Houston Development News [Archive] - Page 2

Houstonian

January 18th, 2009, 01:37 AM

As I know (and everyone knows) that this thread is D-E-A-D on SSC...

..I guess i'll try to revive it.:nuts:

Downtown

Swamplot (http://swamplot.com/dance-building-dance-houston-ballet-makes-a-downtown-debut/2008-12-03/#more-4357), on the new Ballet Center...

Click the link at top to read the rest.

Houston Ballet Center (diff designs.) (The rendering SRG posted is a fake one!)

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ballet-glass.jpg

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ballet-solid.jpg

Embassy Suites-19 or 21 floors

Back on track after being on hold for a while.

Expect the 19-story Embassy Suites to break ground by March 09. It will be built at 1515 Dallas at LaBranch near Discovery Green Park and the Hilton Americas.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC02613.jpg

Five Allen Center-50 floors LEED GOLD

Nothing new on this one for a while now... I guess there still waiting until 50% is leased or it may be dead already.:(

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/5AllenCenter.jpg

One Park Place- 37 Floors T/O

Discovery Tower- 32 Floors u/c Curremtly on floor 8 or 9. LEED Platium with wind turbines on the top.
http://www.discoverytowerhouston.com/images/gallery/Render_1.jpg

MainPlace-46 Floors u/c Currently on floor 4 (I think) and the parking garage is on floor 1. LEED Platium
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1508/600xpopupgalleryey0.jpg

Uptown

Regent Square- 4 towers

Construction to begin in 2Q of 09.

http://i44.tinypic.com/20qb402.jpg

BLVD Place- On Hold :bash:

High Street- On Hold :bash:

Rice Village Sonoma-On Hold :bash:

Titan- Cancelled :bleep:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/TitanChronAd.jpg

Turnberry Tower-Cancelled :bleep:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/2007/08/turnberrytowerhouston.jpg

2727 Kirby- T/O

I would tell you guys about the Texas Medical Center but its too much. Its like something new breaks ground twice evry month.

Earth Quest Adventures

This a 1,600 acre dinosaur theme park. It was suppose to be only 50 acres. Its ground breaking is sometime between early 09 - Fall 09. Also it will be in a non-dense area of Montgomery County, right off of I-59 on both sides in New Caney,Texas. The cost for this is 1.5 Billion dollars.

http://i40.tinypic.com/1zyagjr.jpg

I will post further information on all these projects soon.:)

Infoman

January 18th, 2009, 03:45 AM

Nice park!!!

Houstonian

January 18th, 2009, 04:10 AM

Nice park!!!

Yeah it will be an Awesome Park!:banana:

The developer says it will be the 2nd largest attraction in Texas (Alamo is 1st) bringing in 1+ Million visitors each year when it opens.

Including hotels, an IMAX, a theme park and a museum. The IMAX will be 4D. Dill says, “If a dinosaur sneezes, you’ll feel it. Water will spring out from your seat.” The 155,000 square foot non-profit museum will be an all green facility with a 200 foot observation center. The plan is to begin moving dirt on the museum either late summer or early fall of this year and will take an estimated 18 to 24 months to build. After museum completion, construction on the rest will follow. The project should be finished by the summer of 2012 at the latest.

http://products.rednews.com/base/member/mw...mercialBuzz.pdf

Infoman

January 18th, 2009, 04:39 AM

Cool...I wish that in SC, and MD would get new amusement parks!!!

Houstonian

January 18th, 2009, 05:41 AM

Houstonian

January 19th, 2009, 11:07 PM

From Swmplot...

Discovery Tower, going up across McKinney St. from Discovery Green Downtown, has its first tenant — and it’ll be taking the whole building.

Beginning in late 2011-about the time Hess's current lease at One Allen Center expires — the 31-story tower with the wind turbines on top will be renamed Hess Tower.

This new building, to be renamed Hess Tower, will be the first energy efficient Gold LEED design in downtown Houston.

btw Hess is a New York based company

GvilleSC

January 20th, 2009, 04:47 AM

^ How many Amusement parks does SC and MD have?

South Carolina shares half of Carowinds with NC outside of Charlotte, boasts the wonderful South of the Border :lol:, and the Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach opened AND closed this past year. So, I guess 2, but I'm not sure that South of the Border truly counts, though I've never been. So, I guess it's actually more like one half of a true theme park? :nuts:

Houston has some BEAUTIFUL towers going up! I've never been to TX, but I hope to venture out that way for graduate school next year... Houston will be a must see for sure! :cheers:

Houstonian

January 20th, 2009, 05:25 AM

^^^ Oh thats cool.:) Hope you have a great time in Houston IF you visit.:D

Heres something new that was released today..

SouthPointe

Renderings

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Drawing.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Astroworld.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Drawing2.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Drawing3.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/south-pointe-bridge.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/south-pointe-water-bridge.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Suthpoint.jpg

From Swamplot...

One of Swamplot’s best tipsters forwards a link to a website featuring lovely renderings of a family of glassy office buildings and blocky parking garages squatting on the former AstroWorld site — along with a rather direct question: “Is this real???”

Well, the Crosswell Torian website is a real website, where the development company proudly presents its AstroWorld tower roundup under the name SouthPointe: “a hundred+ acre, transit-oriented mixed use development.” But a brand-new 13.5-million-sq.-ft. project doesn’t exactly seem tailor-made for today’s cautious real-estate market.

If the SouthPointe design isn’t real, though, it’s a brilliant parody — down to the ultra-generic name and its not-so-silent extra vowel. It expertly answers this question: How might a bunch of suburban developers — some of them from, say, Conroe — make a complete mockery of Houston’s highest profile and best connected redevelopment site?

* * *

To be fair, the former AstroWorld site brings with it a number of problems: It has far-too-easy access to Houston’s major employment and activity centers by freeway, light-rail line, and even pedestrian bridge. In less deft hands, the development might make it too easy for people to transfer from one transportation method to another. Fortunately, the designers of SouthPointe have avoided that sort of nonsense with their clever plan, clearly modeled after several better-known suburban office parks.

Except this office park appears to be built out of several smaller office parks, each of which is labeled with a separate theme: “institutional/medical,” “office/corporate,” residential, or “mixed use/urban.” A collection of separately themed office parks — on the site of a former theme park. Get it?

They even have a website Now that was made today.:P

http://crosstorian.com/southpointe

Also this developement has been redesigned multiple times due to its location, the developer already owns the land and the site is already cleared.

g-man430

January 20th, 2009, 06:14 AM

:rant: Quit hogging it all. :bash: :cry:

Houstonian

January 20th, 2009, 06:32 AM

:rant: Quit hogging it all. :bash: :cry:

Theres always enough to go around your city just have to wait for its turn!:nuts::cheers::tiasd::baeh3::crazy:;)

SRG

January 20th, 2009, 08:06 AM

Houstonian

January 20th, 2009, 04:31 PM

No, that's the building that the Houston Ballet is currently in. My apologies though as I did get it wrong. I must have clicked on the wrong link for the photo.

Apology Accepted.:)

Houstonian

January 20th, 2009, 05:06 PM

New Renderings of Regent Square:

Forgot to post this yesterday and as you can see its 4 towers now..:)

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1724/201/63/159900085/n159900085_30398184_5256.jpg

http://www.cbre.com/NR/rdonlyres/3839781A-02F3-45C0-900D-8F6208D527A1/695771/OfficeRendering_webjpg.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/Location.jpg

After a delay and a new design for this developement expect a ground breaking in 2Q of 2009..

More renderings and info here: http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/TX/Houston+Galleria/property/regentsquare.htm?pageid=0

Houstonian

January 21st, 2009, 03:33 AM

I present to you two new renderings of Five Allen Center...:D

Look at the Modern Sculptre!:)

From Swamplot..

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/5-allen-center-sculpture.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/5AllenCenter.jpg

A major downturn in the economy tends to make it a bit easier to happen upon images of developments that have been planned in secret — though finding them can be somewhat less exciting than unearthing plans that are actually likely to happen. A tipster reports HAIF user lockmat’s discovery of two images of Brookfield Properties’ planned Five Allen Center office tower Downtown. We saw one hazy picture of this building back in June. But is there any more to it now than just a few pretty pictures?

Five Allen Center is marked “pre-development” on the Brookfield website: a 50-story, 1.2-million-sq.-ft. office tower planned for a 2.5-acre site at the northwest corner of Downtown — at the northeast corner of Houston Ave. and West Dallas. That’s a rather prominent position.

Infoman

January 21st, 2009, 04:35 AM

^ How many Amusement parks does SC and MD have?

Meanwhile in Houston..

Discovery Tower (also on the left is One Park Place T/O)
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2799/img0348eo2.jpg

Taken earlier today by Jax.
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/index.php?showtopic=10424&st=570&start=570

One Park Place (taken o 1/9/09)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/3169787764_8f84a0d231_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/3168955663_cdff882fe7_b.jpg

MainPlace

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/3168962265_b4e749fbb1_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3169789826_0c91feccde_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/3168951291_dc63d904a6_b.jpg

Taken By Photolitherland on SSP.

Well we have a six flag's, and two water parks under construction...People are always saying that Maryland is over built, when we just need more thing's than other states!!! :ohno: VA is the one that is over built all over... :lol: Then we have national harbor, we had the worlds only indoor six flag's but it got shut down!!!

OH YEAH, OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA!!! GOOD BYE BUSH MOVE TO TEXAS!!! :lol: (Sorry I had to say that in your thread) :lol:

Houstonian

January 22nd, 2009, 02:05 AM

Well we have a six flag's, and two water parks under construction...People are always saying that Maryland is over built, when we just need more thing's than other states!!! :ohno: VA is the one that is over built all over... :lol: Then we have national harbor, we had the worlds only indoor six flag's but it got shut down!!!

OH YEAH, OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA!!! GOOD BYE BUSH MOVE TO TEXAS!!! :lol: (Sorry I had to say that in your thread) :lol:

Lol one day Texas will turn on Bush when the state turns blue:D

SRG

January 22nd, 2009, 03:37 AM

Apology Accepted.:)

???????????

ok........

Infoman

January 22nd, 2009, 03:53 AM

Lol one day Texas will turn on Bush when the state turns blue:D

:lol: You guy's didn't turn on his father... :lol:

Houstonian

January 23rd, 2009, 02:16 AM

Because his father is'nt really a dumba$$ like himm..

As for this thread im done updating it because nobody is commenting on future developments and construction photos on Houston:ohno:..(Greenville can stay in the spotlight but ONLY on skyscrapercity;)) No offense but its really the only development thread that gets alot of comments and it has a downtown development thread. (here on ssc)

This thread is D-E-A-D!!! :deadthrea

gstolze

January 23rd, 2009, 08:13 AM

Houstonian

February 5th, 2009, 11:35 PM

Latest News

http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=328757

HOUSTON—On the east side of downtown sits the future site of the new Dynamo stadium.

“We think it’s about an $80 to $85 million stadium. (It will have) 21,000 seats, but nothing fancy though. It’s very functional,” said Dynamo GM Oliver Luck.

Many say that the stadium will be functional enough to keep in Houston a championship team that has made noises about moving into the suburbs. It’s hoped it will be functional enough to keep the fans happy.

“It’s gonna be much more fan friendly in terms of concessions and restrooms and some of those things that we just don’t really have over at Robertson Stadium. Most importantly, it’s going to be much easier to get to in terms of the parking and access. A rail line will literally run right next to the stadium,” said Luck.

The new stadium is expected to encourage new development. When it’s finished, it’s expected to increase the property values of everything around it.

It’s reported that after the Dynamo moves in, that extra property tax money would kick $20 million into the project.

Reports indicate that the city is already in the game, but county commissioners still have to approve the deal.

“No one’s taxes are increased. It’s just taking the increased taxes, some of that money and allocating that to help build the stadium,” said Houston council member Peter Brown.

TSU will also pass along $2.5 million for the right to play its football games there, said TSU Athletic Director Charles McClelland.

“We’re gonna’ have our own locker rooms. We’re gonna share the sales for concessions, on ticket sales so it’s gonna’ be the home of the Texas Southern University fighting tigers,” said McClelland.

The players should take to the new field in the first part of 2011.

Renderings

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m25/nobious/DynamoStadium/image002.png

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/dynamo-stadium-pano-middle-1.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m25/nobious/DynamoStadium/image001.png

Thesite is already cleared; is located in the Warehouse Discrict.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee233/nbrooks503/Stadiumsite_Panorama1.jpg

The rendering of the stadium looks like a space ship (UFO whatever you call it) and it will probaly light up the area; send property values up.

Houstonian

February 5th, 2009, 11:37 PM

I hope you keep updating the thread. I love to see updates on Houston. Sorry I hardly make comments......

Ok I will. Hope you make comments on the developements though.

gstolze

February 6th, 2009, 07:49 PM

Ok I will. Hope you make comments on the developements though.
I vill try my best. I am not online very often, though.

I love Houston and am very excited about urban development there. It is incredible to see all the projects downtown, uptown, midtown, the medical-center etc. Houston is a great city and deserves much more praise than it gets.

The stadium project looks nice. Il ike the fact that it sits on the edge of downtown.

Houstonian

February 11th, 2009, 05:21 AM

Outpatient care center in the TMC 25 stories and u/c

http://www.whrarchitects.com/_filelib/ImageGallery/Photos/healthcare/methodist/methodist_002.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01940.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC01941.jpg
From ChannelTwoNews on HAIF

Houstonian

February 11th, 2009, 05:53 AM

Here's an article on Deyaar Developement from Dubai. They might possibly try to build a 89-story tower with an 52-story tower attached and named "Deyaar post Oak" in uptown.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/11/24/story1.html?page=2

Deyaar Development of Dubai made headlines by purchasing six acres of vacant land in December 2007 for what would be the firm’s first U.S. project. Company representatives did not comment then and would not comment now on their plans, but the firm specializes in building tall commercial and residential towers in its homeland.

Houstonian

February 11th, 2009, 03:16 PM

32 stories yes? no?

Well this is going up in the TMC.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1155/3174702695_b6a72fb983_o.jpg

gstolze

February 11th, 2009, 08:51 PM

Great Pix. Houston rocks!
I would perfer the Deyaar development in the downtown area, though.

Houstonian

February 12th, 2009, 01:12 AM

Great Pix. Houston rocks!
I would perfer the Deyaar development in the downtown area, though.

Yeah everyone says that. The company is from Dubai so they will most likely do something amazing! If the towers are built they would be an eyesore just like the Williams tower. Six acres a land for two towers is alot! :D
:dance2:

gstolze

February 12th, 2009, 07:06 PM

Yeah everyone says that. The company is from Dubai so they will most likely do something amazing! If the towers are built they would be an eyesore just like the Williams tower. Six acres a land for two towers is alot! :D
:dance2:

I don't think Williams Tower is an eysore. I like it, especially with the waterwall in front of it.

Houstonian

February 14th, 2009, 05:05 AM

This is a concept that is getting closer to be becoming a realility.

It will be called the "Astrodome studios". :banana:

From Swamplot

Still waiting in the wings, the long-promoted but as-yet-unmade proposal to turn the long-vacant Astrodome into a giant indoor movie lot is almost ready for its closeup, says Christine Hall in the Houston Business Journal. Astrodome Studios co-executive directors Elise Hendrix and Cynthia Neely

along with a laundry list of supporters, including “Dazed and Confused” director/writer Richard Linklater, are one month away from presenting a proposal to Harris County that would put a major soundstage and movie production studio into the proclaimed “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

“We would have absolutely everything a creative agency would need to film a movie,” Hendrix says. “With 140,000 square feet, you wouldn’t have any problem building a city in there if you needed to.”

But what would an Astrodome movie studio look like, really? To help unimaginative county officials picture the transformation, Astrodome Studios has prepared the dramatic photo-illustration above, along with a series of similarly rich diagrams:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/1.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/2.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/3.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/4.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/6.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/7.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/8.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/9.jpg

This development has a website and a myspace lol.

Site:http://www.astrodomestudios.net/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Myspace page:http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=203362342

Houstonian

February 14th, 2009, 05:26 AM

Construction updates!

Mainplace

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03968.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03953.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03962.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03969.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03973.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/MainPlace/DSC03959.jpg

2727 Kirby

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03997.jpg

Methodist Outpatient Center
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03744.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03986.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03992.jpg

BioScience Research Collaborative (aka Rice Collaborative Research Center)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03748.jpg

MD Anderson Alkek Hospital Vertical Expansion
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03979.jpg

Methodist Hospital Research Institute + Cranes
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04006.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04021.jpg

Texas Childrens Hospital Maternity Center
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04014.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04016.jpg

Memorial City Condos + Cemex Center w/ Westin & MH Tower in distance
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03869.jpg

Condos
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC03887.jpg
From Watteliegh on SSP

Houstonian

February 14th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Possible website?

http://www.nanoworldheadquarters.org/

Also New info on this.

HRE continuing this despite downturn in economy

http://www.realtynewsreport.com/HoustonDeals.htm

The Nano World Headquarters, located in Houston, is also being spearheaded by Historic Real Estate. Nano World Headquarters is a $580 million project. It will serve as a center for scientific nanotechnology collaboration world-wide and as an accelerator for start-up companies, offering a centralized intellectual hub and a state-of-the-art shared equipment facility. The headquarters will be a point of intersection where private sector, government and academic institutions will come together to create new opportunities for high salaried, high tech jobs and increase the economic development throughout the region.

The Nano project will include over 200,000 sf of shared facilities, the largest in Texas, including a 5,000 square foot Class 1000/100 Clean Room and over $35 million in equipment for nanotechnology, energy, medical and aerospace applications. The shared facilities will be available to startup companies, private sector research groups, and university and government researchers with appropriate hourly fees for equipment use.

Additionally, Historic Real Estate is introducing the Texas Gulf Coast’s only private, 100 percent waterfront community, The Peninsula on Clear Lake. The gated community is located o 30 minutes from downtown Houston and is a community featuring 37 waterfront estates and four family compounds with direct channel access to Clear Lake, Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Peninsula, a $90 million project, will host “The Showcase of Homes on the Water” event in March. The event is projected to attract over 10,000 home and boating enthusiasts during the three weekend event.

“Historic Real Estate is committed to creating the best places for people to live, work, play, stay, learn and be entertained,” said Historic Real Estate’s Executive Director, David Goswick. “We are dedicated not only to designing and developing these locations but also to understanding the human landscape of the communities we seek to enrich.”

Houstonian

February 16th, 2009, 08:34 AM

Galveston Bay Hotel- A 425 room hotel, full sevice marina, and 2 residential towers...

http://www.studioredarchitects.com/images/stories/easygallery/66/1209114510_final-finish.jpg

America's Plaza- 7 acre urban property with 1800 residential units, 100,000 square feet of office and retail space, and an outdoor amphitheater. Said to be in the "shadows of downtown..." (Near the Dynamo Stadium)

http://www.studioredarchitects.com/images/stories/easygallery/125/1216150132_Birdseyeview.JPG

Link: http://www.studioredarchitects.com/index.php

Houstonian

February 20th, 2009, 02:18 AM

New info on EarthQuest from: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/02/13/kingwood_observer/news/08realtor.txt

The plans for the much anticipated Earth Quest Adventures, slated to be constructed in East Montgomery County, are closer to reality with the fast-approaching ground breaking scheduled for the fall.

East Montgomery County Improvement District President and CEO Frank McCrady discussed the plans for the dinosaur-themed park and museum with the Kingwood Realtor Advisory Board Feb. 12.

“We have had board meetings and developer meetings; in two weeks the EMCID board will be issuing bonds on the project,” McCrady said. “The Houston market is ready, willing and able to accept a thematic theme park and destination place to go in regards to any type of recreational activity.”

The Earth Quest Adventures project will be located north of Kingwood, at Roman Forest Boulevard and U.S. Highway 59.

The design process for some of the rides and areas of the park are still in the design process but for the most part, the schematics for Earth Quest are complete.

“The project is moving forward and we are expected to break ground on Earth Quest either the end of this fiscal year or the first quarter of 2010,” McCrady said.

The park is scheduled to open for the public in 2011 or 2012.

The dinosaur theme park will be situated toward the rear of the park and will feature several roller coasters that will go in and around the mountains constructed as a part of the theme.

There will be a temperate side of the mountain which will simulate a rain-forest like atmosphere, another side will showcase volcano-like activity and yet another side will feature a snowy climate.

“There are different components for each side and a centerpiece connecting all the different parts, which is like the center of the park,” McCrady said.

The actual park itself is around 200 acres and several hotels are already slated to be built around the park including a hotel featuring rooms situated in the tree tops that offer a view of the park.

Additionally, McCrady discussed the development of Valley Ranch where there is current retail development that will further enhance the theme of the community, a lifestyle center.

The retail centers in Valley Ranch will feature an outdoor shopping experience and offer shoppers outdoor places where they can relax and interact with friends and fellow shoppers.

Kyle Bauer, owner of QLS Family Fitness Health Complex, also addressed the luncheon, explaining the recent additions and expansion of their facility and the center’s dedication to the community.

_________

Discovery Tower 2.15.o9

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/DiscoveryTower/DTNewsCap21509.jpg

Houstonian

February 21st, 2009, 01:44 AM

Downtown YMCA...
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/mailgooglecom.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/mailgooglecom2.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/mailgooglecom3.jpg

Infoman

February 21st, 2009, 03:40 AM

I've been scared to look at this thread this whole month but I'm brave so here I go!!!

THERE IS A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN HOUSTON!!!

Houstonian

February 21st, 2009, 04:02 AM

I've been scared to look at this thread this whole month but I'm brave so here I go!!!

THERE IS A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN HOUSTON!!!

Lol.

Glad you looked at this thread!!

Nobody really post updates (beside me) nor makes comments on developements here anymore.:ohno:

Where did all the Houston Forumers go?!?!

___________

Update on the Dynamo stadium with another rendering!

Is Dynamo stadium on th Eve of being a done deal?

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/dynamosign.jpg

http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/is-downtown-stadium-in-houston-on-the-eve-of-being-a-done-deal/1977

With the Houston Dynamo’s opening match of the CONCACAF Champions League’s knockout stage quickly approaching on February 24th, it’s time to take a quick look at what’s going on here in Houston.

The franchise made the move from San Jose to Houston, with the impression that it would be easier to obtain a stadium deal in Houston. With the Dynamo’s fourth season starting next month, the club still calls the rundown Robertson Stadium, located on the University of Houston campus in the Third Ward, home. Without rehashing the long, tortuous route the stadium process has taken, it appears that the Houston Dynamo will be starting the 2011 MLS season in a new stadium located on the eastern edge of Downtown Houston. This afternoon, Houston Dynamo CEO Oliver Luck made an appearance on the Ken Hoffman show on 1560 The Game. While Luck was primarily there to promote the Dynamo’s new $150 season ticket package and the $32 special for 4 tickets to the Dynamo’s game against Atlante on Wednesday February 24th. However, Hoffy asked Luck about the status of the stadium negotiations, Luck did not say a final deal had been forged, but nonchalantly and openly stated the team would be in a new downtown stadium in 2011. Gone were the caveats and spin of the past.

More importantly, Luck stated that an unnamed bank has agreed to involve itself in the financing of the Tax Increment Redevelopment Zone a/k/a TIRZ that is at the heart of the public funding associated with the potential stadium. Unlike the sporting palaces recently built for the Astros, Rockets, and Texans, the Dynamo stadium carries a projected cost of under $100 million with only a fraction of the cost coming from public sources. This means that instead of relying on local taxes, which would require a vote, to fund the stadium, the City of Houston and Harris County will provide funds through the TIRZ that will go towards infrastructure improvements. Little, if any, public money will be used on the actual stadium. While a deal has not been finalized, the fact that a bank has agreed to finance the TIRZ, despite the credit crunch and current economy, is an indication that the Dynamo, the City, and the County are on the eve of finalizing a stadium deal.

Speaking of the current economic situation, MLS and the Dynamo, as well as most of the other MLS teams, should be applauded for providing affordable season ticket packages.

Houstonian

February 21st, 2009, 05:15 AM

Here are some construction pics from last month that I forgot to throw in.

Pictures from The Woodlands, which to anyone who does'nt know is located about 25 miles north of downtown Houston. The area is booming and its where The Woodlands Mall and Waterway is located.

Just a few years ago there was nothing but urban sprawl BS out in this area but now it starting to look like an actual city!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3131403692_e2d337d144_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/3130572361_9c1945ef5e_o.jpg

This is the new developement for the Woodlands. The tallest tower (20 stories) is already u/c and the others are already built or in the process of being built.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3130572145_b82d7b822d_o.jpg

A low rise under construction named 'Avia' in The Woodlands Market Square. (Can you see the rendering?)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3130572005_6365ac9c3a_b.jpg

Some more development along the waterway. The white building on the left is the new Marriott Hotel.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3130571799_ec3b19f1ca_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/3130571571_c91042820e_o.jpg

___________

Texas Medical Center

A lot of the projects I barely know about.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3175540710_54ce6fcb9c_o.jpg

Behind the not yet finished Outpatient care center on Main Street.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/3174705191_19f4b3c2a4_o.jpg

This tower is located quite a ways away from the main medical center.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3175539404_b1175319dc_o.jpg

Look at all of those cranes!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1103/3174703377_086b3da708_o.jpg

MD Anderson Caner Center Vertical Expansion
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/3174702233_41eb67501e_o.jpg

Forgot the name of the building on the right....
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3175534908_75970838a9_o.jpg

(Off Topic) Hundreds of Muslims downtown saying that they did not condone terrorism. Pretty Crazy is'nt it?!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3174700475_2ce6421469_o.jpg
(All pics from Photolitherland on SSP)

Houstonian

February 21st, 2009, 07:30 PM

Metro nearing deal on next 4 rails.

After two years of negotiations with two firms, the Metropolitan Transit Authority may be close to reaching a deal with a contractor to build and operate its next four light rail lines.

"We’re in final negotiations," said George Smalley, a Metro spokesman. "In a negotiation, though, you never know until it’s really over."

The pending breakthrough with Parsons Transportation Group comes three years before Metro has said all five of its additional rail lines will be complete. The fifth rail line, the University line, remains in preliminary stages of development; another agreement will have to reached on that line.

Despite the tight time frame for the new lines, Metro officials say they are sticking to the 2012 target date.

Metro’s Red Line, which runs along Main Street, has been operational since 2004.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority’s board has to approve the contract, which will likely appear on this week’s agenda, Smalley said.

Last April, Metro announced that Parsons Transportation Group would design, build, operate and maintain four of its rail lines after yearlong negotiations with Metro’s first choice, Washington Group International, fell apart. In the end, WGI and Metro were "hundreds of millions" of dollars apart, Metro’s President and CEO Frank J. Wilson said at the time.

Wilson declined to reveal WGI’s estimate for the North, Southeast, East End and Uptown lines, but the figure was made known to Parsons.

An analysis prepared last year put the cost of all five new rail lines, including the longer and costlier University line, at $2.6 billion.

Negotiations with Parsons covered maintenance and operation, elements not common in most rail contracts, industry sources said.

Any design flaws discovered during the first few years of operation will be taken care of by Parsons, Smalley said.

‘Still set on that path’

Metro leaders remain confident that the five lines, which total 30 miles, can be completed on schedule.

"We’re still set on that path," Smalley said, "but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy."

Valley Metro light rail in Phoenix opened its 20-mile, $1.4 billion line in December after four years of construction.

Metro’s negotiation process seems to have taken a reasonable length of time, given the scope of the project, said Henry Kay, a Maryland Transit Administration deputy administrator.

"I can see us easily taking that long to contract for far less value with far less at stake," Kay said. "They’re making a commitment to provide service over many years."

Negotiations began in January 2007, when Metro announced WGI would be its builder. After the deal failed, Metro paid WGI $77 million for its preliminary work which was handed over to Parsons. Metro has paid Parsons $11.8 million for its work under a temporary agreement.

Among the "moving parts" involved in the deal include the unknown amount of funds Metro may receive in the stimulus package, Smalley said. Metro has requested $410 million to help begin work on the North and Southeast lines and an additional $70 million to convert high-occupancy vehicle lanes into toll lanes.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6264974.html

The east side/brown line is already u/c
________________

Houston-Galveston rail still a possibility?

A commuter rail line between Galveston and Houston has been on the drawing board for so many years that many people have come to think of it as the community’s longest-running fantasy.

But Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas and City Manager Steve LeBlanc returned from Washington, D.C., with the impression that the rail project has a better chance of getting federal funding than any other transportation project.

Thomas and LeBlanc visited officials in Washington about a long list of requests for funds to help the area recover from Hurricane Ike. On that list is $10 million for a preliminary engineering study to run a commuter service along the Galveston-Houston & Henderson line, which runs alongside state Highway 3.

The Galveston representatives carried a letter in support of the commuter rail project that had been signed by the mayors of League City, Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson and Webster, as well as County Judge Jim Yarbrough and Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia. The Galveston representatives bumped into members of the Galveston County Commissioners Court, who were making similar requests for help recovering from the storm.

The commuter rail line would be built in two phases: Galveston to League City, and then from League City to downtown Houston.

The plan for commuter rail has several selling points:

• Passenger demand is estimated at 11,000 trips daily. Getting those people out of cars and into rail cars would improve air quality and reduce congestion on existing highways;

• The cost of widening Interstate 45 to accommodate the volume of traffic that the rail line could handle would be $2.2 billion — the cost of the rail project is estimated at $400 million;

• The ability to move that many passengers quickly would give the region another evacuation route;

• The project would improve mobility in a rapidly growing area — it would, for example, tie into the University of Texas Medical Branch’s plans to develop a campus at Victory Lakes, just off Interstate 45 at FM 646 in League City; and

• The project would allow better use of one of the least-used tracks in the region and would provide an opportunity to replace the old Causeway Bridge, built in 1910, which is one of the most dangerous points on the Intracoastal Waterway — the narrow barge lanes have been a hazard for years.

The project has been on the books for so long that it’s hard to imagine it coming to life soon. But fans of light rail should know, one way or another, fairly soon. Officials requested that the $10 million for the engineering study be included in the 2010 appropriations.

http://www.galvestondailynews.com/st...6906ec00bea818

Also the trains will go 79MPH.

I hope this really something happens soon. It has gotten more attention now due to Ike.

gstolze

February 21st, 2009, 08:36 PM

Great news. I was riding the light rail in Houston last year and really liked it.
I am glad the system will be expanded. I also hope the commuter rail to Galveston is giong to happen soon.

Smallville

February 21st, 2009, 11:01 PM

Wow, Houston is really booming! Good to see all these projects even with the downturn in the economy. Looks like Texas is doing better than places like California, Nevada and Florida.

Dariusb

February 22nd, 2009, 09:20 AM

timmay143

February 25th, 2009, 02:47 AM

Wowzers Houston, keep up the good work!

BioScientist

February 27th, 2009, 04:48 AM

Keep updating Houstonian. Although I have not commented or post my own pics, I look forward to your update. Perhaps this weekend, I can take a few photos of downtown and some nearby area. There is supposedly a few low rise going up in the heights area, but no construction so far

Houstonian

February 27th, 2009, 05:00 AM

Couple of Updates..

Outpatient care center almost t/o. Nw all it needs is the three spires. :)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3168/img0432o.jpg
Sorry for the poor quality more pics of this coming soon

______________

Town Country/CityCentre

Ok most of y'all don't know anything about this developement. Its a mixed use urban developement in suburban area of Houston (west Houston), currently u/c.

More info here: http://www.citycentrehouston.com/home.html

Renderings:

http://i37.tinypic.com/2mra60y.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/j8lb9t.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2z51xyt.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2ai0rj5.jpg

Hotel Sorella
http://i34.tinypic.com/w0q6o7.jpg

Construction update from Jan.

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/construction.html

_________

Building Implosion

Also Compass Bank building in Uptown ( 2200 Post Oak.) Will be imploded on March 15th o make way for.... ( possibly a new tower).

Here's a pic of the building.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/issaaa/Porter%20Park/Houston-PostOak038.jpg

BioScientist

February 27th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Uptown/Galleria desperately needs a few more tall, at least 50 to 60 stories. Williams Tower looks a bit out of place. If only they had build those other two talls (one is Marathon Oil building I believe) near Willams Tower, that would have been different. As forthe proposed 89 floor potentially going up in the Galleria, it is ok, but I think it might be better (look wise) for it to go up in downtown.

araman0

February 27th, 2009, 07:39 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/3130572361_9c1945ef5e_o.jpg

I must know more about this canal. Where exactly is it, and is it man-made?

Houstonian

February 28th, 2009, 12:31 AM

I must know more about this canal. Where exactly is it, and is it man-made?

Its in the Waterway Square in The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands is north of Houston). Im pretty sure its not man-made as well.

Houstonian

February 28th, 2009, 04:11 AM

1717 Ashby is a 23-story, mixed-use highrise that has been in the works since July o7.
Residents and the Developers have been in a dispute because of concerns of traffic problems;the Houston city council rejected their permit application 8 times yet, there still trying to build this.

More info here: http://www.buckfund.com/index.html

Renderings: (Sorry for the large renderings)

http://www.buckfund.com/images/properties/1717bissonnet/07018-A401.jpg

http://www.buckfund.com/images/properties/1717bissonnet/07018-A401-SL.jpg

http://www.buckfund.com/images/properties/1717bissonnet/07018-A203-crop.jpg

http://www.buckfund.com/images/Ground-Floor-Plan.jpg

http://www.buckfund.com/images/UrbanPlaza.jpg

BioScientist

February 28th, 2009, 06:17 AM

Have you seen the placard with the "Stop Ashby Highrise" with the monstrous building. That is hilarious. I love it when rich people bitch and moan against one another!

Houstonian

February 28th, 2009, 06:55 AM

Have you seen the placard with the "Stop Ashby Highrise" with the monstrous building. That is hilarious. I love it when rich people bitch and moan against one another!

Yeah I've seen it. :lol: I wish they would just shut up and let the developers build this. Some of the people that live in that area still have sign's in their front yards.

Looks like the 'Ashby Highrise' was caught partying in a club! :D
---->
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/gallery/1221772513/gallery_3613_112_388326.jpg

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/gallery/1221772513/gallery_3613_112_52508.jpg
(Pics taken on Halloween; are from HAIF)

Houstonian

February 28th, 2009, 07:05 PM

The Old YMCA will be imploded sometime in 2010 and Chevron plans to buy the block it sits on.

Pic of the Y from photolitherland on HAIF.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3193465106_82dfda6fee_o.jpg

BioScientist

March 1st, 2009, 04:22 AM

:lol:

I'm not sure about the status of the Ashby Highrise, but it was in the news a lot. Hopefully, I will have time tomorrow to take som pics.

I actually go to that YMCA downtown sometimes to play volleyball. It's next to some major buildings and should fetch a good price.

Any news on the supposed 80+ stories in the Galleria or has this recession killed that all together?

And LOL at the PIC, was that yours?

()_T

March 7th, 2009, 01:06 AM

No Updates?! :(

Well I have soome :)

YMCA now has a crane!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04185.jpg

Outpatient Care Center, now almost t/o.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04273.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04276.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04270.jpg
From ChannelTwoNews on HAIF

BioScientist

March 7th, 2009, 04:54 AM

I have a few but I don't know how to post pictures here.

jmancuso

March 7th, 2009, 04:56 AM

I have a few but I don't know how to post pictures here.

the url of the image

()_T

March 12th, 2009, 12:24 AM

WEDGE Hotels Corporation is actively engaged in the pre-development process for a 240-room Hilton Garden Inn adjacent to WEDGE International Tower on Louisiana Street and Clay in downtown Houston, TX. Project is expected to break ground in 2009 and open in 2010. See rendering on right side of page.

http://www.wedgerealestateholdings.com/development.html

http://www.wedgerealestateholdings.com/images/dev1.jpg

This development will kill another parking lot if built. :)

___________

From yesterday, Legacy at Memorial almost t/o.
http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/gallery/1221772513/gallery_3613_2_310881.jpg
From Jax on Haif

BioScientist

March 12th, 2009, 04:13 AM

LOL!, I was just about to post a picture of that building I took last week. Oh well. The only problem I have with that building is that it blocks the view of downtown from Spott's Park. I haven't seen a render, but it doesn't look like that cool of a building though.

gwiATLeman

March 12th, 2009, 06:39 PM

What about Houston Pavilions? Any pic updates?

()_T

March 13th, 2009, 05:50 PM

What about Houston Pavilions? Any pic updates?

The Houston Pavillions have been completed since October of last year, they're doing 'ok' (ecnomic crisis caused problems); I'll post pics later.

____________

Here's some good news. :D

From Swamplot...

Here’s a surprise: a construction permit for a new 23-story Chinatown Asiatown condominium tower was issued yesterday for Park 8 Place. Remember Park8? That’s the freeway feeder megastrip project planned for just across Brays Bayou from Arthur Storey Park, along Beltway 8 south of Bellaire Blvd. The one that called itself “The Land of Oz.”

The entire development was supposed to include three 20-something-story residential towers, a hospital, two 2-story retail-and-office strips, and a couple of parking garages — all in a quaint freeway-and-park-side setting. A foundation was poured for the first condo building last year, but Park 8 CEO David Wu put the project on hold after he was unable to secure financing. So the construction crane came down.

If a single condo tower is the only piece of the project that’s now been funded, the result might be a little less overwhelming than the complex portrayed in this old Park 8 promotional video:

48eVh5LGNT4

According to the city report, yesterday’s permit cost Lyda Swinerton Builders more than $46K. The official address for the project is 8018 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. South.

http://swamplot.com/the-land-of-oz-ready-t...3-13/#more-7304 (http://swamplot.com/the-land-of-oz-ready-to-rise-again/2009-03-13/#more-7304)

BioScientist

March 14th, 2009, 05:49 PM

here is a link to some picks of the Pavilion.

enjoy!

http://www.houstonpavilions.com/retail_property.php

()_T

March 15th, 2009, 08:30 PM

^^^^^

I wish the Houston Pavillions went with the original plan, 3 residential towers. :(

____________

Thanks to burgeoning demand for the Museum's educational exhibitions and programs, we currently host 500,000 schoolchildren annually—in addition to more than 2.5 million other visitors. However, the Museum's current facilities were built to accommodate just 200,000 visitors a year.

Demand for the Museum's educational programs far outpaces available classroom space.

The current HMNS@100: Building for a Second Century of Science capital campaign is designed to provide funding for an expansion of the Museum's facilities that will better accommodate both our swelling numbers of visitors and the community's escalating interest in thought-provoking exhibitions and informative educational programs. We need your help to make these plans a reality for Houston's future. Get involved – and help us build for the next century of science education in Houston.

You can also celebrate our centennial at one hundred fun family events planned throughout 2009 and get an inside look at the Museum's vast collections—we've selected a hundred of the most compelling objects from millions of possibilities.

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k353/northbayoukid/other%20things/hmns100-duncan.jpg
The Duncan Family Wing - part of the Museum's planned expansion.

http://www.hmns.org/images/HMNS100-image5.jpg

http://www.hmns.org/images/HMNS100-image1.jpg

http://www.hmns.org/see_do/hmns_at_one_hundred/support_hmns_100.asp

()_T

March 20th, 2009, 12:00 AM

Legacy @ Memorial from Swamplot (http://swamplot.com/more-aig-bonus-photos-right-back-atcha/2009-03-19/#more-7474) 3.17 taken from the AIG building.

http://swamplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/fog-construction-legacy.jpg
Stephen Cullar-Ledford

Ian604

March 20th, 2009, 01:20 AM

^^Nice

()_T

March 20th, 2009, 05:14 AM

Here's some ground level pics of Legacy @ Memorial, from yesterday. This tower is now t/o.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04434.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04438.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04453.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04457.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w208/houtosme/HouConstruction/DSC04464.jpg
From Watteleigh on SSP

jCav

March 20th, 2009, 07:05 PM

What is the Legacy? I haven't heard anything about it, and the first time I saw it was when I was driving on I-10 a few weeks ago.

()_T

March 20th, 2009, 09:06 PM

What is the Legacy? I haven't heard anything about it, and the first time I saw it was when I was driving on I-10 a few weeks ago.

The Legacy at Memorial is 274 apartments in a 25 story tower, 60 loft units in an adjacent wood framed building, and an 8 story parking garage. Construction began in Sept. of o7.

Here's a rendering;
http://www.hayneswhaley.com/project_images/MemorialCondos.jpg

()_T

March 24th, 2009, 01:02 AM

--->
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3378775173_03714e87a1_b.jpg
Jax FlickR

jCav

March 24th, 2009, 05:56 AM

()_T

March 24th, 2009, 11:37 PM

I went to a hotel in the museum district this past weekend to stay for a couple days and I thought I would bring my camera to post pictures on here. But I realized it is much harder than one would think, how do poeple get good pictures when I take garbage? :nuts: It's not too bad, but it's not like those quality compilations with lots of good photos.

Maybe its the camera lol. :nuts:

_______________________

New Dynamo stadium is done deal

From Khou...:D

HOUSTON -- The Houston Dynamo are finally going to get their new stadium.

They cleared the final hurdle this week by getting funding from a Spanish bank based in Madrid.

The Dynamo is paying about $60 million toward the cost of the stadium.

The City of Houston and Harris County will pick up the rest of the tab.

The stadium will be built across Highway 59 from Minute Maid Park where the Houston Astros play.

It will seat 21,000 fans and will have around 35 suites.

The Dynamo say they hope to keep the average ticket price under $20.

Construction will begin in the fall and is expected to take about 18 months.

The Dynamo plan to play their season opener at the new stadium in 2011.

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090324_mh_dynamo-stadium.694b5ecd.html

jCav

March 25th, 2009, 12:38 AM

Right, no that's not the problem. Vantage points possibly?

()_T

March 25th, 2009, 05:23 AM

Right, no that's not the problem. Vantage points possibly?

Yeah maybe, would be great if you post your pictures though! :)

Here's a view of TMC from Channel 13's Towercam, taken today.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/houstondevelopmentphotos/Houmedctr32409.jpg

Compare it to the same view but, from last July.
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/houstondevelopmentphotos/EWNTMC.jpg

jCav

March 26th, 2009, 02:44 AM

When I have free-time this weekend I will. I am loaded with school garbage to do and things to study for. Blaaaaahhhhhhh :(

()_T

March 26th, 2009, 04:02 AM

^^^ ok.

_____

From today on SSP..

YMCA

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/ymca01.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/rdavis4559/ymca02.jpg

()_T

March 28th, 2009, 12:39 AM

Heres some updates.

____________________________

Town & Country/City Centre

Construction almost complete, pics from last month.

http://www.citycentrehouston.com/February09.html

____________________________

New Park in Midtown?

Shell of burned-out church to become Midtown park

05:25 PM CDT on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

By Lee McGuire / 11 News

HOUSTON -- The fenced-off remnants of a gutted Fourth Ward church are about to become the centerpiece of a new Houston park.

The Houston City Council voted Wednesday to buy the land and what’s left of the Bethel Baptist Church, which caught fire in 2005. Now, the Parks Department and city engineers will examine the building to see if ambitious plans for the park’s development can take shape.

Since the fire, Pastor Robert Robertson has struggled with vandals and the weather—the two forces that often knock down the barbed-wire fence surrounding the property.

“African American slaves built this building,” he said. “We are hoping and praying that the history of this building can be saved.”

Robertson says members of his congregation struggled to decide whether to sell the property to the City, but ultimately decided the Church would not be able to raise enough money to restore the crumbling building. “The congregation got together after a lot of prayers and a lot of thinking,” Roberts said. “We had to come to the decision that it was a dangerous building.”

Descendants of slaves completed the Bethel Baptist Church in 1950, on a plot of land in the Fourth Ward that had belonged to the church since 1896. Now its four walls stand without a roof to connect them, in the shadow of downtown skyscrapers. The weeded lot is surrounded by sleek condominiums and an apartment complex in what is now known as Midtown.

“The history of this community is important,” Robertson said. “I hope and pray that the history of this community will remain.”

A “TIRZ,” or “Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone” has come up with roughly $360,000 to buy the property and build a park there. The plans call for three of the church’s four walls to be reinforced and serve as stand-alone borders for an outdoor garden.

Houston Mayor Bill White says the park will be a monument to the old Fourth Ward, a section of Houston settled by former slaves. “Houston has turned a corner in recognizing that historic preservation is worth it,” he said.

http://www.khou.com/topstories/stori....6e85865a.html

Pdf. with renderings
http://www.khou.com/images/0903/bbcRendering_090325.pdf

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/3046693829_a7e4fbd1c6.jpg?v=0
by rhaaga from flickr

_____________________

1717 Ashby Highrise

Yesterday, The Houston City council yet again, rejected the proposal of 1717 Ashby Highrise for the 9th time. Why? Traffic is still a concern for the area.

jCav

March 30th, 2009, 01:34 AM

the url of the image

I am having difficulty with posting pictures as well. It's not as simple as the url thing. I did a little research and according to the posting rules for this forum, I can't post attachments. Any help on how to alter those settings?

TampaMike

March 30th, 2009, 02:42 AM

I am having difficulty with posting pictures as well. It's not as simple as the url thing. I did a little research and according to the posting rules for this forum, I can't post attachments. Any help on how to alter those settings?
I'm guessing you mean pictures from your own computer? Certainly. All you would need to do is go to either imageshack or photobucket, I prefer imageshack, and upload the pictures from there. Go with the 17 in. monitor choose (its like 1270 x ___) and it will change the size of the pic. You should be sent to a new page with the picture and then links below it. Just click the picture and it will bring you to a new page. Copy the url of that page and paste it here. Also remember the ____

()_T

March 31st, 2009, 03:12 AM

Highland tower, which is now on the 10th floor.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc151/smalltowntexas/DSC04521.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc151/smalltowntexas/DSC04525.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc151/smalltowntexas/DSC04532.jpg
Watteleigh SSP

jCav

April 1st, 2009, 05:49 PM

I'm guessing you mean pictures from your own computer? Certainly. All you would need to do is go to either imageshack or photobucket, I prefer imageshack, and upload the pictures from there. Go with the 17 in. monitor choose (its like 1270 x ___) and it will change the size of the pic. You should be sent to a new page with the picture and then links below it. Just click the picture and it will bring you to a new page. Copy the url of that page and paste it here. Also remember the ____

Ok. I didn't think I had to go through a website but that makes sense now with the html thing. Many thanks.

()_T

May 1st, 2009, 03:33 AM

More info has been found regarding the secret Hines north tower (block 69).

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/gallery/1237377429/gallery_723_64_99325.jpg

Here's the rendering that was posted on an achitect's website but was later taken off, fortunaetly Wattleigh on SSP, saved a copy of the rendering.

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6964/renderingmg7.jpg

()_T

May 4th, 2009, 04:50 AM

New detailed renderings of the 28-story residential tower for Regent Square. :D

West View
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/39874_7186769213RS-Condo-view-3-her.jpg

Southwest View
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/39874_7190241435RS-Condo_view2.jpg

Northwest View
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/39874_719375706RS-Condo_view1.jpg

http://www.handelarchitects.com/mediatedsp...are_Houston.pdf

New York City-based Handel Architects LLP has revealed its design for a new 28-story residential tower in Houston, Texas. The Regent Square tower will include 150 condominiums, a 15,000-square-foot (1,400-square-meter) amenity deck, and 10,000 square feet (930 square meters) of indoor amenity areas. LEED certification is expected.

The design combines two distinctly different halves. The eastern half features floor-to-ceiling curtain wall with views of downtown Houston. The western half introduces double-height outdoor space to each unit with expansive views towards Memorial Park. Gary Handel, AIA, is serving as partner-in-charge. The building is part of a 15-acre (six-hectare) master plan for a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. The developer is GID Urban Development Group.

http://www.architectureweek.com/cgi-bin/wl...4/news_1-1.html (http://www.architectureweek.com/cgi-bin/wllk?http://www.archweek.com/2009/0304/news_1-1.html)

()_T

May 4th, 2009, 11:47 PM

Newest rendering of the Dynamo Stadium

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/dynamo-stadium-blimp.jpg

()_T

May 15th, 2009, 01:33 AM

The Perennial- 2011
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d38/Tigerdude07/ThePerennial.jpg?t=1242241703

Dallas star

May 15th, 2009, 05:12 PM

Wow nice, I love that last building.

jCav

May 18th, 2009, 06:00 PM

Seems like a fantasy. Where is it supposed to be?

Ganis

May 18th, 2009, 10:16 PM

Newest rendering of the Dynamo Stadium

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/dynamo-stadium-blimp.jpg

its getting better

()_T

May 19th, 2009, 02:38 AM

Seems like a fantasy. Where is it supposed to be?

Its not, it will be located on the former compass bank site in The Galleria. Its by Redstone Companies, if you enter the domain 'www.theperennial.com' you'll be redirected to the Redstone Company Website. More info here..

http://swamplot.com/

its getting better

Yup. :cheers:

New Rendering of the Houston Intermodel Transit Terminal
http://files.cosential.com/FirmFiles/8/images/46009_gardenviewLG.jpg

http://www.eekarchitects.com/portfolio_projects.cfm?ProjectID=127610

Dallas star

May 21st, 2009, 01:24 AM

^^ what's that classy building in the background?

()_T

May 21st, 2009, 02:22 AM

The proposed Terminal Station

Ganis

May 21st, 2009, 06:33 AM

will that make Houston's light rail better? Its kind of sucks now.

()_T

May 22nd, 2009, 02:54 AM

will that make Houston's light rail better? Its kind of sucks now.

Yes. 4 rail lines are currently approved, 2 of those are already u/c. All should be complete by 2012. Houston light rail will always suck. No underground or Elevated rail lines. :ohno:

jCav

May 23rd, 2009, 06:17 PM

[COLOR="Indigo"]
Its not, it will be located on the former compass bank site in The Galleria. Its by Redstone Companies, if you enter the domain 'www.theperennial.com' you'll be redirected to the Redstone Company Website. More info here..

Wow. On post oak? That will be something having the perennial close to BLVD Place.

And we have to be optimistic about public transportation (light rail) in Houston. There are copious amounts of people who don't see the benefits and that is where there are conflicts. But in the future, hopefully, it will have sparked some form of urbanism... (optimism)

SRG

May 23rd, 2009, 07:29 PM

Something has to be said for Houston starting right up with light rail rather than just a beginner downtown streetcar or commuter rail line..typically with light rail, the more comprehensive the system, the more ridership each segment gets.

()_T

May 24th, 2009, 07:05 PM

Downtown Embassy Suites hotel starts construction

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2009/05/18/daily34.html

American Liberty Hospitality has begun construction on the first privately-developed, full-service hotel to be built in downtown Houston in 27 years.

The Embassy Suites hotel, with 262 two-room suites, will be located at 1515 Dallas, near the George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green Park.

Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2011 on Embassy Suites, which is part of the Hilton family of brands. The hotel will have about 6,000 square feet of meeting space, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and fitness center, restaurant and a street-level café and wine bar.

Nick Massad, president of American Liberty Hospitality, says the project will help attract more convention business to town which, in turn, will be a boost for all downtown hotels.

Mayor Bill White and officials from the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau are scheduled to attend a ceremonial ground-breaking event May 26 at the site.

()_T

May 24th, 2009, 10:16 PM

GBI International Injected a New Stimulus to Further Prop Out Houston Asian Town

http://www.zzi.net/news/20081112000557.shtml

Stimulating Local Projects

When some investors are lingering on the sideline to be spooked when confirmation of economic weakness materialized, GBI envisioned a new stimulating project, including commercial, residency, and warehouse buildings.

The Twin Towers, two 12-story buildings consisting of approximately 250 four-start luxury condo rooms, 192,000 square feet professional office space, 40,000 square foot conference center, and a 10,000 square foot international bank, is estimated $92.5 million.

Central Park, an approximate $350 million project, gauges 476,000 square feet of commercial space and seven high-rise condo buildings with 812 residential condo units.

The Twin Tower and Central Park, both located in Asian Town/Houston, touted the prospect not just as Houston's conquest on business diversity but as an ideological turning point, one could embrace commercial bank, professional office space, and resident condominium, likening the conventional segregation between commercial and residency sites.

Foreign Trade Zone, approximated $213 million which GBI acquired 340 acres in Fort Bend County to be developed, has approximately 7.5 million square feet of office warehouse buildings.

Residential projects, New Horizon Villas, Villas at Ashford Point, and Fondren Gardens, comprehend the spectrum from high-end to lower middle income families, which has a $41.3 million value.

GBI's 6 local projects with launching $700 million pave the way to resurge Houston's booming economy by bringing more business and job opportunities. They also target to make Asian Town to be another hot tourist spot in Houston.

...and the Presentation...

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi01.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi02.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi03.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi04.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi05.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi06.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi07.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt171/Z_T/20081108-gbi08.jpg