Purdueenginerd

Odd. Maybe a procedure they have in place for temporary foundations/Helical Piles.

That actually looks like a deep foundation tensile load test to me. (pdf of ASTM test : http://www.centurionfondation.com/fr/pdf/ASTM-D3689_07.pdf )Next to the machinery are helical piles. So they might installing helical piles for the crane, and then subsequently load testing it? Either way, its a little odd to me. Normally I see those tests done if 1) theres a problem with the foundation you just placed. or 2: you're reusing the "deep foundation" of a previous or existing building. Code requires a load test. I'm skeptical the old chase bank had deep foundation thats useable for a much taller building. Maybe they want to load test their helical piles... I dont know. Curious images.

Since then theres been another small office building 3-4 story put up adjacent to the lot. Dont think theres a thread for the other building.

Eh, I hate to get into blanket critique of architecture firms as some of them have hired me in the past. Craftsmen homes, while nice when renovated, are not that unique I'm not of the opinion that Architecture of the buildings in Heights is that particularly unique either. Some of it is elegant, sure. That being said, the move away from the "Craftsmen" style of 1920's architecture started in 1930. The critique that architecture in the heights must or attempt to comply with the appearance of single family homes is one that hasnt been followed in decades. Even within that area, we have Houston Heights Tower, We have Heights House down the road, St Josephs Hospital, and heights lasik center (the black office building behind the hospital and nearly on the same block). All of those buildings appear to be 1950's to 1970's and typical construction /architecture of the era. My opinion is that all those multi-story buildings in the area are 'bland', but in my opinion dont really detract from the area. Densification(not sure thats real word) is occuring in Houston, and developments like this are part of this. This new building isnt going to make any magazines, but its certainly an improvement from a 1970's era 1 story retail bank and surface parking lot.

Those outlines might be the grade beams for the (formerly) existing parking garage.

I'm sure they'll find a place. I frequent that place a decent amount. Will miss it, if it finally goes.

Its gonna be okay CrockPot. HAIF is not Customer Relationship Management software where duplicates can be marginally annoying. The mods do a good job on this website. Small oversights can happen. Its okay.

Its going to be okay Crockpot. Thousands of bytes have been extinguished of life, but a mod will bring them back to life.

I know the Google Maps 3D models of Houston are pretty far behind, dont know who handles or if its done by an army of volunteers...

Reminds me of this scene from curb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPquarz16wQ

If its a brand new building. Yes. For a new building, its often worth it. The soils in the Houston Area are typically described as "high plasticity soils" which can mean the soil is susceptible to expanding or contracting based on the moisture content of the soil. For a new building, you want the geotech engineer to provide recommendations on how to mitigate that. From a structural engineering perspective, the code has prescriptive minimum values for soil that can be used, but theyre really crappy. So the owner can save a bunch of construction costs on foundation by getting a geotechnical report. For a renovating building, its less common, but I have required Geotech reports if theyre expanding the building or performing significant modifications--- or if the original report/data is missing. I'm working on a project right now (not in Houston) where the building was 2 stories, and they decided to build a substantial patio outside the building... they got soil samples for that.

Rode by it on my bike ride on Sunday Morning, Figured I'd contribute my rare cycling photo. Must have missed you @hindesky

I like the elevated patio above the "park" portion. Could probably use some shade for the summer months but otherwise very neat concept.

I feel bad for those guys. I had a project a few months ago on several older water towers where the city(not in houston) had lost the original drawings and wanted to analyze the towers. I was on a 100' lift for about 2 weeks. Photo below is @ about 70'. Anyway long story short, anytime we moved that sucker it felt like it bounced around 1'-2'. Made my knees shake every-time.

On my leisure bike rides I routinely will photograph and report potholes and busted signs on the 311 app. The city actually does a decent job executing fixes (if its within their jurisdiction). Report that pothole if you can, it'll get filled relatively quickly.