Jump to content

Proposed Multifamily High-Rise At 1769 Franklin St.


swtsig

Recommended Posts

Did we know about this one? Just received approval for the Downtown Living Innitiative.

Maybe we will not have the medias self fulfilling "bust" that they would love us to have.

From HBJ this AM, great news!

http://m.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/02/two-residential-towers-approved-downtown.html?ana=e_hstn_bn_breakingnews&u=rk2EuYuQdoSK5Ppt+g57jw%2FFsC6&t=1424014980&r=full

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So we need a Belfiore condo tower downtown now, or something or the likes to fill up the other 45 slots? Heh

I don't see why a larger development(100+ units) couldn't take the remaining 45 units in incentives and and just build the others without any tax credits(like the Fingers Project). Either way I'm sure someone will jump on the $675,000 credit left in the program.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys, be excited. Be very excited.

We are finally inching toward critical mass. I think we are witnessing the beginning of "The Domino Effect" that happens once an area becomes uber ripe for development.

The same domino effect that has cities like New York and Chicago constantly building high rises in their clusters no matter WHAT the current economic climate it.

HERE COMES THE WAVE, LETS RIIIIIIDEEE!!!!!

  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What about the 40 story apt tower near this site?

 

are you talking about 28/B on this map? http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-09-12/140911_Double_Sided_Development_Map_Renders_Map_11x17_1.pdf

 

it say est. construction start Q1 2015, but i haven't heard anything about it in a while. may have run into trouble  

 

edit: found the thread http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-40-story-high-rise-for-block-98-behind-hess-tower/page-9

Edited by apple addict
Link to comment
Share on other sites

are you talking about 28/B on this map? http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-09-12/140911_Double_Sided_Development_Map_Renders_Map_11x17_1.pdf

it say est. construction start Q1 2015, but i haven't heard anything about it in a while. may have run into trouble

edit: found the thread http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/29249-40-story-high-rise-for-block-98-behind-hess-tower/page-9

If he's talking about that one, the Marriott Marquis is still using the lot for office trailers. I dont think they can start construction until those trailers are gone, which won't be until who knows how long....
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys, be excited. Be very excited.

We are finally inching toward critical mass. I think we are witnessing the beginning of "The Domino Effect" that happens once an area becomes uber ripe for development.

The same domino effect that has cities like New York and Chicago constantly building high rises in their clusters no matter WHAT the current economic climate it.

HERE COMES THE WAVE, LETS RIIIIIIDEEE!!!!!

It's true! Critical mass is coming! Once these are built and there's more activity and cache to the area, developers are going to flock to build because the market demands it, not just because there are incentives. The incentives were genius and necessary to getting the ball rolling, though.

Next phase is retail. Retail will have A LOT to do with making the area more attractive for more residents and visitors. And more residents and visitors will attract more and better retail. As of now, we're already getting very close to that critical mass that some retailers look for in locations, especially if the demographic that rents or owns these apts/condos has desposible income. All we need is for Midway, Houston First (yes you, Rick Can't-o), Houston Center, etc, to hire some decent retail leasing agents, take a note from Dene Oliver and sweep retailers off their feet, and get the party started! Someday downtown will rival the Galleria Area for retail, seriously. Someday downtown will have an Apple store, a Whole Foods, a Chanel, a Dior, and whatever fäncÿ retail we can think of. The fundamentals are getting there..

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would love to see somewhat of a sports theme near the ballpark. Some of the renderings of the Marriott Marquis showcased a place named "Draft Pick," and I have to say...if the final product looks anything like those renderings, that place looks like it could be a great spot to hold the NFL Draft here if it indeed moves from city to city. And of course when that's not happening, it still looks like it could be an excellent spot to watch all kinds of sports. Could really add even more character to the area...

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would love to see somewhat of a sports theme near the ballpark. Some of the renderings of the Marriott Marquis showcased a place named "Draft Pick," and I have to say...if the final product looks anything like those renderings, that place looks like it could be a great spot to hold the NFL Draft here if it indeed moves from city to city. And of course when that's not happening, it still looks like it could be an excellent spot to watch all kinds of sports. Could really add even more character to the area...

 

I think the word you are looking for is tone. It's not a particularly good idea to push for "themes" unless you are running an amusement park. There is nothing worse than forcing a particular culture to happen. You would think it would happen automatically just by simple proxy, but that kind of growth has to be organic. If you want that sports "feel" then design buildings or spaces that help for the congregation sports fans. Of course por favor gracias I knew what you meant, but thought this needed to be pointed out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

   

I think it may be time for another DLI. Seems like this was a huge success. Another 5,000 units and a hip place to buy groceries would really transform downtown Houston into the coolest neighborhood in Texas.

 

I think we should sit back and see how many of the 5,000 units granted (approx) get built. in a few years, maybe they can do another one - if it is needed... hopefully it wont be needed.

 

if only 3,500 get built. I wouldnt mind seeing the city bring those back as available.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we should sit back and see how many of the 5,000 units granted (approx) get built. in a few years, maybe they can do another one - if it is needed... hopefully it wont be needed.

 

if only 3,500 get built. I wouldnt mind seeing the city bring those back as available.

 

I think I've said this before that probably after they wait and see how this one turns out is when they might do some more focused DLI's. Maybe not a blanket one, but specialized one's targeting different areas of downtown. I would like to see them do one for the East End or Midtown. It also be a great weapon for city planning. Oh zoning....we aren't going to use zoning, but we do have these incentives and if you add retail here or maybe some more public space here then you get this particular incentive. If they are smart they can use these incentives as a tool to craft entire blocks or neighborhoods creating a more focused whole. It will still be no zoning, but it will be a more focused approached.

 

EDIT: I also say this because these incentives are influencing a particular direction the city wants downtown to go. Yes the companies are getting a great deal, but it's the city that benefits as a whole by applying subtle "nudges" move Downtown in new directions.

Edited by Luminare
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that an increase on the number of units available for this project should not be increased until dirt starts turning on those projects that have been proposed with the incentive. There is (happily) already movement on a number of projects, but others  are taking a more cautious approach--I fear that expanding the incentive too soon will not keep the fire lit under developers to get moving on their projects. 

 

I agree, Luminare, that having targeted incentives would lower the transaction costs of certain developments and might permit certain neighborhood needs to be met--such as a grocery store Downtown. Similarly, parts of Midtown could use a shot in the arm (the area around Wheeler comes to mind with a number of surface lots) with respect to retail and incentives could help with that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that an increase on the number of units available for this project should not be increased until dirt starts turning on those projects that have been proposed with the incentive. There is (happily) already movement on a number of projects, but others  are taking a more cautious approach--I fear that expanding the incentive too soon will not keep the fire lit under developers to get moving on their projects. 

 

I agree, Luminare, that having targeted incentives would lower the transaction costs of certain developments and might permit certain neighborhood needs to be met--such as a grocery store Downtown. Similarly, parts of Midtown could use a shot in the arm (the area around Wheeler comes to mind with a number of surface lots) with respect to retail and incentives could help with that.

 

Exactly it's called Controlled Growth and many zoned cities are able to do this. In Houston's case we could essentially be preemptive and spot early growth in a new area. Then you put those incentives in place which weed out undesired development. It would cause a temporary slow down in that area, but that means the next step would be to begin needed infrastructure/utility improvements. Then you organize public input, then roll out the targeted incentives. There of course would be trial and error in this design, but it's how the city could get around the legal hurdle of trying implement zoning.

 

For our case though it could be a very compelling way to move forward as it's more of a "light touch" approach rather than resorting to the heavy hand of city ordinances and zoning. It's more flexible too as overtime as incentives end new ones can be implemented to serve current needs meaning it will evolve with the community. Finally it works on a psychological level as you are implementing a reward system. A system that is seen as having "goals" rather than "restrictions".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pretty awesome and unexpected. If the Surge condos by Elysian also happen (and the apartments on the block adjacent) that little warehouse district could really be seeing some life!

The DLI is literally helping to create a Ballpark Village around MMP. I count at least 6 residential projects now near MMP.

1. 500 Crawford

2. Catalyst

3. Alexan

4. Great Southwest renovation

5. Surge

6. Block 114

I think I'm missing a few...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...