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The Sunset Coffee Building as of December 28, 2014. Some progress has been made on the brick exterior.

You guys are kind of debating something that can't really be settled with the information we know. But I'll chime in a few extra points... The loads for a residential tower on each floor slab are normally a lot lower. The Private dwellings for multifamily apartments have live load spec of 40PSF vs 50 to 100PSF for offices (see ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures)609 Main is taller. Taller buildings mean higher wind loadsHigher loads means more hefty construction and design, which typically means more person-hours to complete the projectSpeaking of person-hours, none of us know the amount of labor crews allocated to each project. For all we know, Sky-house could have had 1000 people working on it. (exaggerating). We simply do not know the production rates of various crews.Speaking of Production, we have no idea what contractual obligations are set forth between the GC and owner. Are crews being paid by the owner to work 70 hours a week to complete the project faster or is the normal 40 hours okay? I think, In general, Bigfootsocks is correct. That is mainly because Residential towers are easier to design for, have lower loads, are generally shorter, and are generally less complex projects than a tall highrise office.

Keep in mind that the Harris County Jail is, by Sherif Garcia's telling, the largest mental health care provider in the state. Mental illness and/or substance abuse and homelessness run hand in hand, and because of resource constrains on Harris County MHMRA, etc, most of those people are going to end up in jail, rather than a hospital. When they get out, they usually find themselves at the corner of Commerce and San Jacinto. As long as this is the case, there will always be a significant homeless population downtown.

I got this shot on a walk over a pedestrian bridge while exploring the area north of the courthouses. I believe the cranes for this project and HSPVA (a bit hard to see but in front of the Hess Tower) are in view.

NBA teams stay at the Four Seasons. $$$ > Posing.

By 10Totototito on Flickr

By 10Totototito on Flickr

"It would be only the second Alessandra brand. The first is under construction in Houston." Do they know something we don't?

Didn't mean to start a war. Just commenting on the point that in 4 months 609 is barely popping its head out of the ground. I know nothing of construction, just thought it would be higher by now

I think they are only building the two, but they're large floor plates. The additional buildings are going to be more warehouse/industrial, as far as I know.

I would love to see one in Midtown

There's a Dunkin Donuts going in under 1000 Main where Quizno's used to be. Now that's a restaurant scene rebirth right there.

You have to remember, these homeless folks are just trying to enjoy living inside the loop, where all the good stuff is. Can't begrudge them that, no sir.

I actually toured this place when I moved back to the H in 2010. The Amenities are on par with the newer places, except instead of a wine storage there is a mini movie theater. The Pool is really spectacular though, I guess being an older place the palms have had time to mature but I really remember the pool setting these apartments apart from the rest. That's about it. The interiors were clean, newer carpet, they painted the cabinets, just a little sprucing up. The layout in the some of the units were odd, and If I remember correctly they had the "desktop computer nook" that I guess was a selling point back in the late 90's. Anyways, sorry for rambling, the apartments seemed to be in good shape, pricing was a littler lower (At the time), than that of the newer builds. They do have some life in them.

If you thought the Afton Oaks opposition to the University line was bad, try and put a rail line through River Oaks. The streets would run red with the blood of MERTO officials. Ok maybe not, but it would be stopped faster than a hooker in sketchers. Even w/ a guarantee not to make a stop between Shephard and San Felipe or even all the way to Westheimer, RO would be opposed. Although, it would be an awesome route / ride.... especially during the azalea bloom in early spring and during the Christmas light season after Thanksgiving.

The article says the apartments were recently renovated. That would tell me the sales price is not conducive to immediate redevelopment, and that Midway can get a nice revenue stream from the property. I would bet this is a long-term play for Midway.

Tuesday

12/24 by 10Totototito on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29693644@N04/15908918019/sizes/l

Here's a shot of the dog park from 12.20.2014

Well, you did it again. You scooped the Chronicle.

Crane base

LOVE Skyhouse.. I'm waiting for something to buy in the Downtown area, Sold the house in Katy about 2 years ago and moved inner-city. Traffic is awesome downtown, the freeways suck, I dont miss commuting anymore - walking/taking Light Rail to my office downtown is perfect! I can also see the progress going on at the Block336 project from my living room. (suppose to be a 5 to 6 story apartment complex I believe)

View of this project from my Bedroom/Bathroom - Looks like they uncovered a Fountain of some sort on the lower deck this morning.. Edit - not sure why all the pictures are sideways... lol.

IMG_1556 by Not.Larry.Dierker, on Flickr IMG_1554 by Not.Larry.Dierker, on Flickr IMG_1555 by Not.Larry.Dierker, on Flickr IMG_1557 by Not.Larry.Dierker, on Flickr

Broadstone Skyline North by marclongoria, on Flickr Broadstone Skyline North by marclongoria, on Flickr

Some pics from 11/19/14

Some pics to show progress