

Post Oak Park Redevelopment (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/31080-foreign-investor-buys-post-oak-park-townhomes-for-redevelopment/)

A traffic analysis conducted in Feb. 2015 reveals a foreign investor wants to construct a mixed-use project in Uptown.

The project includes 150 hotel units, 50 hotel resident condominiums, 250 apartment units, and 325 condominium units to be constructed on a 5.4 acre lot that previously contained a 102 unit townhome development. The proposed development’s estimated duration of full build-out conditions has not been determined at this point.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7376/26838539574_067265a4cc_o.png

The site was formerly home to townhouses which were demolished back in Jan. 2015.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7731/27540589105_9ac9be6b71_b.jpg

[Urbannizer]

More on Uptown...word is that a Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences for Houston is back on!! Scheduled to deliver in 18 months. This comes from HAIF; we should receive a floor count today.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/33651-ritz-carlton-hotel-coming-to-uptown/

[Urbannizer]

Here are the Top Five Markets For Hotel Projects in the Pipeline (https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/hotel/nyc-leads-the-top-5-markets-for-hotel-projects-in-the-pipeline-61171?rt=19016?utm_source=CopyShare&utm_medium=Browser)

NYC leads the US markets with the largest hotel construction at 187 projects in the pipeline, according to data from Lodging Econometrics. Houston (169 projects), Dallas (128), LA (94) and newcomer Nashville (89) round out the top five markets for hotel construction in the pipeline.

Marriott—set to be the largest hotel company in the world, after its Starwood merger—has the most projects in the pipeline for four of these five markets, being beaten only in Houston, where InterContinental Hotels Group has 46 projects.

[Urbannizer]

723 Main to become an AC Hotel by Marriott (http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/33660-723-main-street-to-become-an-ac-hotel-by-marriott/?_fromLogin=1).

http://www.houstontexascriminalattorney.com/files/graphics/pennybuilding.jpg

[glowrock]

Love the old (relatively) photo with just a tower crane where BG Place/Main Place/"Bic Lighter" Tower is now at Main and Rusk! :)

At any rate, this is great news for Main St. in particular and downtown Houston in general!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Twitter1]

Where Loews Might Plant Its Uptown Hotel on Post Oak Blvd.
http://zieglercooper.com/confidential-mixed-use-development-4/
http://swamplot.com/where-loews-might-plant-its-uptown-hotel-on-post-oak-blvd/2016-06-10/

Following this week’s report from the HBJ that the Loews hotel chain is currently considering an Uptown locale, a sharp-eyed reader points to a lot previously marked for 2 more towers to keep the BBVA Compass building company, just north of 2200 Post Oak Blvd. The land has been owned by Loews since 2014 (or by someone using the address of the company’s NYC headquarters); a tipster separately tells Swamplot that the company has been pricing out construction work on that particular spot, though nothing was official as of mid-May.

Architecture firm Ziegler Cooper has posted some renderings (including the one above) of a mixed use project apparently designed for the same BBVA-adjacent land (though labeled only as Confidential Hotel & Mixed Used Development). TRC Capital (formerly The Redstone Company) currently has some very similar renderings more prominently displayed on its website, once again labeling the residential piece of the project as the Perennial Hotel and Apartments, along with another office tower marked as 2100 Post Oak.

This high-density, mixed-use project will include an office tower adjacent to a 36-story apartment/hotel. The office portion will be a 29-story, 367,000-s.f. boutique, podium-style building with eight levels of above-grade parking and 4,600 s.f. of retail at the ground level. The development is being designed to meet USGBC requirements, and is striving to achieve LEED Gold.

http://i.imgur.com/AF9F6yN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DQ4HQ0p.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/h1lJrwz.jpg

[Monarch]

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/j/jlpar/0-modules/custom/Ambassadeur_Beach/jlpar_module_logo.gif
^^^ welcome AC HOTELS MARRIOTT to downtown houston!

[Twitter1]

That site is so expensive. I don't see how they do it.

The BBVA Compass bldg is one of my favorites in the area. BHP Billiton and Hanover Post Oak come in next :P

The only negative about that market area is the 610 traffic. The area is so populated it's basically busy from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
I find traveling at 10:00 AM is the best time. Most people are working during the mid morning.

The 610 Elevated Express Lanes are going to be fun. Hopefully our section of Hwy 290 will be completed before the start of construction.

[Urbannizer]

Amazon seeks tax relief to build in NW Houston (http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/retail/article/Amazon-seeks-tax-relief-to-build-in-NW-Houston-8108256.php)

Online retail giant Amazon is seeking a tax abatement from Harris County officials for a proposed fulfillment center that could bring 1,000 jobs to northwest Houston.

Documents on file with Commissioners Court show the 855,000-square-foot warehouse would occupy about 10 percent of what can be built at the 970-acre Pinto Business Park, which Hines started work on a little more than three years ago at the southwest corner of Interstate 45 North and Beltway 8. The developer has already completed a few projects in the space, including a 105,800-square-foot single-story industrial building for engineering firm Alfa Laval in 2015.

The $136 million Amazon fulfillment center would include warehouse and distribution space meant to serve the region surrounding Harris County, the county records show. At least 80 percent of inventory is expected to be sent at least 100 miles outside the county, according to the documents. The fulfillment center would be separate from Amazon's Houston Prime Now facility in Humble.

Amazon plans to begin construction on the project in the third quarter of 2016 and expects the fulfillment center to bring 1,000 full-time jobs.

[Urbannizer]

Here's what UT could do with its Houston campus (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2016/06/heres-what-utcould-do-with-its-houston-campus.html)

The Houston task force selected for the University of Texas' proposed local campus provided its first update June 13 for the 320-acre project.

The task force wants the campus to be a combination of professional and educational opportunities for UT students. On the campus, public and private organizations and companies would offer programs for UT students to get hands-on experience in various fields.

The task force has engaged with at least 60 potential partners to develop programs on the campus, said Paul Hobby, co-chair of the task force and a founding partner for Genesis Park LP, a Houston-based private equity firm. He expects to have a few anchor tenants announced by year-end, as well.

The task force envisions partnering with some of Houston's anchor industries such as energy, health care, aerospace and the port, as well as programs for higher education, technology and business development. Additionally, the plan is to not overlap with existing educational programs in place already at Houston's higher-education institutions, Hobby said.

In that regard, Hobby reiterated the system's platform that this campus will not be like other UT campuses around the state such as the University of Texas at El Paso or the University of Texas at San Antonio. Regardless, the UT land grab has drawn ire from Houstonians who feel the campus is an encroachment on local institutions.

"This will not be a four-year campus with a mascot and an admissions department. Eventually, who knows what it will be, but if anybody is ready for this to become UT Houston with a modified mascot and a football team, that's not what's going to happen here," Hobby said.

During the second half of 2016, the task force will narrow down several other key aspects of the proposed campus, the main point being how the campus will pay for itself. With anchor tenants and collaborative programs, some of the cost will be taken care of, but there are additional costs to iron out. Still, Hobby is adamant that the cost won't balloon for students.

http://asumag.com/site-files/asumag.com/files/imagecache/large_img/uploads/2015/11/uthouston.jpg

[Monarch]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Texas_Longhorn_logo.svg/150px-Texas_Longhorn_logo.svg.png
HOOK'EM!

[JManc]

There already is a "UT Houston"...it's called The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Plus, there's MD Anderson.

[Urbannizer]

The Revere at River Oaks (http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/06/13/exclusive-houston-developer-plans-luxury-condo.html)

9-story, 33 unit condo building at Welch and Revere in River Oaks.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7235/27432379900_3d93a38d51_b.jpg

[Slyfox]

That site is so expensive. I don't see how they do it.

The only negative about that market area is the 610 traffic. The area is so populated it's basically busy from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
I find traveling at 10:00 AM is the best time. Most people are working during the mid morning.

The 610 Elevated Express Lanes are going to be fun. Hopefully our section of Hwy 290 will be completed before the start of construction.

Perhaps METRO Rail will keep expanding and people can forgo 610 and just take the rail to work/home around Post Oak ;-)

[Twitter1]

Perhaps METRO Rail will keep expanding and people can forgo 610 and just take the rail to work/home around Post Oak ;-)

Post Oak is getting a METRO bus line! :shrug: (if I read the article correctly.)

Does the demographic fit old, dirty, buses? You would think Post Oak would be getting a Rail line instead. Rails are the new thing. Buses have been around for decades. I just don't see it. Who would want to ride in a METRO bus after shopping at Gucci and Hermes? :uhh:

Edit: After reading again, it seems like a new hybrid will be developed. The best of both worlds of the bus and light rail systems. This could be cool!

Uptown project begins with tree work
http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2016/06/13/post-oak-boulevard-project-starts-first-phase.html

The first time Alex Garvin visited Houston, in 1968, the young professor from Yale dismissed the miles of unimproved farmland he saw west of town.

When he returned in 1974 he was astonished to find the Galleria in that same spot.

Fascinated by Houston's potential, Garvin - now one of the nation's top urban planners - has continued to visit periodically, observing the evolution of Post Oak Boulevard and the development around it. He believes Post Oak Boulevard has the potential to become the grandest boulevard in the U.S. over the next 20 years.

"It's not going to happen in a decade," he cautioned.

The next transformation has already begun, to the dismay of some area residents and businesses. Crews are relocating trees in preparation for two years of construction, starting in July.

The Uptown Dedicated Bus Lanes Project will unfold in three phases, moving from north to south and starting with the West Loop to San Felipe segment. Designed to solve the area's crushing mobility problem, the $121.5 million boulevard project is one part of a three-prong plan to make it easier for 80,000 employees to get to work.

"We've done about all we can with the freeway, but we need to improve how automobiles move through the area. We essentially have no commuter bus service," said Uptown Houston District president John Breeding.

The boulevard will be widened from 120 to just over 136 feet. Buses will be moved to central lanes, with landscaping and sleek shelters, replacing the current esplanades. The project preserves six auto traffic lanes and their signalized left turn lanes.

The Uptown TIRZ is contributing $76.5 million and getting $45 million in federal funds for the boulevard. An additional $25 million in TxDot funds and nearly $70 million in federal funds will be spent to tie the boulevard's buses to the Northwest Transit Center and a new Bellaire/Uptown Transit Center that will tap into the Westpark Tollway and the Southwest Freeway HOV lanes.

"We're going to have the level and quality of service that the light rail system has with all the flexibility that the bus system offers," said Uptown Houston District president John Breeding, whose group is also working with Metro to develop a new bus prototype for the boulevard that will be a hybrid of commuter rail vehicles and current buses. Giving the buses their own roadway will reduce travel time along the boulevard by 40 percent, Breeding said.

But his group also wants to create a more walkable environment for growing numbers of residents and visitors in the area.

The district estimates that Uptown's current population of more than 45,000 people will mushroom to more than 69,000 by 2040.

To that end, the sidewalks are being expanded from four to 12 feet and planted with a shady canopy from two rows of new trees.

"If we can get people to walk to lunch, it really does take cars out of the intersections," Breeding said. "We will not be successful just by adding mobility improvements. We have to make it a better place."

Sleek light towers will also make the sidewalks more inviting at night. The boulevard's trademark steel "ring" signage will remain, and its shiny arches will be re-engineered to accommodate the wider sidewalks.

"We don't want you to walk out of a restaurant or an office building and go, 'That's a really great bus street,'" Breeding said. "We want you to think about how beautiful the environment is."

Concerns

Tracy Vaught, who along with husband Hugo Ortega owns the hip and busy restaurant Caracol in the BBVA Compass building, said she and other business owners along the boulevard oppose the project - and not just because two years of construction is bad for their bottom lines.

"I can't comprehend what in the hell they're doing," Vaught said. "Nobody who goes to the businesses on Post Oak rides buses. Why do they have to build this huge platform that's going to divide the street?"

Mickey Graubert, who has lived for 22 years at Four Leaf Towers, one of Uptown's prime high-rises, already walks 15 or 20 minutes to the Galleria to shop and walks to area restaurants for lunch. She's not happy about the pending construction, either.

"I don't think it's necessary. It's going to disrupt business on that street for a long time," she said. "If they had to do something, it would have been better to make the whole boulevard a walking street like you see in some other cities."

Breeding admits the project has one serious shortfall: No bike lanes are included.

"That's an important, emerging issue," he said, calling access for bikes "a holy grail" that couldn't be accommodated, given "the national mood on the widths of thoroughfares." He said the district is developing a master plan that could encourage bike traffic on other streets in the area.

A sample of the sidewalk design has been installed outside the Astoria high-rise in the boulevard's 1400 block, although it is not as leafy-looking as the project renderings.

Many of the boulevard's 350 trees are being relocated through the Houston Parks Department and the non-profit organization Trees for Houston; some of the largest may be lifted and moved only short distances.

Environmental Design, a specialty nursery devoted to tree relocation and transplanting, is tending more than 800 new 'Cathedral' live oaks in its Tomball fields that are destined for the boulevard.

On a steamy morning recently, sun glistened through the leaves of the ten-year old trees that are growing in 400-gallon crates. Jonathan Judice, Environmental Design senior vice president, had one crate made with a glass side so he could monitor the root growth and soil health. This variety has a balanced shape that can be easily pruned up to allow for the passage of vehicles and people underneath, Judice said.

Garvin, the Yale professor, is bullish on Bayou City because he has watched it evolve steadily over decades, and because it's a "city of opportunity" with a large immigrant population, where it's easy for people to do business.

Ultimately cities thrive because of the people in them, Garvin said -"not just the creative class, everybody."

These two images are what impresses me the most :haha:

The bus stop
http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/47/02/77/10235897/3/1024x1024.jpg

The sidewalks
http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/47/02/77/10235899/3/1024x1024.jpg