[Lectro]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/m...politan/3306678

[houstonsemipro]

Yep, I just read it. This is great. At lease I see Med. offices and Hospitals going up, and not put on hold like these other projects around Houston.

[kjb434]

Cool,

The TMC just continues to build and build up.

[UrbaNerd]

Is this the building that will replace the Prudential Tower?...

[Houston19514]

UrbaNerd, on Friday, August 12th, 2005 @ 10:54am, said:

Is this the building that will replace the Prudential Tower?...
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. the Prudential Tower is at 1100 Holcombe. This new building is behind a building at 1800 Holcombe.

[UrbaNerd]

Ah, good. It lives on!...for now...

[houstonsemipro]

I think that hospitals will forever be built. Nurses, doctors, etc are in demand now. This is just the beginning for the Medical Center.

It wouldn't surprise me that the Medical Center be bigger then Downtown in couple of years to come.

[texasboy]

Renderings from Shasta

[kjb434]

I don't think the TMC will compete with downtown for height, but it may compete for density.

[texasboy]

kjb434, on Friday, August 12th, 2005 @ 2:33pm, said:

I don't think the TMC will compete with downtown for height, but it may compete for density.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[sevfiv]

[H-Town Man]

Wow. Nice addition. Great pic, texasboy. It looks like that building shown in front of it will also receive a new wing, judging by the different pics. Awesome. There is no end to what these folks are building. This hospital is now the ultimate power in the universe.

[kjb434]

I just really wish midtown and the museum district will see little more height. Not tremendously tall, but more height to almost link the too.

The museum district has a start with several tall residential towers.

[gardenoaksguy]

I work at MDACC. Once this building is completed they will move many functions currently in the Prudential Building into it and other locations. Then, unfortunately, it is bye bye Prudential. It will be replaced by some other kind of expansion in the future.

[kjb434]

Is this that bad?

[sevfiv]

my mother works at MDACC as well...bye bye prudential

[UrbaNerd]

texasboy, on Friday, August 12th, 2005 @ 12:13pm, said:

Renderings from Shasta






<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Looks like another standard issue TMC building- simple, sleek, etc.

[editor]

It fits in, but it's still bland 90's architecture. The Medical Center is quickly becoming Sugar Land. Will no one take a chance to make this a landmark and not just another clump of stucco-covered boxes?

[kjb434]

I think the TMC has a lot of architecture. I drive through on Fannin and see those really old looking buildings that gives some character.

Personally, I think the sleak 90's design give the image of clean like a Hospital is supposed to be.

[sevfiv]

it just makes me think of pepto

[Subdude]

It's a mixed bag. A lot of the older ones, like Hermann and the Medical Towers, are pretty nice, as is Pelli's St Lukes. As for MDACC, however, I would agree with editor. It's mediocre at best. Their insistance on cheap, generic architecture is why they are destroying the Prudential. The building could easily be renovated, but it would be cheaper just to demolish it and build some something forgettable. The same explanation applies to why they destroyed the Shamrock and replaced it with what must be one of the ugliest buildings at the Medical Center. In the back of my mind I keep thinking they get some sort of malicious pleasure from destroying meaningful buildings.

[UrbaNerd]

The shamrock was also sort of plain, too.

Still, the TMC does have a few buildings with nice architecture, like the St Lukes tower by Pelli, the new UT SONSCC, the upcoming Prarie View Nursing school, etc. Stuff that's more modern, unlike the "sugarland esque" stuff that most of the MDA buildings look like.

The new Ambulatory building is kind of cool, though, with the plaza, and such.

[sevfiv]

the new buildings along holcombe are definitely...different in some ways (especially the mix of materials used on the exterior).

the shamrock was kind of plain, unless you got an aerial view of the roof...heh

and is the plaza on montrose appearing to be progressing slowly, or am i just anxious?

[Subdude]

Sugar Land-esque is exactly the right term.

The Shamrock was plain, but that was the fashion when it was built. More important than the style was that it was perhaps the only true landmark building that Houston had until the Astrodome was built. The AIA referred to the Medical Center's demolition of the Shamrock as "civic vandalism", which is also exactly the right term.

[citykid09]

I would like to see the Medical Center be more than just a medical center. They should add retail and residence (highrises). Isin't METRO building some kind of retail place along the rail line.

[Subdude]

Metro put out a proposal for mixed-use development but nothing has been finalized. The Med Center isn't going to develop residential, since the land is tight for medical purposes as it is. They already demolished two existing residential highrises to make way for hospitals.

[H-Town Man]

The M.D. Anderson buildings aren't that bad. They make a nice ensemble, and their facades present good texturing and soothing colors. They have shown their sensitivity to architecture with the Lake/Flato designed Nurses' building. They have also promised to replace the Prudential with a building of architectural distinction.

Of course we are losing a piece of history, and combined with the Shamrock, that is really sickening. But they are saving tens of millions of dollars by starting over instead of renovating. I know, I know... what's money compared to beauty, history, identity? On the other hand, what's money compared to human life? Have you heard some of the stories of cancer patients who have gone to this hospital after being at some other hospital? I have a friend who is a cancer patient there, and he said going to M.D. Anderson completely turned things around - there was just no comparison in the level of care, and at that point he really started to have hope. Other things I have heard suggest that his is not a unique story.

I will also just throw in that this is, in fact, the greatest cancer hospital in the world. It's possibly the one good thing that Houston can claim to be number one in. If that kind of institution can save fifty plus million by tearing down a decaying landmark, I say let them have it. It would be a serious compromise of their mission statement, I think, if they were to give up fifty million on the balance sheet for the sake of architecture. Everything they do is rationalized with the sole end of eliminating this disease. If they were to mix architecture patronage into their objectives, they would not be the institution they are.

[texasboy]

editor, on Monday, August 15th, 2005 @ 4:54pm, said:

It fits in, but it's still bland 90's architecture.  The Medical Center is quickly becoming Sugar Land.  Will no one take a chance to make this a landmark and not just another clump of stucco-covered boxes?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here is a rendering of the 22 story Outpatient Care Center to start in early 2006. I think it will be a different design that we usually do not see in the med center. although this is not a detailed rendering.

[UrbaNerd]

Hmm...once that thing is done, we could have a sort of "triangulation" of signature towers in the TMC- the StLukes, the new Hermann, and this. I can't wait....

[H-Town Man]

texasboy, on Tuesday, August 16th, 2005 @ 12:50am, said:

Here is a rendering of the 22 story Outpatient Care Center to start in early 2006.  I think it will be a different design that we usually do not see in the med center.  although this is not a detailed rendering.


<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now this, this is a cool building.

[editor]

Yep. That's a design I can support.

And if they can rename Saint Luke's for a lawyer, maybe they can make this one the "Mattress Mac Center"

"Get Flat On Your Back At Mattress Mac Medical Center"

[UrbaNerd]

If so, then, it would have to be a Chiropractor building. or not.

[sevfiv]

"physical therapy"

[bigboyz2004]

Does anyone here think that TMC and DT Houston will ever grow into each other or connect?

[arche_757]

Quote

Does anyone here think that TMC and DT Houston will ever grow into each other or connect?

No theres a large park that will keep that from happening. Not to mention two freeways and several other "districts" - Midtown and Museum District.

[nmainguy]

Subdude, on Monday, August 15th, 2005 @ 4:28pm, said:

Sugar Land-esque is exactly the right term. 

The Shamrock was plain, but that was the fashion when it was built.  More important than the style was that it was perhaps the only true landmark building that Houston had until the Astrodome was built.  The AIA referred to the Medical Center's demolition of the Shamrock as "civic vandalism", which is also exactly the right term.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Frank LLoyd Wright accepted the AIA gold medal at the Shamrock in 1949. Upon arriving for the ceremony he commented, " I see the sham, where's the rock?" Thank who-ever for tearing down one of the most grotesque pieces of architecture ever built anywhere.

[YakuzaIce]

nmainguy, on Monday, August 29th, 2005 @ 6:45pm, said:

Frank LLoyd Wright accepted the AIA gold medal at the Shamrock in 1949. Upon arriving for the ceremony he commented, " I see the sham, where's the rock?" Thank who-ever for tearing down one of the most grotesque pieces of architecture ever built anywhere.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You have to be kidding me, "one of the most grotesque pieces of architecture ever built anywhere". I mean it wasn't the prettiest building in the world, but I kind of liked it. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I have to admit though I am not a fan of alot of Wright's work. There is some I like though.

[woolie]

texasboy, on Monday, August 15th, 2005 @ 11:50pm, said:

Here is a rendering of the 22 story Outpatient Care Center to start in early 2006. I think it will be a different design that we usually do not see in the med center. although this is not a detailed rendering.

It will replace this:

[Talbot]

I really like that rendering, especially with the top of the building looking like an oval cup. I hope it turns out to look very close to that.

[DJ V Lawrence]

bigboyz2004, on Sunday, August 28th, 2005 @ 3:35pm, said:

Does anyone here think that TMC and DT Houston will ever grow into each other or connect?

If Midtown keeps developing the rate that it is, it may very well end up in the next 20 years looking like one huge architectual dynasty, similar to a New York or Chicago from afar.

But I think it all depends on the Midtown area.

[NewMND]

Well they could never totally grow into each other because of the musuem district and Herman park, right? I might be geographically confused.

[Montrose1100]

NewMND, on Monday, October 31st, 2005 @ 7:27pm, said:

Well they could never totally grow into each other because of the musuem district and Herman park, right? I might be geographically confused.

It technically could, not going straight down Main or Fannin, because of Hermann Park, but it could swing around in Montrose, or south along 288, and reach the Medical Center. That would be cool to be in Hermann Park, surrounded by High-rises...

[strickn]

citykid09, on Monday, August 15th, 2005 @ 5:28pm, said:

I would like to see the Medical Center be more than just a medical center. They should add retail and residence (highrises). Isin't METRO building some kind of retail place along the rail line.

My understanding was that since part of Hermann's bequest to the people of Houston was in turn donated for the Medical Center to expand its work, most of the Med Center's territory isn't eligible for private uses. It's true that most serious hospital districts in America (if there *are* true hospital districts in any other cities to be contrasted to) are basically monocultures, but in Houston the market pressure would certainly lead to residential towers among the other land use. The lack of this detracts from the Med Center realizing its urban potential as we can picture it, but, for ethical reasons, the land's origins and the place's mission - correct me if I'm wrong about that - it's better this way, analogously to Houston Guy's powerful Post #27

[lockmat]

strickn, on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 @ 12:47pm, said:

My understanding was that since part of Hermann's bequest to the people of Houston was in turn donated for the Medical Center to expand its work, most of the Med Center's territory isn't eligible for private uses. It's true that most serious hospital districts in America (if there *are* true hospital districts in any other cities to be contrasted to) are basically monocultures, but in Houston the market pressure would certainly lead to residential towers among the other land use. The lack of this detracts from the Med Center realizing its urban potential as we can picture it, but, for ethical reasons, the land's origins and the place's mission - correct me if I'm wrong about that - it's better this way, analogously to Houston Guy's powerful Post #27

What are the areas immediately outside the TMC like?

Mostly residential?

[woolie]

lockmat, on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 @ 1:52pm, said:

What are the areas immediately outside the TMC like?

Mostly residential?

It's mostly single family residential. Very high dollar stuff. There may be deed restrictions keeping some of it from being developed into high rise... but I think if you wanted to buy some land for high rises immediately adjacent to the TMC, if you had enough money, you could find a plot.

There is one residential unit on the TMC campus; the Favrot Towers. It's basically one step above a dormitory for residents, post-docs, etc. Limited to TMC professionals and students. (it's very expensive for the size of the units.)

There are a number of high rises in the area (1400 Hermann, Park Lane, Warwick Towers, Museum Tower, Mosaic), but only one immediately adjacent to the TMC (The Spires.)

All of the multifamily residential is South of Braeswood.

[lockmat]

woolie, on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 @ 1:23pm, said:

It's mostly single family residential....

Perfect reply. Read my mind. Thanks.

[Houston19514]

strickn, on Saturday, April 28th, 2007 @ 1:47pm, said:

My understanding was that since part of Hermann's bequest to the people of Houston was in turn donated for the Medical Center to expand its work, most of the Med Center's territory isn't eligible for private uses. It's true that most serious hospital districts in America (if there *are* true hospital districts in any other cities to be contrasted to) are basically monocultures, but in Houston the market pressure would certainly lead to residential towers among the other land use. The lack of this detracts from the Med Center realizing its urban potential as we can picture it, but, for ethical reasons, the land's origins and the place's mission - correct me if I'm wrong about that - it's better this way, analogously to Houston Guy's powerful Post #27

I'm not saying you're wrong, but what about the Marriott Hotel right in the middle of the Medical Center?

[TheNiche]

Houston19514, on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 @ 9:30am, said:

I'm not saying you're wrong, but what about the Marriott Hotel right in the middle of the Medical Center?

There's the TMC proper, which is governed by the old deed restrictions that only non-profits can exist there, and then there is the greater TMC area, much of which captures institutional overflow from the TMC proper so as to blur the lines.

The Marriott is not in the TMC proper.

[Houston19514]

TheNiche, on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 @ 1:04pm, said:

There's the TMC proper, which is governed by the old deed restrictions that only non-profits can exist there, and then there is the greater TMC area, much of which captures institutional overflow from the TMC proper so as to blur the lines.

The Marriott is not in the TMC proper.

What are the boundaries of the TMC proper?

In any event, what you are saying then, is that the deed restrictions are probably not the main driver in keeping out non-medical development, since, apparently, they only apply to a portion of the TMC.

But more importantly, after a brief bit of research, it appears that none of this is true. The original site for the Texas Medical Center were sold by the City of Houston to TMC, not donated. Furthermore, and more importantly, the property sold to the TMC had originally been purchased from Will Hogg. It was not part of the property donated to the City by Mr. Hermann.

http://www.texmedctr.tmc.edu/root/en/GetTo...dChronology.htm

http://www.georgekessler.org/index.php?opt...emid=79#medical

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online...s/TT/kct23.html

http://www.georgekessler.org/index.php?opt...6&Itemid=79

This post has been edited by Houston19514: Sunday, April 29, 2007 at 10:34 PM

[TheNiche]

Houston19514, on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 @ 10:09pm, said:

What are the boundaries of the TMC proper?

In any event, what you are saying then, is that the deed restrictions are probably not the main driver in keeping out non-medical development, since, apparently, they only apply to a portion of the TMC.

They were shown in an old issue of Cite magazine; the authors of the article dubbed the strip between Main and Fannin the "Profit Zone". I think that the original bounds are approximately bounded by Hermann Park, Brays Bayou, and Fannin, but the southern boundary might be Holcombe. Not 100% on that.

Since that time, demand for land by institutions has been pretty heavy. And institutions tend not to necessarily be bound by what most people would consider to be financial sense, and they also have a lot of cash and extremely good credit, so they are 'preferred' buyers of land. They've gobbled up a good bit of land that had no nonprofit-only deed restrictions in and around the TMC, so that the TMC, Inc. has expanded its scope to governing anything at all that is owned by a non-profit member institution.

Houston19514, on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 @ 10:09pm, said:

But more importantly, after a brief bit of research, it appears that none of this is true. The original site for the Texas Medical Center were sold by the City of Houston to TMC, not donated. Furthermore, and more importantly, the property sold to the TMC had originally been purchased from Will Hogg. It was not part of the property donated to the City by Mr. Hermann.

I'm not sure what you mean to say by all this.