[fatesdisastr]

i really want to try and get down there sometime this week and see. ive been wanting to, just haven't had the time to

[Geoff8201]

Everyone likes pictures! Took these this morning on a little walk around the block. The first and part of the 3rd shot is building 3, which has been just bare concrete structure to this point, its finally getting some framing going up and hopefully soon we'll see it take shape. The last shot is the actual West Ave (the street going down between buildings 1 and 2), you can see the skywalks starting to be encased in glass

This post has been edited by Geoff8201: Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 6:06 PM

[uhlaw09]

Thanks for the pics.

This place looks awesome so far. No qualifications...

[fatesdisastr]

awesome pictures thanks as well

i cant wait to see this place active. its going to be great!

[bkjones98]

I seem to remember this thread discussing that Chuy's lease was set to expire and the owner was not renewing---presumably in favor of the West Ave developers.

[Jax]

Maybe Chuy's will move into West Ave. I'll miss Chuy's if it's gone...

[Vertigo58]

Jax, on Friday, November 7th, 2008 @ 1:04pm, said:

Maybe Chuy's will move into West Ave. I'll miss Chuy's if it's gone...

It's for the best. That spot was way too crowded and minimal parking. They may be the ones more than happy to leave. I bet they have a super loyal clientel that will follow them anywhere in town.

Gottaget recent pics of this area.

[gene]

definitely love chuys...it will be interesting to see what happens...i had no idea they were thinking of relocating.

[capnmcbarnacle]

Vertigo58, on Friday, November 7th, 2008 @ 12:28pm, said:

It's for the best. That spot was way too crowded and minimal parking. They may be the ones more than happy to leave. I bet they have a super loyal clientel that will follow them anywhere in town.

Gottaget recent pics of this area.

I am a loyal Chuy's customer, have eaten there for 15 years, and eat there a couple times a month. I wouldn't follow them further out of the loop than Buffalo Speedway. Weird, huh?

[fatesdisastr]

bkjones98, on Friday, November 7th, 2008 @ 9:34am, said:

I seem to remember this thread discussing that Chuy's lease was set to expire and the owner was not renewing---presumably in favor of the West Ave developers.

I have a friend who works at that chuy's ill try to see if she can find out anything about chuy's future for yall

[gene]

capnmcbarnacle, on Friday, November 7th, 2008 @ 10:11pm, said:

I am a loyal Chuy's customer, have eaten there for 15 years, and eat there a couple times a month. I wouldn't follow them further out of the loop than Buffalo Speedway. Weird, huh?

also going there since they opened (1992 i think?) and go there about 2 times a WEEK or more...
not sure how far i would or wouldnt follow them, i just hope they stay within a 2 mile radius

[Geoff8201]

This is starting to turn into a Chuy's thread

I'm not quite sure the fate of the land Chuy's sits on... but here's what I know:

1. West Ave Phase II will likely continue southward, towards West Alabama...

2. Lets say a Phase III could be in the developers heads, but we haven't even seen Phase I open yet for residents or retailers to see how well business goes. After Phase II is constructed that may be it.

3. Chuy's, including its parking lot is a drop in the bucket in size compared to West Ave. in its entirety. Building III by itself is a hair bigger than that etire plot of land. If West Ave. acquires it, what would they use it for? Only thing I can think of is additional parking? Could it really be used for another, slightly smaller building, or perhaps if they took over the shopping center where Buffalo Hardware is for a larger building? Ideas?

Finally, I phrase this as more of a question than a statement... but there is plenty of space on the backside of West Ave. to do something with, west of the parking garage (the spot that used to be all the tennis courts). So far all I see are trailers and construction equipment. What is this abundant space going to be used for after Phase I is completed?

And here's a good reference for any project: Google Maps: Greater Houston Area Projects and Construction
The Satellite view on West Ave. is super old as of the day I post this, but its a good reference as far as size.

[OkieEric]

Geoff8201, on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 12:58pm, said:

And here's a good reference for any project: Google Maps: Greater Houston Area Projects and Construction
The Satellite view on West Ave. is super old as of the day I post this, but its a good reference as far as size.

maps.live.com has apparently updated some bird's eye shots since the last time I checked - gives a good perspective on just how large the West Ave development is:

Link

What's strange is if you move around too much, suddenly the older images appear again

[Geoff8201]

OkieEric, on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 1:17pm, said:

What's strange is if you move around too much, suddenly the older images appear again

Thanks for that link... I already have and will be playing with the bird's eye view for hours now.

Yea, I noticed that, they haven't updated some of the view angles on some of the views, so that's why it changes back to the old when you're rotating the view. I guess most would consider this a flaw, but in this case its a feature! Lets you really see how Kirby from Alabama to Westheimer has changed in just a few years, and even the new images are kinda old now (2727 was still approaching the 20th floor being constructed in these).

Off-topic, but with them being able to capture these images from so many different angles, the next version of Flight Simulator better be nothing short of immaculately detailed.

[capnmcbarnacle]

Geoff8201, on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 12:58pm, said:

3. Chuy's, including its parking lot is a drop in the bucket in size compared to West Ave. in its entirety. Building III by itself is a hair bigger than that etire plot of land. If West Ave. acquires it, what would they use it for? Only thing I can think of is additional parking? Could it really be used for another, slightly smaller building, or perhaps if they took over the shopping center where Buffalo Hardware is for a larger building? Ideas?

Finally, I phrase this as more of a question than a statement... but there is plenty of space on the backside of West Ave. to do something with, west of the parking garage (the spot that used to be all the tennis courts). So far all I see are trailers and construction equipment. What is this abundant space going to be used for after Phase I is completed?

FWIW, the rumblings I heard regarding Chuy's involved the Buffalo Hardware center as well as the center to the west with Rickshaw. Those parcels together are a sizable, if oddly shaped, chunk.

I don't know the plan for the old tennis court section but I thought there was an earlier rendering with stuff on that. That whole area is changing so rapidly it is amazing. I think the building housing Avalon Diner and Westheimer Plumbing is toast too. Exciting to see if you ask me, though it is sad to see some stalwart businesses fall by the wayside.

[shasta]

Does this project have an official website?

[sevfiv]

Here's one (can't find anything else):
http://www.urbanpart...om/westave.html

[Pumapayam]

uhlaw09, on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 @ 3:29pm, said:

Thanks for the pics.

This place looks awesome so far. No qualifications...

It just bothers me that this looks WAY better than the Houston Pavilions, yet it does not get the recognition it deserves.

sevfiv, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 9:02am, said:

Here's one (can't find anything else):
http://www.urbanpart...om/westave.html

the music in the video is a complete cheese fest! Stupid generic techno music.

They don't need to try that hard.

[Geoff8201]

Pumapayam, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 12:00pm, said:

It just bothers me that this looks WAY better than the Houston Pavilions, yet it does not get the recognition it deserves.

I second that. But I believe it will. HP and West Ave. have their differences, visually West Ave. wins hands down IMO...

I watched the rendering animation again (muted btw, simple as that ), the finished product is looking better than the renderings. Again back to the palm trees... West Ave. doesn't strike me as a tropical resort, nor a venue out of Southern California (those are the feelings palms give me at least). I'd like to see them choose something that can work in all seasons, as well as be Decked out in lights during the holidays (similar to Highland Village, but just not with Palms).

And something I noticed at the end of the animation on the Urban Partners West Ave. website I hadn't noticed before:
"Grand Opening for Phase I, February 1 09."
"Phase II opening in 1st Quarter 2010"

[lockmat]

shasta, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 8:53am, said:

Does this project have an official website?

check the wiki. the link is there.

[dmoneybangbang]

Geoff8201, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 12:35pm, said:

I second that. But I believe it will. HP and West Ave. have their differences, visually West Ave. wins hands down IMO...

I watched the rendering animation again (muted btw, simple as that ), the finished product is looking better than the renderings. Again back to the palm trees... West Ave. doesn't strike me as a tropical resort, nor a venue out of Southern California (those are the feelings palms give me at least). I'd like to see them choose something that can work in all seasons, as well as be Decked out in lights during the holidays (similar to Highland Village, but just not with Palms).

Glad to hear another person share my dislike of palm trees in Houston. They should have went with some oaks trees, Houston style.

[HtownWxBoy]

dmoneybangbang, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 9:08pm, said:

Glad to hear another person share my dislike of palm trees in Houston. They should have went with some oaks trees, Houston style.

I LOVE palm trees!!!

[uhlaw09]

Geoff8201, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 12:35pm, said:

And something I noticed at the end of the animation on the Urban Partners West Ave. website I hadn't noticed before:
"Grand Opening for Phase I, February 1 09."
"Phase II opening in 1st Quarter 2010"

Isn't that the first confirmation fof plans to build Phase II immediately after Phase I?

I know there has been a lot of talk about Phase II around here, but I hadn't heard anything concrete on the plans.

[Houston19514]

HtownWxBoy, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 9:12pm, said:

I LOVE palm trees!!!

Another vote for palm trees! LOVE 'em

[fewellman]

I agree Palm trees are awesome! how can u not like them?

[JJVilla]

fewellman, on Thursday, November 13th, 2008 @ 12:33am, said:

I agree Palm trees are awesome! how can u not like them?

+1. They make sense in a coastal area and fare better in tropical-realted storms.

[swtsig]

fewellman, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 10:33pm, said:

I agree Palm trees are awesome! how can u not like them?

because they're not native to the area? just a hunch.

[crunchtastic]

fewellman, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 10:33pm, said:

I agree Palm trees are awesome! how can u not like them?

i think palm trees r awesome 2. At the coast.


They are not awesome in Houston's climate, plunked down in the middle of a steamy concrete outdoor pedestrian area. There, I'd like some shade.

[TheNiche]

uhlaw09, on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 9:51pm, said:

Isn't that the first confirmation fof plans to build Phase II immediately after Phase I?

I know there has been a lot of talk about Phase II around here, but I hadn't heard anything concrete on the plans.

I have heard that slow retail leasing and a difficult financing environment will likely result in delays on the start of Phase Two. I think that they'd like to fill up and stabilize Phase One first.

[musicman]

crunchtastic, on Thursday, November 13th, 2008 @ 1:17pm, said:

They are not awesome in Houston's climate, plunked down in the middle of a steamy concrete outdoor pedestrian area. There, I'd like some shade.

very pedestrian unfriendly.

[lockmat]

From an urban partners newsletter:

First Phase of West Ave Opening Soon

A walkable urban village is taking shape at the intersection of Houston’s most celebrated streets, Westheimer and Kirby. Gables West Ave is preparing for its first phase of move-ins this December. Open floor plans, spa-inspired bathrooms and an elevated infinity-edge pool are just a few of Gables West Ave's unique offerings. These 389 luxury apartments scheduled to open in the fall of 2009 also provide dramatic views of the city and West Avenue, which feature more than 70 shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities.

West Ave Welcomes The Design Source

West Ave is proud to announce that The Design Source will open a two-story, 12,000 square-foot flagship store. Three unique showrooms will feature Ligne Roset, a European home furnishings company; Houston @ Home, fine home furnishings from around the world and Varenna, a luxury kitchen line. Two more showrooms will be announced at a later date. Although The Design Source at West Ave will be marketed as one entity, the showrooms each will have a specific identity and aesthetic. “The introduction of The Design Source at West Ave further cements Houston’s Upper Kirby neighborhood as a premier design district,” said Bruce Wolfe, Director of Ligne Roset. “We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative concept in a location and environment that is unlike anything else in the city.” The Design Source will join Cru, Pie Bar, Social House, Swig, Wildfish and Rome in offering exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment to the Upper Kirby and River Oaks neighborhood.

For more information on the retail and restaurant collection at West Ave, click here.

Trees for Houston and West Ave Help Green Houston

New leases mean new leaves for Houston this fall thanks to a partnership between Gables West Ave and Trees for Houston. Individuals who lease an apartment at Gables West Ave during the month of November will have a 15-gallon tree planted in their honor. Visit gables.com/westave for more information.

[jc281]

traffic around this intersection is unbelievable right now

[tertiary77u]

Palm trees....in Houston...

Um...no.

[Jax]

I like palm trees.

[sowanome]

I love palm trees, esp queen plams...

[texas911]

Palm trees are so california wannabe. Houston should stick with oak trees.

This post has been edited by texas911: Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 10:26 AM

[Jax]

Quote

Palm trees are so california wannabe. Houston should stick with oak trees.

Aren't palm trees native to the Gulf coast? If so, how does that make them California wannabe trees? Are the palms in Orlando or Tel Aviv or other cities with tropical climates California wannabes as well?

I don't think sticking with just oak trees is particularly authentic. I do like the live oaks when they are old and gnarly though. Palms are nice too, but I agree that they don't provide a lot of shade unless you have a whole grove of them.

This post has been edited by Jax: Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 5:19 PM

[capnmcbarnacle]

Jax, on Sunday, November 16th, 2008 @ 4:18pm, said:

Aren't palm trees native to the Gulf coast? If so, how does that make them California wannabe trees? Are the palms in Orlando or Tel Aviv or other cities with tropical climates California wannabes as well?

I don't think sticking with just oak trees is particularly authentic. I do like the live oaks when they are old and gnarly though. Palms are nice too, but I agree that they don't provide a lot of shade unless you have a whole grove of them.

Palms aren't native to Southern California. LA was simply trying to give their city a tropical feel.

http://www.nytimes.c.../us/26palm.html

[UrbaNerd]

As far as I know, the only palm trees native to this region are Saw Palmettos, which don't get very tall.
Still, palm trees can be used properly here, as long as they are well maintained. A BAD example of this are the plantings along the Gulf Freeway.

[UrbaNerd]

Houston Calling...

[lockmat]

UrbaNerd, on Saturday, December 13th, 2008 @ 2:36pm, said:

Houston Calling...

Nice pic, thanks. It looks like they're starting to add more details to the facade, and it's looking very nice, improving the entire thing.

This post has been edited by lockmat: Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 4:07 PM

[kjb434]

When Kirby is done and all the new trees are re-planted on the outside and the new median, Kirby Dr. in this stretch will be quite beautiful.

Remember, Main St along the side of Memorial park at one time only had saplings. Now it has majestic oaks. Kirby too will have an awesome treescape.

[Jax]

You mean Hermann Park?

[barracuda]

kjb434, on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 @ 5:46pm, said:

When Kirby is done and all the new trees are re-planted on the outside and the new median, Kirby Dr. in this stretch will be quite beautiful.

Remember, Main St along the side of Memorial park at one time only had saplings. Now it has majestic oaks. Kirby too will have an awesome treescape.

Kirby will indeed be beautiful in 100 years.

[Geoff8201]

barracuda, on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 @ 6:26pm, said:

Kirby will indeed be beautiful in 100 years.

BAHAHAHA!!! Nice one. Maybe they can cut it down to 50 with some miracle grow.

I'm sure this intersection will look nice, I'm hoping for it. However the trees just wont look all there initially, but the layout should be nice... the main thing I'm excited about is West Ave. and 2727 Kirby themselves.

Seems like both projects have slowed down. I'm sure much of the work has moved inside tho... West Ave. building 3 is taking a while to get enclosed, but despite that I still see progress everyday. Just seems not to be going as fast as it was... or is it just me? And the "fin" and mechanical area atop 2727 is taking some time to get done...

I read that much of the street construction was going to be on hold during the holidays to relieve traffic congestion, and that it would all resume in January. Possible this scheduled slowdown is also factored into the buildings themselves.

[musicman]

so have any new merchants signed up or is the same swig and cru crowd?

[kjb434]

OOPS, yes Herman Park.

The trees on main street were planted in the late 20s.

That's 90s. But it only take about 20 for good growth to occur.

And how are the new Kirby trees to be planted any different than all the new trees in downtown after much of the street reconstruction?

[lockmat]

Got this in an email...

Meet Steven and Katie Alaniz, future residents and part of the Gables West Ave CARES Team. Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston happenings and are already making plans for 2009. Residents can expect anything from sushi classes and wine tastings to book clubs, movie and game nights. At Gables West Ave, your only problem will be which event to choose!

Scratch the new stereo off your wish list! Each apartment home at Gables West Ave will feature a built-in, state-of-the art docking station for iPods. Relax with soothing music after a long day or set the stage for entertaining with friends. No matter your preference, you can hear your favorite compilations to match any mood at the touch of a button. Learn more and stay in tune today at www.gables.com/westave.

[crunchtastic]

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

Got this in an email...

Meet Steven and Katie Alaniz, future residents and part of the Gables West Ave CARES Team. Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston happenings and are already making plans for 2009. Residents can expect anything from sushi classes and wine tastings to book clubs, movie and game nights. At Gables West Ave, your only problem will be which event to choose!

That sounds like a retirement community.

[RedScare]

crunchtastic, on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 @ 4:10pm, said:

That sounds like a retirement community.

Quote

Gables West Ave CARES Team

Quote

Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston...

Sure does.