Houston Development News [Archive]

texasboy

October 14th, 2004, 10:23 PM

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/66/hr1325066-1.jpg

The Edge Condominiums, a 6 floor midrise building, 93 Unit, new construction Condominium Building, at the Edge of Downtown Houston. Near vibrant midtown shops, the Trolley, restaurants and hot spots. Construction to begin fall of 2004, occupancy in summer of 2005.

Here is an article

Developers give Midtown condos an 'edge'
Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal
A new mid-rise condominium project featuring 93 units is set to break ground in Midtown as early as October.

While Midtown has become popular for apartment and townhome development, the new complex could be the largest condominium development in the area in the past 30 years.

Midtown Condominiums LLC, an affiliate of Fidelity Management Co., is building the complex, which will be called The Edge. The seven-story project will be located on 1.07 acres bounded by Baldwin, Pierce Ave., Bagby and St. Joseph Parkway, directly southwest of downtown Houston.

Development partners John Tuschman, his son James Tuschman, and Bahram Pirzad named their project The Edge because it is on the edge of downtown, Midtown and the Fourth Ward.

The project's first two levels will be used for parking, the third level will hold the common areas and the top four levels will house the residential units, all of which will have balconies.

Building amenities will include a formal lobby, lounge, pool, home movie theater, exercise area, business center, four elevators and three atriums, all within a six-minute walk of the MetroRail downtown transit center.

The 23 penthouse units will feature wood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wall coverings, high ceilings, a skylight in the master bedroom and one to two fireplaces per unit.

Price is key
John Tuschman, the managing member of Midtown Condominiums, says with prices ranging from $143,000 to $400,000, The Edge will have some of the lowest-priced residential units in the area. Most of the units will cost between $150,000 and $225,000, he says.

"The whole idea is to provide residential units well below what is available in the market," Tuschman says. "We felt that there was certainly a need for ... lower priced housing."

Tuschman says there are currently only 80 units available for sale in this price range in the area, and most are three-level townhomes without many amenities.

One-bedroom units in The Edge will range in size from 950 square feet to 1,150 square feet. Two-bedroom units will be between 1,100 square feet and 1,450 square feet in size. And three-bedroom units will be larger than 2,000 square feet.

"It sounds like what they're doing is a real good idea, in terms of the size of the units and pricing," says Richard Zigler, director of research for O'Connor & Associates.

The Edge's pricing structure may be one of its biggest draws because it is difficult to find in-town condos for less than $250,000, Zigler says. In addition, he speculates that buyers willing to pay close to $500,000 for a condo would probably choose downtown or the Galleria over Midtown anyway.

Ric Campo, chairman and CEO of Camden Property Trust, a real estate investment trust specializing in apartments, says if The Edge can keep prices under $350,000 to $400,000, it should have success in Midtown.

"If someone can build a moderately priced mid-rise, they would do very well down there," Campo says. "Price point is really the key."

Second time around
The Edge represents Tuschman's second attempt to develop a residential property in Midtown.

Through Fidelity Management, where he is president, Tuschman purchased a parcel of land just behind the old Days Inn in 2002 for a 44-unit condo project. He and his partners decided not to build the complex after learning of the U.S. Vets' plan to convert the old hotel into a residence for homeless veterans.

Tuschman, his partners and a number of limited partners bought The Edge tract in February. After working on it for the last few months, Tuschman succeeded last week in getting the city to approve a zero lot line for the property.

"It took us over four months to get the variance," Tuschman says.

Tuschman expects more of the new Midtown residential developments to be higher density because of the price of land, which he says ranges from $60 to $65 per square foot.

"The land is so expensive there right now," Tuschman says.

F. Charles Le Blanc, executive director of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, says prices are lower than that, from the high $20s to high $40s per square foot. Coincidentally, when the authority was formed in 1995, he says land was going for $2 to $8 per square foot.

Le Blanc says if land costs continue to rise, so too will the chance of seeing more condominium development in Midtown. The Edge could be the first of several condo projects, but developers will likely wait to see how this first complex fares, he says.

"I think they'll sell," Le Blanc says of The Edge units. "I think you'll see more condominium-type projects."

Tuschman says a recent study shows that there is an immediate need in the area for 80,000 housing units, and two-thirds of the potential residents would rather buy than rent.

In addition, he says more condos are needed to serve the Texas Medical Center, which is connected to Midtown by the light rail. There are currently 70,000 employees working in the Med Center, which is expected to have 90,000 employees within four years, he says.

"There is this huge pent-up demand for sale housing close to downtown," Tuschman says. "Nobody's really meeting that need."

The Edge will get started on that perceived need as soon as the land is vacated.

Alpine AutoWerke, a car detailing and repair company located at 311 Pierce, will move its operations on Oct. 12.

"We plan to break ground immediately thereafter," says Tuschman, who also is president of the Tuschman Foundation, a family organization that gives charitable grants to area nonprofits.

texasboy

October 14th, 2004, 10:45 PM

Does anybody or a Houston forumer know if this condo is complted yet?

http://www.har.com/mediaHR/40/1155240-4.jpg

This 32-unit for-sale mid-rise condominium building consists of six levels of residential use over a single level steel structured parking podium. The two bedroom, two-bathroom units range from 1200 to1400 square feet on five floors with 4 larger penthouse units on the top floor. A lobby and mail room will be provided on the first floor of the building. The building is constructed in Type 2 construction with steel framing.

texasboy

October 15th, 2004, 02:06 AM

Waterway Lofts Website (http://www.waterwaylofts.com/#)

Two Waterway is the second loft condominium project for Threshold Interests which offers the urban dweller a simplified lifestyle amidst a robust pedestrian environment stimulated by the cultural and entertainment activities of the Woodlands' Town Center.

Like its sister project, Waterway Lofts, Two Waterway is also located on the waterway offering residents an active pedestrian environment in this upscale urban village with instant access to waterfront promenades, bike paths, parks, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and the Woodland’s growing retail and commercial community.

http://www.zieglercooper.com/live/graphics/waterway%20lofts/two%20waterway.jpg

texasboy

October 15th, 2004, 04:22 AM

http://www.facultyvoice.com/News/news2004/02)%20February%20/images/nursing.bldg.jpg

Health care professionals, political and academic officials broke ground for Prairie View A&M University's new multi-million dollar College of Nursing building in the world-renown Texas Medical Center. The twelve-floor structure will contain 118,000 square feet when it is completed in 2005 at a cost of $31.3 million. The increased space will allow the college to double its capacity to 500 students and is expected to help alleviate the nursing shortage that has been reaching a critical stage for many hospitals around the country.

Click here for construction update pic (http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=306367)

texasboy

October 15th, 2004, 05:15 PM

can this go in an existing thread?

what thread?

texasboy

October 15th, 2004, 05:28 PM

On one side of the mauve velvet ropes in the Galleria Tuesday night, the real world ogled and took photographs. On the other side, a fantasy dimension of high fashion and high spirits pulsated.

Galleria shoppers, intrigued by the glamour, stopped and stared as several hundred Party Boys and Party Girls made catwalk maneuvers past the velvet ropes and into the new Dior store for a dizzying opening celebration. ADVERTISEMENT

Christian Dior Couture director general Claus-Dietrich Lahrs came from Paris for the soiree. Christian Dior USA president and COO Marla Sabo was among the New York contingent. Headlining the invitation and dressed to kill in dazzling Dior was Becca Cason Thrash, honored on this night for her work with Best Buddies International.

"I'm the Dior poster child," she cooed.

She was one of a zillion fashion standouts -- Debra Grierson in shimmery silver strapless Dior gown, Vivian Wise in Louis Vuitton, Johanna Magnus-Lawson in Dior and Ericka Bagwell in Missoni. The dollars spent on fashion for this night alone could solve the city's financial crisis.

"Becca generates more sales at the Galleria than Christmas," George Lancaster wryly observed.

Among the drop-dead gorgeous contingent -- Maria and Neil Bush, Erin and Nick Florescu, Lisa Holthouse, Courtney and Bo Hopson, Melissa Mithoff, Anne Carl, and Kristi Schiller.

texasboy

October 15th, 2004, 11:16 PM

Welcome to Market Street, a 34 acre/490,000 sq. ft main street style mixed use(retail and office) development in the heart of the Woodlands Town Center, the commercial hub of the fast growing North Houston Trade Area. Market Street is a pedestrian friendly new downtown for the Woodlands in Texas and #6 in the U.S. Market Street is a place where shopping, dining, entertainment, programmed community events and celebrations come together to create a one of a kind urban enbvironment.

Pics of Construction
http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_63883.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68432.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68542.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68602.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68732.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68782.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68892.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_68992.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69172.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69352.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69392.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69492.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69602.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69722.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69791.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69951.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69981.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69991.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70061.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70101.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70391.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70401.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69561.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70661.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_69572.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_70221.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC_71951.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC000603.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC000483.jpg http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_DSC001451.jpg

Area Plan
http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_Area1118021.jpg

Plan Views
http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/assets/images/db_images/db_aerial1.jpg

Market Street Video (http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/html/galleryvideo.html)

texasboy

October 16th, 2004, 05:30 AM

how large is that convention hotel center thing?

Don't feel like looking up specific info right now, so I will just show you what the Marriott website offered.

A meandering waterway within a wooded retreat and at the center of it all lies The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, a unique state of the art facility offering a distinct setting for your next visit or meeting. Connected via Skybridge to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, you are just minutes away from the concert stage. Easily able to accommodate meetings of all sizes, the hotel features a convention center with over 70,000 square feet of function space. The hotel is located on the area's newest development, The Woodlands Waterway. This area features along with the hotel, entertainment venues, retail shops, upscale dining, and uptown living.

Pics

http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour01.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour02.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour03.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour04.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour05.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour06.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour07.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour08.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour09.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour10.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour11.jpg?Log=1 http://marriott.com/propertyimages/h/houmw/phototour/houmw_phototour12.jpg?Log=1

texasboy

October 16th, 2004, 06:07 AM

Enjoy a relaxing ride in air-conditioned comfort aboard Water Taxi. Whether you are shopping, dining, entertaining business clients or just taking a cruise along the 1.25-mile long The Woodlands Waterway, your Water Taxi Ambassadors will narrate points of interest along the way. Stops are at The Woodlands Mall, Landry’s, Anadarko Petroleum, Waterway Square West, The Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Town Green. Fares are $6.00 all day for adults, and $3.00 all day for seniors, youth and disabled.

http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi1.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi2.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi3.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi5.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi4.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi6.jpg http://www.town-center.com/images/watertaxi7.jpg

texasboy

October 16th, 2004, 09:34 PM

http://www.urbanresorts.net/images/Rivaplace.jpg
http://www.keatingkhang.com/images/PostOak_Radler-elv-fin.jpg

New group rolls out lofty plan to revamp Pavilion on Post Oak
Nancy Sarnoff
Houston Business Journal
Yet another plan has surfaced to redevelop the enigmatic Pavilion on Post Oak.

And the latest scheme includes just about every concept ever proposed for the beleaguered shopping center on Post Oak Boulevard between San Felipe and Westheimer.

The newest proposition -- currently being shopped around to banks and mortgage brokers -- includes almost 2 million square feet of space.

The plan consists of two condominium towers, a five-star hotel, office space, retail space, a private leisure and dining club, an entertainment venue, a culinary arts center and meeting facilities.

The $353 million proposal is the work of a newly formed group called Urban Resorts Development LP.

The principals include Fenner Weller Jr. of local broker-dealer shop Weller, Anderson & Co.; Gene Duckworth; and Boston-based Robert Bryant, formerly of real estate consulting firm Economics Research Associates.

The Jerde Partnership International Inc.; Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Boulder, Colo.-based CommArts Inc.; architecture giant Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum; Economic Research Associates; and general contractor E.E. Reed/Beers Skanska are also mentioned as members of the project team.

An investment package obtained by the Houston Business Journal outlines the lofty development, dubbed RivaPlace.

Some 220 residential units will be housed in two towers.

The residents would receive 24-hour access to the hotel facilities and services, including housekeeping, laundry and room services as well as multi-lingual concierges, doormen, security and valet parking.

The hotel could include 175 rooms, including 53 suites, and additional condominiums for sale.

The materials say that after the Houston development, the team will consider launching similar projects in such cities as Miami, Atlanta, Boston, San Diego, London and Berlin.

When asked to comment on the Houston deal, partner Weller shared few details, as his team is still on a fundraising mission.

"The concept is an urban resort," Weller says. "It will be very friendly to the individual -- a lot of greenery, not too concrete intensive."

One name was oddly absent from the package: Mishael Radom.

The head of Houston-based Radler Enterprises Inc. has owned the 13-acre Pavilion property for years.

In the past, Radom has been in talks with numerous developers and hotel operators, but the center has remained as a retail and restaurant hub.

The two-level enclosed mall, with an underground parking garage, contains more than 286,000 square feet of space.

Some of the tenants include Americas Restaurant, Esther Wolf, Hermes of Paris and Hunan Restaurant.

Radom could not be reached for comment.

Real estate roundup
Houston-based Igloo Products Corp. is consolidating distribution operations into one facility in the Katy/Brookshire area.

The ice chest and beverage cooler maker is building a 900,000 square foot addition to its current headquarters at 30603 Katy-Brookshire Road.

Igloo's corporate presence in the area dates back to the opening of the company's main distribution center in 1979.

When the new structure is completed in December, the entire property will comprise 1.4 million square feet.

More than 1,300 employees will work at the site.

Houston-based Core Real Estate is developing the project for Igloo.

The design construction team includes D.E. Harvey Builders Inc., Powers Brown Architecture, Haynes Whaley Associates, Walter P. Moore and Wylie & Associates Inc.

Igloo President Jim Morley says the move toward consolidation is aimed at creating a more "streamlined, leaner business unit."

Insurance and financial services company USAA is providing the capital for the transaction and will own the new building, leasing the facility to Igloo.

Jeff Everist of CB Richard Ellis in Houston represented Igloo in the transaction.

Igloo is owned by Westar Capital, a California-based venture capital firm which purchased the company from Brunswick Corp. in 2001.

Igloo was established in 1947 as a small metalworking shop producing metal water coolers for construction workers, oilfield employees and longshoremen on the docks.

In 1962 the company began selling the first all-plastic ice chest.

texasboy

October 17th, 2004, 09:18 PM

http://www.chron.com/content/news/photos/04/05/02/shamrocktowers.jpg

The sales office stands in the parking lot currently in downtown.
http://www.pbase.com/thadl/image/31264462.jpg

texasboy

October 18th, 2004, 03:52 AM

http://www.houstonx.com/6.jpg

With the turning of dirt the shovels at a ground breaking ceremony later this month, Memorial Hermann Healthcare Sysstem will begin construction on the city's largest commercial construction project - the $155 million Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza. When complete, the building will be the largest medical office in the Texas Medical Center area.

Designed in partnership with one of Houston's leading health care developers, Mischer Healthcare Services, the new facilty to be located at the corner of Fannin and McGregor Strees will encompass more than 500,000 rentable square feet. This includes office space for up to 200 physicians, and a 2,400-vehicle parking garage. Services offered include an onsite ambulatory care center with either surgical suites, four endoscopy suites, and a full-modality imaging center. The ambulatory care center will occupy 100,000 square feet on two of the project's 30 floors.

Another two floors on the lobby/concourse levels will be filled by retail shops, services, and restaurants and will conveniently connect, via the existing skybridge, to comprehensive resources at Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann Children's Hospitals. Also easily accessible via skybridge are The University of Texas Health Science Center Professional Building and UT-Houston Medical School.

"With its modern design, sophisticated construction, state-of-the-art services, and skybridge access to the TMC's founding hospital, this facility will be home to the best and brightest in Houston's medical community," said Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System president and CEO. "It represents, once again, our system's leadership commitment to innovation."

The Project will create 375 construction jos during the two-year construction period and 191 permanent jobs upon opening.

texasboy

October 18th, 2004, 04:37 AM

very nice projects. any more news on either of them?
Any news on all of them, or certain ones?

texasboy

October 18th, 2004, 04:55 AM

mainly shamrock. looks nice but with no information with it. ;)

Encompassing nearly a full city block, Shamrock Tower is designed to integrate retail, residential and parking functions within a single structure. Utilizing cast-in-place concrete construction or tunnelform for cost efficiency, clear span retail areas, efficient structured parking and a large variety of residential units are provided without the need for a traditional transfer deck between function uses. The result of this design innovation is a significant reduction in the cost of construction. Street level retail will feature jazz clubs, dining establishments and a fast food restaurant with drive-thru. Residences range in size from 695 square foot apartments to 2,526 square foot two-story penthouses. Resident amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center and plaza level pool terrace.

texasboy

October 18th, 2004, 10:49 PM

http://www.birem.com/sections/07_news/news_pr/news_pr_img/pr_10_img01.jpg

Finished Product
http://www.birem.com/sections/07_news/news_pr/news_pr_img/pr_10_img03.gif

Palisade Palms is a club-class, high-rise condominium development that will consist of two modern curvilinear towers designed to provide residents with panoramic views over the Gulf of Mexico. The two towers will be built atop a three level elevated parking structure, and will be connected by a podium lobby that opens up onto the club-class pool deck. The towers will have 278 residential units ranging in size from one-bedroom homes that are just under 1,000 square feet to penthouse homes of more than 3,000 square feet

texasboy

October 19th, 2004, 12:18 AM

Piedmont at River Oaks from the 170's to high 200's

http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/images/logo.jpg
http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/popup/images/rosineperspective.jpg

The Advantages of a River Oaks Location

Located in the area of Houston’s most prestigious neighborhood, The Piedmont boasts great views and is located just a block from the River Oaks Shopping Center, retail boutiques, restaurants and nightlife.

Main Highlights:

One to three bedrooms with unique interior design
10 foot ceilings
High-quality construction
Large windows
Crown molding and recessed lighting
Ceramic and hardwood floors
Granite countertops
Electric wine cooler
Super-efficient soundproofing system
Secure, covered parking
Common terrace with pool, BBQ area, and dramatic downtown view
Great views from the residences
Friendly environment. The development contains two buildings with a maximum of 40 homes each
Controlled-access entry and gate
Short corridors leading to your residence

Interior renderings
http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/popup/images/features01.jpg http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/popup/images/features02.jpg http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/popup/images/features03.jpg http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/popup/images/features04.jpg

Piedmont Site
http://www.innerloopcondos.com/piedmont/images/views/rosine.jpg

texasboy

October 19th, 2004, 12:29 AM

Update on the Harris County Civil Justice Center

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/79/hr1256279-10.jpg
http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/56/hr1256256-10.jpg

SChristopher

October 19th, 2004, 08:52 PM

It looks as though Houston is trying to go more and more coastal with its designs. You know like designs seen in Beach cities.

texasboy

October 19th, 2004, 11:00 PM

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the comments.

texasboy

October 19th, 2004, 11:18 PM

http://www.merriman-maa.com/projects/getimage.asp?project_id=55
Abandoned railyard north of the Houston C.B.D. along I-10. The site is over 40 acres with 6 existing structures that were once used as railyard maintenance facilities and offices.

The goal is to clean & restore several structure turning them into housing (loft), retail, and office facilities. Introduction of a new street grid that connects the existing residential neighborhood. The spaces in between the buildings offer opportunities for parks, plazas, and urban street environments.

In June, Jim Hill, AIA made a presentation to our Houston AIA/Urban Design Committee about Hardy Place, a redevelopment proposal for the 43 acre Hardy railyards just north of downtown. As one of the largest contiguous parcels with close proximity to both downtown and the planned extension of the Main Street light rail line, Hardy Place presents a major opportunity to introduce a dense, mixed-use, pedestrian friendly and transit-oriented development in an area of town in need of revitalization. The project will serve as the anchor development of a newly formed 230-acre TIRZ. In order to ensure the quality of development envisioned by the master plan, Hardy Place must adopt an innovative set of restrictive covenants that will, in effect, serve as a form-based zoning regulation

http://www.aiahouston.org/udc/Hardy%20aerial.jpg
http://www.aiahouston.org/udc/Hardy%20Street%20Scene.jpg
http://www.aiahouston.org/udc/Hardy%20Tower%20Illust.jpg

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 03:17 AM

http://emeraldbythesea.com/images/pic2.jpg

http://emeraldbythesea.com/images/pic_feat6b.jpg

http://www.randalldavis.com/images/pic_emerald.jpg

Located by the sea, this one of a kind 15 story high rise condominium offers remarkable surroundings at a variety of exceptional and reasonable prices. We have all the amenities you and the whole family would ever want to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of breathtaking views from our infinity pool deck with its four distinct pools, catch a show in our movie theatre, stroll along the adjacent beach, and dine at fine restaurants at our doorstep. The Crown Jewel of Galveston has finally arrived.

Amenities:
Very low, yes very low, sensible maintenance fees
Dramatic views of the gulf, beach and harbor
1 Exclusive Penthouse Floor
24 hour concierge service
Pools for everyone in the family:
166’ long infinity
Swim-in Spa
Volleyball Pool
Children’s Pool

Swim-in Pool Bar
Lobby Bar
Movie Theatre
State of the Art Fitness Centre
Children’s Playland
Teenage Game Room
Guest Suites
Individual Storage Units for Sale
Pre-wired for cable or satellite television/high speed internet

Penthouse Amenities:
Whilrpool Spas available on select terraces

12 to 13 foot ceilings heights

Wine Coolers

Complementary Storage Units

Exceptional Cabinets, Light Fixtures, and Carpet

Marble Slabs in Both Kitchens and Bathrooms

Upgraded Jenn-Aire appliance package

Flat Screen TV

Exterior Feautures:
The Emerald is to be built according to plans and specifications by Spencer Partnership Architects, with modifications by the developer during the construction process.

Exterior is composed of glass, mosaic tile, and plaster with integral color fastness. Little or no painting required.

Detailed and varied balcony railings compliment the building.
Double thermal paned windows will vary in number and size due to the variety of floor plans. The amount of total glass area will vary depending on the floor plan selected.

Spacious swimming pools on the seventh level. Four distinct and separate pool areas including a 166’ long infinity pool, volleyball pool, children’s pool, and swim-in pool spa. There will be extensive landscaping surrounding the deck and cabanas.

Building Features:
Private Movie Theatre on the 7th level.
Concierge station in the lobby.
Storage units available for purchase

First class, state of the art Fitness Centre

Guest parking on ground floor

Access to the private residential parking by transmitter.
Visitor access is through the lobby via a phone entry system that will also enable the homeowner to have video capability through their television.

Building is equipped with Smoke Alarm & Sprinkler Systems.

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 03:35 AM

texasboy, do you have a camera? if not, you need one!

Of course I have a camera. The real question is, do I have a scanner?

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 03:37 AM

Oct. 19, 2004, 3:55PM

City begins acquiring land for new urban park
By MIKE SNYDER
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
The city has begun acquiring property for a 13-acre urban park that is likely to trigger substantial new development on the east side of downtown, Mayor Bill White said today.

White said the city signed a contract today with Crescent Real Estate Equities Inc. to purchase 5.29 acres just west of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The city will acquire the remaining, adjacent property by the end of the year, design the park next year and start construction in 2006, White said. ADVERTISEMENT

The park should be open by 2007, he said.

"You will see an explosion of growth around the periphery of this park," White told the annual meeting of Central Houston Inc., adding that the new development would strengthen the city's tax base and enhance the continuing revitalization of downtown.

White said private contributions would pay for at least 80 percent of the park's estimated $80 million cost. The city's contributions would come from hotel and entertainment tax revenues rather than property taxes, White said.

The new park, which would be the largest downtown and one of the largest in the central part of Houston, would attract convention visitors as well as local families, White said.

The park would complement the vision for downtown development over the next 20 years unveiled this week by Central Houston and other downtown organizations. The "framework for downtown development" calls for increasing downtown's residential population from 3,000 to 20,000, and downtown leaders said parks were an important amenity to attract families to live downtown.

White said all great cities have preserved land in their centers for major parks. He said this may have been Houston's last opportunity to acquire park property downtown before rising real estate values made it impossible.

"This will be a unique urban green space that will last for centuries in this community," White said.

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 04:25 AM

on the Hardy Rail Yard:

i think the way it crosses the street there is about the coolest thing i have ever seen. very cool design for it.

I know this may sound stupid, but what exactly are you talking about?

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 05:06 AM

in that photo. the way they chose to put something over the street [that is a street?].

Are you talking about the glass canopy? If so, I believe that is a light rail station. You can see the train approaching it. I cannot tell if it is a freeway or just an elevated road.

I believe this new development will create competition with midtown, which is south of downtown. I think that will be a good thing because both areas will be improving. This development is north of downtown.

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 05:41 AM

GALVESTON — Sunhill International Corp. said it would start building its multimillion dollar island project, which includes a 102-unit luxury residential tower above 65,000 square feet of retail space, by summer’s end.

The project, dubbed Piazza Blanca, is directly across from Stewart Beach Park at University and Broadway boulevards on a five-acre tract where the old Jack Tar hotel once stood. The condominium project is one of several residential developments planned for the island’s East End. (Hopefully that yellow sign says Banana on the other side of it.)
http://www.piazzablanca.com/large/Gpersp1.jpg
Central Plaza

Aimed at commuters, full-time residents and buyers of second homes, the project will significantly alter the area’s scenery and is of a different caliber than other multi-family projects here, say developers. Houston-based Sunhill said it’s planning a 12-story Mediterranean-style residential tower above retail and restaurants. Prices will start at about $250,000 for the units that range from 800 square feet to 1,800 square feet. The company also will market penthouses and custom build-outs for anyone seeking more square footage.
http://www.piazzablanca.com/large/Gpersp2.jpg
Residential Tower and Retail

With retail, the development should appeal to Stewart Beach goers, said Mayor Roger “Bo” Quiroga. And all the residential development bodes well for the island’s East End, Quiroga said. (Finally, the Houston area gets some real sidewalk upscale reatil. As shown in the rendering J.Crew will be part of it.)
http://www.piazzablanca.com/large/Gpersp4.jpg
Retail

Already, two restaurant chains have signed leases with Sunhill International, including Austin-based Texadelphia, a sports bar known for its cheesesteaks. Houston-based Berryhill Hot Tamales Corp. plans a new concept, called Berryhill Beach Club, which will serve up baja-style cuisine with cocktails. Berryhill traces its roots to 1928, when Walter Berryhill sold his homemade tamales from a pushcart along the street corners of Houston’s posh River Oaks area. Other retail names floating around are donut purveyor Krispy Kreme and hot dog hawker James Coney Island.
http://www.piazzablanca.com/large/Gpersp5.jpg
Retail

Piazza Blanca’s design is defined by domed spires, white stucco and mosaic tile work. The structure’s private sixth-floor residents’ lobby will open onto a landscaped pool deck with a 100-foot infinity pool that spills over the building’s façade. Increasingly popular in style among luxury lovers, the pool is meant to create the illusion that it’s edgeless, and water blends with the sky. Also, the sixth floor will include a concierge desk, fitness center and suites with caterer’s kitchen for private events.
http://www.piazzablanca.com/large/Gpersp3.jpg

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 05:55 AM

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic1.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic2.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic3.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic4.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic5.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic6.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic7.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic8.jpg

http://piazzablanca.com/progresspics/large/pic9.jpg

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 10:29 PM

The Flagship Hotel will be turned into a hotel styled after the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I will try to get more info on the project.

http://www.acesouthcentral.org/News/images/island4.jpg

http://www.acesouthcentral.org/News/images/island3.jpg

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 10:50 PM

http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/04/10/20/b-park.jpg

Oct. 20, 2004, 7:12AM

Downtown's new color: green
City's plans for a 13-acre park will spur development, White predicts
By MIKE SNYDER
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

An expanse of asphalt and vacant land will soon be transformed into a major urban park that will help east downtown blossom into a residential and retail center, Mayor Bill White said Tuesday.

Within three years, White said, Houstonians, tourists and conventioneers will be picnicking, running or relaxing in the 13-acre park. The location is a quick walk from the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.

The city signed a contract Tuesday morning with Crescent Real Estate Equities to buy 5.29 acres on the site. The city owns part of the remaining property and is negotiating to acquire the rest, White and his aides said.

The park, not yet named or designed, would be by far the largest in downtown Houston. It would strengthen the city's tax base by promoting new development in the surrounding area, White said.

"You will see an explosion of growth around the periphery of this park," White told the annual meeting of Central Houston Inc., a downtown business organization that wants to increase downtown's residential population from 3,000 to 20,000 by 2025.

White said private donors would provide 80 percent of the estimated $80 million cost of the park, a figure that includes the value of land the city already owns on the site. The city's contribution would come from hotel and entertainment tax revenues rather than property taxes, White said.

The city has reached "general agreements in principle" with donors who will contribute $35 million to the project, said White spokesman Patrick Trahan. The city and its private partners will continue to raise money during development of the park, White said.

The project is on a fast track, with the city expected to complete land acquisition this year. The park will be designed in 2005, built mostly in 2006 and opened in 2007, White said.

Park advocates and urban-development experts said the project fills a long-neglected need for a major park downtown.

"That's so exciting; I can't believe it," said Glenda Barrett, the executive director of Park People, a nonprofit group that promotes park development in Houston. "We just don't have very much open space downtown."

The park site, just west of the convention center, now contains surface parking lots and privately owned green space with landscaping and trees. City acquisition of the property will ensure that it is preserved for a park rather than being sold for other development, said Bob Eury, Central Houston Inc.'s president.

White's prediction that the park would prompt new development is well-founded, said Tom Bacon, a partner in the Lionstone Group, a real estate investment firm that invests in land within urban cores.

"Parks create value and build a tax base, and they do it in an incredibly positive way," Bacon said.

Downtown Chicago's Millennium Park, a $400 million, 25-acre lakefront project that opened officially in July, is expected to generate development valued at $2.5 billion by 2020, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The location chosen for the Houston park is excellent, Bacon said. The site's proximity to the convention center and the sports venues is an advantage, he said, and east downtown has abundant land for development.

White said Houston's chances to develop a major park downtown were diminishing because of rising land prices.

"This is the last opportunity that Houston has to acquire a large tract of land" downtown, White said.

For legal reasons, White said, he could not immediately disclose the price of the land the city is buying from Crescent. He said the city was getting a "very good deal."

Tuesday's announcement followed several years of discussion among city officials and downtown leaders about the need for a major downtown park. White said he began working on the idea three to four years ago, before he was a public official, on behalf of a philanthropist who wanted to help with the park.

The discussions intensified after he took office in January, White said. Downtown organizations, meanwhile, were working on a 20-year development vision that emphasized parks and other public amenities.

Barrett, of Park People, said the park will be important in the effort to attract more people to live downtown, where dense, multifamily housing precludes residential back yards.

"It's so important to have green space in that kind of situation," Barrett said. "There are a lot of vibrant cities around the country that are designed that way."

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 11:07 PM

what major buildings [skyscrapers] are currently around it?

Skyscrapers that surround the park are Hilton Americas, Four Seasons Hotel, and Houston Center( Houston Center is several skyscrapers.)

Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center are also nearby.

I don't think this is a park like Central Park. If anything I think it will be more like Chicago's Millenium Park. Even though Chicago's park was 400 million dollars compared to Houston's at 80 million dollars. What made Chicago's price tag so high was probably the concert venue, the big jelly bean, and the price of land in Chicago is much higher. I do not know yet what will all be in Houston's downtown park.

texasboy

October 20th, 2004, 11:28 PM

any idea on how this park will look?

Right now, I do not have any idea.

texasboy

October 21st, 2004, 12:31 AM

http://www.houstonx.com/MidtownMedicalPlaza2.jpg

Inner city gets medical infusion
Physician syndicate provides funds for Midtown hospitals
Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal
The head of a Houston-based specialized medical firm has syndicated a group of 50 physicians who are putting up $174 million to finance construction of two hospitals in the Midtown area.

Jim Rutherford, president of Quality Infusion Care Inc., is directing efforts by the physicians to build two acute care hospitals, both roughly 225,000 square feet in size.

Both locations will operate under the same name -- Main Street Midtown Medical Hospital.

One location will be on property bounded by Austin, LaBranch, Gray and Webster. The other will sit about five miles away, bounded by Main, Travis, Alabama and Truxillo.

Physicians practicing in The Methodist Hospital, Christus St. Joseph Hospital and Twelve Oaks Hospital have joined the group, says Rutherford, as have some doctors from Katy and The Woodlands.

The doctors will move their practices into the buildings, where Quality Infusion Care will establish a laboratory, pharmacy, radiology services and infusion therapy, such as intravenous treatments.

Quality Infusion Care has all the necessary licenses to provide the specialty services, which the company has been doing at its 9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway location since 1995.

Rutherford says most physicians in the syndicate will own a stake in both locations. The ownership of 165,000 square feet of space in each facility has been arranged, and developers expect both facilities to be sold out by the end of the month.

Rutherford says Main Street Midtown Medical Hospital will be different from recently announced surgery centers because the participating physicians are the ones who control the patient base. They specialize in internal medicine, family practice, infectious diseases and cardiology, he says.

Each physician has executed a purchase agreement and will sign on the loan from Texas State Bank.

The physicians group hired developers Douglas Brown and Tim Delgado to construct the hospitals. Each will have 24 beds, four to six operating rooms, a 24-hour emergency room and an 800-car parking garage.

The land for both hospitals is under contract. The transactions are scheduled to close in October and November.

The development team is purchasing a total of four city blocks at two locations. Two blocks will be used for the hospitals, and two will be held for future development.

Later construction could include restaurants and retail, or at this rate of interest from doctors, a second medical tower could be constructed at each site, Delgado says.

Developers are purchasing two city blocks in Midtown from David Greenberg. The 2.9-acre tract that fronts the Pierce Elevated is bounded by Austin, LaBranch, Gray and Webster.

Delgado is representing the buyer and Greenberg is representing himself on the transaction.

Delgado and Brown are also buying two blocks for the Main Street hospital from attorney Robert Brackman. That 2.7-acre tract is bounded by Main, Travis, Alabama and Truxillo.

Weitzman Group Inc. is representing the seller and Guy Hunt is representing the buyers.

Mort Mehdi of ArchiTECH Design and Development Inc. designed both medical centers. D.E. Harvey Builders has been selected to handle the construction.

Developers expect to break ground in early 2005 and finish in early 2006.

texasboy

October 21st, 2004, 03:06 AM

I can't wait to see the long stretch of new condos going up in Galveston.

texasboy

October 21st, 2004, 03:13 AM

long stretch?

Around Broadway in Galveston there is a lot of development planned for that area. Most of the condos from Galveston you see in this thread are in that area.

texasboy

October 21st, 2004, 12:28 PM

Oct. 21, 2004, 12:07AM

At forum, Metro weighs whether it's on the right track
11 alternative transit systems presented at event
By LUCAS WALL
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

Imagine zipping to Bush Intercontinental Airport from downtown in less than 10 minutes.

Sound like fantasy? It isn't fantasy for travelers in Shanghai, China, who since April have been able to take a high-speed magnetic levitation train that carries them 19 miles to the airport there in eight minutes at up to 270 mph.

"We are now a mature, safe and reliable technology," said Larry Blow of Transrapid International-USA. "Our costs are competitive with any high-speed rail system."

The Metropolitan Transit Authority is holding this week's Advanced Transportation Technology Forum at the behest of U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, a longtime rail opponent who has expressed skepticism at plans to construct another 65 miles of light rail in the next two decades.

Houston-area voters approved the Metro Solutions transit-expansion plan last year. It includes a provision for light rail service to Bush Intercontinental by 2025. Such an extension of the existing Main Street line would offer travelers a trip that could take up to 50 minutes with a maximum potential speed of 66 mph. The trip by bus today takes an hour.

With criticism from DeLay and many others that light rail alone won't be enough to efficiently move people outside automobiles, Metro invited speakers to present 11 modes of rapid transit.

A panel of 11 experts from around the country is here evaluating each presentation and will present its findings at Friday's concluding roundtable.

"We want to go boldly forward like others have when faced and confronted with mobility problems," said Frank Wilson, Metro president and CEO, who noted that traffic congestion consistently ranks as Harris County voters' top concern. "Our mission clearly is to make this problem go away. The solution, I think, is in creative ideas. This forum will help us set them in motion."

'An oudated vision'

DeLay, the keynote speaker at Wednesday's session, said transportation projects need to be designed to meet the needs of the public, not the desires of planners.

"Unfortunately our transportation policy, and spending in particular, is still governed by an outdated vision," DeLay told the audience of about 100. "This past year, the city of Houston — after a long, hard struggle — installed the same old mass-transit system that was installed in Calgary, Canada, the year I was born: 1947.

"It seems to me Houston can do better."

The majority leader suggested Metro "needs an infusion of vision and innovation" and commended its leaders for putting together the technology forum.

"I'm hoping this summit, and the information that comes out of it, will keep the minds open at Metro," he said. "This is important work you are doing, and I look forward to helping you do it in the future."

Awaiting review

At a news conference later, DeLay said he hasn't examined the application Metro submitted in August for federal funding for its next two light rail lines, to the north and southeast sides. The transit authority is awaiting a rating of its proposals from Washington.

"It's more important for me to wait and see what the Federal Transit Administration says in the evaluation of the application rather than for me to influence it one way or the other," said DeLay, standing with eight Metro officials.

Metro Chairman David Wolff said it was important to get in the federal funding pipeline this year by submitting the light rail extension request, but the modes for those two corridors are subject to change.

"If we come up with a superior technology at the same cost," Wolff said, "we have no fear in going to them and saying we are amending our application.

"I hope the congressman will help us in dealing with the Federal Transit Administration. ... We want him to go to bat for us."

texasboy

October 22nd, 2004, 12:03 AM

By Sandy Buckalew
Without a doubt everyone who lives or works on the Island, commuters to and from, even the returning beachgoers and vacationers have all witnessed the incredible and rapid growth in Galveston’s development, economic and cultural scenes. I think we all watch with excitement and anticipation and yes, even a little underlying nervousness as our piece of paradise in the Gulf seems to be in full bloom this year, like no other. The increasing number of new homes and businesses seem to be squeezing onto every last inch of sand that hasn’t washed back out to sea.
However, Galveston Island is no stranger to intense progress and many times over the course of her history the Island has bloomed at a mind-boggling pace. Nicknames like; “The Empire State of the Southwest”, "The New York of the Gulf,” and the “Wall Street of the South” were echoed in her younger day. Many years ago this Island was nothing more than a bleak and uninviting sand bar (Barrier Island) in a string of barrier islands running along the Texas coast. It was a timely mix of luck and diligence of a peculiar type of people who possessed an unyielding desire to convert Mother Nature’s work that Galveston has become the rare jewel in the Gulf that we know today. Galveston has had its name in lights over and over again. Rich in history with many famous people and events, from heroes of Texas wars, pirates, profiteers, and socialites, and of course the infamous “Great Storm” it seems that Galveston has always been an extraordinary place destined for greatness.
In the book “Galveston, a History of the Island”, Author Gary Cartwright writes “Coming down the coastal prairie from Houston on Interstate 45, you can smell the ghosts before you see or hear them.” I have always believed that to be true. Today as I cross the causeway back onto the Island I find myself taking in the new sites, the new buildings, homes, high-rises all the signs and sounds that indicate Galveston Island is surrendering yet again to major growth. And I think to myself you can almost smell the money before you see the island. Yes, for us, today’s Galvestonians, BOI’s (Born On the Island), wanna-be’s and transplants change is defiantly in the salty air.
The events and attractions are numerous for sure, old and new (& coming), and even though they might not be the “first” in Texas, some of Galveston’s tourist attractions are defiantly one of a kind and as unique as the island herself. Moody Gardens, boasts 165-acres, including Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid, IMAX Theater/Visitor Center, Palm Beach, and a Convention Center! Mardi Gras can lure more than half a million people to gather in the streets of Galveston Island and participate in the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas. For 12 days and 11 nights the island is electrified by the sounds of live music, spectacular parades, elaborate masked balls, and flamboyant costumes.
During December each year Galveston celebrates with Dickens on the Strand. Centered in a 10-block area of Galveston’s The Strand Historic District, this family festival includes parades and free, non-stop entertainment on the festival’s six stages, plus strolling carolers and roving street musicians, bagpipers and entertainers. Additionally, a vast array of year-round restaurants and shops are joined by over 150 costumed vendors peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with tasty culinary delights and Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items.
Very soon Galveston will become an even a wetter destination because plans are now officially in place to bring a $30 million indoor and outdoor water park to the island! Schlitterbahn, which already operates water parks at two locations in Texas, promises their third to be one of the “most state-of-the-art in the country”. Do I smell another Texas “first”? The indoor portion of the water park will be housed in a former aviation hanger, making possible an annual operating schedule of up to 200 days. May of 2005 is the anticipated opening date for the new water park.
Galveston also has a new Convention Center at The San Luis Resort. The grand opening was held this summer and “The Galveston Island Convention Center” is as grand as you would expect for such an exalted Island, providing a column-free 43,100 square-foot exhibition hall, a 15,500 square-foot grand ballroom, 12,000 square feet of breakout meeting space and 29,000 square feet of pre-function, exhibit and reception space. Two-story floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the Gulf as guests enter and exit the first floor exhibition space and second level ballroom. It is the official convention center for Galveston Island.
The island’s beaches are open to the public year round and there are numerous parks as well. Galveston Island State Park, on the west end of the Island, is a 2,013.1-acre site that was acquired in 1969 from private owners under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened in 1975. The park splits into two segments – the beach side and the bay side -- stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to West Galveston Bay. The growing beach communities of Jamaica Beach and Pirate’s Cove abut the park on both sides. The island is renowned for its exquisite Victorian architecture and historic homes, museums and attractions, many within walking distance of one another, and many are open for tours through out the year.
The Historic Strand District, once a major finance and banking locale, with its own 1900 architectural charm, high curbs and overhanging canopies is today Galveston’s most famous shopping area. With blocks and blocks of specialty and gift shops, outlet stores, chain stores, art galleries, bars, café’s and restaurants, the area is bustling on any given day and a stroll is worth the effort for some fun “people watching” too. The Strand is (or should be) on every visitors “to do” list.
Many times I have heard the words “Deja vu” whispered by passers-bye and friends. Many times since moving to the island in 1993, I have had that peculiar feeling of a place, person, or conversation being familiar or having already been experienced. “All that is old is new again” or so they say, and although some things are not proven certain, others are part of Galveston undisputable and historic past. One thing that is very clear to me is that Mother Nature holds Galveston as near and dear to her heart as so many of us do (& have). So I look forward to the new and wonderful experiences that Galveston Island is about to offer up, and I look forward to new and interesting friendships and acquaintances as the population expands. But, I will undeniably be holding my breath (along with many others) as we face another hurricane season and I’ll try keeping those inevitable thoughts under my hat… lets just hope that Mother Nature will do the same.
Sandy Buckalew is a published freelance writer and poet with many published articles available on the Internet, and a recently published romance novel; “In A Pumpkin Shell”. She is also the owner/editor of www.TravelTexas-Online.com, a monthly ezine dedicated to travel destinations in the state of Texas in its fourth year of publication. A native Texan, living on the island of Galveston she is married with an 8 -year-old son, three dogs, and one bird. Her family enjoys every aspect of island life from fishing and boating to and surfing or beach combing. Her love is writing about the island and other Texas areas and attractions. She has found it to be a subject of endless topics with undoubtedly something for everyone. Her future writing plans are focused on a second novel involving Texas.

texasboy

October 22nd, 2004, 12:43 AM

Downtown Houston Park video(Better Video) (http://www.click2houston.com/family/3833917/detail.html#)

Downtown Houston Park video II (http://www.khou.com/perl/common/video/wmPlayer.pl?title=www.khou.com/downtown_1019.wmv)

texasboy

October 23rd, 2004, 03:47 PM

Does anybody have pics of the actual area surrounding the buildings?

The Monaco Website (http://www.monacocondo.com)
http://www.zieglercooper.com/live/graphics/monaco/monaco_hi%20rise%20city%20view.jpg
The Monaco is located on a wooded site along Buffalo Bayou within an upscale residential neighborhood inside Loop 610. The site, adjacent to Memorial Park, affords spectacular views of the park, downtown, and uptown. The sleek tower is finely crafted of pre-cast concrete and large expanses of glass. An illuminated top feature will be recognizable from miles away. Ten foot ceilings provide a unique, spacious feel for all units. Features such as large kitchens, a spacious foyer, flowing living/dining, large balconies and comprehensive finish-out packages are standard.

Amenities include state-of-the-art fitness adjacent to a roof-top pool terrace and jacuzzi, a great room, banquet/party room, and 24-hour security.

An impressive lobby with water features and landscaping will treat residents and visitors alike to a great view of the preserved wooded site sloping down to the bayou.

The Redstone Website (http://www.redstonecompanies.com/theredstone/index.html)
http://www.zieglercooper.com/live/graphics/redstone/final_redstone.jpg
On the grounds of
The Houstonian Hotel, Conference Center and Spa, this new 29-story luxury high-rise condominium project will feature 65 units. With a maximum of 3 units per floor, the building will provide underground parking for both residents and guests. The elegant common areas will include a great room, bar area and catering kitchen. The grounds will have a lush English garden with water feature; veranda overlooking the gardens, and an outdoor grill and party area. The second floor will offer individual, air conditioned storage units. There will be a 24-hour staffed guard house and 24-hour valet service, in addition to the 24-hour concierge service.

Within each unit, the major areas will feature 11 foot ceilings and hardwood floors. Gourmet kitchens will have stainless steel appliances, slab granite countertops, a wet bar, and butlers pantry. Baths will feature marble countertops, limestone flooring, frameless glass shower enclosures, and large “his” and “hers” closets. Each unit will also have a large terrace.

With its location on The Houstonian grounds, residents will be able to take advantage of all of the amenities offered by The Houstonian Hotel, including food delivery service from the Hotel’s restaurants and housekeeping services. All of this in addition to a complementary membership to The Houstonian Club.

Kirby Condos
http://www.zieglercooper.com/live/graphics/kirby/kirby-condo.jpg
This proposed 24-story high rise condominium project, located in the prestigious Upper Kirby District, is in the concept design stage. As currently planned, it will have 90 units, ranging in size from 1,200 square feet to 2,400 square feet. The exterior will be a modern profile, with skin of glass, curtainwall, and precast. Resident and guest parking will be in a 5 level garage, atop which there will be a garden terrace, with infinity edge pool, fitness facility, and wine-party room with an “urban” window overlooking Kirby and beyond.

texasboy

October 24th, 2004, 11:23 PM

Oct. 24, 2004, 1:06AM

Chinatown's core shifts westward
Immigrants' vision has put lots of bustle into Beltway 8 area
By NANCY SARNOFF
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

On Sunday mornings at the Ocean Palace restaurant in Hong Kong City Mall, crowds fill the noisy, ballroom-size dining room for the variety of dim sum.

As diners socialize and sample small plates of curried squid, shrimp dumplings and chicken feet in bean sauce, shoppers begin to fill up the parking lot outside of the Bellaire Boulevard retail center, leaving latecomers hard-pressed to find spots.

They pack the stores of the Asian mall, anchored on one end by Ocean Place and at the other end, an ethnic food market similar to what might be found in Beijing or Bangkok.

For Hai Du Duong, the mall's owner, the scene is a vision fulfilled.

When he developed Hong Kong City Mall five years ago, there was a smattering of Asian businesses west of Beltway 8.

The core of this Chinatown district was once at the intersection of Bellaire and Corporate Drive. With the arrival of Hong Kong City Mall, the center has shifted.

Today, thanks in large part to Duong's vision, Asian-owned nail salons, fabric stores, sandwich shops, herbalists and acupuncture clinics line the mile-long stretch of Bellaire between Beltway 8 and Boone.

A fast-growing group
A fast-growing Asian population is fueling a major building boom in the area, including retail, housing and office projects.

Developers are scrambling to buy land around Chinatown, where values have jumped to $20 a square foot — up fourfold from a decade ago.

Since moving here from Vietnam in 1979 with virtually nothing, Duong has built an impressive portfolio of real estate, which includes four Hong Kong retail developments around Houston.

Now he's getting ready to build one more.

Known in this Chinatown community as Mr. Hai, Duong owns a large piece of land at the southeast corner of Bellaire and Boone, across from this buzzing mall, where he plans to build an even larger development.

The new project, which is expected to span half a million square feet, will include a ballroom, hotel, department store and additional retail space. The plan is to connect the two centers with a sky bridge across Boone.

Recognizing Duong's success, other Asian developers are rushing in. At least three large-scale retail projects are planned for the Chinatown area, just outside Beltway 8 in southwest Houston.

Tri La, the owner of the Kim Son restaurant chain, said Duong's Hong Kong City Mall helped pioneer this vibrant area.

"He's the one who started it," said La, who is planning a new location in Chinatown.

Duong a busy man
Duong, who declined to be interviewed for this article, doesn't like the spotlight, according to those who know him.

Even his son, who runs much of his family's retail operations, has a tough time pinning him down.

"Dad's usually hard to find," said James Duong, 25. "He's running around, doing details, taking care of the new projects."

When asked why he thinks his father has been so successful, James Duong answers quickly.

"Timing," he said. "He knows when to start and build projects."

Starting off small
After coming to Houston, Duong began a career in retail with a small medicine store he built by borrowing money from relatives.

In the 1980s, he owned the Hoa Binh shopping center, which is part of a Vietnamese enclave in the close-in neighborhood now referred to as Midtown.

He remodeled the center, leased it to Asian businesses and later sold it.

A few years later Duong built his first Hong Kong Market at Gessner and Harwin.

That led to more of these ethnic markets on Scarsdale in southeast Houston and on Veterans Memorial Drive in northwest Houston.

The Hong Kong City Mall on Bellaire, the largest of Duong's projects, opened in 1999.

It wasn't the first Asian mall, but with around 400,000 square feet, it was certainly the largest, and was a sign of things to come on what was then the western edge of Houston.

Before it was built up, the area had been mostly agricultural, said Donnie Chang, president of ABC Advisors, a realty firm.

But once the West Belt was completed in the late 1980s, the rural neighborhood began to rapidly change.

"The real turning point to the whole area was the completion of Beltway 8," said Chang. "But the completion of Hong Kong Market took the growing process a step further."

The immigrant from Vietnam has clearly attained the American dream.

Duong lives with his family in a large home in Sugar Land and travels around in a Rolls-Royce, according to those who know him.

He has owned at least one yacht and he collects cars, including BMWs, Mercedes and Jaguars.

Some fear overbuilding
With several retail projects proposed for the Bellaire corridor, some fear a situation where supply outstrips demand.

Along with the Hong Kong addition, at least three Asian developers have projects on the drawing board that would add more than 800,000 square feet of space to the market.

With a hotel planned for the area, it won't all be retail. But it's still the largest building boom this area has seen.

"I'm scared we're going to be overbuilt if all this new retail comes online," Chang said.

But the Duong family doesn't seem concerned.

"We're not worried because our center is unique," James Duong said.

If population projections prove true, there should be plenty of business to go around.

Between 1990 and 2003, the Asian population in the 77036 ZIP code, which includes parts of Sharpstown and other neighborhoods, has more than doubled to 12,534, according to Gonzales Group, a Houston-based consulting firm. Residents of Chinese and Vietnamese origin made up 80 percent of the Asian population for this ZIP code in 2003.

"Sometimes people underestimate the Asian market," La said.

Power of one group
The Asian population is the fastest-growing ethnic group in Houston. Between 1990 and 2000, it grew by 76 percent, said Stephen Klineberg, a sociology professor at Rice University who studies demographic shifts.

Put in perspective, Asians make up about 6 percent of Houston's population.

Attracted by Houston's relatively affordable homes and warm weather, Vietnamese have been migrating here by the thousands since the fall of Saigon in 1975, a trend expected to continue, according to Klineberg.

Many moved to Sharpstown, Sugar Land and Alief, areas surrounding the Chinatown district.

Nine out of every 10 Asian adults in Houston are first-generation immigrants who "want to create their own piece of what they left behind," Klineberg said.

And there's no sign of a slowdown.

That's good news for KB Home, a residential builder active in the Chinatown area.

Crescent Park, a new housing community nearby, has been the developer's fastest-selling project in the past couple years.

A month after it opened in 2002, more than 200 people reserved homes in the community, which is now sold out.

KB is now adding more homes.

"It's a great success story in that part of town," said Rick Stroud, marketing director for KB.

Combining cultures
Kim Son's La also sees a bigger opportunity.

The restaurant he is planning is just part of a much larger project. Along with Al Kashani of Horizon Group International, La is developing Saigon Houston Plaza. The center will contain 140,000 square feet of space for retail shops, offices, restaurants and a ballroom.

It will be designed with a boat theme for the huge numbers of Vietnamese refugees who fled their homeland by sea.

About 70 percent of the space has already been leased by Vietnamese businesses, including Radio Saigon Houston — KREH 900 AM — a law firm and a title company.

The developers are also trying to get Starbucks to join the mix. But it hasn't been easy, La said.

"A lot of Asians drink it," he said. "Even my daughter and my wife have to drink it every morning."

Plans for the nearly 15-acre project include medical facilities and a retirement community.

"We're not going to be just a shopping center, but we're going to be the Galleria of Bellaire," he said.

With the rising number of rooftops and residents, the grocery business in the Chinatown area is spreading outside of the Beltway. Most new stores are concentrated along the Beltway between Bellaire and West Bellfort.

H-E-B, Viet Hoa and Food Town have opened huge grocery stores — and Wal-Mart will soon enter the market.

The nation's biggest retailer is planning a supercenter for the vacant corner of Elmsworth and Beltway 8.

The new store will sell general merchandise, as well as groceries and garden supplies.

Holly Montalbano, a spokeswoman for H-E-B, said customers of the company's Chinatown store are more ethnically diverse than any of its other supermarkets.

And H-E-B's Chinatown location has the largest seafood market in the Texas-based chain.

Fresh seafood, a staple of the Asian diet, is a key point of competition for the area's grocery stores.

At Viet Hoa International Market, the seafood market is more than double the size of its meat or produce sections.

"We bring in live seafood from the East and West coasts," Vican Tan of Viet Hoa said. "Our strongest sales are on seafood."

texasboy

October 25th, 2004, 12:08 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/YakuzaIce/My_Pics/7.jpg

texasboy

October 25th, 2004, 12:15 AM

http://a.abclocal.go.com/images/ktrk_101804_downtownstory.jpg

ABC13 Eyewitness News
(10/18/04 - HOUSTON) — There is no denying the two new sports facilities have given downtown Houston a big boost, not to mention light rail and the Main Street district. But downtown leaders are planning much more for the future of downtown.
Fifteen months in the making, downtown development leaders are calling these plans the framework for the future of downtown. They are long-term and even include the possibility of moving I-45.

Downtown Houston has come a long way in the last 20 years, but it still has a long way to go.
"I think they need to work on more mass transit," suggested one resident.

"Probably more retail," another felt.

Another Houstonian added, "A casino would be nice!"

While there are no plans for a casino, downtown development leaders do have a grand vision for Houston for the next 20 years -- a framework to help make the city more vibrant.

Guy Hagstette of the Downtown District said, "We think residential is a key issue for downtown."

Hagstette unveiled the vision Monday. It makes residential neighborhood development a top priority. Currently only 3,000 people live in downtown, the planners want that to be 20,000 by 2025. Building up will be essential.

There is a focus on sidewalks, more family-friendly community venues and green space. For instance, the concrete around the George R. Brown Convention Center could be transformed into a vast central park -- a contrast to its surroundings.

"We would want very dense, dense development around it, but then you'd have a very green, somewhat natural feeling oasis around it," explained Bob Eury of Central Houston, Inc.

Luring new retail to downtown is also part of this plan. Foleys would be the center point of a retail district. Planners hope to have an incentive package to offer retailers as early as next year.

The most ambitious part of the plan revolves around I-45 to the west of downtown. The proposal is to move less than a mile of freeway to the west about 500 feet. Buffalo Bayou and the Theater District would be unobscured and planners promise downtown would be easier to get to.

This vision for downtown is just a concept right now, but backers believe it's all attainable.

Eury said, "I think when we look back to our experience over the last 10 years, we say, 'Wow! I can't believe we did that.' And I think for this it's going to be hard, but we can do it."

Planners admit implementing this vision won't be easy and there will likely be many changes. As for the plans for I-45, the move would happen only when TxDOT was ready to refurbish that section of freeway. That could be as far off as the year 2025.

texasboy

October 26th, 2004, 12:27 AM

http://www.zomholland.nl/images/allan_parkway.jpg
http://graphics.springstreet.com/custom/zom/images/allen_parkway.jpg

Allen Parkway
Houston, Texas
430 Units

ZOM Allen Parkway is planned as a 430-unit luxury development located in the vibrant Montrose / Museum District of Houston. Envisioned to reshape the Allen Parkway buildingscape with a distinctive residential landmark, the architecture is inspired by the grand resort hotels of the early 1900s, with Mediterranean influences. This architecture and era evoke an image of "casual elegance" that blends well with the Southern influences of a coastal city such as Houston.

The 7.3-acre site is located on Allen Parkway, one of the primary routes into Downtown. Many of the units will feature views of the Downtown skyline, as well as the "Buffalo Bayou". ZOM Allen Parkway will offer excellent access to the Houston Central Business District, the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the Galleria area, as well as a variety of retail, cultural, recreational and municipal services.

The four-story structure, constructed upon a podium-parking deck surrounds six heavily landscaped courtyards with each courtyard emanating a different theme. The parking deck will offer elevator access to air conditioned, highly finished interior corridors. An expansive, linear resort style pool will serve as a focal point. The architectural and floor plan design elements will combine to create a unique and desirable urban residential address.

Features
ZOM Allen Parkway will offer a superior level of quality and features when compared to the existing multifamily alternatives within the market. Distinguishing features include:

Distinct Architectural Identity
Spacious, Functional Living Units in a Variety of 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom Floor Plans
Flexible Space Within Units Space Not Identified By Fixture or Floor Finish
Granite Countertops in Kitchens of Select Units
Upgraded Appliances
Tile Flooring in Both the Kitchens and Bathrooms
Washer and Dryer in Each Unit
Luxurious Master Suites with Separate Shower and Tub
State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Cardio Theatre
Resort Style Swimming Pool on an Expansive Palm Fringed Deck Area
Numerous, Heavily-Landscaped Courtyards with Individual Theme and Character
Below-Grade Parking Providing Ease of Access from Units

texasboy

October 26th, 2004, 12:34 AM

Downtown can learn a thing or two from these midrises going up in midtown. All of them seem like mixed used developments with retail on the bottom floors. Is this midrise finished. Has it even started?

http://harpictures.marketlinx.com/MediaDisplay/69/hr1281869-1.jpg

texasboy

October 27th, 2004, 01:34 AM

Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal
Atlanta-based Choice Condominiums has purchased 2400 McCue, a multifamily complex in the Galleria area, and is converting its 200 rentable units into for-sale condominiums.

Ron Lozoff, a member/manager of Choice Condominiums, says he has another apartment property under contract in the Texas Medical Center area, but will not identify which site. Those units will also be converted to condos when the deal closes, which is expected by early December.

The high-end 2400 McCue property was acquired Sept. 30 for more than $30 million, Lozoff says. The total deal is worth $46.6 million, which is the retail value of the condos once they're sold, he says. Individual condo prices have yet to be announced.

The complex was bought by a partnership called 2400 McCue Residential LP, of which Choice Condominiums is the managing partner. Lozoff represented the buyer on the transaction through the firm's in-house brokerage company, Eli Lee Equities Inc.

The complex was bought from Brownstones at McCue, a partnership formed by Dallas-based developer HSA&D. G. Craig LaFollette, J. Todd Stewart and Todd Marix of CB Richard Ellis represented the seller.

The midrise property, which is 90 percent leased, is located across the street from the Galleria. The complex has 23 different floor plans for one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which have an average size of 1,170 square feet.

A resort-style swimming pool and fitness center are surrounded by the building, which provides privacy in one of Houston's busiest shopping districts.

The developer will update the three-year-old complex by adding granite countertops and hardwood floors inside the units. The building will also get a new paint job, and the hallways will be redecorated.

Choice Condominiums also owns City Plaza at 1330 Old Spanish Trail, The Oaks at West University at 4041 Law St. and Reata at River Oaks at 3231 Allen Parkway.

texasboy

October 27th, 2004, 01:37 AM

Houston is about to secure a front-row seat in the national sports arena.

Fox Sports Grill is planning to enter the Texas market early next month with the opening of an upscale sports bar in Houston's Galleria mall. The venue will be only the fifth of its kind in the country.

Fox Sports Grill was founded in 2001 by Fox Sports and B&B Restaurant Ventures. The first Fox Sports Grill opened in Scottsdale, Ariz., in November 2002. Other locations include Irvine, Calif.; Seattle; and Nyack, N.Y. An Atlanta location is scheduled to open this fall.

The local Fox Sports Grill will open one year after rumors surfaced that competitor ESPN Zone was looking for space to launch a similar concept in Houston.

Last fall, retail sources said ESPN Zone was considering touching down in Houston. But the sports-themed restaurant has yet to make an appearance in the Bayou City. (See "ESPN Zone kicks around plan to enter Houston retail scene," Oct. 24, 2003.)

ESPN Zone spokesman John Pierce said this week that the company does not currently have plans to establish a Houston presence.

"Houston is a great sports town, but we're not growing our concept right now," Pierce says.

Fox Sports does, however, see scoring potential in the Bayou City.

The company's 15,000-square-foot restaurant and bar will be located next to Saks Fifth Avenue and will feature an outdoor deck with fire pit, atrium patio seating inside the Galleria, a cigar humidor, multiple plasma screens and sports packages for all major sporting events.

"We are elevating the traditional sports bar to a new level," says Bill Freeman, president and CEO of Fox Sports Grill.

He says the concept is unique because it places an emphasis on food and entertainment and is able to hold live entertainment productions, thanks to the deep pockets Fox Sports.

For example, the Fox Sports Grill in Seattle presents a live television show hosted by former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon.

Freeman says Fox Sports chose to locate a grill in Houston because the area is not fully served when it comes to offering a combination of destination dining and high-energy entertainment venues.

The fact that the Galleria hosts a large number of business travelers and pedestrian traffic gives Fox Sports Grill an opportunity to win over a wide range of new customers, says Freeman, who counts Champps Americana, P.F. Changs and The Cheesecake Factory among the grill's head-to-head competitors.

"We're actually competing against any entertainment event or any restaurant for the same discretionary dollars," he says.

Another competitor, Shucker's Sports Bar, will be located in hitting distance of Fox Sports Grill's new facility in the Galleria.

Officials with Shucker's, which also operates in the Galleria, declined to comment on Fox Sports Grill's impending arrival.

Scoring points
Freeman says Fox Sports Grill targets the "socially active" crowd who dine out regularly.

He says 25- to 35-year-olds typically make up the eatery's late-night crowd, while 35- to 50-year-olds are the mainstream customer base.

Chris Tripoli, president of A La Carte Foodservice Consulting, says Houston has yet to experience the "reinvention" of sports bars that take food more seriously and offer an overall elevated experience.

"The sports bars in Houston have slowly all gotten too similar with televisions, snack food and beer," he says. "The new wave of sports bars keep the sports feel but also offer a good restaurant with more enhanced decor."

Indeed, Freeman says Fox Sports Grill will have its own executive chef, and the menu will feature items such as Maryland lump crab cakes, steaks, ribs and bite-size burgers.

Tripoli believes Fox Sports Grill has a good chance of making it in the competitive Houston restaurant industry because of its "celebrity" name connection and prime location within the Galleria.

texasboy

October 29th, 2004, 01:57 AM

For almost 90 years, the Port of Houston has been your neighbor. As we conduct our day-to-day business, we are always mindful of the community that we all share.

Today, the port looks forward to expanding our business capabilities all the while maintaining high standards for being a good neighbor.

In 2003, the Barbours Cut terminal posted yet another record year by handling more than one million containers. Barbours Cut serves the Port of Houston well, but rapid market growth puts intense pressure on the facility, stretching it beyond its storage capacity. Barbours Cut is at the brink of gridlock, and the port needs more space to meet project growth and to further contribute to our economy.

To relieve this growth pressure and meet the demands of our customers, the Port Authority is building the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal. This $1.2 billion project will develop in a market-driven timeline and is an engineering marvel.

As we move forward with the Bayport Terminal expansion project, we continue to work to address all community concerns regarding this proposed facility, all the while setting a new standard in the maritime industry for environmental stewardship and community responsiveness.

The Bayport facility represents good business for the Houston-Galveston region. Bayport will generate almost 12,000 jobs in the first 10 years. Added economic impact to our region means more than $1 billion in new business revenues and more than $40 million in new tax revenues — each year.

Bayport has been designed with the highest environmental standards and procedures. Our plans go well beyond the letter of the law, and we push to exceed standards and requirements for protecting the environment as well as responding to considerable community input.

The goal of the Bayport environmental plan is to meet and exceed all applicable local, state and federal requirements. The Port of Houston has an industry-leading environmental program that we are very proud of, and we are designing Bayport with state-of-the-art features.

Addressing function, Bayport will operate under a four-part stormwater discharge system that is designed beyond any local, state or federal requirements. During the construction phases, the port will use best management practices to control erosion and minimize the level of solid particulates in stormwater runoff.

Once Bayport is in operation, the four-part system will collect all rainwater runoff to reduce potential material from the terminal grounds before it ever reaches the bay. The Galveston Bay system will be protected by capturing the first inch of rainfall from the facility and diverting it into a holding pond. The first flush pond will trap suspended solids, thus decreasing the discharge of sediments into the channel and bay.

To illustrate the point, Barbours Cut and other terminals across the country do not currently have this specially designed four-part system. When it rains, water runs through the terminal's trench system and is directed to the bay. We sample stormwater at Barbours Cut and have never — never — exceeded any regulatory limits. And those successful returns are collected from a source that does not have the high level of protection that Bayport will have.

To further decrease the rate of stormwater discharge associated with concrete pavement at the new terminals, the port is constructing the South Terminal Retention Pond. This basin will protect Pine Gully by capturing and holding stormwater in excess of one inch then releasing it slowly. Additionally, the retention pond will have a created wetland, further filtering water before discharging it into Pine Gully.

Again, with environmental protection in mind, terminal areas that could potentially impact stormwater — such as the equipment and crane maintenance and equipment parking areas — will have isolated drainage basins. After removing any suspended solids and oil and grease, the stormwater will be released into the first flush pond.

Addressing value, the Port of Houston and the Army Corps of Engineers are creating 4,200 acres of marshland as part of the Houston Ship Channel project, the Bayport project also will include marshland as part of its mitigation plan. The Port Authority will create up to another 200 acres of marshlands in Galveston Bay from dredge material. These marshlands act as a nursery for marine life and provide excellent bird watching and fishing opportunities, thus increasing the recreational value of Galveston Bay.

The Port Authority has purchased 173 acres near the Armand Bayou Nature Center. This site will be protected as a conservation easement, creating nearly 70 acres of emergent freshwater wetlands, enhancing 12 acres of existing wetlands, preserving 23.7 acres of forested upland and restoring 71 acres of upland coastal prairie.

At this site, the Port Authority will replace the nearly 20 acres of jurisdictional wetlands at a rate of nearly 3.5 to 1. The Army Corps of Engineers determines the total mitigation acreage, and the Port is ready to comply with the Corps' replacement requirements, whatever they may be.

This improvement and dedication of an environmental easement will benefit the community and the nearby Armand Bayou Nature Center and help to preserve a natural area for generations to enjoy.

The Port of Houston is not planning and has not requested deepening the channel to 50 feet. For that matter, the Army Corps of Engineers has no such plans, either.

If the Army Corps of Engineers ever decided to deepen the Houston Ship Channel and the Bayport Channel to 50 feet, they would need to complete a separate environmental impact statement. For example, the Houston Ship Channel is currently being deepened to 45 feet from 40 feet. This action required Congressional approval in the Water Resources Development Act, a bond election approval by the voters of Harris County, completion of an EIS by the Corps and annual appropriations by Congress.

The Port of Houston is committed to maintaining established International Standards. In 2002, the Port of Houston became the first U.S. port to achieve compliance with ISO 14001. We received that designation based on voluntary environmental management systems implemented at Barbours Cut and the Central Maintenance Facility.

On opening day, Bayport will be ISO 14001 compliant. This new facility, a jewel to our economy, our environment and our community, will meet ISO 14001 standards because we are planning and will construct this terminal to be a stellar example of environmental stewardship now and in the future.

The port believes that the water quality plans for Bayport exceed all current governmental standards and help to raise the bar for all future environmental protection — protecting our bay, our community and all of Texas.

Bayport's economics

After 10 years (2015)
Jobs
Container 12,245
Cruise 2,908
Total 15,153

Business Revenue
Container $720 million
Cruise $76 million
Total $796 million

Construction Jobs 16,467

Full build out (2030)
Jobs
Container 29,255
Cruise 2,908
Total 32,163

Business Revenue
Container $1.73 billion
Cruise $0.70 billion
Total $2.43 billion

Construction Jobs

texasboy

October 31st, 2004, 07:48 PM

Condo tower on downtown horizon
ING Clarion maps plan for residential high-rise, parking garage, historic redevelopment projectBy Jennifer Dawson
Houston Business Journal
Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET June 06, 2004The next skyscraper to be built in downtown Houston may have more to do with bedrooms than boardrooms.

ING Clarion has drafted a master plan for development of a two-block area downtown.

According to a source involved in the project, the plan includes construction of a 30-story condominium tower and a 475-space parking garage with an underground tunnel, along with the renovation of a historic building.

The proposed development covers the 1111 Bagby block occupied by ChevronTexaco Heritage Plaza, plus a surface parking lot catty-corner to the office building and across the street from the Doubletree Hotel.

The parking lot would become residential high-rise condos designed to overlook Sam Houston Park. ING Clarion bought the parking lot in December 2002 from the oil-rich Blaffer family.

The market may be suited for a another downtown high-rise residential project, if preliminary interest in the nearby Shamrock Tower condominium is any indication.

The project being developed at 617 Main by Tracy Suttles, president of NBC Holdings, is named after the old Shamrock Hotel, the Houston landmark near the Texas Medical Center that was demolished in the late 1980s.

Tomas Bruncke of Keller Williams Realty says 51 percent of Shamrock Tower's 280 units already have been reserved by prospective buyers who put down a $1,000 deposit.

Bruncke says that once certain approvals are in place, reservations can be converted into earnest money contracts by the end of June, with construction slated to start in August.

Minnette Boesel, who has been involved in redeveloping and marketing some of downtown's most notable properties, says the intersection of Allen Parkway and Bagby would be a "very good" location for the proposed ING Clarion project.

"It's on the edge of the core of the business district," says the principal of Minnette Boesel Properties Inc.

Unlike other luxury high-rises, the project would not be able to use downtown views as a prime selling point. But Boesel notes that the views north into the park and west along Allen Parkway would be unobstructed.

"Nothing could ever be built in front of it," she says. "That's an interesting location."

Bill Franks, president of Spire Realty Group, says more residential deals like this are needed if Houston's Central Business District is going to grow into a 24-hour downtown.

"If we are truly to eventually end up with a residential component in downtown that we need to support the 'new downtown,' projects like this are going to need to take place," Franks says.

"That area of the CBD is a very desirous area," he adds. "It's got great visibility."

w.university

October 31st, 2004, 09:22 PM

Wow. Where was this thread hidden? I have seen some awesome stuff on this thread that will be going on in this city.

texasboy

November 1st, 2004, 11:27 PM

Beachtown finally breaks ground

By Laura Elder
The Daily News

Published November 01, 2004

Beachtown breakthrough: It’s more than a decade in the making, but construction finally has begun on Beachtown Galveston, a $120 million project on 125 acres of East Beach, east of The Galvestonian condomin-iums.

Earlier this month, Beachtown Galveston Corp. headed by Tofigh Shirazi, had a groundbreaking ceremony. Shirazi purchased the East Beach land 11 years ago. “It took a long time,” he said.

The first phase of Beachtown, which will be modeled after traditional neighborhoods with town centers and plenty of walkways, will include 150 single-family units and some townhomes. Also, crews will begin work on the town center, which will include commercial space. Work on the first phase should be complete by March, Shirazi said.

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

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

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

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

texasboy

November 2nd, 2004, 01:15 AM

Originally posted by ReggieZ

http://img93.exs.cx/img93/4923/foto_edif.jpg

GALVESTON

Located at 9420 Seawall Boulevard, in Galveston, Ocean Grove condominiums will certainly set a new standard on island living.

Whether you just want to admire breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from your terrace facing the lushly landscaped courtyard, or wish to take a dip in our never-ending 100-foot-long swimming pool, Ocean Grove Condominiums is certainly the place our island has been waiting for.

54 elegantly crafted units with nine foot ceilings as a standard height (soaring eleven foot ceilings for penthouses), each unit comes with two designated, parking spaces. Our poured-in-place reinforced concrete structure and masonry exterior walls are designed to keep maintenance and maintenance costs at a minimum.

High-speed Internet capability and state of the art cable connectivity come standard on each unit. Electronically controlled access has been appointed to assure owner's peace of mind.

Another high quality development by Prida Construction Ltd. which will assure buyer's peace of mind knowing that their units have been crafted to the most rigorous construction standards and codes.

Jasonhouse

November 2nd, 2004, 05:02 AM

Hope this works for you Texasboy...:)

texasboy

November 2nd, 2004, 05:07 AM

Hope this works for you Texasboy...:)

This is fine, even though the Projects and Construction subforum is kind of slow. I apreciate it though.

texasboy

November 4th, 2004, 12:29 AM

Nov. 2, 2004, 10:11PM

Flooding disrupts MetroRail
9 inches of rain inundates tracks in the Medical Center

By LUCAS WALL
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

Flooding shut down MetroRail service early Tuesday between the Texas Medical Center and downtown, delaying commutes for thousands of workers.
ADVERTISEMENT

Heavy rain overnight left 9 inches of water atop the tracks on Fannin where it passes under Holcombe, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Maggi Stewart, Metro spokeswoman, said it was apparent by 4:20 a.m., shortly before rail service was scheduled to begin, that trains would not be able to travel past the Texas Medical Center Transit Center.

"People were able to get to the transit center, but then the trains couldn't go in the underpass," Stewart said. "When it's more than 4 inches, it's difficult to maintain service."

This is the first time the Holcombe underpass, the lowest point along the line, has flooded since MetroRail began carrying passengers Jan. 1. Flooding also interrupted train service one evening in June after heavy rains inundated Midtown.

Stewart said Metro provided an emergency shuttle bus Tuesday along the rail line between downtown and the Medical Center until the floodwaters receded about 7 a.m. Notice of the shuttle bus should have been on the signs at affected rail stops, she said.

In response to confusion during other incidents this year, the transit authority began distributing a brochure onboard trains last week explaining to riders what to do if light rail service is disrupted. That information is not available at stations, however.

texasboy

November 4th, 2004, 11:51 PM

From The Medical Center News

Memorial Hermann to Construct Area's Largest Medical Office Building

Jamie O' Roark
memorial Hermann Healthcare System

With the turning of dirt the shovels at a ground breaking ceremony later this month, Memorial Hermann Healthcare Sysstem will begin construction on the city's largest commercial construction project - the $155 million Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza. When complete, the building will be the largest medical office in the Texas Medical Center area.

Designed in partnership with one of Houston's leading health care developers, Mischer Healthcare Services, the new facilty to be located at the corner of Fannin and McGregor Strees will encompass more than 500,000 rentable square feet. This includes office space for up to 200 physicians, and a 2,400-vehicle parking garage. Services offered include an onsite ambulatory care center with either surgical suites, four endoscopy suites, and a full-modality imaging center. The ambulatory care center will occupy 100,000 square feet on two of the project's 30 floors.

Another two floors on the lobby/concourse levels will be filled by retail shops, services, and restaurants and will conveniently connect, via the existing skybridge, to comprehensive resources at Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann Children's Hospitals. Also easily accessible via skybridge are The University of Texas Health Science Center Professional Building and UT-Houston Medical School.

"With its modern design, sophisticated construction, state-of-the-art services, and skybridge access to the TMC's founding hospital, this facility will be home to the best and brightest in Houston's medical community," said Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System president and CEO. "It represents, once again, our system's leadership commitment to innovation."

The Project will create 375 construction jobs during the two-year construction period and 191 permanent jobs upon opening.