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ArtNsf

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  1. ArtNsf
    Looks like pretty good progress going on! One of only a handful of "good" things to come of the covid19 crisis these days - faster and easier construction projects.
  2. ArtNsf
    Yes, I have to say that THIS design is impressive to little old Aggie me. I have always enjoyed more open air and spread out stadiums overall. The "intimidation" factor of Kyle Field is due, IMHO only to the deep valley structural design and limitation that our university imposed many decades ago in building it. Yes, it served a wonderful purpose at first, but you know a little bit of out of the box thinking does help, even in the sports power structure of Aggieland. So much else of the university is so technologically advanced, why not bleed a little over into the realm of Aggie sports and stadium thinking ? Oh that's right. We chose to put tradition, no matter what it looks like to those that come to visit and those that attend, over evolving forward long ago, within the world of our sports teams. Darn, there's that sacred cow thing again rearing it's ugly head.
  3. ArtNsf
    Just a few years ago. Nope not impressed with a University as large as ours. Not at all. But, I suppose, it is the people that make the stadium actually feel large and loud. To that end, I guess I'll just have to live with it, without expressing any desire otherwise. sorry, but not being a close pal, I can say that I still remain unimpressed with the DESIGN and to a lesser extent maybe the size of BOTH stadiums. But, we here in Texas do love to cling onto things from the past with so many sacred cows. That's what I get for dreaming LOL !
  4. ArtNsf
    Oh well, I do love to dream LOL! But, understandable in this major World crisis - pandemic and financial - we are all (hopefully) living through.
  5. ArtNsf
    And, as a former student at A&M, I can still think of a huge percentage of ancient buildings that need to be either leveled or made into mini-museums. Plus, heaven forbid, we should replace Kyle Field with something akin to the 21st century LOL ! Forgot to mention HOWDY ! And, the attacks by my other former Aggie classmates should begin in 3...2...1....
  6. ArtNsf
    From those last few photos, looks like this is for a pretty tall tower like maybe the one they were first talking about and then we didn't hear anything about for a long time until recently - that is, the 54 story tower, yes/no ?
  7. ArtNsf
    we are in scary unknown times now. however, if ANY CITY can bounce back from these odds, HOUSTON is the place. So, let's try to stay upbeat while hunkering down during this crisis of social distancing and a pandemic that is under no one's control, yet. Everyone, please stay safe and courteous as most Houstonians have been doing, indeed, most Americans are still doing, since this won't end anytime soon.
  8. ArtNsf
    I agree. I have fond memories of attending my sister's St. Thomas University (as it was called in those days) graduation in 1976 as a little kid, when my parents were still alive and us "little ones" (the youngest 3 of our siblings) were able to attend a very somber but happy occasion. Funny but I'm now older than my parents were then and honestly it seems like almost yesterday. It was the starkness and serenity that clicked for me. A place to appreciate all things inner spirituality without your surroundings "suggesting" what you should be thinking about in this place of spirit and an "all faiths" approach to not only religion, but the spirituality of those who don't think in religious ways. Yet, somehow, it seemed appropriate for all people of faith of any religion. As an added bonus, it was my introduction into the world of abstract Rothko paintings and all that goes along with that. A "blank canvass" approach - almost literally - to introducing humans to a different way of worship or non-worship and inner thought and spirituality. So, I look very much forward to being able to visit again when this exciting renovation is complete, now that I'm in my mid-life years (LOL you'll have to guess how old I am...) and see how I feel once I'm there again. I imagine it will be sort of like a high school senior going back to his 1st grade classroom and having that sudden revelation of just how tiny those desk chairs are compared to how much he or she has grown into adult hood.
  9. ArtNsf
    Amen to that! I'm glad someone else mentioned the obvious here about the current and future status of shopping in Texas between these two markets and the very obvious fact that Houston's is now second to none here in Texas, PERIOD. It's time for the marketers, advertisers, and media outlets to realize this and run with it, instead of continuing that old tired adage that dallas is somehow bigger (it's not by a long shot) better (nope once again (a truly BORING city to visit)) and more popular (if it is, and that's a big IF these days, it's only because of their own shameless self promotion for decades using false information as the basis of their "superiority" and all that is just so laughable now for the past 10 years, and probably longer. Having been in both places and visited the "other place" many many times because of friends and business issues, I can safely say Houston is NUMBER 1 in Texas on just about every major listing of top ten (fill in the blank). And, more recently in the top 10 way past dallas (which is no longer in very many top 10 lists even) nationally. So, yeah, maybe I'm a bit partial, but Houston totally ROCKS!
  10. ArtNsf
    Exactly! And, having been back and forth to the little village up north so many times not just in my younger days, but in the past few years, I've noticed a lot more soul sucking sameness (to quote Don Henley) has taken root there rather than here. It's as if they've somehow got into their heads that because Houston got away with the ugliness and strip malls for decades while still growing phenomenally, that now they too, will try this approach? I mean that place is so incredibly boring anyway (my apologies to my dear friends who live there), but now the "architecture" (and I use that term loosely) is taking a nose dive. Way to go up there ! I'm so damned proud of Houston's ability to reinvent and change with the times and progress towards the future now, rather than later. It is why we remain the largest city in Texas and 4th largest (almost 3rd largest) in the country. Yes, there are many many other factors that have gotten us so far up in status over our 184 year history, but never underestimate the prestige of big bucks combined with aesthetics and forward thinking, and the willingness to take some real risks, when other places remain so stuck and frightened of the future. As far as this project, I tend to like it from a distance as well. But, when you get close, there is a sort of throwback to the not so distant past that seems a big over value-engineered. Still, I'd rather have this project at this location rather than another ugly concrete lifeless parking lot. Our potential for downtown skyscraper growth is through the roof now. Problem mostly being with this question - Will those with the capitol to make it happen and the will to go big and tall, start to really take the next big leap in true Texas style and stay bully on Houston ? Time will tell. My bet is on an answer of yes, and not too far in the future. Our financial and population diversity can only help as we go forward into this unsettled future in America. Can't help still chuckling about the former name for the project "Milhaus" Midtown. I still see the Simpson's character in my mind somehow as a huge moniker on the side of the building welcoming renters LOL !
  11. ArtNsf
    Good riddance to dallas businesses pulling out of the best and most dynamic city in Texas. I am not surprised by this type of decision making one bit. And, it has nothing to do with our booming great city economically and population-wise, which dallas always seems to be so envious of. But, that leopard probably won't ever change it's very vain spots at this point.
  12. ArtNsf
    so glad they are upgrading and making the bayous and trails so much better and even adding so many more! very good for Houston and attracting newcomers and tourists alike. they are thinking in the right direction using runoff water retention basins. but, I believe that eventually, in our lifetimes, a very LARGE and deep 3rd damn (like Addicks and Barker damns only grander in scale) will be necessary. This combined with buying out and demolishing existing homes that sit out obviously on the floodplains, and simply making those areas protected green spaces and public parks, will go a long way to keep Houston higher and drier than previous "tax day" or "1000 year" floods have done to our city. We are a giant metropolis with tons of resources. there is absolutely nothing stopping us from at least trying to realistically fix the constant flooding problems (the extreme ones that is...), except a pure LACK of priority and wanting to do so by those with the means to do so and the City/County/State/Federal authorities.
  13. ArtNsf
    So, is that nasty broken windowed graffiti-ed former EYE SORE that was the Days Inn EVER going to be either renovated or torn down ? This has been the bane of Downtown's existence now for decades. Seems the City or County would want to invest in trying to influence the current property owner to do something about it, and fast. I feel so embarrassed when I pass downtown on the Pierce Elevated and for that area. It's not like it's just a mid-rise run down apartment complex we are talking about here, that thing is many stories high and visible from so many angles around town. One can only hope this development will help shield some of that crumbling ugliness soon.
  14. ArtNsf
    Yes, this. Plus have Houston's one and only Don Henley back home !
  15. ArtNsf
    quick question - is the completed glass building in the background with AWS and that yellow arrow symbol anything to do with Amazon ? If it is, I think that is so awesome ! But, do correct me if its something else entirely.
  16. ArtNsf
    Okay, I'll say it. Wow, just wow. I'm so happy they are alerting us to this erection. LOL ! Good news however that it has started though.
  17. ArtNsf
    Actually, this does really look encouraging to me. Anyone else ?
  18. ArtNsf
    sorry for getting so many feathers ruffled by asking one simple question. oh well se la vie. I heard about this earlier this year when they acquired another large oil company. Can't remember the name, but they did talk about a lot of growth and more presence in Houston, etc... while laying off a lot of people at the other location(s). At least that's my recollection. Perhaps it was late last year, but I'm just not sure. I guess that'll teach me for not keeping up with the energy industry every second of every day. As we say "well shut my mouth..."
  19. ArtNsf
    not to awaken this 7 year old topic necessarily, but does anyone know if this project is still even on the table for sometime in the future at Chevron ? I would love to see another 50 plus floor tower in this area of downtown. At first it was to be 58 stories. And, it only seems natural that Chevron should build this project here considering their ever increasing presence and investment in Houston and the energy sector, plus their tremendous growth I keep hearing about on occasion of late.
  20. ArtNsf
    Gee, and I wonder who was responsible for this "thing" that happened in 2008 hmmmm, I wonder who ? I personally have no problem with RESPONSIBLE socialized risk as long as it's done fairly and evenly. Of course, lately that is up for debate, sadly. But, as far as this privatized gain that happened and still happens at the expense of us lowlife low wage earners, well, that's the main drawback of our economy and that is the main reason we have something known as "regulations" that are in place (or used to be in place) up until a few years ago. Like everything in life, moderation and fairness is the key. Not too extreme in one direction or another. Unfortunately, Houston is at odds with most of the rest of the current trend in this country of deregulating basically EVERYTHING at OUR taxpayers' expense while benefiting the very wealthy and reducing already scare resources. The trend has to reverse to be fair and before it's too late. Thank goodness Houston does a pretty decent job of weighing both to it's own benefit, and to the benefit of future Houstonians. Very commendable in this current polarized climate where one is wrong if they go towards the middle and try to work together, thereby offending the "purists" running executive government in DC and it's unreasonable hard headed following. But, I digest... We should all be a lot more grateful that wealthy developers are still investing and "bully" on development in Houston in this current economic climate of change and uncertainty and this includes the Founders District right along with all the other improvements that have been made and are being invested in for a great number of years now. I truly see all this development as a huge plus to our fair city, with very little to complain about, at least in our city and area of the country. Visually, I see the change happening so rapidly now, it is hard to keep up with. Unless you drive all over the city and our giant metro area each month, or even week, you are likely to miss something new and exciting in just about every zone in town. This is another great reason that I'm thankful we have the HAIF forum to share our thoughts and updates on what we are able to find out about what is happening and changing every single day. Thank you HAIF !
  21. ArtNsf
    Wow, if this is the project location, there sure is a lot going on and that has been done already. I would really hate if it were to be completely stopped for good and nothing be built here for a long time. Such a waste of resources, time, effort, and valuable land space in downtown !
  22. ArtNsf
    Absolutely agree! And, just because so many people have a sort of "rose colored glasses" view that this entire country and this city and county and state have "moved on" from the evils of racism, I challenge them to prove it. It's a huge lie, proven more and more everyday, which makes people like me not only very angry, but extremely sad for America's future and worldwide reputation. We are definitely living in an age (minus the massive amount of fake news created by propagandists right here in our own country) where legitimate news articles, for several years now, continue to report a significant rise in incidents of racism and white privilege/superiority (yes, I am also Caucasian btw). It simply IS happening and there's no denying it. I would have hoped my blessed Houston town was moving beyond the issue in a meaningful way, which in many instances it has been doing for a long time now. But, it does seem that some in this city are once again falling victim (to put it nicely) to those same old prejudices and preconceived notions about non-whites and people from "other" countries. I hope this trend reverses soon & everywhere, and I will continue to have hope and keep the faith. But, I can't help but have my doubts that this will somehow occur sooner rather than later. Yes, there will always be a tiny subset of people in this city and this country that are "racist", however it is defined, but that doesn't mean we can't continue the good fight and try to educate in order to change hearts and minds to evolve beyond those old evil outdated notions. The Ion is caught up in the middle of all of this for good or bad, whether they wanted it or not. So, I would suggest they not ignore it and face whatever compromises can be made so this project is eventually successful, head on. We'll be a better city for it and so will Midtown.
  23. ArtNsf
    I've been meaning to mention this for years, but I'm not exactly sure where the creepy name "ArchCon" was derived from (but I have a really good idea). It weirdly sounds like some kind of bad guy villain's name. Either way I dislike the name they chose to use. I'll wait to pass judgment on the final project (which I have no doubt will be pretty cool judging by other stuff they've done). And, they'll be pleased to know (because my opinion is so darned important - LOL!), that I will give them the benefit of the doubt until that time, because that's just the kind of guy I am. Just my little two cents worth for the day. You may now go back to doing whatever you were doing before my interruption. 😎 That is all.
  24. ArtNsf
    Wow, just wow... Oh well, can't placate everyone, but thanks for verifying my observations !
  25. ArtNsf
    From someone who has been through the hazing portion of trying to join in and contribute to HAIF over the years - just a few words of advice: When you comment on here, just know that there are several "blogging police" (self appointed vigilantes in a way) on HAIF that think it's okay to call out others, no matter if there's a valid point or not, and this even comes from higher ups within the forum (so much for expecting an inkling or even appearance of neutrality.) I guess just take it in stride and contribute, like I do, as you see fit, especially in order to correct the many wrong perceptions people bring into this forum about Houston and our architecture. This includes, believe it or not, many locals that have been here for decades. I would expect nothing less if and when I speak up and my assertions are veritably wrong. Don't take it too personally. It's just some of the longer surviving HAIF members "peeing" to mark their territory as it were, and to enforce their superiority over us peons. On the flip side, there are actually many other fair HAIF members that are pretty awesome and will compliment or recognize your contributions that have real merit. Just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside when that happens. Of course, there must be the possibility of a small group of fake little dallas-type "bots" on here as well LOL !
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