j_cuevas713

I see what you mean. Well, to play devil's advocate then, couldn't it be possible that because it stands out from all the rest that it may just not fit the budget then?

 

Either way, I hope it gets built. I've just been worried about it ever since they brought up material cost as the reason this hasn't moved forward.

Very good point. Ultimately these school upgrades benefit the kids going there. But on the flip side as a development I hope it gets built for the sake of downtown. If Urbannizer is correct, it's a 4th quarter start, so hopefully we see some dirt move soon.

Wish they would do something with the Main Street Square. The Mall Fountains are lame, would nice to have a big pedestrian plaza and not have the disconnect.

Well they're def lame now since they don't even operate well. Who is in charge of those things, the Downtown Management District?

Just to use the words "crown jewel"... I don't know, seems odd... like this is Xavier's School for Gifted Youngters or something. Are you thinking that because it's located in downtown that it has higher priority over the rest? Are you basing this off of an article? 

Ok well let me use a different choice of words.... This school was clearly designed to be noticed. It isn't a typical development for any school. Now while it's no Juilliard, it's def for some of the most talented, most creative young people in the city. So yeah I didn't read it from some article, it's an opinion. I think if any school is going to gain attention for being built, it's this one. It's mean't to stand out. 

Crown jewel? What the hell is this, Trump High School?

What? Anyways, no my point is it would be ridiculous to think politics don't play in to this, and if they're going to use any money it will be on this project for sure. 

I honestly believe that HISD sees this school as a crown jewel for the district. Didn't they finally find a contractor?

Man is this thing gonna start or what!? 

Anyone who came to Houston for the Super Bowl in 2004 aren't gonna recognize the city. 

In reality, the next SkyHouse will probably be the next major project to finish downtown, which is amazing since they started so much later than some of these other projects. 

The power of the almighty dollar.

Ok I know this picture sucks. I was having to rush to work across the street this morning. Anyways, if you look closely you can see a white truck and a ladder posted up against the abandoned restaurant building. I have no clue what's going on, but I saw 2 business men go inside a few weeks ago.

So paint..........

SHOUT OUT to Frank's Pizza Tower going up in the foreground.

Boulevardier? What is that?

Such a simple nice building.

Leave my 800 Bell tower alone darn it.

A city with all shimmering glass boxes is boring.

Nothing spectacular about the shape of 800 bell, it's height no longer make it a titan of Texas, but the classic look of the building still makes me think of Houston. Exxon, Boa, Esperson, Heritage and Gulf should not be F'ed with.

Days Inn, yes! Blow that sucker up.

Apart from a washing here and there, or some paint, don't touch my 800 Bell

We do need a gap filler where that crane is peaking out on the right

Hahaha sorry sorry... I mean up close the building looks nice but from a distance, idk what it is... it just sticks out to me.

It's see through now

Oh snap! This is a miracle!

http://www.americantheatre.org/2015/11/04/a-theatre-building-renaissance-in-houston/

 

Easily the most urban city in TX. Such an awesome shot.

It's the largest Starbucks in Texas, nothing special.

 

I wanna try that invisible coffee Carolyn was drinking

Seriously? You like 2016 Main better than 800 Bell?

Yeah actually I do... 800 Bell isn't nice from a distance but up close it's nicer. Either way the redevelopment is needed for that building.

Oh my, I'm gushing over here.

You're what? lol

For anyone who believes the rail isn't creating a lot of this development, read the part about how it's being built strategically next to the Metro rail line. 

It's crazy how the only two things that stick out like sore thumbs in that first pic are the old Holiday Inn and the needed redevelopment of the 800 Bell site. Other than that, things are looking very nice.

On the sidewalks front, I'm pretty sure they are the responsibility of the property owner, so that would explain why most are narrow - cheaper to have a small sidewalk and grass than a large sidewalk.

Yeah and I don't get that. Why can't the city at least force developers to build to wide sidewalks. Like at least that.

Seems to be paint... looks good though... glad this building is getting some love

I don't get why this city doesn't just focus on better sidewalks. I mean I like how the TIRZ designated neighborhoods get funds for these improvements, but I mean if Houston just had great sidewalks everywhere to everywhere, we would have so many more people willing to walk in this city. Better crosswalks, etc. 

If all sidewalks in Houston were this wide, that'd be great!

Think if this single residential tower sparks another Uptown style area next to Downtown. Like it would seriously connect the East End with Downtown.