Bob Plumb

Most women office workers prefer to take the tunnels. I hear that all the time. Especially in areas where there are lots of street bums. Which is the Greenstreet area. 

What is the target audience for this project anyway? Daytime office workers or evening / weekend dt visitors?

Like I stated before I am hoping for the best but I STILL think If they don't turn the place INSIDE OUT on the street level and have street facing attractions this redo is going to be more of the same. I realize you probably can't line the exterior along the sidewalks with cafes and bars but if there's not enough to make it interesting it's gonna be boring. 

They need a tunnel connection as well if possible.

We'll see.

Don't get me wrong I would LOVE for them to come out with a new and improved dt destination. I'm all for it. I would be there a lot. 

Another month, still ZERO activity.

I predict they are just going to build out for office space in the empty areas. There won't be any new retail or redevelopment. They know there isn't enough support for it. 

Well that makes sense.

I guess you start with an open trench in your available area topside then continue either direction at tunnel level under the buildings. I was just curious about how its done here given higher water tables and clay soil in the area. If I am still working dt when these projects are going on I will make sure to get over for a look.

*not an engineer

Well that's a fine article in general but it doesn't answer as to how they do it in DT Houston. But thanks.

With the recent talk about new towers and new tunnel connections I was wondering how exactly do you go about constructing them? 

Is it done by a simple open trench when available or some sort of tunnel boring machine?

How can it have been shut off for 5 years when it was stlll on just a couple of months ago. Hence, my question?

I notice the tunnel level water wall has been off for the past few months. I remember some workers working on it earlier this year for a while then they left and the water was gone.

Is the water wall permanently gone now?

I assume some bean counter decided they would rather save a few bucks than continue one of their nice building amenities that many folks enjoyed.

(1001 Louisiana)

Acc to the HBJ article:

"Construction will begin this month and is scheduled to take about six to nine months to complete. The project will remain open during construction."

That was April 4th. So just looking at it from the street it appears the schedule has been pushed back. Already discouraging (to me.)

Well I would think they would paint or redecorate or something in the interim to show that there's movement on the project. 

I am following this project closer because I think it could really have a huge impact on DT.

But if they don't turn it inside out and put everything facing out to the streets on the street level I don't think it will work. It's my observation that women do not like to walk through the Pavillions because it is very enclosed. Which is understandable.

Strolled through there today and there is absolutely zero signs of any work,.

Renderings and latest info:

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Design-for-planned-downtown-hotel-gets-a-revision-6048121.php#/0

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/34/33/43/7452911/7/1366x1366.jpg

http://www.downtowntirz.com/downtownhouston/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/alessandra.png

I think they keep the tunnel access signage to a minimum to keep the street trash out.

Who wouldn't want AMAZON lockers? Trying to catch deliveries at my house is a pain. Trying to get anything in the mail or delivered to my building is a bigger pain. That's why they invented them, for the convenience. 

I just see so much opportunity in DT. If I had the finances I would have the whole place filled up with all manner of businesses. 

So you are all agreed that nobody should EVER try anything new and downtown should just stay perpetually shitty. Ok.

Houston will never grow and be a greater city with most everyone keeping it down.

McDonald's DOES suck and I don't go there. But they make a killing.

All I know is that every day all I hear is people complaining about not having enough dining choices dt and I see all these empty retail locations above and below. I'm obv no expert but I do see opportunities. And a nice fancy McD's would be a GOLDMINE. Keep it near the city office bldg like it is in the tunnel and it will be packed all day. There really isn't much of a bum problem in the tunnels. 

Nope. Sorry. Thought my post was pretty straight forward. 

I think your taco suggestion is the most likely. Some of the others have execution issues because of the limited hours they have to sell.

A fast, fresh and homemade breakfast/lunch taco stand would probably make a killing. The one at Luchi & Joey's or w/e they are called is good but most of the time it takes too long for them to get around to getting to the cash register. 

Isn't there already a (small) sit-down McDonalrd's?  And do you not like Red's Barber Shop, or are you speaking about something like Shave in Midtown?  A Mom and Pop Doughnut shop - kind of like some of the Mom and Pop kolache shops that have gone out of business over the years?  And why would one need an amazon locker, when they could just have their order delivered to their home or work?

 

 

I would like to see a Taco bell., preferably street level so I can (hopefully) go on a Saturday

Please re read my post, apply reading comprehension, then answer.

Here are a few opportunities I have thought of if I was in the business

A full sized Starbucks style sit down McDonalds in the tunnel.

A high quality Chinese buffet.

A nice lodge/lounge style men's barbershop.

An AUTHENTIC Texas style KOLACHE shop.

A REAL Mom & Pop local donut shop to replace Shipley's.

A Laredo Taco Stand quality breakfast taco shop.

A second Whataburger.

AMAZON lockers.

Please NO MORE Subways.

A Soylent Green style BUM scooping truck.

I see many people deep in the tunnels on the phone. I am assuming they are on Verizon or so I am told. I figure I might as well switch over to the carrier that would at least halfway work down there. Thx for the insights.

I would like to solicit everyone's experiences and opinions on CELL PHONE service and reception in the downtown area as well as in the TUNNELS. I am currently w ATT and my contract is up soon and I am trying to see who has better service. Right now I get sporadic service on the 13th floor and almost zero signal in the tunnels.

And feedback is MOST appreciated!

Wow that is very cool. Thank you very much for sharing. You are the man.

Yeah I want to take those lines and drop them in the correct place on GE.

So far its been over my head.