downtownian

42 minutes ago, Texasota said:

The problem with that block is that it's completely vacant except for that corner store. So you have the combination of a store that provides a useful service for people with limited/inconsistent means, a covered area that provides (at least some) shelter, and few reasons for other people to be there. 

Yes, you have the SB station, but the stations are so closely spaced downtown that it's not very inconvenient to go up to Central Station. 

There is so much more activity north of Rusk that I just don't think it's a comparable situation, but even look just one block north (Lamar to McKinney) or the west side from McKinney to Walker. Do you see the same homeless concentration there? 

At Lamar and McKinney, yes. 
From McKinney to walker, no. 

47 minutes ago, Texasota said:

What are you talking about? Main Street downtown is really the only area anywhere in the city that's been pedestrianized like this.

I genuinely have no idea what other streets you could be referring to, but these seven blocks have the advantage of lots of foot traffic and more weekend/evening foot traffic in particular than the rest of downtown. Encampments seem pretty unlikely, and, though I have mixed feelings about this, I think it's safe to say that the Downtown Management District will do everything in their power to keep any from forming on this stretch. 

Main Street between Dallas and Lamar is completely closed to traffic and is basically this plan. I walk by it daily on the way to the gym and it’s a homeless encampment. Not saying homeless encampments are good or bad but they seem like they’re the outcome to pedestrian improvements like this. 
 

The downtown management district has limited ability to remove homeless 

I live downtown on Main. I am pro-pedestrian improvements in general. Every other section of downtown that has this becomes a homeless encampment. Not sure what the intent is but if the city wants to create large areas for homeless encampments, this would be the best path forward. 

18 hours ago, CREguy13 said:

Respectfully, this is the wrong take.  One of the largest and most profitable companies in the US is not concerned about contributing to a downtown's vacancy.  Attraction and Retention of talent is #1 and a state-of-the-art corporate campus helps with recruiting top talent.  This is the crux of my argument for new construction.

Want to place a bet on whether or not they construct a new tower? I am extremely, extremely confident they will not. There is a lot of available Class A (or A+) space downtown for cheap. 

On 10/24/2023 at 2:26 PM, Houston19514 said:

I have no idea what Chevron's current office space situation is. With the Hess acquisition, and IF they need more space than they currently have in the downtown Chevron buildings, I think by far the three most-likely moves would be:

• Retain leased space in Hess Tower
• Lease other vacant space in Allen Center and/or 1600 Smith
• Build 1600 Louisiana

I think retaining the space in Hess Tower is probably the least likely of the three, because it would make team integration more difficult.

My hunch is that, in the current market, leasing additional space in Allen Center and/or 1600 Smith is more likely than building 1600 Louisiana.  They should be able to get very friendly lease terms right now (and they'll still own the land on which to build later if that becomes more financially attractive down the road).

Least likely is building 1600 Louisiana. There is a 30% vacancy rate in downtown. I doubt they would add to supply.

40 minutes ago, sapo2367 said:

What are the consequences of doing a demo/renovation without a permit? You can't put the building back the way it was. Do you just get a fine etc? 

Carlton Tavern in London would beg to disagree.

6 hours ago, 004n063 said:

Is that...all of the criteria??

To be fair, Downtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn are probably the least interesting parts of their respective boroughs.

I lived in downtown Manhattan for three years and it was extremely interesting. Close to Chinatown, Tribeca, Lower East Side (some definitions of downtown Manhattan even include these neighborhoods). Tons of history in downtown proper with great architecture, dense urban form and walkability. The monied but no taste areas of Manhattan are the least interesting to me personally (Hudson Yards)

On 12/8/2022 at 7:48 AM, editor said:

Work was underway on the adjacent, abandoned building yesterday.    I'm pretty sure I read here on HAIF that the abandoned building is going to become part of the hotel next door.

Construction workers were inside and appeared to be gutting the place.  Lots of debris.

There is always that weird smell going from the building whenever I walk by

On 9/16/2022 at 9:49 AM, jermh said:

Pizza from the pizza bot was reasoably good on a walk home from a bar last weekend. It's not Franks, but there wasn't a giant 1am franks line either. It takes about 3 minutes to spit out an entire well cooked pizza.

I had it at 2am on Friday and it was pretty good for a pizza ATM.

On 8/11/2022 at 4:18 PM, Urbannizer said:

Good to see another Austin staple branching out into Houston.

https://www.nickelcitybar.com/

I think it is bad and not good to have Austin staples open in Houston

2 hours ago, Nate99 said:

Not that I'd go to the ES for lunch, If someone made a decent omelette downtown not at gouge the travel budget hotel prices I'd be all over it. There was a place in the Aris food hall (Bravery?) that made good ones, but that operator either flipped concepts or moved out. 

Atlas Diner. I was super bummed that it closed. Need an upscale diner place downtown. Richard Knight was the chef and he is very good 

53 minutes ago, Andrew Ewert said:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/Barbecue-bombshell-Ace-pitmaster-sides-wizard-17080512.php

That certainly doesn't sound great. First Night Shift, now this.

That's really too bad. I really like J-Bar-M and think it is very underrated compared to Truth. I also was a big fan of Night Shift. These two examples show how risky it is to have a concept revolving around a few specific people. Same thing happened with Degust, Pax Americana, etc.

7 hours ago, nate4l1f3 said:

Let’s be honest, are any of these truly unique? I’ve always wanted something here that you can’t find anywhere else. BTW, I love all these places you listed and my original comment was was to be taken lighthearted. 

I took a friend from out of town and my family to the beer can house and they all loved it and thought it was unique. I also took them to Rothko Chapel and half of the group thought it was awesome

On 1/26/2022 at 10:55 AM, Luminare said:

I'll be visiting Houston in late April. I definitely have a few projects I want to see like Montrose Collective, Post HTX, and the Ion. Anything else I should see? I'll be bringing my camera and taking pictures. Also off topic for this thread, but any new restaurants I should try? I'm sure there's been a bunch of new places popping up since I left Jan. of 2021. Also if anyone is interested in meeting up, I'm game for that as well.

Have you seen the Kinder MFAH? Think it opened late 2020

4 hours ago, MidCenturyMoldy said:

Its website still has Hotel Alessandra photos. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houkd-the-laura-hotel-autograph-collection/

Those are also Hotel Laura photos. They did not change any of the rooms or design. Really just changed the name from Alessandra to Laura

10 minutes ago, 77011transplant said:

My recent "you want how much for that?" house on the East End: 

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4942-Polk-St_Houston_TX_77023_M89209-33326

On face it looks absurd but the lot is 0.43 acres or 19,000 square feet. Land is $40-$50/sf in the east end.

3 hours ago, houstontexasjack said:

I’d think a permanent resident that selects Downtown Houston as a place to live would go out to eat more than 1 or 2 nights a week. It’s one of the major advantages of living in a dense location. 

Anecdotally, I meet with a lot of business travelers from NY and Chicago who stay in downtown hotels. They mostly go to business meetings during the day and then eat at the hotel restaurant (JW or Four Seasons) and leave on the first flight out the next day. If they venture out, it is usually to safe choices that they are familiar with vs. local and independent small businesses. 

As a downtown resident, I constantly go out to eat and also take walks around the neighborhood and parks 3-4 times a week. I don't think the POST is touristy - I personally view it as an authentic and key addition to the area that I will visit often. Went to the grand opening and am doing dinner and Rufus this coming Friday and expect that to continue. 

11 hours ago, BeerNut said:

I kinda agree with this opinion.  Might be a cool thing to take people visiting from out of town or to go see a show.  I don't see myself going there on the regular unless it's heavily programmed like Discovery Green.   

It is a major amenity to me - 15 minute walk which is perfect for evenings. Also about 5-10 minutes to the performing arts district from Post so I will likely do pre-show dinners here. Realize it may be a little casual for others going to shows. The music venue builds inherent demand. Rufus du sol is sold out on Thursday/Friday.

It is a little far for lunches for office workers however.

We deeply apologize for the inconvenience, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sekai Night and Day VIP preview party on Thursday, October 28 is being postponed.  We will keep you updated with the new details as soon as we have them. 

1 hour ago, hindesky said:

The contractors are swarming over this project like ants. I talked with a guy who may be involved and asked if they would finish in 7 days, he said he hopes so.

 

Getting the official certificate of occupancy takes 3-5 days after work is complete (need inspections from a bunch of different agencies)

Heard it is going to be either a single bowling lane or a slip and slide

45 minutes ago, JBTX said:

I was over at Olshan's compound off Commerce picking some stuff up and the lady there told me they had sold the property to someone, but wasn't sure to whom.

Let's begin the wild speculation of who bought it! I'll go first with a wish (HEB), and a real guess (Lovett).

My understanding is this is roughly the area of the Olshan property.

 

I'll guess New Hope Housing and 1,000 new affordable housing units