[crunchtastic]

I don't understand why the new Gables West Ave retirement community is scheduling activities. Isn't the whole point that they're to enjoy the short pedestrian- friendly walk to amenities like the wine bar, martini bar, gastropub and gourmet pizza bar?

[Geoff8201]

As for the Ipod docking stations and such, they really need to leave all that out. People who have Ipods will have docking stations. People whom like big musical sound, will already have speakers. People into home theater will already have equipment and just have to make one choice, and that is location in their unit as to where to put it, etc, etc...

West Ave. has potential, but a lot of it depends on the people who move in. I have no doubt the residential side can affect the retail side. So far these people sound like the type of folks whom get their kicks organizing events and dictating their little ideas upon people. If its simply going to be a residents thing, participate if you want and they don't affect the retail side, then they can go ahead and get their kicks as far as I'm concerned.

And Why is CARES in all caps? Does it stand for something?

This post has been edited by Geoff8201: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:12 PM

[musicman]

crunchtastic, on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 @ 4:23pm, said:

I don't understand why the new Gables West Ave retirement community is scheduling activities. Isn't the whole point that they're to enjoy the short pedestrian- friendly walk to amenities like the wine bar, martini bar, gastropub and gourmet pizza bar?

they will be too busy to enjoy these.

lockmat, on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 @ 2:50pm, said:

Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston

sounds like they will be taking pulses. LOL

This post has been edited by musicman: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 5:59 PM

[KinkaidAlum]

My mom moved into one of the last single story ranches back in that Upper Kirby area off of Virginia and Ferndale between Westheimer and W Bama. We can see both the West Ave and 2727 from her front lawn. For what it's worth, the rental center next to the Beck's Prime was BOOMING last weekend when I came down to help my mom move... and to eat some burgers. Lots of yuppie looking 20 somethings walking across the Beck's property in hard hats to get the walking tour.

Her neighbors are all hyped up about it too. They relish the idea of walking over there for dinner, drinks, and shopping. I also noticed that the other apt. project on Westheimer @ Ferndale (I think but maybe it was Virginia) looks like it's coming along nicely too. And, the New Orleansy themed place behind the 2727 is topped out too. Considering the density that already exists around there in the condos/ranches/mcmansions as well as the hi-rise across from Chuy's that just lost its downtown views, there are going to be a TON of units that need to be filled...

[lockmat]

KinkaidAlum, on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 @ 11:59pm, said:

My mom moved into one of the last single story ranches back in that Upper Kirby area off of Virginia and Ferndale between Westheimer and W Bama. We can see both the West Ave and 2727 from her front lawn. For what it's worth, the rental center next to the Beck's Prime was BOOMING last weekend when I came down to help my mom move... and to eat some burgers. Lots of yuppie looking 20 somethings walking across the Beck's property in hard hats to get the walking tour.

Her neighbors are all hyped up about it too. They relish the idea of walking over there for dinner, drinks, and shopping. I also noticed that the other apt. project on Westheimer @ Ferndale (I think but maybe it was Virginia) looks like it's coming along nicely too. And, the New Orleansy themed place behind the 2727 is topped out too. Considering the density that already exists around there in the condos/ranches/mcmansions as well as the hi-rise across from Chuy's that just lost its downtown views, there are going to be a TON of units that need to be filled...

Nice news. I wonder if developers are waiting to see how this will do and if it's a hit, maybe they'll consider building similar structures next to or near it.

[KinkaidAlum]

Looks as if phase II of West Ave is going more modern according to Ziegler Cooper...

[citykid09]

Is it cheaper to build modern?
Looks good to me.

[Geoff8201]

In addition to that rendering, here is what it says on Ziegler Cooper's website regarding Phase II:

Quote

West Ave Phase II

Phase II of West Ave at River Oaks will be a five acre development at the southwest corner of Kirby and Westheimer and will have 130,000 square feet of office space and 365 apartments, 85,000 square feet of retail, 182,000 square feet of hotel and 1,780 car parking garage when it opens in 2010.

The complex will have five stories of apartments atop two levels of retail space and a small section of office space, where one of the developers, Urban Partners of Dallas, will have offices.

West Ave will have an "organic" feel with primarily local and regional tenants, including clothing stores and restaurants. Restaurants will take up about 45,000 square feet of the retail space. The apartments will average more than 1,000 square feet and rent will go for about $1.75 per square foot. Retail rents are in the $40 to $50 range.

Urban Partners is owned by Atlanta-based apartment developer Gables Residential, but operates independently. West Ave is being developed by both companies.

STRIVING FOR SILVER CERTIFICATION

From: http://www.zieglerco...?...&projid=101


Now, I'm trying to get my bearings and figure out where Phase II is going to sit in relation to Phase I. Is this the Beck's Prime site?

This post has been edited by Geoff8201: Monday, January 26, 2009 at 12:12 AM

[KinkaidAlum]

I think it has to be the Beck's site along with the one story white brick bldg they are using for their rental office right now just to the South of Beck's. However, they must control a lot more than the public is currently aware of in order to cram an office tower, apartments, retail, and a hotel onto that site... I hope we don't lose Mark's Barber Shop (in the old train car).

[Geoff8201]

KinkaidAlum, on Sunday, January 25th, 2009 @ 11:13pm, said:

I think it has to be the Beck's site along with the one story white brick bldg they are using for their rental office right now just to the South of Beck's. However, they must control a lot more than the public is currently aware of in order to cram an office tower, apartments, retail, and a hotel onto that site... I hope we don't lose Mark's Barber Shop (in the old train car).

Again, from what I heard from the company doing the roofing on West Ave. was that the later phases of it would stretch all the way to the Corner of Kirby and West Alabama. At least for now it looks like it is going to expand to nothing short of Steel Street.

Currently there is some dead space on the Phase I footprint. The Corner near the intersection of Kipling and Virginia Street specifically. Last time I drove by there there was some tiny little building near that corner, with its exterior done in the same style as the rest of that south end of West Ave Building 1. I'll probably have to get a photo of it so everyone knows what I'm speaking of...

[HtownWxBoy]

KinkaidAlum, on Sunday, January 25th, 2009 @ 11:28pm, said:

Looks as if phase II of West Ave is going more modern according to Ziegler Cooper...

Me like!

[lockmat]

Geoff8201, on Sunday, January 25th, 2009 @ 11:34pm, said:

Again, from what I heard from the company doing the roofing on West Ave. was that the later phases of it would stretch all the way to the Corner of Kirby and West Alabama. At least for now it looks like it is going to expand to nothing short of Steel Street.

Currently there is some dead space on the Phase I footprint. The Corner near the intersection of Kipling and Virginia Street specifically. Last time I drove by there there was some tiny little building near that corner, with its exterior done in the same style as the rest of that south end of West Ave Building 1. I'll probably have to get a photo of it so everyone knows what I'm speaking of...

How many acres is Phase I?

Interesting how Phase II's location is still described as being at the southwest corner of Kirby/Westhimer if it indeed will go all the way to W. Alabama.

[Geoff8201]

lockmat, on Monday, January 26th, 2009 @ 10:23am, said:

How many acres is Phase I?

Interesting how Phase II's location is still described as being at the southwest corner of Kirby/Westheimer if it indeed will go all the way to W. Alabama.

Good question... From reading news articles I keep seeing Phase I is 5 acres, and doing some rough math, the actual area that the 3 current buildings sit on is indeed a little over 5 acres. Add in the space they're not currently using and it totals around 7. Does that mean Phase II will also be another 5? Or are they flubbing the numbers, or getting the space of the two confused?

And I'm sure they meant the call it Kirby/Westheimer... Westheimer is much more well known and the location familiar than saying West Alabama.

A 2010 opening date seems a bit soon for a Phase that may require demolition of existing structures, and new ground breaking, but we'll see. After all just a year ago West Ave. was just Buildings 1 and 2 still bare concrete, 3 wasn't even started yet... and now look...

[houston-development]

lockmat, on Monday, January 26th, 2009 @ 10:23am, said:

if it indeed will go all the way to W. Alabama.

the retail center at the nw corner of kirby and w alabama is currently on the market.

[KinkaidAlum]

I thought there was just a single store on that corner? Isn't that Meredith O'Donnell Furniture or something like that?

[houston-development]

KinkaidAlum, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 @ 10:53pm, said:

I thought there was just a single store on that corner? Isn't that Meredith O'Donnell Furniture or something like that?

its more than just the o'donnell store. totals 5.774 acres: 2.562 A on the north side of steel and 3.182 A that fronts w alabama. brokers are advertising that there is a possibility of abandoning steel and make the site contiguous.

[KinkaidAlum]

Thanks for the good information. I'll have to make a mental note of it next time I am down there.

[Houston19514]

Swamplot and The River Oaks Examiner are just full of great information, aren't they?

This post has been edited by Houston19514: Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 5:27 PM

[KinkaidAlum]

I would hate to lose those apartments on Steele near Virginia. Those are great and the live oak canopie is beautiful on that block. Oh well...

[houston-development]

KinkaidAlum, on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 @ 12:16am, said:

I would hate to lose those apartments on Steele near Virginia. Those are great and the live oak canopie is beautiful on that block. Oh well...

on the bright side, i seriously doubt anything will happen in the near future. if someone did buy the land, it would be a safe assumption they would keep the current structures for cash flow until things turn around. on the flip side, the dickey estate is not in a position where they have to sell. if someone pays their price, no problem. if not, they know over time it will continue to appreciate.

edited to add: since someone asked, see the attached marketing flyer. c&w emailed it to me back in nov 08.

Attached File(s)

•  Kirby__W_Alabama.pdf (912.15K)
  Number of downloads: 75

This post has been edited by houston-development: Monday, February 2, 2009 at 11:47 AM

[Allison]

Hello, I just went there because I am considering moving there. The hallways have this retro-chic look and cold lighting, but other than that the lobby and apartments looked so cool and they already have residents! They did not cut corners with the flooring, very nice wood floors. In my opinion. The person said all the shops will be ready in October!! So soon!!

[houstonartstudent]

Allison, on Saturday, February 28th, 2009 @ 8:54pm, said:

Hello, I just went there because I am considering moving there. The hallways have this retro-chic look and cold lighting, but other than that the lobby and apartments looked so cool and they already have residents! They did not cut corners with the flooring, very nice wood floors. In my opinion. The person said all the shops will be ready in October!! So soon!!

That probably means the storefronts may be ready by October...but it could be like the Pavilions for a little while...

[mdalegre]

View from the top floor of gables west ave. Shows the unfinished pool along with a view of 2727 Kirby. Took with a cell phone so sorry for the quality.

[swtsig]

can't wait until this thing starts opening up

[Geoff8201]

Nice shot despite being a cell camera. I'm guessing you took that from atop building 1 (the one along Kirby, but not in the Kirby/Westheimer corner). I had no idea it was going to have a pool from initial views, the rooftop pool definitely gives it some edge and some competition with 2727's Aqua Level.

Myself or anyone with some time should take some shots of Building 3. Exterior brick is going on and its making progress. It's getting there pretty quickly now considering building 3 was an empty concrete shell for so long.

I too would love to live here... in fact I'm taking donations starting immediately

[mdalegre]

Geoff8201, on Monday, April 13th, 2009 @ 12:31pm, said:

Nice shot despite being a cell camera. I'm guessing you took that from atop building 1 (the one along Kirby, but not in the Kirby/Westheimer corner). I had no idea it was going to have a pool from initial views, the rooftop pool definitely gives it some edge and some competition with 2727's Aqua Level.

Myself or anyone with some time should take some shots of Building 3. Exterior brick is going on and its making progress. It's getting there pretty quickly now considering building 3 was an empty concrete shell for so long.

I too would love to live here... in fact I'm taking donations starting immediately

Yes you are correct, it was taken from the 7th floor of building 1. You can't really tell but the pool is an infinity edge pool. There is actually alot more to the pool but i don't have pictures of it. I'll try to snap a few more next time i'm there. They have some pretty good deals going on right now for those looking for a new apartment.

[KinkaidAlum]

I hope this project is successful. If it is, I hope it spurs further high quality growth. The inner loop needs more live/work/play spaces. My only complaint about West Ave is how awful the current garage looks from the existing neighborhood (Virginia, Kipling, Ferndale) but I am assuming phase II will cover it up.

[Vertigo58]

Already worshiping this project from a distance!

Gotta slap myself, I think I'm in Pacific Palisades or Santa Monica, Ca ! What!? Yeah!

[CandacitaBonita]

houston-development, on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 @ 11:20am, said:

on the bright side, i seriously doubt anything will happen in the near future. if someone did buy the land, it would be a safe assumption they would keep the current structures for cash flow until things turn around. on the flip side, the dickey estate is not in a position where they have to sell. if someone pays their price, no problem. if not, they know over time it will continue to appreciate.

edited to add: since someone asked, see the attached marketing flier. c&w emailed it to me back in nov 08.

I have seen the site plans as well as the architecturals for this project. If Phase II ever gets built it will most likely be directly behind the current Gables West Ave. at what is now the construction offices off of Kipling. As far as I know, that C&W map has nothing to do with Gables West Ave plans.

Last I was told Phase II has always been in the plans, but with the economic downturn it was halted. Gables happens to be one of our bigger customers, so I would imagine I'll see plans for Phase II if it ever comes back up.

[mdalegre]

A few more pictures...

http://gallery.me.com/mdalegre

[Geoff8201]

I took a walk down to Kirby and got a few current shots of whats going on with the progress on building 3. Most of it has the protective netting on there so I got what I could. Its been a while since we've had an exterior update. They are what they are.

And walking by it was nice to see people chillin on their balconies and another resident walking their dog. Signs of life! I'm anxious for the opening of the retail sections... just a few more months to go.

[fatesdisastr]

yeah i was down there a few weeks back and that area is really starting to take shape, its good to see =]

[lockmat]

According to this video, it's pronounced, West Ave, not West Avenue.

http://www.westaveri...-video-NEW.html

[Geoff8201]

lockmat, on Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 @ 9:55pm, said:

According to this video, it's pronounced, West Ave, not West Avenue.

http://www.westaveri...-video-NEW.html

Unless she was reading it Verbatim from a teleprompter? She is blonde...

I would hate to say it wrong while there and get weird looks.

So one more month to go, yes? I wanna check this place out when the retail section opens.

[RedScare]

Geoff8201, on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 @ 12:12am, said:

I would hate to say it wrong while there and get weird looks.

That's the problem. If you say it CORRECTLY, you will also get weird looks.

[lockmat]

RedScare, on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 @ 1:52am, said:

That's the problem. If you say it CORRECTLY, you will also get weird looks.

haha, yep. hopefully people say it the wrong way.

[fatesdisastr]

i cant wait to talk a walk around this area once everything starts opening up. i think its really an awesome project, and its looking really nice

[mdalegre]

Some updated pictures of the pool. If you would like pictures of a specific part of the complex let me know.



http://files.me.com/mdalegre/pfku8mhttp://files.me.com/mdalegre/k086w1

This post has been edited by mdalegre: Monday, July 6, 2009 at 9:30 AM

[citizen4rmptown]

id feel unsafe in the pool, the glass is a little too low for me.....potential murders/suicides.....

[Urbannizer]

[color="#4b0082"]Here's a pretty cool pic.[/color]


[color="#4b0082"]FLickR by [/color][color="#4169e1"]Notsouh Photography[/color][color="#4169e1"] [/color]

[DrLan34]

Urbannizer, on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 5:46 PM, said:

Here's a pretty cool pic.


FLickR by Notsouh Photography

Man this thing should have gone downtown...

[Geoff8201]

DrLan34, on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 3:35 PM, said:

Man this thing should have gone downtown...

That's a coin toss on that one.

I think it would have gotten lost in downtown, especially considering HP, here it stands out, and caters to the RO crowd.

The architecture on this thing far exceeded my early expectations. At night the exterior lighting is amazing.

When does the first retail portions open? I'm anxious to check some of the restaurants out when they come to be.

[mdalegre]

Geoff8201, on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 12:01 PM, said:

That's a coin toss on that one.

I think it would have gotten lost in downtown, especially considering HP, here it stands out, and caters to the RO crowd.

The architecture on this thing far exceeded my early expectations. At night the exterior lighting is amazing.

When does the first retail portions open? I'm anxious to check some of the restaurants out when they come to be.

7 Restaurants/Stores will be opening March next year. I believe the majority of which are restaurants.

[LTAWACS]

This thing is looking good.

[rsb320]

mdalegre, on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 9:59 AM, said:

7 Restaurants/Stores will be opening March next year. I believe the majority of which are restaurants.

I wish Jalapeno's was one of them. I really miss their brunch.

[DrLan34]

Geoff8201, on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 12:01 PM, said:

That's a coin toss on that one.

I think it would have gotten lost in downtown, especially considering HP, here it stands out, and caters to the RO crowd.

The architecture on this thing far exceeded my early expectations. At night the exterior lighting is amazing.

When does the first retail portions open? I'm anxious to check some of the restaurants out when they come to be.

that's a good point but i'm just longing for some (more) residential/retail downtown like I think we all are!

[capnmcbarnacle]

rsb320, on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 11:27 AM, said:

I wish Jalapeno's was one of them. I really miss their brunch.

I miss the Fajita Tower...

[Urbannizer]

Flickr Notsouh Photography

[lockmat]

Urbannizer, on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 4:53 PM, said:

Flickr Notsouh Photography

Any chance other developers start to catch on and get the idea????

[The Great Hizzy!]

lockmat, on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 5:35 PM, said:

Any chance other developers start to catch on and get the idea????

One can only hope. Those are some gorgeous sightlines. The design elements and shapes, particularly along the rooflines, represent a nice change of pace for Houston.