[Trae]

The old Houston Thread can be viewed here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=1008).

The Houston Projects + Development Thread | v2.0
http://www.bcm.edu/molvir/images/houston/skyline-1.jpg


DOWNTOWN
------------------------------
Houston Pavilions
www.houstonpavilions.com

Transit Oriented Entertainment Development on Main Street. Retail, Residential, and Office.

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/318/aa306kz.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/largetexas/Pavilions22.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/largetexas/Pavilions12.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/largetexas/HoustonPavilions2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/largetexas/HoustonPavilions1.jpg

Some tenants announced for the Houston Pavilions:

As some of you are aware, an outside group is scheduled to develop the three vacant blocks of land starting with the block directly across from the college on Polk street and including the two vacant blocks of land directly west of that block. This project is to be a multi-use project to include retail/entertainment, office, and residential. Some of you have inquired into the status of the project since construction has not yet begun on these three blocks. The following is an update. At this point, the project is scheduled to start on September 15th of this year. The developers expect to have the project completed in time for the holiday shopping period in December of 2007. My personal view and the view of those professionals in the construction industry is that this is optimistic as it is an extremely fast schedule. Time will only tell if this schedule will be met. The project has now signed up the following upscale clients to include: The House of Blues, McCormick and Schmidt Seafood Restaurants, Lucky Strike Bowling, Yao's Restaurant, Lawry's Prime Rib, Boca Chica, and Mia Bella. A 12 story residential tower is planned on the southeast corner of the lot closest to us. While this is a very exciting project and if successful will definitely upgrade our part of downtown, it will impact our ability to navigate the streets next to and around the project. Once the project begins, we will be putting out bulletins in this regard to keep you informed. In addition, for those students who are used to parking on any of these lots, I would strongly suggest that you start making alternate arrangements. Hopefully this helps. If you have any questions, please let me know. - Greg Brothers

http://www.houstonpavilions.com/renderings/ar-Skywalk.jpg

http://www.altoonporter.com/services/urban_design/pavilions_at_houston_center/_main.jpg

http://img44.echo.cx/img44/4663/aa9ej.jpg
^^Across these parking lots. Ground Breaking is coming up


Old Sakowitz Building turns to Street Level Retail

24,000 sq feet of retail space

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/4191/aa323oe.jpg


Park Tower Houston

If you didn't know already, the Downtown Park has spawned a new residential building.

Park Tower Houston (http://www.parktowerhouston.com)

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/05/12/1942316/311xInlineGallery.jpg


22,000 square feet of retail will be at the bottom. Hopefully facing the park.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Park1.png

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Park4.png

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/401/aa28pv.jpg



Club Quarters Hotel and Residences

hotel and residential (restoration)

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/2595/aa403bd.jpg


Raiders Lofts

residential

Restoration of Old Days Inn Hotel

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/1243/aa429fm.jpg


Stowers Market

Grocery Store on bottom floor of Stowers Office Condos

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/765/aa486ds.jpg
http://img137.echo.cx/img137/9963/a5yp.jpg


New Downtown Park near GRB
www.houstondowntownpark.org

The new Downtown Park in Houston will take up three blocks in Downtown Houston.

Houston’s new downtown park is being developed on an 11.78-acre site between the George R. Brown Convention Center and the heart of downtown Houston. The park is the culmination of the dreams of many Houstonians for a major urban park that is being realized as a result of the leadership of Mayor Bill White and some of Houston’s most committed and generous citizens.

It will be complete in 2007. More info here: Houston Downtown Park (http://www.houstondowntownpark.org)

Renderings:

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/Web_Siteplan-Final_800w.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/Aerial_Render_600pix.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/DowntownMapquest.png

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/park_site1.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/park_aerial_-_existing.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/Web_GARDENS_600w.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/Web_POND_600w.jpg

http://www.houstondowntownpark.org/assets/images/Web_AVENIDA_600w.jpg



Buffalo Bayou Revitalization
http://www.buffalobayou.org/

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/6894/aa643cz.jpg

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/7532/aa653yz.jpg


Sunset Coffee Building

retail on the bayou (restoration)

http://img141.echo.cx/img141/3213/a2ad.jpg


UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON DOWNTOWN ADDITION

http://www.medistarcorp.com/images/uhd.jpg


Root Memorial Park

http://img140.echo.cx/img140/5773/a3jb.jpg

http://img253.echo.cx/img253/6333/a9mz.jpg



MIDTOWN
-----------------------------

Collective at Baldwin Park

Residential with street level retail and greenspace

http://img277.echo.cx/img277/5275/aa62vg.jpg

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/7379/aa684cx.jpg

http://img78.echo.cx/img78/5739/a6gb.jpg


2600 Travis at McGowen.

One block from light rail on a currently empty lot
http://www.blvdplace.com/Realister/manager/property/Travis-2600/pictures/travis2600.jpg

3201 Louisiana at Elgin.

Across the street from the Calais at Cortland Square Apartments. Currently a vacant lot but this space used to house the French Quarter All-Male Theater (gay porn palace).
http://www.blvdplace.com/Realister/manager/property/3201%20Louisiana/Pictures/3201louisiana.jpg


Vistas at Midtown
http://www.innerloopcondos.com/vistas/

residential

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/3377/aa174kb.jpg


Camden Midtown Superblock Project
Residential with street level retail

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/3059/aa186em.jpg

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/8572/aa478wl.jpg


The Edge

residential

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/1108/aa193ev.jpg

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/6526/aa516ee.jpg


The Riparian on Montrose
Condo Development

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4854/anw7.jpg


Rushmore Lofts

residential

http://img216.echo.cx/img216/5994/aa525tp.jpg


New Townhomes on McKinney
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/143/axt5.jpg
http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/5598/aafb3.jpg


Midtown Medical Center
15 floors height unknown

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/8862/aa217rm.jpg



UPTOWN
------------------------------

Cosmopolitan Condos
http://www.cosmopolitanhouston.com

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8171/a8dk.png (http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8171/a8dk.png)


Boulevard Place
Mixed Use Development offering upscale Retail, Hotel, and Residential space

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/1747/aa44sa.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5954/a6tp.jpg

http://www.dmjmhn.aecom.com/media/4654.jpg

http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/BoulevardPlaceSE.jpg

http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/BoulevardPlaceNE.jpg[/QUOTE]



Riverway Mix Used Development
22 floors height unknown


http://img287.echo.cx/img287/7784/aa119nw.jpg


Pavilion at Post Oak


http://img287.echo.cx/img287/6944/aa158cx.jpg


Redstone
29 floors 338 feet
http://www.redstonecompanies.com/theredstone/index.html

residential

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/2710/aa168fc.jpg


Empire Condos
http://www.randalldavis.com/

residential

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/2148/aa231pf.jpg


Prime at Post Oak
21 floors height unknown

21 story residential development

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/6983/aa530cz.jpg


Hotel Indigo

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5177/a2wy.png




TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
------------------------------


Texas Womens U.

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/6774/aa352pv.jpg

Prarie View A&M School of Nursing
13 floors 155 feet

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/7350/aa133ck.jpg


UT-Houston Nursing and Biomedical Sciences Building

http://img287.echo.cx/img287/8813/aa140dj.jpg


Memorial Hermann Plaza
http://memorialhermannmedicalplaza.com/
28 floors 430 feet

http://img171.echo.cx/img171/4323/aa240fa.jpg

http://img171.echo.cx/img171/8155/aa706ua.jpg

http://mhcenturyproject.com/images/webcams/tmc_mhmp/webcam.jpg

http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/MHPOBRendering.jpg

http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/7304/img20938mm.jpg


Medistar Property

http://img185.echo.cx/img185/6530/aa366aw.jpg


Medistar Property
http://img185.echo.cx/img185/4219/aa414re.jpg


Baylor Clinic

http://img299.echo.cx/img299/9647/a6iq.jpg


Heart & Vascular Institute

http://img28.echo.cx/img28/5166/aa38sh.jpg


Faculty Center Tower at MD Anderson Cancer Center

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/9548/aa4en.png
http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/535/aa30vq.png


Outpatient Care Center

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/6356/aa41ls.png




EAST END
-----------------------------

Hardy Rail Yard
Mixed Use Development

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/6146/hardy6tt.jpg

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/6483/hardy27hx.jpg

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/9429/hardy36px.jpg


Herin Lofts

residential (restoration)

http://img185.echo.cx/img185/5952/aa286eg.jpg


Sterrett Street
http://sterrettstreet.com/

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/2394/aa593gk.jpg

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/8836/aa605hq.jpg


Calhoun (University of Houston) Retail Center

http://img261.echo.cx/img261/1112/aa508gh.jpg


Southeast Line

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/2694/aa57fh.jpg


UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S WORTHAM TEATRE COMPLEX

http://img52.echo.cx/img52/8413/aa48vd.jpg

http://img52.echo.cx/img52/6613/aa52qp.jpg

http://img52.echo.cx/img52/23/aa67nx.jpg


University of Houston's new Science and Engineering Research Facility

http://img140.echo.cx/img140/4518/aa7ru.jpg



PASADENA
------------------------------

Endeavor Condos
30 floors height unknown

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/8762/aa299cv.jpg


GALVESTON
------------------------------

Piazza Blanca
www.piazzablanca.com

Mixed Use Development

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/6844/a2br.jpg


Beachtown Galveston
http://www.beachtowngalveston.com/pages/1/index.htm

http://img65.exs.cx/img65/1767/first4.jpg

http://www.beachtowngalveston.com/images/203_villageSmNC.gif

http://www.beachtowngalveston.com/images/435_waterfrontNC.gif


Palisade Palms
http://palisadepalms.com/
The Beach Club: 27 floors 382 feet
Trade Winds: 27 floors 382 feet
Palisade Palms III: 26 floors height unknown
Palisade Palms IV: 21 floors height unknown

residential

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/71/hr1483171-1.jpg


Flagship Hotel Revitalization

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/8844/aa26xf.jpg


Ocean Grove Condos
http://www.oceangrovecondos.com/index.php

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/658/aa71pe.jpg


Emerald by the Sea
http://www.randalldavis.com/
15 floors height unknown

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/415/aa371fz.jpg


Seahorse Condos
This is going up where the old drug infested Seahorse Inn used to be...

This project will occupy prime Seawall Boulevard property and overlook the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Containing 250 units of varying square footages and types, the project will also incorporate amenities such as separate adult and child pools, an exercise/fitness center, spa and theater facility. A planned Phase Two will add 100 additional units to the site.

Seahorse Condos - Galveston

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/5624/sskz5.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/113/ss3zq2.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4066/ss2of7.jpg


Link (http://cisnerosdesignstudio.com/seahorse%20condos.htm)


Jennings Island on Clear Lake
http://i5.tinypic.com/20j0aoi.jpg

"Jennings Island Development represents a unique opportunity to create a world class waterfront residential high-rise project. The twin towers are positioned on the peninsula to capture the commanding views of both Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Fashioned in a nautical expression, the two towers are designed with the sleek shapes of an elegant yacht.

The timeless architectural expression also breaks the building down into a distinctive base, middle and top. The building skin is crafted of glass, metal and architectural precast to give the building a strong, youthful architectural expression. The lower levels of the tower overlook the lush pool and garden area on top of a two level garage.

Amenities for the project also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a clubroom, bar, 24-hour security, infinity edge pool and garden terrace with outdoor cabanas and entertainment spaces. Within each unit, the residences are appointed with 10 foot ceilings, luxurious master baths and kitchens detailed with stone countertops. All the cabinets will be European-style wood veneer with complementary granite and marble countertops. Each unit will also feature fireplaces in each living room and large, sweeping terraces to enjoy the outdoor sea breezes of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake."

Jennings Island on Clear Lake (http://www.zieglercooper.com/jennings_island.htm)

This is from the same developers of Endeavor.


Escapes

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/5271/aa385lf.jpg


New Community near Bolivar

New Beach Community on the Bolivar Peninsula:

Avocet Bolivar (http://www.avocetbolivar.com/)

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/image_plat.jpg
^^They need to rename those lakes. Let's have Lake Trae and Lake Slab:).

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/images_home_bottom.jpg

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g01.jpg

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g03.jpg

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g10.jpg

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g12.jpg
^^Who Photoshopped that Water;)

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g14.jpg

http://www.avocetbolivar.com/images/g13.jpg



[B]Retail along Seawall

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/3417/aa567pf.jpg


Pointe West
http://www.pointewestgalveston.com/intro.html

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/8912/aa572nk.jpg


Galveston County Criminal Justice Center

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/7038/aa580nx.jpg


UT Medical School at Galveston's National Lab

http://img296.echo.cx/img296/8641/a3ra.jpg


Reliant Park
-----------------------------

July 18, 2006, 1:04AM
Dome hotel plan includes 610 exit
Texans officials have 'aesthetic concerns' about a proposed ramp


By BILL MURPHY
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

A $450 million plan to reinvent the Reliant Astrodome as a luxury convention hotel includes a parking garage and new exit from Loop 610 to keep the facility from interfering with Texans games and performances of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The 2,100-space, multistory parking garage would wrap around two-thirds of the Astrodome and markedly change the appearance of the facility once dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Astrodome Redevelopment Corp., a consortium proposing the development, favors building a ramp from the Loop 610 feeder road to the Dome.

But Texans officials so far have balked at the proposed ramp, saying they have "aesthetic concerns" about its effect on the appearance of Reliant Park, county-hired consultants said in a report.

"I really believe we will be able to resolve all these issues," said Scott Hanson, president of Astrodome Redevelopment.

A ramp would cost $5 million to $10 million, while the alternate proposal, a tunnel from the Loop feeder road, likely would cost $10 million to $15 million, Hanson said.

Astrodome Redevelopment proposes to build a 1,200-room, upscale hotel, restaurants, nightclubs, retail stores and possibly performance stages. The tentative theme is Best of Texas, re-creating Texas courthouses and town squares.

Astrodome Redevelopment has little choice but to address the concerns of the Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Their contracts with Harris County, which owns Reliant Park, allow them to demand that the Astrodome cease operations when rodeo season arrives or when the Texans play at home.

The rodeo will look to receive a percentage of revenues from at least some convention hotel operations, including the hotel, restaurants and many, if not all, retail stores, said Leroy Shafer, the rodeo's chief operating officer. "It is my assumption that since we have the ability to keep them in the dark, that this will happen," he said.

Such an arrangement isn't unprecedented for Reliant Park tenants. For example, the rodeo now gets a percentage of revenues from Aramark, which holds the concession contract at Reliant Park.

The Harris County Sports & Convention Corp., the county entity that oversees Reliant Park, and Astrodome Redevelopment are expected Wednesday to sign an agreement, called a letter of intent, that spells out each side's willingness to move forward with the project.

It is expected to say that the county is giving Astrodome Redevelopment six months to obtain financing and seven months to reach pacts on issues including parking, the hotel's ramp or tunnel entrance and profit-sharing.

Astrodome Redevelopment needs the letter to obtain financing. It will be given a year from the time the letter of intent is signed to reach a lease agreement with the Sports and Convention Corp.

The letter of intent "will be a major, major milestone," said Willie Loston, director of the Sports & Convention Corp.

There are 8,500 parking spaces at Reliant Park and an additional 17,500 across Kirby and in other county-owned lots. The Texans and the Houston Rodeo opposed sacrificing any parking to the hotel, so Astrodome Redevelopment added the parking garage to its concept.

The letter of intent says Astrodome Redevelopment would lease the Dome from the county for 50 years with an option to extend it another 20 years.

Astrodome Redevelopment would pay $2.5 million in rent the first year the hotel opens. Rent would rise 3 percent annually. The company also would pay the Sports & Convention Corp. 2 percent to 3 percent of its gross revenues.

The hotel would be modeled on Gaylord convention hotels in Grapevine, Nashville, Tenn., and Orlando, Fla. Senate Hospitality, a Nashville-based company that includes former Gaylord executives, would operate the Dome hotel. Gaylord hotels cater to groups that want hotels, restaurants, meeting rooms and convention halls under one roof.

Houston already has a convention hotel, the city-owned Hilton Americas next to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Unlike the Hilton Americas, the Dome hotel would imitate the Gaylord concept and try to attract groups looking for a self-contained facility.

"Prior to seeing the Gaylord Texan (in Grapevine), I thought it was a dumb idea," Shafer said. "After we visited the Gaylord Texan, we began to see it is a different model. But personally, I still have concerns that it will work."

http://www.globalsecurity.org/eye/images/ik-reliant-stadium_med2.jpg

http://images.chron.com/photos/2005/08/17/2885413/311xInlineGallery.jpg


WEST END
-----------------------------

ZOM Allen Parkway
http://www.zomusa.com/custom/zom/new_projects.html

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/6615/aa80yh.jpg

Park 8 Grand Westchase District

mixed use development

http://www.globest.com/newspics/hou_park8grand.jpg


Five Westlake Park
19 floors height unknown
http://img146.echo.cx/img146/63/aa127xl.jpg


The Point at White Oak Bayou

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/1111/aa207cz.jpg


The Riparian
13 floors height unknown

residential with street level retail

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/851/aa256et.jpg


Jackson Place Condos

residential

http://img146.echo.cx/img146/7752/aa268sa.jpg



Memorial City

Memorial City Mall was redelevoped by MetroNational. The mall basically beat up Town & Country (now CityCentre). MetroNational is also building some nice structures around the mall, and Cinemark is opening up a 20+ screen theater in the mall.

http://img33.exs.cx/img33/5273/a6vb.jpg

http://www.memorialcity.com/images/REN_D.jpg

http://www.memorialcity.com/images/REN_C.jpg.

Memorial City (http://www.memorialcitymall.com)

Metro National (http://www.metronational.com/)

New 500 Foot Medical Tower in Memorial City

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/1397/aa2ve2.jpg



Kirby Condos
http://www.2727kirby.com/
http://www.zieglercooper.com/kirby.htm
24 floors 288 feet

residential

http://img174.echo.cx/img174/3269/aa343td.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/YakuzaIce/kirby.jpg



Piedmont at River Oaks
http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/location.html

residential

http://img174.echo.cx/img174/6967/aa448zg.jpg


Briar Glen

residential

http://img174.echo.cx/img174/5776/aa450ty.jpg


River Oaks Medical Center

http://img127.echo.cx/img127/30/aa461ga.jpg


Monaco
31 floors 369 feet

residential


http://img261.echo.cx/img261/1435/aa551qk.jpg


City Centre: Houston

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/headers/masterplan.jpg

This development is where the old Town&Country mall was. Website is here: http://www.citycentrehouston.com/citycentre/index.php

Total Retail Space: 560,000 sf
Total Surface/On-Street Parking: 344 Spaces
Total Garage Parking: 3,577 spacess

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/siteplan_lg.jpg

Some renderings:

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/headers/location.jpg

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/headers/vision.jpg
^^New Residential^^

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/side/living.jpg

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/images/side/map.jpg

More:

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_tcaerial3.jpg

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_tcaerial2.jpg

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_tcaerial.jpg

More: Town & Country Redevelopment (http://www.cypress-advisors.com/projects/townandcountry.html)


High Street: Houston

Mixed-Used Development with Retail, Office, and Residential

High Street Houston is a new mixed-used development near the Galleria.

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/2484/aa34lo.jpg
^^W-Hotel??

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/5426/a7fx.jpg

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/7567/aa24bp.jpg

Also there is a proposed road to the north parcel of the development.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9059/a6fb.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3415/highstreet1tc.jpg

More:

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_westcreekaerial3.gif

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_westcreekaerial2.jpg

http://www.cypress-advisors.com/i/p_westcreekaerial.jpg

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06296/HighSt.jpg

Mosaic Condos and Retail

Mixed-use project with 800 residential units in two towers.

http://img190.echo.cx/img190/6937/a3sv.jpg

http://www.phillipsdevelopment.com/images/devel_almeda.jpg

Retail at the bottom of Mosaic

A street rendering for the 25,000 square feet of retail under construction at the MOSAIC. This will face the Hermann Park golf course on Almeda.

http://www.blvdplace.com/Realister/manager/property/Mosaic%20Towers/pictures/mosaic.jpg


Metropole

residential 300 units

http://img191.echo.cx/img191/8292/a4iy.jpg


Vintage Park

Vintage Park in the Great Northwest of Houston. Expect corporate offices, luxury homes, condos, lakes and a large park that will be an integral part of the Cypress Creek Greenway Project.

Vintage Park Houston (http://www.vintageparkhouston.com)

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/streetmap.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/vp_maps_aerial_map.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/archwaydevelopment_web.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/archwaydevelopment_web.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/perspectivesiteplan.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/vp_siteplan_el_building_d_s.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/vp_siteplan_el_building_k_e.jpg

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/composite_small.gif

Not all trees will be lost. Though, I love the forests there, they would have been gone sooner or later. At least they will keep tree canopy, and work around most trees.

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/entrymonument_web.jpg

500,000-SF Retail Play Leads 84-Acre Plan
By Amy Wolff Sorter
Last updated: July 28, 2006 06:45am

HOUSTON-Land once considered in the boonies is now a hotspot for growth as seeds are planted for the first phase of the $1-billion Vintage Park. The northwest Houston development gets under way with a 500,000-sf lifestyle center, an estimated $125-million to $150-million project.
Experts, familiar with the project, tell GlobeSt.com that the 462-acre master-planned development--the former Hewlett-Packard campus--is especially important to the area. Houston-based developer Interfin's first phase will take up 31 of the 84 acres earmarked for lifestyle projects. The center will sit on the southeast corner of the Louella Road-Texas 249 intersection. Just this month, the San Antonio-based grocery chain H-E-B made a 15-acre commitment for a 105,000-sf store. According to Interfin's Matt Waller, discussions are under way for nearly 100,000 sf. The first space will be turned over to tenants in summer 2007 for finish-outs. "The goal is to have this 100% leased by 2008," he tells GlobeSt.com.

"Preleasing hasn't been an issue here," says Curtis Henderson, a CB Richard Ellis vice president in Houston. "We're talking to a whole host of restaurants of every imaginable venue. Lifestyle tenants are looking at it too."

Henderson says the retail quotes range from the upper $20s per sf to the low $30s per sf, triple net. Tenant-improvement allowances are being quoted at $18 per sf for retailers and $30 per sf for restaurants.
Link (http://www.globest.com/retail/news/southwest/20627-1.html)

Another article:
07/26/2006 - 500,000 SF Upscale Lifestyle Shopping Center Breaks Ground in Northwest Houston.

New Center, developed by Interfin, the creators of Uptown Park, to bring extraordinary European Village atmosphere to area.

Houston, Texas – Construction is underway on a new 84-acre mixed-use development located on former Hewlett-Packard’s property at 249 and Louetta Road in northwest Houston. The development is known as Vintage Park and is scheduled for completion in summer of 2007.

The Vintage Park Lifestyle Center will consist of a series of twelve buildings in a towncenter lifestyle configuration, complete with pedestrian friendly sidewalks and public parking fronting all of the buildings. The project is owned by Vintage Park LLC, a partnership led by the Interfin Companies LP. “My vision is to create a retail environment that becomes a destination for northwest Houston,” says Giorgio Borlenghi, President of the Interfin Companies, “Much like what Uptown Park is to the Galleria/Uptown Houston district.”

The Lifestyle portion of the development will have approximately 327, 000 SF of ground floor space and up to 27,000 SF of second-story office space. All four bank pads are under contract to Amegy Bank, Bank of Texas, Laredo National Bank and Trust Mark National Bank. H-E-B signed on in mid July 2006 for 15-acres with plans of a 105,000 SF supermarket. Current lease negotiations include restaurants, spas and lifestyle tenants. 30-acres is also available for future development.

Vintage Park will be reminiscent of an Italian shopping promenade with hand-laid pavers creating a cobblestone street effect, stucco and stone column walkways, clay tile roofs and mosaic ornamental details. The Piazza, the central core of the center, will consist of a series of fountains and gardens surrounded by restaurants and covered by an arched portico.

“The foremost success of any development is location.” says Curtis Henderson, Vice President, CB Richard Ellis, “Vintage Park is conveniently located on the right side of the returning home traffic of a major freeway, Highway 249 and Louetta, and with construction of a neighboring master-planned community, Vintage Park will be first-of-its-kind for northwest Houston.”

Demographically, Vintage Park has a population of 78,662 at three miles with an average household income of $105,265. Hewlett-Packard’s headquarters are across the street along with 3,000,000 SF of office space and a daytime population of between 6,000 and 10,000 workers.

For information regarding this project and leasing opportunities, please contact Curtis Henderson, Vice President, or Elizabeth Bowman Clampitt, Associate, of CB Richard Ellis at 713.840.6500.

Vintage Park by Kickerillo PDF (http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/masterplan.pdf)


Ten Oaks: Houston
Ten Oaks is a new project by the Wolff Companies. It will be at the northwest intersection of IH-10 and Barker Cypress:

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/maps/ten_oaks_big_sitemap.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/ten_oak_north.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/park10_east_big.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/park10_west_big.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/ten_oaks_view_west2_big.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/ten_oak_northwest_big.jpg

http://www.wolffcompanies.com/images/aerial_views/ten_oak_southwest_big.jpg


La Centerra at Cinco Ranch

I'm going to be shot by some of your for this...but here it goes...

May Construction Photos

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_005_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_006_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_008_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_016_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_019_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_020_L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/051206_023_L.jpg

Overview:
http://www.lacenterra.com/images/lg_Site_Map.gif

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/lg_aerial.gif


Final Rendering:
http://www.lacenterra.com/images/model_r1_c1.gif

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/model_r3_c1.gif

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/model_r5_c1.gif

July, 7, 2006 Aerial:
http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/Aerial_070706_L.jpg

August 8, 2006 Aerial:
http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/Aerials_080806_L.jpg






SUGAR LAND
------------------------------

Auston Tower Lofts

residential

http://img262.echo.cx/img262/7249/aa339nu.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9950/haif065zh1.jpg

369 Lake Pointe Parkway

residential

http://img207.echo.cx/img207/8130/aa546ek.jpg


CITY WIDE
------------------------------

Kings Manor in Kingwood:

KINGWOOD, TX-Midway Cos. has secured a $14.3-million construction loan to keep development moving on the first phase of the $50-million Kings Harbor Place in the Kingwood-Atascocita submarket. The project's preleasing is resting at 50% for the initial 80,000 sf of mixed-use space.

The initial phase will contain 66,000 sf of upscale retail and restaurant space, 14,000 sf of office space and a parking garage on nine of the project's 19 acres. The residential component, which is under way, calls for 36 condos and 33 brownstones. Construction will take nine to 12 months before the class A commercial space delivers.

Brant Smith, vice president with Capmark Finance Inc. in Houston, says the loan wasn't difficult to place although mixed-use projects aren't common in Kingwood. Regions Bank provided the financing in a standard two-year package of interest-only payments with a floating rate and an extension option.

"This was a coveted loan by several of the local banks because Midway has a sterling reputation in the market," Smith tells GlobeSt.com. "The strength and sterling reputation of Midway and the uniqueness of the asset at the waterfront attracted a lot of interest."

Capmark also arranged financing for the Houston-based Midway's recent $25-million acquisition of a 300-unit multifamily asset adjacent to the Kings Harbor site. "They're not seeking any more funding right now, not until construction is complete," he adds. "At that time, they'll determine the next step in financing."

http://i7.tinypic.com/214p00j.jpg


Metro Rail Extensions

http://img262.echo.cx/img262/4334/aa632kv.jpg

http://metrosolutions.org/clients/1068/62228.jpg


Buffalo Bayou Plan

This is the new Houston Buffalo Bayou.

Courtesy of travelguy_73 from HAIF.

http://static.flickr.com/50/156083610_4c9144db47.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/56/156084028_690ae260ee.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/58/156083914_7cf27bd313.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/57/156084906_b4e88e6347.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/45/156084724_3446a6eb27.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/72/156085790_eef33294c1.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/47/156085985_33e0b6f40d.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/44/156086264_fd01648d54.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/70/156087296_816c8eed3c.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/57/156086902_01fd51da05.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/60/156086069_0efe6651f2.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/72/156087012_e17e9a5d20.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/71/156109506_ac2dbc9ee2.jpg?v=0

More: Link to the rest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cwrigh01/sets/72157594149301878/)

The Bayou Plan:

http://www.buffalobayou.org/thumbimages/1-WATE%7E1.jpg

http://www.buffalobayou.org/thumbimages/5-FEST%7E1.jpg

http://www.buffalobayou.org/thumbimages/EASTEN%7E1.jpg

http://www.buffalobayou.org/thumbimages/9-NORT%7E1.jpg

http://www.buffalobayou.org/thumbimages/11-COM%7E1.jpg

Buffalo Bayou (http://www.buffalobayou.org/)

------------------------

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1166/aaiv4.jpg

[Trae]

Article on Rice Village:

New project reshapes Rice Village
Residential, retail development raises issues for residents
Houston Business Journal - July 28, 2006
by Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal

A hip and trendy new mixed-used development is getting a mixed reception in a unique shopping and entertainment district dating back to the 1930s.

Rice Village is slated for its first new urban development project in more than 10 years.

Lamesa Properties Ltd., one of the largest property owners in the area, plans to develop midrise condominiums with offices over street-level retail space.

Lamesa estimates the project cost at more than $100 million.

Plans call for demolition of roughly four acres occupied by old buildings with tenants such as Walgreens and Nit Noi restaurant.

Lamesa also wants to seal off a segment of Bolsover Street to create a public market setting where residents, office employees and shoppers can congregate.

The proposed project and street shutdown is a subject of debate among members of civic clubs active in the Rice Village area.

The City of Houston will have the final say on whether the development stretches across part of the thoroughfare.

Lamesa has owned most of the four-acre tract for three decades, and put the complete package together by acquiring other bits and pieces over the past five years.

Real estate broker Jeff Peden with Cushman & Wakefield of Texas Inc. says the land price would probably be "off the charts" if bought today.

Peden estimates Village land might go for $70 to $80 per square foot, putting the value of four acres at $12.2 million to $14 million.

"That land is so highly sought after," Peden says. "Plenty of developers would love to put in office, retail, residential. The demographics are so good."

The median household income within one mile of the project was $104,006 in 2005, according to Lamesa.

Those deep-pocketed shoppers are loyal to the Village, which originally was established to cater to Rice University students, and now has more than 300 shops and dozens of restaurants in a 16-block area.
It takes a village

Lamesa's development site is just north of Rice Village proper in an area bounded by Morningside, Dunstan, Kelvin and Rice.

Residents in some civic clubs are making an effort to keep Bolsover open to traffic. A petition with at least 75 names will be presented to the Public Works Department opposing a city sale of the street's right-of-way to Lamesa.

Other civic clubs have voted in favor of the deal. On July 10, the Southampton Civic Club board voted to send a letter of conditional approval of the project to the city, as long as Lamesa sticks to the current development plan.

Some residents contend the project's height clashes with the Village character and hope the development fails to get off the ground.

Preliminary plans include buildings taller than existing structures in the pedestrian-friendly shopping mecca.

Prolific condo developer Randall Davis is consulting with Lamesa on the residential section, which will be six or seven stories high with 250 units and underground parking.

Sources say participation of Davis, a high-quality product and proximity to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center mean that Lamesa probably won't have a problem moving the residential units.

Blake Tartt III, a retail broker not involved with the project, says Lamesa also won't have trouble filling the 100,000 square feet of retail in the works.

"There's a tremendous pent-up demand from national retailers and restaurateurs to get into the Village," says Tartt, president of New Regional Planning Inc.

Julie Tysor, an area resident and Lamesa's point person on the new project, wants to attract a boutique grocery store, a few restaurants and high-end soft goods retail tenants that would complement current retailers in the Village.

"The Village is ripe for some redevelopment," says Tysor. "You can look at that site and see that it needs to be something other than what it is."
A moving study

The project will be built in two phases, with first-phase construction slated to begin as soon as early 2007.

Each phase will take 18 months to build and include residential, office and retail components.

Robert Williams, a resident of Southampton Place, is concerned the higher density will make already bad traffic congestion even worse.

Williams says a traffic study used by the city to evaluate the project was arranged and funded by Lamesa.

He says the study was conducted after Lamesa stopped renewing leases on company properties in the area. Lamesa's Tysor says the move-out began two years ago in anticipation of this deal.

Williams is also concerned that the project will have inadequate parking.

"They have an urbanization vision, which is fine," Williams says. "But I don't think appropriate for the Village. It's way out of character."

A successful project will generate more traffic, says retail broker Tartt, but it just comes with the territory.

"Any time you add that amount of density, you're going to add traffic," says Tartt. "It's just part of what's happening in Houston."
Les Appelt's Lamesa

• A brokerage firm launched by Les Appelt in 1949 changed names over the years and operates today as Colliers International.
• In the early 1970s, Appelt formed Lamesa Properties Ltd., an entity of roughly 40 limited partners with a portfolio of assets inside the 610 Loop. Lamesa Corp., the general partner, is owned by the Appelt family.
• Appelt also founded the Appelt Co., the management company for Lamesa Properties. Appelt Co. is now owned by Julie Tysor and Gary Clayton, the firm's chief financial officer.
• Tysor carries the titles of vice president of Appelt Co.; vice president of Lamesa Corp.; vice president of Colliers International, where she does a limited amount of brokerage work; and president of the University Place Association, a "super neighborhood" created by the City of Houston that encompasses several civic associations in the Rice University area.
• Appelt lives in Bastrop and is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations.
Lamesa's Building Blueprint

• 250 residential condominiums for sale, designed by Randall Davis Co.
• 100,000 square feet of retail space
• 50,000 square feet of office space
• Village square-type plaza in center
• Underground parking for residents
• Commercial properties designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects

[TexasBoi]

Great Job.:yes:

[Trae]

New Office Tower on Montrose Boulevard.

Montrose office building planned
Houston Business Journal - March 16, 2006
by Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal

John Hansen Investment Builder will break ground this month on a new six-story, 55,000-square-foot office building in the Montrose area.

The new building will be located at 4203 Montrose Blvd., just north of the intersection of Richmond and Montrose. The structure will be marketed as Campanile East, the fifth addition to a multi-tenant office park called Campanile Campus.

The new facility will be built directly behind and connected to a historical brick house designed by William Ward Watkin. The house, which dates back to 1920, will be the Montrose frontage for the new office building.

The building will have 9,000-square-foot floor plates, similar to the Campanile Clock Tower Building at 4119 Montrose Blvd. The space will be marketed to smaller tenants, such as design firms, architects, attorneys and sole practitioners.

The new office building is being designed by Philip Ewald Architecture Inc. Mission Constructors Inc. is building the facility, which is being financed by Texas State Bank.

The project is slated for completion this fall.

The Campanile Campus was started in 1985 by John Hansen Investment Builder, which specializes in developing one- to six-story commercial office buildings.

[LouisianaRush]

I thought the Monaco, The Redstone, and Mercer East were scrapped.

[Trae]

Redstone still has a website, so I don't know.

[WesternGulf]

I thought the Monaco, The Redstone, and Mercer East were scrapped.

They were. Mercer? I don't know.

[eburress]

Excellent work! :)

Houston's Bayou Plan is what Dallas' Trinity River project SHOULD look like.

[Trae]

Katz's to open Express deli in The Woodlands
Houston Business Journal - August 22, 2006
by Allison Wollam
Staff Writer

Katz's Deli owner Barry Katz is opening the first spin-off of his New York-style deli in The Woodlands.

Katz's Express, located at 19075 Interstate 45 North in the Portofino Center, will open on Sept. 15.

The restaurant will serve same fare found at Houston's Katz's Deli and Bar, located at 616 Westheimer, but with express service.

"Everybody kept asking me, 'When are you going to open in the suburbs?,' So this is our way to bring pastrami to more people," Katz says.

The restaurant, which will feature a 14-foot Statue of Liberty, will seat 105 diners indoors and 20 on the patio.

Like the Houston location, all breads will be baked in-house, soups will be started from scratch, and all meats will be cooked on the premises. The original Katz's Deli operates in downtown Austin.

The new Katz's Express concept will serve towering signature sandwiches, salads, pastas, entrees, burgers, foot-long hot dogs, breakfast items and desserts.

Katz's Express will hold a charity opening on Sept. 15-17 to help raise money for The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. (GrassRoots Environmental Education Network), a non-profit organization committed to educating the community about natural resource conservation, recycling and responsible actions that protect the environment.

New Katz Restaurant in the Woodlands.

[Trae]

Cáceres-122 units to be built in Rice Military, A Gated Urban Subdivision

"The 8.1-acre tract, which was formerly home to two miniature horses, a donkey and other wildlife, is located in the southeastern section of Rice Military neighborhood and is bounded by Feagan, Renerman and Detering."

The general Rice Military area has gone from stank to swank in a short time and this project looks like it will push the prices even higher. Donkeys would appear to be pretty much extinct over there these days, but the baying of the train will still remain.

The link is for paid subscribers only, although you can navigate around that if desired by searching again. Here are the main points.

"Two top competitors in Houston's high-end custom home-building industry are teaming up to build what will be the largest project of their careers as they hammer into the multi-unit market. Black Diamond Properties and Rohe & Wright Builders are planning a 122-unit townhome and single-family community on one of the last undeveloped tracts of land between downtown and the inner-Loop Memorial area. The 8.1-acre tract, which was formerly home to two miniature horses, a donkey and other wildlife, is located in the southeastern section of Rice Military neighborhood and is bounded by Feagan, Renerman and Detering.
..........................................

Cáceres will be made up of 105 attached and detached townhomes and 17 single-family patio homes ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to 4,500 square feet. A price range for the homes has not yet been determined. The project is divided 50-50, with each company planning to build half of the homes in the community.

Zenner points out that most of the townhome complexes in the inner-Loop area are made up of five to six units. With 105 townhomes on tap, this project is unique in both its size and its gated-community classification, he says. In addition, Cáceres will be manned with a security guard 24 hours a day. Construction is expected to begin by the first quarter of next year, and the entire project will take about two years to build out.

...........................................

Michelle Wolpert, a Rice Military resident, says residents are still concerned about the impact the project may have on the local infrastructure and the potential increase in traffic. "I would rather the property remained the way it was: 8.1 acres of trees, pastures, shrubs and wildlife," she says. "However, if it is going to be developed, I would rather it be a luxury gated-community with as few high-end residences as possible because that means more green space within the community." "

Link (http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/08/28/story4.html)

[Shasta]

Ugggghhh.

Another gated complex inside the Loop?

Gated, walled, and security accessed private drives are SUCK. They kill neighborly interaction. They breed anonymity. They do NOT belong in central city neighborhoods.

Oh well, I guess the people who live there will "feel" safer and then the developers can squeeze a few extra bucks out of them.

After the success of their Vistas at Midtown and Piedmont at River Oaks, the Montreal based developers are moving on to their next project; the Serento near the Medical Center. Units are now for sale.

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/44/hr1756744-1.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/44/hr1756744-2.jpg

[Great_Hizzy]

Ooh, nice.

[Trae]

Get rid of that parking lot!

[Trae]

The Grand (http://www.simon.com/mall/LeasingSheet/Grand1206.pdf)

Announced tenants so far are Macy's, Dillards, and Barnes and Noble. Other's will be announced soon, and this development will likely have many stores the Galleria has.

[Shasta]

Cool pic of the Sacred Heart Cathedral downtown taken from 2016 Main Condos
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/07/hr1757007-1.jpg

[WesternGulf]

More info on Hardy Yards through a power point presentation. Says first development will break ground in about 2 1/2 years. Click on photo.

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/1738/auj7.jpg (http://www.uli-houston.org/PDF/060328HardyYards.ppt#261,1,Hardy Yards Houston, Texas)

[WesternGulf]

Update on Mosaic towers

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3096/afd8.jpg

New Outpatient rendering in the TMC

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3923/afh5.jpg

[Saddle Man]

We need a page 2 on this thread.

[WesternGulf]

We need a page 2 on this thread.

I agree. Is the first page loading funny for anyone else?

Thanks to guess, here are additional renderings for the Alexan project at 1111 Post Oak Boulevard. Originally posted by Shasta on the first Houston thread.

http://www.ediarchitecture.com/multifamily/images/alexan_post_oak_c2.jpg

http://www.ediarchitecture.com/multifamily/images/alexan_post_oak_c3.jpg

[WesternGulf]

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9575/aky6.jpg

Last updated: August 31, 2006 10:23pm
$70M Condo Project Grows in Scope, Size


PASADENA, TX-When luxury condo project Endeavour Parkside came to the drawing board last spring, it was envisioned as a 20-story, 129-unit project with a $35-million price tag. Three months later, it's a $70-million design with 34 stories and 146 units due to the success of its neighbor, Endeavour Clear Lake.

"Projects evolve as they go along," says Robin Parsley, president of Endeavour Holdings Inc. in Austin. "We were originally trying to keep this at 20 stories, and the next thing we knew, we were at 29 stories, than 30, than 34."

Parsley tells GlobeSt.com that demand for larger units and more of them helped to spur the increase. "We didn't necessarily increase the number of units that much. We're up to 146 units from 129," he says. "But we increased the size." The unit sizes for the project at 4949 NASA Rd. 1 go from 900 sf to 3,000 sf. Prices range from $300,000 to $3 million.
The developer has a 30-story, 80-unit project under construction in Clear Lake, which broke ground in April. Penthouses, especially, are in demand with both projects, Parsley continues. "People are interested in large penthouses," he says. "We're totally out of penthouses at Endeavour Clear Lake so we're delivering more of them with Parkside."

Endeavour Parkside, which will be on the site of what is now Parkside Marina, will break ground in early 2007. It has a 14-month construction schedule. Parsley says the marina building will be torn down within 30 days.

InSite Architecture Inc. of Cypress, TX designed the Parkside project. N Sky Construction, part of Endeavour Holdings, is the general contractor. Endeavour is handling sales in house.

Once Endeavour Parkside is completed, the company's next goal is development of a six-acre parcel in nearby Seabrook. "I think that's the best site on the lake, and we're looking at more of a mixed-use development on this," Parsley says. Though the actual development is several years off and plans far from finalized, it could include a high-density residential component along with retail, restaurant and office space.

http://www.globest.com/news/700_700/houston/148732-1.html

[Great_Hizzy]

I like the fact that we'll start seeing road and infrastructure improvements for HY by next year. That'll go in well with the UH-D expansion and will be a nice head start for any BRT/LRT extensions up N. Main (which will be messy for a while).

Frankly, 2 1/2 years is about half as long as I thought we'd have to wait before we saw development on the residential/retail begin. I'm fairly impressed--assuming that the timeline is fairly accurate.

[Trae]

We need a page 2 on this thread.

We are almost there :). Don't worry. I have a fast and powerful computer, and even when I load this page it takes some time.

[Von]

hope i make second page!
yay houston! although there are alot of small ugly brick buildings, it's something! Atleast Houston is active...my fave of course is the Buffalo Bayou Plan. I was there last week and wow! is there a difference ! it's still kinda boring but it's a good place to walk around and and jog. So many plans for downtown makes me happy since really there is not much to do in downtown. :yuck: now if we could just get one or two scrapers for downtown to fill on those gaps would be excellent!

[Trae]

Vintage Park (http://www.vintageparkhouston.com)

http://www.vintageparkhouston.com/images/composite_small.gif

Absolutely no diversity.

[Houston Proud]

For crying out loud, it's just a rendering. When the Vintage Park opens you will see the diversity like Uptown Park. Besides, the renderings look beautiful.

[Von]

BTW... Medical Tower in Memorial City looks like a casino with all those lights and semi crown on top umm...don't really like it but don't really hate it...

[Xeelee]

It looks like a drill bit to me. It does not look like a bad design... just that it's in the wrong location. It would make more of an impression in midtown or downtown.

[Shasta]

This development in Kemah now has units for sale on HAR. Must mean it's gotten approval. According to the information, it will have multiple pools, a sky bar, ground floor retail that will include a movie cinema, a sports bar overlooking the water, and multiple restaurants. Wish the architecture was better!

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-1.jpg

Sky Bar
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-8.jpg

Pools
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-3.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-4.jpg

[Trae]

Don't like the exterior.

[WesternGulf]

The architect was smoking something regarding that Kemah project. So much potential with that development. How can you have so much detail with amenities such as the top floor skybar and resort style pools and have the base basically as a strip mall? That is definitely a FIRST as far as what I have seen. Goodeness, you would think it is a fad how some of us diss some of these projects but there just seems like there is something exclusive about the design of projects in this area. Mixed use is a funny concept in this city even when we do try. Yes most is better than what was there before but.........

[vjhe]

Boy I tell ya, with that project being in such a high profile area with Kemah being one of the top tourist destinations in the entire Houston region, one would think the design would be a lot better. But oh well, Houston is a place to make money. Nothing more and nothing less, and developers know this, so they can get away with saving their cheapest worst designed projects for Houston because they know they can get away with it here. I just don't believe such a design would have even been considered near the shores of Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Miami or Boston.

[Trae]

Have you seen some of those condos going up in Miami? They look like some Latin American condos. In other words, pretty shabby.

[Houston Proud]

This development in Kemah now has units for sale on HAR. Must mean it's gotten approval. According to the information, it will have multiple pools, a sky bar, ground floor retail that will include a movie cinema, a sports bar overlooking the water, and multiple restaurants. Wish the architecture was better!

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-1.jpg

Sky Bar
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-8.jpg

Pools
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-3.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/39/hr1760939-4.jpg

Excuse me. But, did you say a movie cinema will be at the ground level? If so, how many screens?

[Trae]

Probably three. Doesn't look like many can fit.

[Great_Hizzy]

Good lord, Trae is exactly right. This thing looks like some of the condos going up in South Florida. Not bad nor good, just nothing special. And WG's crack about the strippish look of the ground floor is funny. Given the condo's location, I doubt if a true urban design with urbanely registered retail appointments would work unless you changed the dynamics of the rest of the island. Since the majority of existing homes in the neighborhood are single-home units (given what's presented in the photo) with residents who drive, they're going to want to park at this new retail center.

I suppose, though, you could've changed the design somewhat to detach the retail structures from the building more if you were trying to appease the more car-oriented clientelle. Maybe a smaller, one-story building loosely attached to the main structure via some sort of covered walkway?

Anyway, the parking lot, all things considered, is fairly minimalistic. Actually about the prefered size of a parking lot in, say, Midtown or the Med Center. The problem (for a true urbanist) is that the lot sits in front of the retail outlets, ruining the urban feel. Also, given the size of the area in which the project is to be built, it is difficult to take that same lot and place it somewhere else (or reconfigure it) without making it inconvenient or uninticing to potential consumers living outside the building (that is, people who drive). And the people who drive will undoubtedly be a big part of those reatailers' revenue.

Thus, pragmatism first, urban design second--in this context. At the least, hopefully there will be nice landscaping in the parking lot.

[WesternGulf]

No doubt this area is not in walkable environment in the first place, but with building a development on the waterfront and someone would like to incorporate retail, I would think a strip center base would be the last resort. As I mentioned before, I have never seen such a thing in the first place. I guess placing retail along the waterfront would have complicated things. It just seems like they were limited to where and how the towers could stand and there was only one possible way to incorporate retail which would be in a strip center format, but I doubt it.

[Great_Hizzy]

I personally don't think the retail component is even necessary. Like you said, to take full advantage of the experience, you'd want to put it on the waterfront, like they do in other "trendy resort" locations.

But they'll probably roll their eyes and snicker at us if they make enough $$$ out of this, which they very well could. With all that said, this development DOES gos in the right direction from the empty, unused parcels that jigsaw the area currently. Kemah has all the makings of a very good resort-like community, especially with some of the historical charm and tourist-friendliness that's in place.

Let's hope that we'll see improvements on the development front from here on.

Though, I doubt a lot of the residents will welcome the potential increase in traffic and congestion.

[Shasta]

So, with the Endeavour Condos already rising three floors above ground along the shores of Clear Lake in Pasadena, the group backing the project has already launched their second undertaking.

Originally planned as a 20 story for-lease tower, Endeavour Parkside is now a THIRTY FOUR story, 146 for-sale condo tower!!!!

Construction will begin in December once the Parkside Marina is demolished.
http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/Zwire1574/zwire/images/2006/08/story/20060830_123852_1_story.jpg

[vjhe]

^
Now that is a architectural design that satisfies me.

[Trae]

Take some tips Kemah on this building. I like it. I can't wait to see Clear Lake in 10 years. Next step, clean those damn waters!

[Trae]

NIKKI found this

Beachtown Galveston

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6910/agn5.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9522/aakv8.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5060/aa2jw8.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5765/aa3la4.jpg

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/8623/aa4hx6.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9108/aa7gw3.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7125/aa9ef2.jpg

[Trae]

Evia Galveston

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9026/vbda3.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7393/evia1wq0.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1042/evia2vy7.jpg

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/4960/evia3nl6.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3105/evia4uh2.jpg

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/8675/evia5nt1.jpg

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6289/evia6zl1.jpg

Evia Galveston (http://www.eviagalveston.com/)

Looks nice.

[eburress]

Beachtown Galvestone = Very nice

Endeavour Condos = Very nice

Kemah project = Complete trash. I'm surprised there's not a Walmart or a mobile home park attached to the building -- maybe those will be part of phase 2.

[Xeelee]

ugh

[WesternGulf]

Here is some info on the two new residential developments near the TMC.

OST and Kirby
Mixed Use

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3220/ajm0.jpg

The proposed development consists of a 4-story wood framed apartment building wrapped around a central garage facility. The ground level portion of the building fronting Old Spanish Trail will be retail space with the upper three levels being apartments.

Proposed common area facilities include a clubroom, leasing center, demonstration kitchen, conditioned corridors, swimming pool and conversation pool, large landscaped and hardscaped courtyard, fitness center and business center. Anticipated unit amenities will include 10-foot ceilings, simulated wood flooring, granite countertops, track lighting, and stainless steel appliances.

Sitting on approximately 5.66 acres, the project is slated for 293 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, for a total of 290,175sf (990sf average) of residential space. The ground-floor retail amounts to 17,516sf.

Construction Start - March 2007


Almeda @ OST

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3819/aami8.jpg

This 304-unit development is wrapped around a six-level, access-controlled parking garage that includes a total of 484 spaces. Proposed common area facilities include a clubroom, leasing center, demonstration kitchen, conditioned corridors, swimming pool and conversation pool, two additional highly landscaped and hardscaped courtyards, fitness center and business center. Anticipated unit amenities will include 10-foot ceilings, simulated wood flooring, granite countertops, track lighting, and stainless steel appliances.

The Texas Medical Center (TMC), one of the largest and most prestigious medical treatment and research centers in the world, has been experiencing significant new growth for the past two years. The TMC also established, in 1999, a 50-year master plan detailing a comprehensive strategy toward institutional growth, expansion of services, and enhancement of the physical environment. The TMC is beginning to see the initial fruits of the plan with the beautification of streets, new office buildings, the introduction of the first light rail in Houston (connecting the TMC to Downtown Houston to the north and Reliant Park to the south), and renovation of existing buildings. The future campus will further integrate a mixed-use (live/work) community, reflect a commitment to multi-discipline collaboration, ensure access with an emphasis on public transit, among other goals.

Phase I: 304 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units totaling 278,520sf (an average unit size of 916sf) sit on 4.14 acres of an 8.38-acre site.

[Great_Hizzy]

Oh, man! I've been wondering when someone was going to make a push into that area (OST @ Almeda). Lots of development opportunities there. Not so sure, though, about the OST @ Kirby location. Lots of traffic around Reliant Park may turn some potential buyers/renters off. I could be wrong, though.

[Trae]

More La Centerra photos on 08/25/06:

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/pic082506_01L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/pic082506_02L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/pic082506_04L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/pic082506_09L.jpg

http://www.lacenterra.com/images/construction_i/pic082506_14L.jpg

[Trae]

SUGAR LAND, TX-Eastbourne Investments and Wellington Development Co. get the last undeveloped corner at the crossroads of US Highway 59 and Grand Parkway. The plan is to break ground in Q1 2007 on a 384,000-sf power center.

More Here (http://www.globest.com/news/448_448/houston/141737-1.html)

[Trae]

Sugar Land is going to become Houston's Long Beach, California (not on the water, but dense developments and many companies).

[Xeelee]

New Katz Restaurant in the Woodlands.
why would i go to the woodlands at all?

[Xeelee]

Sugar Land is going to become Houston's Long Beach, California (not on the water, but dense developments and many companies).

Sugar Land has too much crime. It's pretty much on the wrong side of the tracks.

[c4smok]

really the strangest crime in Fort Bend... Kinda weird for its size..

[Trae]

why would i go to the woodlands at all?

Anyway....

BP Plans to expand in the Energy Corridor:

BP plans expansion in west Houston

By TOM FOWLER
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Oil giant BP is planning a major expansion of its west Houston campus to accommodate 2,000 new workers over the next few years.

The company recently added 50 acres to the campus at Interstate 10 and West Lake Park Blvd. and plans to build a seven-story, 390,000-square-foot, environmentally-friendly building for its gas and power trading business.

The new BP project is another example of the construction boom in the Energy Corridor, an area along I-10 from Dairy Ashford to beyond Highway 6, that is home to major facilities for many energy companies.

Trammell Crow Co. announced earlier this year plans for 600,000 square feet of new office space at I-10 and Eldridge Parkway, while earlier this week Shell Oil Co. said it would build a 170,000 square-foot office building at Dairy Ashford for workers who find and produce oil and gas.

...................................

The building construction and renovation work announced Thursday is expected to cost about $250 million, said BP spokeswoman Annie Smith, adding that planned future projects could push that total to about $660 million.

This project will include a new parking garage for 1,700 cars and widening of Grisby Road. Added parking is a priority since the BP campus currently has only 100 spare parking spaces, leaving many workers driving around trying to find an empty space near their office.

The later phases include a larger building for its onsite childcare center, new training and development buildings, and possibly a hotel with retail shops.

Link (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/4187950.html)

[Trae]

http://www.globest.com/newspics/hou_3433coveviewgalves.jpg

$41M-Plus Buy Nets 264 Units for Condo Plan
By Alex Finkelstein
(To read more on the multifamily market, click here.)

GALVESTON, TX-Spotting a niche for condominium housing near Scholes Field Airport, JMG Realty Co. of Atlanta has acquired the one-year-old, 264-unit Club of the Isle resort-style apartment complex for $41.3 million or $156,400 per unit. The seller was Houston-based Chaparral Group LLC.

"JMG plans to fill a much-needed niche on the island by converting the property to for-sale condominiums in the medium-price range," says Bill Miller, managing director in Dallas for Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP. "Galveston's economy has grown tremendously in the past few years and is expected to set new records for 2006."

Miller says Club of the Isle "represents an excellent opportunity for the buyer to take advantage of current pent-up demand for condominium units on the island." HFF director Robert Casas worked with Miller in representing the seller.

The three-building property has seven different one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, averaging 982 sf. The 15-acre site is at 3433 Cove View Blvd. near the Scholes Field Airport and Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course in the Campeche Cove subdivision.

Community amenities include a pool, sand volleyball court, golf putting area, playground, fitness center, massage room and entertainment center. HFF's Miller says the buildings were built to hurricane specifications and rated to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour.

[guess]

Here are a bunch of random construction pictures I took.

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4453/mosaic1hr7.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/1419/mosaic2rc9.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4104/mosaic3fz6.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/8307/mosaic4qi0.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4200/mosaic5cq6.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1108/camden1up8.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9361/camden2zm3.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1683/edge1aq7.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4003/east1mu7.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7599/east2uu1.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/776/hv1gl8.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5011/hv2yp2.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8619/hv3sm9.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8605/hv4wj2.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4493/hv5no9.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4320/mhmp1wc9.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7106/mhmp2mt8.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5942/mhmp3xj7.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/517/mhmp4si5.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4033/mhmp5kj9.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/752/mhoc1ej1.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1368/mhoc2kq3.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9763/twu1wd8.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4171/uhd1iq1.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5098/ut1yu6.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1374/ut2dj0.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1424/ut3fu8.jpg

[Trae]

Great photos!

[Great_Hizzy]

Extensive.

[WesternGulf]

Nice updates

[Trae]

Thank Shasta for this


After a nearly two year wait, ground was broken this week on Metrontario's Life Science Plaza.

The original project was announced in 2003 as an 11 story medical office tower to be located at 2130 Holcombe Blvd on the former site of the long vacant Towers Hotel which was torn down.

The new tower will now be 13 floors (7 floors of office space over 5 floors of parking and ground floor retail). It will also have 300,000 square feet instead of 210,000. Completion is expecting in early 2008.

Cornerstone Hospital will open a 70 bed long term accute care facility on the site.

Add another crane to the Texas Medical Center skyline!

[Xeelee]

this is indeed goood news. :) Anyone know anythng about the medical towers in midtown? the ones in the shape of a semicircle? :)

[Houston Proud]

I think the medical towers in midtown was cancel, Xeelee, or I could be wrong.

[WesternGulf]

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7140/aaj4.jpg

Tower Construction Starts on Houston's Tallest Condo Project
September 26, 2006
By Tonie Auer, Southwest Correspondent

Vertical construction starts this week on the largest residential high-rise built in Houston to date with the building of towers of the Mosaic on Hermann Park high-rise condos in Houston.

Phillips Development & Realty and Developer Sales Group L.L.C. and Wood Partners are teaming up for this more than $100 million, 792-unit, mixed-use high-rise (pictured) consisting of two 23-story towers. Each tower will sit atop a six-story parking structure and 22,500 square feet of street level retail.

The 4.74-acre site is located adjacent to 400-acre Hermann Park, an 18-hole public golf course, amphitheatre, running trails, and Houston Zoological Gardens. It is located off Highway 288 near downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center and Rice University.

The Mosaic property at 5925 Almeda Road is slated for a fall 2007 completion date.

Condo sales continue to grow in Houston, according to the Multiple Listing Service statistics for August 2006 sales. In the Houston area, the overall median price in the townhouse/condo segment in Houston was up 4.5 percent for August with the average sales price of a townhouse or condo sold in the greater Houston at $153,066, which was a 3.7 percent increase from the same month last year, the report stated. Mosaic's units start at $164,000.

Additionally, the number of townhouses and condos that sold in August increased compared to last year's sales, with 708 units being sold last month, versus 690 properties in July 2005, or a 2.6 percent increase in year-over-year sales, the MLS report stated.

Residents at the Mosaic will be able to choose from a variety of loft-style plans, extended terrace or penthouse units. Residences will feature floor to ceiling windows, Mosaic glass tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances and modern design accents.

Phillips Development & Realty is a Raleigh-based company with mid-rise projects currently under construction in Tampa: Casa Bella on Westshore and Le Jardin at International Drive. Developer Sales Group L.L.C. is a sales and marketing organization specializing in the real estate brokerage industry.

http://www.cpnonline.com/cpn/regions/houston.jsp?configType=CPNREGIONS_DEFAULT&startDate=&endDate=false&pubList=Commercial%20Property%20News&kw=Houston&au=&mt=&mv=&esindct=false

[Houston Proud]

Awsome news, WesternGulf. Does anyone know when they suppose to break ground on the Houston Pavilions?

[Great_Hizzy]

October is the month that has been speculated upon the most.

[kardon]

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7140/aaj4.jpg

Tower Construction Starts on Houston's Tallest Condo Project

In the Houston area, the overall median price in the townhouse/condo segment in Houston was up 4.5 percent for August with the average sales price of a townhouse or condo sold in the greater Houston at $153,066, which was a 3.7 percent increase from the same month last year, the report stated. Mosaic's units start at $164,000.
http://www.cpnonline.com/cpn/regions/houston.jsp?configType=CPNREGIONS_DEFAULT&startDate=&endDate=false&pubList=Commercial%20Property%20News&kw=Houston&au=&mt=&mv=&esindct=false

WOW...$153,066. Thats extremely low. The starting point at $164,000 is a bargin. Why are the price points in Houston so low?

[Xeelee]

I dont know but i would not mind having one of those. I used to stay in 2016 Main.

[JAM]

WOW...$153,066. Thats extremely low. The starting point at $164,000 is a bargin. Why are the price points in Houston so low?

Lack of zoning.

[WesternGulf]

I think it is more of the developer. I hear the prices for their projects in Atlanta aren't too shabby either. Of course, that's 1 bed/ 1 bath. I say if you are the bachelor type, that's not too bad for being right outside Hermann Park and the Museum District.

[mikecolley]

Does anybody have any information on the construction on the corner of Richmond and Weslayan? Do you know exactly what it is going to be? The sign says "Mixed Use Development". They've demolisehd several buildings, so it looks like it's going to be something big!

[Trae]

Here are two views from the website showing One Park Tower its downtown position:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/OnePark2.png

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/OnePark1.png

[Xeelee]

so when does this thing break ground?

[Great_Hizzy]

The park itself is already under construction. One Park Place is scheduled for a Dec/Jan. groundbreaking.

[Houston Proud]

Do anyone have pictures of the park groundbreaking?

[Visiteur]

Wow, someone really needs to construct some parking garages out there...way too many surface lots for a downtown area.:sly:

[Boris]

A lot of that ground parking area to the west of One Park Place will be taken up by the Pavillions.

[houston19514]

Do anyone have pictures of the park groundbreaking?

The official groundbreaking has not occurred. It will be October 16. There is work already being done though, because they were able to get an early start on the excavation for the underground parking garage being built in conjunction with the park.

[Houston Proud]

Okay, thanks Houston.

[c4smok]

http://www.cyberhi.com/whatsnext.jpg

area in the black is prime for res development I think =X

good spot for a trump tower =P

[TexasBoi]

Wow, someone really needs to construct some parking garages out there...way too many surface lots for a downtown area.:sly:

give it time. They are currently working on it.

[Xeelee]

Thanks to our bungling elected officials, it's taking forever.

[Trae]

Thanks to our bungling elected officials, it's taking forever.

Not really.

[WesternGulf]

Update of MHMP.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6969/auf7.jpg

[WesternGulf]

renderings for the Lyme Properties proposal in the Medical Center.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5808/avb4.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3899/aazf2.jpg

[Von]

Awesome pic westergulf!!! It's really comming along!
n nice renderings for the Lyme Properties ! woots woots

[c4smok]

Park Tower.. via www.oneparkplacehouston.com

http://www.webover.com/junk/parktower.gif

I have not seen this one posted here before :tup:

[Great_Hizzy]

Cool updates. I didn't know the Lyme proposal was located across Brays. That certainly would do more to tie the Spires closer to the Med Center community.

And a nice new image of One Park Place. Really gives the building's height more definition.

[Shasta]

Great find on the Lyme rendering. They are a FIRST CLASS operation. Their developments in Boston and across the river in Cambridge are spectacular. I was hoping their Houston project would live up to my expectations and it looks like it will.

Last time I was in town, the lot (right next to the Spires) was clear and there was a leasing sign out. Here's to hoping...

[Houston Proud]

For the Lyme Properties proposal in the Medical Center. Is that project is a go?

[Xeelee]

hrm... more is needed in downtown...

[Trae]

Are you ever satisfied? This is the Med Center (a few short miles south of Downtown), and new developments in Downtown. Downtown is in good shape right now.

[WesternGulf]

New rendering for mixed use replacing the Westcreek apartments. Next door to High Streett.(?)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7558/ago3.jpg

[Xeelee]

New rendering for mixed use replacing the Westcreek apartments. Next door to High Streett.(?)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7558/ago3.jpg
so how far out past katy is this place?

[WesternGulf]

Anything outside downtown is sprawl now eh?

Sarcasm aside, you are familiar with the location aren't you?

[JimInCal]

Just wanted to congratulate Houston on its large DT park development. The Phoenix City Council just approved a $1 Billion mixed-use development for three square blocks at the 0,0 origin point of Phoenix called Cityscape. One of the blocks includes Patriot's Square Park. The developer and city parks board will be redesigining park space within the development and the Phx Devel thread has been kicking around ideas on what the park should be. I came across Houston's park web site. It has some elements that I thought would be perfect for Phoenix as well, especially the interactive fountain. Someone posted the rendering of the entire park and I posted the portion showing the interactive fountain. .... Your park is getting a lot of play in Phoenix. Thanks and congrat's again! :worship:

[Trae]

New rendering for mixed use replacing the Westcreek apartments. Next door to High Streett.(?)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7558/ago3.jpg

That looks like a W-Hotel on the left.


Thanks for that JimInCal.


Oh Xeelee, this isn't even outside I-610, but too bad its not in Downtown. [/sarcasm]

[Xeelee]

Is there such a street called Mckinney Park? I'm looking at RE however when I map it through google it automatically directs me to McKinney St......is it in dt or not?

[StatenIslander237]

whats that "houston pavilions" shown on the color coded aerial? and does anyone have a rendering of the tower behind the park?

[WesternGulf]

whats that "houston pavilions" shown on the color coded aerial? and does anyone have a rendering of the tower behind the park?

Houston Pavilions
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5305/awr9.th.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awr9.jpg)

The Park Tower is i Post #85

[Great_Hizzy]

BTW,

According to the HBJ, the Pavillions is set to break ground on Nov. 6.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/09/daily3.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Get ready for even more dust downtown near Main Street Square and Houston Center.

[StatenIslander237]

The pavilions are beautiful, but the tower is a bit cookie-cutter. Still, the Houston downtown is cleaning up nice. :dancing:

[Trae]

Good news Great Hizzy!

Houston Pavilions lands $140M construction financing

Houston Business Journal - 11:09 AM CDT Monday
by Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal

Developers of the Houston Pavilions downtown mixed-use project have secured $140 million in construction financing from North Houston Bank.

The transaction makes it possible for construction to begin on the ambitious three-block development bounded by Dallas, Polk, Main and Caroline. Groundbreaking is set for Nov. 6.

It will take two years to build the $200 million project, which will contain roughly 800,000 square feet of retail, office and high-rise residential space.

William Denton and Geoffrey Jones of Houston Pavilions LP are the developers behind the project, which has already secured the House of Blues and Lucky Strike bowling lanes as tenants.

Jones says it was important to use a local bank on the project, which has been supported by North Houston Bank since it was conceived in July 2003. North Houston Bank is the Houston-based banking affiliate of FBOP Corp.

Mark Sixour, a managing director in the Houston office of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, arranged the loan.

In addition to bank financing, the Houston Pavilions has lined up an $8.8 million development grant from the City of Houston, $5.5 million from Harris County, $1 million from the Downtown District and an undisclosed amount from partner Houston Catalyst LP. The project will be part of the Main Street/Market Square Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.

Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum Inc. is the architect on the Houston Pavilions. Houston-based D.E. Harvey Builders will serve as general contractor for the project. Construction activities will be coordinated and supervised by the Wells Partnership of Denver.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5305/awr9.jpg

[Houston Proud]

Excellent news! The Pavilions will be one of Houston's great destinations. But, I have one question. Why do they say it will be 800,000 sf of retail? I thought it was around 300,000 to 350,000 sf at first? Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaning about it

[Shasta]

They didn't say that. They said 800,000 square feet of retail, office, and residential space.

There's a 15 story condo tower and an 11 story office loft tower as part of the project. Rumor has it that a third tower is back on the board as another condo project...

[Shasta]

Does anyone have more information on this project by Fairfield Residential? It's a planned 25 story tower with 274 condos...
http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/MemorialCondos.jpg

[WesternGulf]

Kind of off topic, not really, but the new MHMP has some awesome views.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3707/asr2.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asr2.jpg)

[Great_Hizzy]

That is a nice view, WG.

Re: the Pavillions... based on the image that Trae provided, it looks like the two condos (assuming the rumor about the second tower is true) will be on blocks 1 and 3 while the office tower will take up block 2. True? I mean, looking at the designs of the three buildings would suggest that to me.

Re: the Fairfield proposal... I heard about this a few months ago but haven't found any news links. Where is it supposed to be located again? Uptown?

[texasboy]

Great news about Pavilions, but I guess we'll see. Also, I may be comparing apples and oranges but the Westfield Center in Downtown San Francisco opened a few weeks ago and the sidewalks have been jammed pack ever since it opened. Granted, SF's downtown retail district is more established than Houston's non existant one but if Pavilions could create a third of the foot traffic that I have seen with the new Emporium Building in SF, I would be happy. Here is one pic that does not do the area justice as far as activity.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2771/westfieldyl2.jpg

Also, I have a friend in Houston that lives near Shepherd that tells me the 2727 Kirby Building has a nice sales office out there. Can anyone expand on the activity happening there. He also told me he heard some of the employees at Central Market speaking of the new Whole Foods opening on Post Oak. I am sure this has to do with Boulevard Place.

[Houston Proud]

They didn't say that. They said 800,000 square feet of retail, office, and residential space.

There's a 15 story condo tower and an 11 story office loft tower as part of the project. Rumor has it that a third tower is back on the board as another condo project...

Thanks for clearing that up for me, Shasta. I was so excited that I didn't see the other two they mention.

[Trae]

Photos of the Downtown Park courtesy of Daniepwils at HAIF:


http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/Daniepwils/Park%20Pictures/DSC00008.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/Daniepwils/Park%20Pictures/DSC00007.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/Daniepwils/Park%20Pictures/DSC00003.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/Daniepwils/Park%20Pictures/DSC00001.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e178/Daniepwils/Park%20Pictures/DSC00002.jpg

When do they announce the winner for this thing?

[Xeelee]

How does mayor white plan to deal with all the homeless people there?

[Von]

omg i didn't realize of what is happening infront of G.R.B. when are they suppose to be finish with the park plans??

[LouisianaRush]

How does mayor white plan to deal with all the homeless people there?

They have just as much right to be there as you or I do.

[mikecolley]

New rendering for mixed use replacing the Westcreek apartments. Next door to High Streett.(?)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7558/ago3.jpg

Hey, I live in Westcreek apartments. Hope they don't start bulldozing it down soon! :)

Do you have an additional information on when this project will begin?

I was also wondering about the construction on the corner of Richmond and Weslayan. Does anybody have any information?

[Shasta]

The 13 floor 24 Waterway under consturction in The Woodlands

http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/PLAZAVIEWcrop.jpg

[Xeelee]

They have just as much right to be there as you or I do.
That's beside the point. Who's going to go there if they're to be accosted by a homeless panhandler?

[LouisianaRush]

I lived in downtown for over a year and was never "accosted".

[Double L]

Well Mayor White wants a panhandling law for one thing.

[Xeelee]

I lived in downtown for over a year and was never "accosted".
Clam down there, tiger. I lived in downtown for just under a year. I was almost assualted once when I was photographing the then new 5 Houston Center. Some guy thought I was stalking him and was getting pretty upset. He even went as far as taking down my Lotus's license plates. He was staying in the park across the street. Clearly, it was time for me to leave as I was doing so, I noticed he had roused his mates and they were starting to walk in my direction.

[Xeelee]

I also can't wait for this new res tower to go under const. :)

[WesternGulf]

Oh, yeah. Seems like the new Vistas at Midtown are living up to their name.

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1166/aaiv4.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aaiv4.jpg)

[Great_Hizzy]

Nice view. Those top units run for well over $300K, though.

[guess]

Anyone know what is going up behind the new Homewood Suites across from the galleria?

[Trae]

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1166/aaiv4.jpg

[Shasta]

Some new infill condos around town...

Sawyer Heights in the Washington St. area
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/07/hr1787407-1.jpg

St Charles Townhomes and their view from the Eastside
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/64/hr1785364-1.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/64/hr1785364-2.jpg

The Flats at Jackson Hill off of Memorial and view
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/35/hr1785935-1.jpg

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/35/hr1785935-2.jpg

8 new townhomes on Leeland just on the other side of 59 from downtown
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/72/hr1787072-1.jpg
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/57/hr1787057-1.jpg

[WesternGulf]

Great pics. It seems like the East End, particularly in the Warehouse District are getting the best designs when compared to similar infill happening in other areas. Yeah they all pretty much have fences and narrow sidewalks, but I guess that is a given in the area regarding the fences. As Hizzy said earlier, the area probably has more potential than midtown currently. I won't even comment on the Near Northside where the Sterret Street project is located. The slowness of that area being developed might be the best thing though. Thank God Rice Construction Company stepped in on developing that block. We all know we could have got some half assed three story feaux stucco townhomes between those warehouses.

[Trae]

Discovery Green Park is the name of Houston's downtown park.

[Bailey]

So, the name of the new downtown park is.....DISCOVERY GREEN. :jester:

[Diddle E Squat]

Disco Very Green Park!

[Trae]

Vintage Park News:

Former HP Land Transforms into Upscale Retail Development
By: Valerie Clifton, Staff Writer

Gone will be the days of driving to The Woodlands' Market Street, when in the summer of 2007, Interfin will take the northwest Houston shopping experience to the next level.
The land, once owned by Hewlett-Packard, was purchased by the development company who brought Uptown Park the Galleria area.

At present the 500,000-square foot open-air retail center has 25 future tenants nailed down, including a 105,000-square foot HEB superstore.

The mammoth center will be conveniently poised on the southeast corner of Louetta Road and SH249.

"The location of the development will be on the right side of the road on the drive home for in-town commuters," Waller said.

Mediterranean-style architecture will provide residents of Vintage Park with a European "old world" ambience, Waller said.

"The project will look old the first day it's opened," Waller said.

To create this impression, architects will include hand-laid pavers, for a cobblestone effect, 12 stucco buildings, stone column walkways, clay tile roofs and Italian-style mosaic detailing.

While eating near the Piazza, Vintage Park's central core, diners will have a view of a series of fountains and gardens.

Interfin's Uptown Park was used as a model for Vintage Park. By learning from their experience with the Galleria area retail center, the company was able to work out any possible kinks Vintage Park may have.

"We've been able to improve on a lot of what you see there," Waller said. "The project adapted accordingly," Waller said.

They are adding more arches and more outdoor eating space to the concept than is available in Uptown Park.

"It's considerably bigger," Waller said. The project has been in the works for two years.

"Hewlett Packard kept it as inventory for a long period of time," Waller said. "There were a lot of people interested in buying and our partners were instrumental to the acquisition."

Waller believes there is a necessity for a development of these proportions in the northwest area.

"I think it's demand-generated," Waller said.

The average house hold income in a three-mile radius is $105,265.

Vintage Park will enhance the community by enhancing the park and lake to the south of the development and providing copious recreational green space for residents, Waller said.

The community surrounding the development has taken notice of the proposed plans.

"They have been very responsive and interested in what's going on," Waller said.

Some residents have expressed environmental concern. Waller says any fears activists may have are unfounded.

"We're putting back more and better trees than what we're (cutting) down," Waller said.

Retail development in Houston is very fragmented, Waller said. Measures have been taken to prevent this flaw in Vintage Park.

"Everything will have a set of deed restrictions for homes and shops," Waller said.

Uniformed way-finding signs and landscapes will be a key feature of the property.

"Everything will have a "vintage" adjective, lending a sense of identity," Waller said.

The tenants are slated to occupy their spaces in April to begin preparations for a 2007 summer opening.


Link (http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?new...33558&rfi=6)

[Trae]

Maybe the "Park Tower" will now be called "Discovery Tower." That actually isn't a bad name. Maybe this whole area will now have a "Discovery" theme to it. Something like Dallas' Victory.

[WesternGulf]

Here are some new renderings for the new Faculty Tower going up in the Medical Center. 324 ft. 21 floors.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3344/alr1.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7015/aaym0.jpg


Also since the new park name is in the news, here is the article:

Click the logo for the new website. Not too much new information or renderings.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3922/aa7tj1.jpg (www.discoverygreen.com)

Oct. 17, 2006, 2:37PM

New Houston park's name: Discovery Green

By MIKE SNYDER
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Houston's showcase downtown park will be called Discovery Green, officials announced at a groundbreaking ceremony today.

The name was selected from among 6,200 entries in a public contest, said Guy Hagstette, park director for the Houston Downtown Park Conservancy.

The conservancy has raised most of the projected $81 million cost of the project, mostly from private sources. Parts of the park are scheduled to open next fall, with the entire park open by January 2008.

The 12-acre park near the George R. Brown Convention Center will include an outdoor amphitheater, a large pond with an area for operating model boats, a putting green, an interactive fountain and two restaurants.

The winning name for the park was submitted by Kim Borja, a manager in the accounting department of Pappas Restaurants, conservancy officials said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4265563.html


Some additional renderings I found of the park:

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/3948/aa2bc8.jpg

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/2563/aa3ex1.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1946/aa4iq1.jpg

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7466/aa5cm4.jpg

Hopefully the future of this area:

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2587/aa6bx1.jpg

[Trae]

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2587/aa6bx1.jpg

This will be the future of this area. Hopefully the buildings are a little higher. When this happens, do you think it could compare to Dallas' Victory?

[Trae]

Restaurants

When the time came to determine the personalities of the restaurants that would occupy Discovery Green, there was little hesitation as to whom the Houston Downtown Park Conservancy should consult. For more than 25 years, Houstonians have enjoyed the signature, regional flavors and culinary innovations of the Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group. Locally based and nationally known, this group of restaurateurs was the natural choice.

The Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group built its culinary reputation at Cafe Annie and the less formal, Bar Annie. The group was a pioneer in the “fast casual” arena with Cafe Express and Taco Milagro. At Discovery Green, the group will create and operate a signature destination restaurant, as well as a casual, self-serve lakeside concept. Both are sure to add to the park’s opportunities to discover.

[mikecolley]

Destruction has finally begun on the long abandoned Ford dealership on Westheimer, between the Galleria and Highland Village. This will be the site of the new High Street development. Sorry I couldn't find any additional information.

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/high_st_development1.jpg

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/high_st_development2.jpg

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/high_st_development3.jpg

[WesternGulf]

Thanks for the pics. I work in Highland Village so I could probably keep an eye on what is going on there but I am still looking for a new camera. :(

[Trae]

Can't wait to get Houston's first W-Hotel in High Street.

[WesternGulf]

Can't wait to get Houston's first W-Hotel in High Street.

In all seriousness, I do not think we know what hotel will occupy the site and the hotel you are speaking of is not in the High Street development. It is next door at Westcreek which is farrrrrr from being re-developed.

mikecolley says he lives at Westcreek and it seems like he has not even heard of the development.

[guess]

In all seriousness, I do not think we know what hotel will occupy the site and the hotel you are speaking of is not in the High Street development. It is next door at Westcreek which is farrrrrr from being re-developed.

mikecolley says he lives at Westcreek and it seems like he has not even heard of the development.

speaking of that

New developer to add ripple to crowded Creek

" Austin-based Cypress Real Estate Advisors intended to create midrise and high-rise residences, retail space and a boutique hotel on the 29-acre Westcreek site, just inside the 610 Loop between Westheimer and San Felipe. (See "Mixed-use project flows to Westcreek," April 28, 2006.)

However, Cypress executives have decided the complicated mixed-use project required a particular skill set they do not possess, says Cypress Principal John Kiltz, who notes that the firm primarily builds residential units if and when it develops properties.

As a result, the 15 acres closest to Westheimer is under contract to an undisclosed buyer that plans to begin working on a mixed-use project with a strong retail component as soon as the deal closes later this year."

more (http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/othercities/houston/stories/2006/10/16/story5.html?b=1160971200^1360541)

[texasboy]

vjhe, clear out some of your pm's, I cannot even send you a message.

By the way, I need to stay updated some more. I had no idea that park actually started.

[vjhe]

vjhe, clear out some of your pm's, I cannot even send you a message.

By the way, I need to stay updated some more. I had no idea that park actually started.

Whoops, sorry about that texasboy. I have just taken care of it. Try to send it now.

Hey Traeslab713, I can't wait until we get our first W-Hotel either. Then we will be just like Dallas and Atlanta.:banana: ;)

[Xeelee]

It was a pleasure - whilst sippping my rum and coke - to read this thread. cool pics. I'll try to take a few pics of my own. :)

[JMancuso]

i bought my truck at the dealership. :(

[Shasta]

The word is out about Galveston.

Drake Development of South Carolina is proposing a 38 story, 366 condo unit tower for Galveston's East Beach. Drake has a stellar reputation for getting projects up on the coast with numerous projects in Myrtle Beach. The prices for this one start at $700,000. That seems to be a reach but we'll see...

East Beach Resort and Spa
http://www.drakedevelopment.com/images/Galveston/GalvestonArt/galvestonpicturesphase.jpg

http://www.drakedevelopment.com/images/Galveston/GalvestonArt/Map.jpg

[JMancuso]

what is this "need not be built" thing?

[Great_Hizzy]

Meaning it's not an essential piece to the project's initial success. The profit margins aren't predicated on what happens with Phase II.

[WesternGulf]

Oct. 18, 2006, 6:19PM

http://img277.imageshack.us/img277/2811/arc2.jpg

Developer of Bolsover site gets approval from Houston council


By JENNIFER FRIEDBERG
Chronicle Correspondent

Houston City Council voted Wednesday to move forward with sale and abandonment of the 2400 block of Bolsover Street in Rice Village to make way for a condominium and retail development.

Developer Lamesa Village Ltd. intends to create a project with an open pedestrian plaza. The next step is to get an appraisal of the street, after which the final contract would go back to council for final approval.

A group of nine residents and Rice Village business tenants attended council's Tuesday public comment meeting to oppose the abandonment.

The project on Bolsover between Kelvin and Morningside streets would have retail stores facing into the plaza. Above the shops would be 230 to 250 condo units costing about $500,000 each.

Julie Tysor, vice president of developer The Appelt Co. and of the general partner of Lamesa Properties, described the plan as, "a true mixed use development similar to East Coast and West Coast developments you've seen in dense urban areas."

Parking would be hidden behind the stores and underground with 500 spaces for residents and 400 spaces for retail visitors. There also would be some street parking.

As the plan stands, Lamesa is creating 160 more parking spots than what is required by city ordinance.

"We are long-time owners and landlords in the village," Tysor said. "It is a unique community in Houston that isn't replicated anyplace else. It is ripe for redevelopment to benefit the surrounding residents as well as the University and Medical Center. The current trends in Houston all call for a development like this."

At the Tuesday meeting, residents said parking and traffic were among their primary concerns.

Ronald Stein, a 30-year tenant of the village with a real estate office in the 2400 block of Times Boulevard, told council the development was a detriment to traffic and safety of the village.

"It's a very, very unique and very, very small parcel of Houston. It's two blocks by five blocks," he said. "This large project proposed on Bolsover will do nothing but harm.

"I don't think an adequate study has been done regarding traffic, safety and parking," he said before the meeting.

Resident Sallie Hightower of the 2200 block of Robinhood Street said she has lived in the Rice Village area for 40 years and would like to see the developer do the right thing for the community.

"I understand that individual rights are important and the developer does have the right to develop that property," she said. "Just because you have the right to do something, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do."

Southampton resident Robert Glaser of the 2100 block of Tangley said, "I understand there is urbanization going on but there is no way the infrastructure in place can handle the increased density in this area."

Judith Snively, a lawyer whose practice is located in the 2400 block of Times, said she also doesn't trust the traffic study Lamesa had done.

"I'm on that street almost every day myself right now," she said. "I don't think we're against a building being put in, but closing a street that is so precious to us ... how is that going to benefit the city? That is just going to make traffic worse."

Lamesa hired Traffic Engineers Inc., a 35-year-old Houston company, to perform a study as part of the abandonment request. The Department of Public Works and Engineering asked for a supplemental study, which was done.

After reviewing both studies, the department recommended abandonment, given several conditions.

The conditions include:

•Installing left-turn lanes on Kelvin and Morningside at the Rice Boulevard intersection;
•Adding right of way space to the east side of Kelvin Street and west side of Morningside Street, where angled parking spaces would be added; and,
•Constructing a four-foot wide sidewalk on Kelvin and Morningside between Bolsover and Dunstan streets to comply with American with Disabilities Act standards.
District C council member Anne Clutterbuck said not closing Bolsover Street would make for a very different development without green space.

Of the study she said, "I'm satisfied the counts were accurate. Traffic is always going to be a problem in the village and it will continue to be whether we approve the abandonment or not."

Bolsover would not be the first street in Rice Village the city has abandoned to a developer. Part of Amherst Street was ceded to Weingarten Realty for parking.

Clutterbuck cited the Amherst Street abandonment Tuesday in promoting her amendment to the motion for abandonment, which allows council to specify the approved use of Bolsover. The amendment passed.

"We have been burned in the past," Clutterbuck said of Amherst Street.

She said Weingarten originally told council the parking garage would be free to the public, but it is now paid parking.

Clutterbuck said there also would be provisions in the contract for the sale and abandonment, saying if Bolsover Street were not used as specified, the city would get to keep the money from the sale and get its street back.

"This amendment amplifies that," she said.

Tysor said the amendment is fine with her.

"We intend to build what we've proposed to the community so this doesn't present a problem to me," Tysor said.

Before the vote Wednesday, at-large council member Peter Brown said he supports the project because it "provides some civic public space that we need so desperately in our city."

Clutterbuck said the issue was of particular interest to her not only because Rice Village is in her district, but also because she lives five blocks from the proposed development.

"I have put more time into this particular issue than probably any other since I've been on City Council," she said. "When I look at this project, I look at what is in the best interest of not only Rice Village, but also adjoining communities and the city as a whole."

She explained why she supports the project saying City Council cannot regulate the height or density of developments, but it can regulate parking, green space and setbacks.

Given those limitations, Clutterbuck said this proposal exceeds the city's requirements for parking, meets the setback and "I like that it's going to turn a large portion back into green space."

Clutterbuck said density is coming to the inner core.

"(The development) will satisfy an increasing need for density and may forestall additional development," she said.

Tysor said tenants of the current building on Bolsover are being relocated and some might come back to occupy the new space.

Current tenants include Nit Noi Thai Restaurant, Café Rabelais, Creations From the Heart Flowers and Gifts, and the Eastern Carpet House.

Tysor said Lamesa would not have commitments from new retailers until the plans are finalized, but the space would include approximately 100,000 square feet of retail space, which could hold about eight to 10 businesses.

She said she expects, "a few restaurants, hopefully a boutique, a grocer and some high-end soft goods retailers" such as shoe or clothing stores.

Once the appraisal is done, the proposal goes back to Houston council for final approval.

Tysor said construction would likely begin in spring 2007 and it would take 18 months to complete.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/bellaire/news/4269484.html

[texasboy]

This makes me wish even more that light rail was more closer to say Morningside than on the eastern edge of Rice. I know that would have been impossible or complicated because it is a must to connect the TMC but that area is starving for better service when dealing with public transportation. I use to rent a duplex near Bayard Lane in the Museum District and almost any sort of retail or groceries were in the vicinity of the Village and Kirby. If I did not want to drive to the Village and I had some time on my hands, sometimes I would have to take the rail to the TMC Transit Center and catch the 73. Which was slow but fast for Houston standards I guess. Walking down Bissonet to University was a pain and the walk from the Dryden/TMC station down University was not a walk in the park either. After a while of testing METRO, I just started to drive. This development would be a nice additon to the area though but I say traffic is a mess in that area for a reason.

[Great_Hizzy]

Is it me or does it appear that they've changed the color scheme? Seems more ivory than beige now.

[WesternGulf]

Is it me or does it appear that they've changed the color scheme? Seems more ivory than beige now.

Maybe it is just this rendering.

I agree with texasboy somewhat, but the people that will take the bus to the Village are a strict minority in Houston and I think traffic would still be just as bad if bus service was better and I think even the residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the Village will even continue to drive. (sorry for the run-on.) Bus service down Kirby sucks so I don't blame them. That does not mean the P.T. should stay the same especially when you have developments like this adding about 500 new residents to the block. Maybe 73 will speed up its service one day.

[Houston Proud]

I read on Chron.com about the new park. They mention that it also going to have a ice skating rink. Is this true?

Furthermore, did anyone hear about the $1.4 billion dollar devepolment Texas Children Hospital is planning? That info and graphic designs is also on Chron.com

[Boris]

Here are the designs/renderings of the new Childrens' hospitals:

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/10/19/a10_19___a1019medcen/a10_19___a1019medcen.jpg


Texas Children's West Houston campus will be located at a 55-acre tract at I-10 and Barker-Cypress and start with 96 beds.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/10/18/3862887/600xPopupGallery.jpg


The Neurological Research Institute will consist of research labs and a vivarium encompassing 15 floors and 400,000 square feet of space.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/10/18/3862796/600xPopupGallery.jpg


The $575 million maternity center is the most expensive piece of the Texas Children's Hospital initiative.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/10/18/3862787/600xPopupGallery.jpg

Here's the Houston.chron article:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4270485.html

[Shasta]

It looks like the shuttered hotel (Holiday Inn?...the one on top of the garage) may give way to the new Maternity Center. The skywalk would attach it to the West Tower and Clinical Care Center that already exist across Fannin.

Seems as if the Neurological Center will be on Baylor's campus?

I like the looks of the med center buildings.

[Trae]

http://images.chron.com/photos/2006/10/18/3862887/600xPopupGallery.jpg

That, along with the St. Christus Catherine hospital exapansion on Fry Road, plus the new Med Center on IH-10 and 99, then the 500 foot Medical Tower near Memorial City Mall will give this area its need for hospitals.

[Great_Hizzy]

I really like the graphic of that last Texas Children's project. Has a bit of flare to it.

[Trae]

I read on Chron.com about the new park. They mention that it also going to have a ice skating rink. Is this true?

Furthermore, did anyone hear about the $1.4 billion dollar devepolment Texas Children Hospital is planning? That info and graphic designs is also on Chron.com

A skating rink? Wouldn't it melt most of the year. I mean its not indoors.

[Trae]

The word is out about Galveston.

Drake Development of South Carolina is proposing a 38 story, 366 condo unit tower for Galveston's East Beach. Drake has a stellar reputation for getting projects up on the coast with numerous projects in Myrtle Beach. The prices for this one start at $700,000. That seems to be a reach but we'll see...

East Beach Resort and Spa
http://www.drakedevelopment.com/images/Galveston/GalvestonArt/galvestonpicturesphase.jpg

http://www.drakedevelopment.com/images/Galveston/GalvestonArt/Map.jpg


So, is Phase II not going to be built, or is it depending on sales.

[Great_Hizzy]

Probably depends on sales.

[guess]

http://www.wulfe.com/images/PagePhotos/BoulevardPlace_Lg.jpg

New Video
http://www.wulfe.com/BoulevardPlace.asp

[Shasta]

That will be such a HUGE improvement over what currently exists. It also looks like there will be FOUR hi-rises in the complex. Also interesting to note that there will be boutique office space added. That is a sign that the local market is doing quite well. This is expecially good news considering the Uptown/Galleria office market had been rather dormant for quite awhile.

Can't wait to see it happen!

[Great_Hizzy]

Any news on the site across Post Oak from Blvd. Place? IIRC, the owners of the current shopping center announced a similar plan for that site as BLVD Place, but it would be smaller in scale. I haven't heard anything else about it in months, however.

[Boris]

Restaurants confirmed for Houston Pavillions:

____________________________

Houston Pavilions adds upscale eateries
Houston Business Journal - 4:42 PM CDT Mondayby Allison WollamHouston Business Journal

Houston Pavilions has secured six new restaurants to add to a lineup of tenants that already includes Houston's first House of Blues and Lucky Strike locations.

The nearly 800,000-square-foot entertainment complex, located in downtown and bounded by Dallas St. to the north, Polk St. to the south, Main St. to the west and Caroline St. to the east, is slated to open in October 2008.


New restaurant tenants at the Pavilions include:

Lawry's, The Prime Rib: The restaurant will feature prime rib specialties in what will be its first location in the Houston area and only its fifth location in the U.S.

Tuscany: The old world gourmet coffee shop's third Houston location is headed for the Pavilions.

Yao's Restaurant and Bar: The second Houston location for the sports-themed restaurant, owned by the family of Houston Rockets superstar Yao Ming.

Antica Osteria: One of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city, will serve northern and southern Italian delicacies that its loyal patrons have enjoyed in the restaurant's existing location on Bissonnet for years.

Red Cat Jazz Cafe: Already one of the top live music venues in Houston, Red Cat Jazz Cafe will feature soulful blues and cool jazz with its Creole and southern cuisine at its second downtown location.

McCormick & Schmick's: The Pavilions will be the second Houston location for this nationwide seafood restaurant.


http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/23/daily17.html?jst=b_ln_hl

[Shasta]

Interesting... When I first read the Red Cat Jazz Cafe I just assumed they would be closing their original location just a few blocks away. Will be curious to see if they can pull off two locations.

This is a good mix of local and national chains. Downtown is lacking on the national side so it is nice to see McCormick & Schmick's and Lowry's on that list. This project is going to make such a huge difference for downtown. I'm really excited about the whole deal!

[Shasta]

Downtown might be getting a BIG office tower (up to 1,000,000 square feet) according to the latest Houston Biz Journal...

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/23/story13.html

[Von]

Downtown might be getting a BIG office tower (up to 1,000,000 square feet) according to the latest Houston Biz Journal...

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/23/story13.html
wat do u guys think about this it's not such a big report :shrug: would be nice though

[Great_Hizzy]

Well, I'd like to think that any firm that's aggressive with buying commercial real estate property would be planning for the possibility of building a new highrise (makes good sense) but of course the reality of bringing such a project into fruition depends on whether or not the CBD's currently estimated 14.5-15.0% vacancy rate will go down another two points.

Typically, 12.0% is a pretty healthy point to bring in a new highrise on such a level (1,000,000 square feet or more). Keep in mind that the Pavillions will add around 300,000 feet of office space once its completed.

[Trae]

Current downtown buildings in that square footage range include the following buildings containing between 900,000 to 1,100,000 square feet;

Center Point Energy (741 feet)
Continental Center I (732 feet)
Three Allen Center (685 feet)
ExxonMobil Tower (606 feet)
Two Houston Center (579 feet)
KBR Tower (550 feet)
Devon Energy Plaza (521 feet)

Would be a tower (or two) that would change our skyline.

[WesternGulf]

I am sure I am not the only one who was confused by how the mixed use above the TMC Transit Center would work out, a very nicely designed transit stop by the way, since it is pretty much surrounded with new development. Here is a more revealing rendering of the transit oriented project on Fannin.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8519/asp4.jpg

Also, across the bayou at the southwest corner of South Braeswood and Fannin is the proposed Slosburg Medical Village. 1.8 million square foot transit oriented development. It's about time somebody notices the TMC's potential outside of its campus' borders.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/323/afc9.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4593/aazo0.jpg

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2419/aa2ky8.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/6687/aa3ms3.jpg

It seems like there will be a nice urban corridor from the Museum District to the TMC Transit Center. All stations are properly developed in my opinion or will be in the near future. The MFAH station could use a similar mixed use near MFAH on Binz but I would not be surprised if that will be used for expansions.

[texasboy]

Great updates everyone. I am amazed at all the stuff that is continuously coming to the TMC. I guess we can see the differnece between sprawl and good land use now dealing with the Barker Cypress Texas Children's and the TMC's. 55 acres? Unnecessary. Looks like that will be a nice walk from what looks to be the parking garage.

[Shasta]

Texas Southern University's new Public Affairs Building
http://www.satpon.com/images/tsu-publicaffairs.gif

Here's a link to a rendering for The Wesleyan. I think this is going up at Wesleyan and US 59 on the site of the old motor hotel. Anyone know for sure?
http://www.meekspartners.com/projects_detail.cfm?proj_id=290&nav=ontheboards&pos=1

[WesternGulf]

Here's a link to a rendering for The Wesleyan. I think this is going up at Wesleyan and US 59 on the site of the old motor hotel. Anyone know for sure?
http://www.meekspartners.com/projects_detail.cfm?proj_id=290&nav=ontheboards&pos=1

I drove by that site yesterday and although I did not know it was going under development I do not remember seeing any type of activity as far as signs. Just a decaying Comfort Inn I believe it twas.

[Derek]

im just curious...but can anybody tell me the location of the williams tower in relation to downtown houston?

[WesternGulf]

im just curious...but can anybody tell me the location of the williams tower in relation to downtown houston?

About 8 miles west.

[Derek]

wow....thats a lot further than i thought...

[Houston Proud]

Shasta, what is the web site for the new Texas Southern Public Affairs building?

[Great_Hizzy]

Re: Williams Tower

Actually, not to nitpick, but it's closer to six miles west of downtown. But either way, it's further than most outsiders believe, sure.

And great updates Shasta and WG, especially those TMC project renderings. I've always wondered how the proposed Transit Center mixed-use development would "look" in relationship to the transit platform. Looks like an 8-10 story building with ground retail.

[WesternGulf]

Anyone hear about the new Alexan apartments going up on the 2000 block of Westheimer, west of Hazard? There is a rendering on site. The current property, Westheimer Square is suppose to be demolished next month for the 244 unit building. It's a six story building. Four floors on top of two story garage.

[Trae]

Ricco67 at HAIF put up this photo on the new 42 story high-rise next to the Williams Tower Waterfall:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/ricco67/DSCN0355.jpg

[JMancuso]

holy crap, that will dramatically alter the area!

[c4smok]

can't put my finger on it but the setup so far looks like a small hotel then a 42 story condo tower =X

[Shasta]

I am fairly certain that is just the sales center for the Turnberry proposal. There is no way that a 42 story tower would have a wood/fiberboard base!

[c4smok]

Now that is some sales center lol

[Shasta]

Nancy Sarnoff is back at the Chronicle. She's doing her weekly real estate column on Sundays again. Yippee.

This week's had a blurb about another hi-rise proposal on Clear Lake in the town of Seabrook.

The Marriott Apollo
17 floors
8 floors containing 225 hotel rooms
9 floors of condos

Will be located on NASA Parkway.

[WesternGulf]

I knew i was not crazy when i thought the Vistas at Midtown finished up pretty quickly. Seems like their second project, Piedmont in River Oaks, is just about done.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6840/aki9.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3059/aaom4.jpg

[Great_Hizzy]

Good to see the Chronicle has a real estate beat writer again, especially with HBJ charging you to view featured stories.

And that is definitely the sales office for the proposed Turnberry condo. Shasta is 100% right.

[Xeelee]

Good to see the Chronicle has a real estate beat writer again, especially with HBJ charging you to view featured stories.

And that is definitely the sales office for the proposed Turnberry condo. Shasta is 100% right.
Holy carp. I almost spillrd my coffee... :(

[mikecolley]

Here's an update on the destruction of the Central Ford dealarship on Westheimer. It's now completely gone!

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/old_ford1.jpg

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/old_ford2.jpg

Now you can see what a great location it is: notice the uptown skyline in the background. You can also see part of the Westcreek apartments, which will eventually be torn down as well.

Sorry if this is a re-posting, but here's an article about the development in case you missed it.


Mixed-use project flows to Westcreek
Aging Galleria-area complex to be razed to make way for potpourri of
upscale uses
Houston Business Journal - April 28, 2006
by Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal

Developers are planning to tear down more than 1,000 inner Loop apartments
near the Galleria and replace them with a 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use
development containing specialty retail space, a boutique hotel and residential
units in midrise and high-rise buildings.
The redevelopment is planned for 29 acres just inside the 610 Loop between
Westheimer and San Felipe where the Westcreek Apartments are located.
Westcreek is adjacent to the old six-acre Central Ford dealership site on
Westheimer, which is earmarked for a mixed-use redevelopment as well.
The parties that control the Westcreek and Central Ford sites are considering
doing a joint development, according to sources.
Officials at the controlling companies would not confirm a possible partnering
effort, saying that an announcement could be forthcoming within a few days.
The Westcreek complex, which dates back to the 1960s, is owned by a Cypress
Real Estate Advisors partnership. Redevelopment plans for the 1,229-unit
multifamily complex are described on the Web site of the Austin firm, which
made local headlines last November with its purchase of the 46-acre Hardy Yards
property north of downtown for a proposed redevelopment.
John Kiltz, a principal with Cypress Real Estate Advisors, says it's too soon to
comment on the plans for Westcreek.
"We're kind of right in the middle of trying to structure a deal with somebody,"
Kiltz says.
Those talks, say sources, are ongoing between Cypress and Fort Worth-based
Trademark Property Co., which secured a ground lease on the nearby Central
Ford site at 4410 Westheimer last August. Trademark, which also built the
Market Street retail center in The Woodlands, announced plans to redevelop the
six-acre Central Ford tract into retail, residential and possibly office space. (See
"Car dealership gives way to urban infill," Aug. 12, 2005.)
Trademark has not yet taken possession of that property due to complicated lease
arrangements, which are expected to be worked out soon.
Trademark Principal Tommy Miller says via e-mail that he does not have an
update on the Central Ford project, but might have news within a few days.
Whether the Central Ford and Westcreek projects are done jointly or separately,
a large amount of new residential and retail space seems destined for the Galleria
area.
The developers are considering adding 300,000 square feet to 400,000 square
feet of retail space at the Westcreek site, which is located between the Galleria
and Highland Village. Despite its proximity to those retail powerhouses, at least
one real estate expert believes the area can support more stores.
Retail broker Nick Hernandez of Page Realty Partners Ltd. says there are a
number of retail concepts -- such as soft goods clothing stores, couture fashion
boutiques and restaurants -- that have not yet made their way to Houston that
would be likely tenant candidates for a new project.
Hernandez, whose leasing team represents Trademark on Market Street and the
Central Ford site, says existing retailers interested in changing the look of their
stores may also consider new developments. And retailers in nearby shopping
meccas may want to switch to a new location, or open a second site in the same
general area, Hernandez says.
"They may want to come out and do a store on the street," he says. "You could
attract other retailers in the area to relocate."
Looking westward
Although the Westcreek Apartments occupy some of the most high-profile real
estate in Houston, some portions of the mammoth complex are almost 40 years
old. The 1,229-unit project was developed in two phases -- one in the 1960s, and
one the following decade.
The original section containing 814 units is called Westcreek at River Oaks. Built
in 1967, that phase is located at 2049 Westcreek Lane. The second phase,
constructed in 1971, is called Westcreek at Highland Village. Those 415 units
carry a 4444 Westheimer address.
Now considered to be one large multi-family complex, Westcreek is 93 percent
occupied, according to statistics from O'Connor & Associates. Units in the
complex rent for an average of 98 cents per square foot per month.
The Westcreek complex last changed hands in November 2005 when it was sold
by Houston-based M. Kaplan Cos. LLC. The complex was sold into a partnership
with Cypress Real Estate Advisors as the general partner and Kaplan as a limited
partner.
Richard Zigler, president of Kaplan Acquisitions, says redevelopment plans are
preliminary, but the project is envisioned to be similar to the upscale Victory Park
development in Dallas that encompasses retail shops, residences, a hotel and
entertainment venues.
Kaplan originally purchased the Westcreek complex in 2002 from the
predecessor of JP Morgan Chase for roughly $68 million. Kaplan did a
renovation of the property in 2002 and 2003.
Jeff Hollinden, managing director of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, which
represented JP Morgan in the 2002 sales transaction, says the property is prime
for redevelopment.
"It's a great chunk of land," he says. "It's always had the potential to be
converted."
jdawson@bizjournals.com • 713-960-5935

[mikecolley]

The new condos on Briarglen on nearly complete. Too bad they're tucked away on a street that most Houstonians have never heard of.

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/briarglen.jpg

[WesternGulf]

The Briarglen actually turned out pretty nice. We need more infill like that in some older areas of Houston and not so hidden.

Here is an update on the two twin tower condo projects going up in the area. Palisade Plams and Mosaic.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4598/ati2.jpg

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/5536/aabu9.jpg

Anyone know if the plan for four towers to be built at the Palisade Palms was scrapped.

[messerproperties]

I know this is a little old, and it might be posted on here, but has anyone heard of any new high-rise development proposals for that piece of land in Clear Lake that Hakeem "THE DREAM" Olajuwon purchased. Man, I bet that strip of Nasa RD 1 will soon be full of high-rise residential. If Endeavor is successful, then you know this will happen sooner than later.:tup:

Here's the article....

Former Rocket acquires historic site along Clear Lake
Olajuwon scores again

By NANCY SARNOFF
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Former basketball star Hakeem Olajuwon has purchased the historic West mansion along Clear Lake, a Mediterranean-style estate on 41 acres of prime property.

Built in 1929 and designed by prominent architect Joseph Finger, the home at 3303 E. NASA Parkway was built for the family of oil, lumber and cattle baron James Marion West. His son, Jim West Jr., was a colorful millionaire known as "Silver Dollar Jim" because of his penchant for showering silver dollars on those around him.

Olajuwon, who bought the property for an undisclosed price, is planning to sell it to developers, who could build high-rise residential buildings, retail centers or medical facilities there.

"It's a typical Hakeem move of buying the primo site," said David Cook, a real estate broker with Cushman & Wakefield who represented Olajuwon in the purchase and is now marketing the property for sale. Olajuwon bought the property from the Pappas family of Houston, which owns restaurant chains.

Although he no longer lives in Houston, Olajuwon has become an active real estate investor in the city.

Over the years, the retired Houston Rockets center has purchased many high-profile sites, including the southwest corner of Kirby Drive and the Southwest Freeway, the city's former Federal Reserve Bank building, the old World Trade Center building near Minute Maid Park and a historic downtown bank building, which he turned into a mosque. He's made millions on the sale of many of these properties.

Olajuwon, who now lives in Jordan, could not be reached for comment. It is expected that the property will be divided and sold in parcels, similar to what he did with land he acquired at Kirby and the Southwest Freeway, according to Cook. What was once the Westheimer Transfer & Storage facility is now a CVS and Chick-fil-A.

A 35,000-acre spread
Surrounded by mature trees and Spanish moss, the West estate was part of 35,000 acres that the family patriarch assembled in the 1920s, according to the Houston Architectural Guide. A portion of that property is now the Johnson Space Center.

Located in Pasadena, the entire property is appraised at just over $3 million, according to the Harris County Appraisal District, but its market value is much higher.

Property along the water in this rapidly growing area is selling for an average of between $25 and $30 per square foot, according to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

Developers have been grabbing land around the lake for high-rise residential, hotel and other real estate projects.

"There's a bunch of people that would love to have that mansion," said Barbara Cutsinger, marketing manager for the Bay Area group. "It's one of the most beautiful settings."

Immediately adjacent to the estate, a developer is selling upscale townhomes for between $300,000 and $500,000.

The company says on its Web site that the project's "Italianate-styled architecture" was inspired by its neighbor, the West mansion.

The house has been vacant for many years and is in need of serious renovations.

Legend has it that the family moved to River Oaks after Jim West Sr. died, stipulating in his will that the home on Clear Lake would never be used as a residence again. It stayed vacant for decades and was often the target of vandals.

It later became the Lunar Planetary Science Institute, and some of its interior architectural charm was replaced by commercial embellishments like acoustical tile ceilings.

What's next?
Now that it has a new owner, the property's future is unclear.

Its designation as a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and its placement on the National Register don't preclude it from being demolished, according to the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. It does, however, allow for substantial tax benefits if someone wanted to restore it.

"The West mansion is the most significant and visible historic landmark in that part of Harris County," said Ramona Davis, executive director of the alliance. "We're encouraged that the West mansion is now owned by someone who has the resources to restore this beautiful house to its former grandeur."

[citykid09]

The new condos on Briarglen on nearly complete. Too bad they're tucked away on a street that most Houstonians have never heard of.

http://mcolley.myweb.uga.edu/briarglen.jpg
What part of the city is this in?

[Xeelee]

What part of the city is this in?
it's on woodway or memorial drive i think. my new job is near there.

[Shasta]

The Briarglen is located on Briarglen Drive. It's just South of San Felipe between San Felipe and Westheimer. It's Inside the Loop but West of the railroad tracks.

[Xeelee]

The Briarglen is located on Briarglen Drive. It's just South of San Felipe between San Felipe and Westheimer. It's Inside the Loop but West of the railroad tracks.
there you go. :)

[Xeelee]

Sorry but im usually on my third beer by that time... i keep a cold six pack in the trunk of my car. :)

[WesternGulf]

Boutiques to give downtown retail a new charge
Houston Business Journal - November 3, 2006by Allison WollamHouston Business Journal

The Central Business District is in line to get an influx of trendy retail boutiques, thanks in part to a nearly two-year-old grant program that has kicked into high gear.

Local retailers AA Concepts and The Tipping Point have landed grants from the Houston Downtown Management District, making them only the third and fourth projects to receive the monetary incentives since the program was started in early 2005. Meanwhile, Austin-based Factory People is also in the early stages of a planned expansion into Houston's CBD.

Lifestyle retailer AA Concepts has secured a $175,000 grant from the management district to open a store in the firmer Sakowitz Building, and sneaker boutique The Tipping Point received a $50,000 award for a store in the old Humble Building.

The Houston Downtown Management District, funded through taxes imposed on property owners in the district, approved $1 million in 2005 to start the grant program aimed at bringing "soft goods" retailers to downtown.

Soft goods include everything from books and music to clothing and art. Restaurants and bars are not eligible for the grants.

Los Angeles-based clothier American Apparel Inc., a cutting-edge company that caters to socially conscious buyers, was the first retailer to take advantage of the program when it landed a $150,000 grant in early 2005. The company plans to open a store in the Sakowitz Building once a certain portion of the building is leased to other retailers.

Since then, the only other grant recipient has been the planned 800,000-square-foot Houston Pavilions entertainment complex, which received a $600,000 grant for retail and $400,000 to create a streetscape along Dallas Street.

Whereas the Pavilions has already landed some big-name tenants such as House of Blues and Lucky Strike bowling alley, these two newest grants are expected to help ramp up the fledgling retail scene for boutique stores in the downtown area.

Kathy Williams, retail development specialist for the Downtown Development District, says AA Concepts -- which currently operates three stores in Houston named Wish, Fabrik and Method -- will receive its grant once the proposed 5,785-square-foot store is built out in the historic Sakowitz Building.

AA Concepts tailors its store designs and merchandise to suit the specific demographic in which the store is located. In the case of the Sakowitz Building, the retailer is planning to debut a new concept, Habita, which is described as a lifestyle store that will sell home furnishings, accessories and apparel.

AA Concepts is in the process of finalizing its lease, and Williams says an opening date has not yet been determined.

Meanwhile, Williams says, upscale sneaker boutique The Tipping Point will receive its grant when the Houston-based retailer completes construction of its store in the old Humble Building at the corner of Main Street and Polk.

The Tipping Point is a start-up company which Williams says will debut its concept with a 1,100-square-foot store by early next year.

The retailer will offer one-of-a-kind and collectible sneakers as well as apparel and branded footwear.

Meanwhile, a funky Austin-based retailer is also planning to expand to Houston with a new location in the Sakowitz Building.

Factory People caters to customers in search of hard-to-find cult clothing designers such as Evil Genius, Fred Perry, Kid Robot and Yoko Deveraux.

Although a lease has not yet been signed, Factory People Owner Thomas Popov says he hopes to open a Houston location by the second or third quarter of 2007.

He says the Houston store will be similar to the original contemporary showroom in Austin, but it will also "have more of a Houston flavor."

Williams says interest from retailers has been pretty steady since the announcement of the Houston Pavilions complex, which will be bounded by Dallas, Polk, Main and Caroline streets.

In addition to House of Blues and Lucky Strike, high-profile restaurants such as Red Cat Jazz Cafe, McCormick & Schmick's and Lawry's The Prime Rib have also signed on to anchor the development.

"The knowledge that we have the arrival of The Pavilions coming has spurred a lot of interest in the downtown area," Williams says. "The infusion of retail that The Pavilions will bring to downtown is causing a a spur of activity."

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/11/06/story7.html?b=1162789200^1370677

[Shasta]

That is great news about the retail coming to downtown. Those are the types of stores needed; destination places.

Back when I thought I might be moving back to Houston, I wanted to open a branch of our furniture biz in downtown or midtown.

[Von]

Nice pics! woots woots for Houston, now on a totally different subject!... I see alot of trump towers everywhere except for Houston, why's that?? :(

[Houston Proud]

I thought Houston Pavilions was going to break ground today? What happened?

[Trae]

^^ Nothing happened.

[Von]

why? bc of the weather?? mmm I don't like that

[WesternGulf]

I thought Houston Pavilions was going to break ground today? What happened?

Remember.....projects like this never happen. ;)

[Xeelee]

Remember.....projects like this never happen. ;)
Truer words have never been spoken.

[Xeelee]

Truer words have never been spoken.
I dont like your lack of enthusiasm.

[Von]

omg is that wat it took to kill this thread???

[kardon]

omg is that wat it took to kill this thread???

along with the fact that there just isn't much going on in houston. where are the highrise condos?

[WesternGulf]

Here are some new renderings for the new Intermodal terminal north of downtown bordering the Hardy Rail Yard (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2287358&postcount=16) development. Architect is Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/3543/axd5.jpg

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/2432/aabw3.jpg

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/206/aa2wr8.jpg

[Shasta]

That looks nice. I love the glass.

Here's another project just announced;

The Sterling at Memorial Villages
27 floors
166 residences offering senior living
prices start at $400,000
located at 1395 South Voss Road between Woodway and San Felipe

I am guessing the strip mall that used to house the Mr Gattis/Michael's Craft Store/Antone's Po-Boys is coming down to make room for this?

http://www.thesterlingseniorcondo.com/memorialvillage/images/photo_rendering.jpg

[JMancuso]

wow!

[westsider]

Odd looking building.

[Xeelee]

Anyone know if the sacred heart cathedral will get its campanile? I drive by there all the time and I dont see it... :wtf:

[WesternGulf]

Anyone know if the sacred heart cathedral will get its campanile? I drive by there all the time and I dont see it... :wtf:

According to HAIF, it will be, but after completion of the main cathedral, maybe even years after. The church is suppose to be raising money for it.

[vjhe]

Wow, I have to say the Intermodal looks nice. As it currently stands in the renderings, it doesn't look like METRO made "how cheap we can get it" the only priority. I actually like the design.

I also love the glass in both the Intermodal and the new Sterling proposal. I've been waiting on the day when Houston aggressively steps away from the beige stone trend that has plagued us for what seems far too long and longer than other cities. Now if we could just get away from the dreaded box format and add a couple of odd shapes to some of our new buildings.

[texasboy]

The intermodal definitely looks like more than I expected.

[Xeelee]

According to HAIF, it will be, but after completion of the main cathedral, maybe even years after. The church is suppose to be raising money for it.
Translation: "No"


Thanks for the info. :) Wish it would have gone up. :(

[TexasBoi]

along with the fact that there just isn't much going on in houston. where are the highrise condos?

Highrise condos are not the only sign that tells us there is something going on in a city. There is alot going on on in Houston.

[Double L]

Wow, we really think the Houston Pavillions is dead?

[Houston Proud]

I really do think the Houston Pavilions is dead. They keep on back dating it, making changes, now it's no residental for the project only offices, retail, and eatery.

Anybody know is the Pavilions still a go, and when they plan on breaking ground?

[Xeelee]

I really do think the Houston Pavilions is dead. They keep on back dating it, making changes, now it's no residental for the project only offices, retail, and eatery.

Anybody know is the Pavilions still a go, and when they plan on breaking ground?
This goes the way of most other projects in Houston. Typical.

[Great_Hizzy]

Why have a compilations thread if 90% of the posters post without paying any attention to past details?

Jesus Cristo!

[c4smok]

Cranes going up on the 2727 Kirby Condo =)
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/9817/houkirbycondo9tw.jpg

[JMancuso]

you're f'ing kidding me! the pavilions thingie is dead? :( :(

[c4smok]

its not dead... but it will be redesigned..

[Great_Hizzy]

LMAO!

See what I mean?

[Xeelee]

typical

[WesternGulf]

LMAO!

See what I mean?

:D

[Xeelee]

surely there must be something we can do.

[JMancuso]

have your people talk to my people

[guess]

What is this? In the galleria area behind the new hotel and 3000 sage
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5508/onedj4.jpg


Camden City Centre
http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/2435/twold6.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/4776/threevp7.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/183/fourxl2.jpg

the edge
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6994/edge1qt4.jpg

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8242/edge2px1.jpg

apartments going up on west dallas. sign says City Vista. something is also happening on the block across the street
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2536/dallasgq2.jpg

[Great_Hizzy]

This reminds me that I saw some crews on the grounds of the former Sears site on Montrose at Allen Parkway. Can't confirm that they were actually doing anything but the crew and equipment were there (a drill and a couple of trucks). Maybe they were merely doing work on the underground piping or maybe nothing at all.

Any scoops?

[WesternGulf]

This reminds me that I saw some crews on the grounds of the former Sears site on Montrose at Allen Parkway. Can't confirm that they were actually doing anything but the crew and equipment were there (a drill and a couple of trucks). Maybe they were merely doing work on the underground piping or maybe nothing at all.

Any scoops?

A new Ismali center is going up I believe.

That first photo guess might be the new 15 floor Courtyard by Marriott. Thanks for the updates.

[Shasta]

I am thinking that hotel in the Galleria area going up might be a new 15 story Marriott Courtyard. There's a mention of a proposal for it in the old thread (I think) and it was being designed by the same firm that just built the nearby 14 story hotel (Homewood Suites?)...

[Xeelee]

A new Ismali center is going up I believe.

That first photo guess might be the new 15 floor Courtyard by Marriott. Thanks for the updates.

What is this ismali center?

[Bailey]

Any news on the Pavilions?

[Xeelee]

Any news on the Pavilions?
Just the usual. Delayed. Ugh.

[Von]

ugh Discovery Green is making its way though so i guess that's atleast something...

[rdavis4559]

Discovery green has actually been coming along at a pretty nice pace. I get to watch the progress every day from my office window

[Von]

which building do u work??/\/\/\/\

[rdavis4559]

two houston center

[Xeelee]

two houston center
Take a camera to work. :) Take some pics for us. :):tup:

[rdavis4559]

Here is discovery green so far. I realize the pics aren't very good but I only had my camera phone with me. I'll bring my camera to work tomorrow and take some clearer pics.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/discoverygreen01.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/discoverygreen02.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/discoverygreen03.jpg

[rdavis4559]

and heres the progress on the memorial hermann building at I-10 and the beltway as of 10/29
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/PIC_0198.jpg
and what it will look like when completed
http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/1397/aa2ve2.jpg

[Von]

nice thanks for the pics :) now if we can see some of that on the parking lots where the Pavillions are suppose to be and i'm happy...
memorial herman building looks like a casino

[rdavis4559]

yah it does look more like it belongs in vegas. heres the pavilion shots you wanted:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pavilionsurfacelots01.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pavilionsurfacelots02.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pavilionsurfacelots03.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/pavilionsurfacelotsdiagram.jpg

and today i took pics with my 7.2 mp camera instead of my camera phone of discovery green and the site across from it where the residential tower is proposed. ill upload them either tonight or tomorrow morning

[rdavis4559]

heres the new building in the medical center just completed... i dont know if it is being occupied yet
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/01.jpg
heres a view of discovery green
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/02.jpg
you can see where the residential tower is going to be
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/03.jpg
im not sure whats going to be in this corner
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/04.jpg
I guess that pond is going to be pretty deep?
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/05.jpg

[WesternGulf]

Seems like a shallow hole for a garage. I am assuming it will be deeper. Thanks for the pics.

[WesternGulf]

Here is a shot I took today of the Mosaic.

http://static.flickr.com/106/316783942_f9fad993f3_b.jpg

[rdavis4559]

theres a 15+ story building going up on the east side of 290 a few minutes before you hit 610,,, anyone know what that is?

[Xeelee]

Not sure... Thanks for the pics. :) :)

[JMancuso]

theres a 15+ story building going up on the east side of 290 a few minutes before you hit 610,,, anyone know what that is?

fbi building

[Xeelee]

fbi building

Really? :cool: