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TxDave

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Posts posted by TxDave

  1. I generally like the new proposal for the Astrodome. As long as it doesn't get demolished, I will ultimately be happy. But I think this is a good idea that fits well with the surrounding Reliant Center uses. Sounds like a win for all -- except possibly downtown Houston/Hilton Americas/George R Brown -- but competition is good for all, and synergy could play well here.

    Irving has its hands full also about what to do with Texas Stadium.I think copying what ever Houston does with the Astrodome is what they probably will do,cuz' what Houston has Dallas will have to have.

    As for the Dallas area...

    This is not a new concept. The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine is an existing facility comparable to the proposed development. Once completed the "AstrodomeHotel" will likely be a much more interesting facility based on its history, but the large atrium convention hotel concept already exists in Dallas (duplicated from Nashville, actually).

    As for Texas Stadium...

    The City of Irving is currently considering redevelopment options for the entire site - stadium and parking lots. This stadium is widely recognizable and has some memorable sports history (but who doesn't ?), however it is not near as historically or structurally significant as the Astrodome.

    Any plans will most likely involve razing the stadium to redevelop the high profile land to better uses. Some of the more "creative" proposals have suggested saving the Texas Stadium roof (perhaps an icon), but most likely this old facility will fade into the past like so many others.

    I would not like to see the Astrodome fade into the past.

  2. I saw a news story (KHOU - Reggie Aqui) on Thursday morning (8/24) about the River Oaks and Alabama Theaters going before some city board that day for preservation protection based on a strong petition.

    Any news on the outcome of this meeting?

    The report seemed to indicate that the city board could provide a 90 day reprieve, but ultimately the property owner has the final say in what happens.

    I think it would be extremely unfortunate for Houston to lose not only these theaters, but any of the original portions of the River Oaks shopping center. The 30's art deco center has survived and thrived for so long, it should be cherished and protected.

    There are plenty of nearby locations where the proposed development could be built and incorporated into the neighborhood without destroying a significant landmark of the city and its history.

    (I suspect that my views have probably already been expressed thoroughly, but I could not help but add my two cents to this topic!)

  3. I take issue with the name of this place: Citycentre Town & Country -- it is at least 10 miles from Downtown Houston.

    I guess when you spell center with an "RE" you do not need to be located in the true middle of a city, but can instead be a "centre" in the "city".

    I am probably making too much of a small thing, but the Town & Country site is not in the "center city" but instead very suburban.

  4. Former Lord & Taylor space currently remodeling to include Kona Grill, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Border's Books, and a new J.Crew store, among more new stores. The expansion said to open before the 2006 Holidays. Since the expansion is going right in Galleria II in the "luxury corridor" I will imagen new upscale stores opening there. As for the Macy's space I have no clue, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Bloomingdale's or more stores anything but a cinema or highrise apartments.

    Just curious, but why are you opposed to apartments or a cinema?

  5. Last I heard (about February) it was still closed.

    It is a shame that it is still closed. I used to love going up to the sky lobby to check out that view.

    The only problem was that it was limited to the west only. There was a lot to see out there, but you were prevented from seeing the best views back towards downtown.

    Hopefully security will improve and 'paranoia' will calm down and it will reopen to the public.

  6. A queston for consideration:

    If you were the management at HEB and were opening one (1) new Central market in Houston, where would you locate it?

    - This site across from HP

    - The Woodlands

    - Sugarland

    - Katy

    - Somewhere else (where?)

    And why would you select that location?

    I think it is a tough question to answer, but interested in what you have to say.

    • Like 1
  7. I just found this one to day and I really really liked it!

    rita31.jpg

    It's nice to see the skyline from an area that isn't cluttered with billboards, feeder roads, and junk business.

    Many great pics, but I love this one. It shows the strength of the skyline rising above the trees.

  8. I just read that Federated will be closing the Macy's store at the Galleria and rebrand the new Foley's store as Macy's.

    What is the status on the Lord & Taylor store there? Has it closed yet, and if so, has anything replaced it or been planned?

    All of this shakeup in the anchor tenants could allow for some interesting alternatives there.

  9. I wouldn't put too high of expectations on a Virgin Megastore. Based on current trends in downloading music (and movies), these stores are struggling.

    From what I have heard, several real estate people expect that the days are numbered for the exisiting Virgin Megastore in Dallas' successful Mockingbird Station development. Some are already planning for its potential replacement (along with the Tower Records on Lemmon).

    I am certainly no expert on the subject, but I don't think the future is in "music" stores. Some kind of revolution will have to happen to make these stores really hot again.

  10. I am a veteran of Houston and Montrose from the early 90's, when it was kinda run down, but it was also kinda hip and very accessible (as long as you kept a keen eye for your personal security).

    On my last visit to Houston I was pleased (and kind of surprised and a little heartbroken) to see the changes that have come to the Montrose area. I was particularly impressed with the changes in the areas between the "core" Montrose area and Midtown (e.g. Fairview and Bagby area).

    Personally, I especially recall the "seediness" and "danger" around Club SOME on Albany (anyone else remember that place? it rocked!). Today the immediate area is filled with high priced townhomes and apartments. When I was there recently, a Doctor friend of mine even showed me the house he had bought a block away from the old club! Very different from my recollection of the area, but so much better.

    I guess change occurs everywhere, including Montrose. It is usually for the best, but some things are always lost along the way.

  11. This is an interesting topic (downtown grocery store) - one which I have struggled with a lot recently.

    The same issue has been plaguing Dallas, although the City Council recently approved TIF funds for the redevelopment of an old Interurban Rail station that are contingent upon an urban grocery opening and continuing to operate - so there may be one here soon.

    But, regarding the general concept of a downtown grocer, you need people living there who will shop there. Downtown Houston has that, but maybe not the same numbers that the "traditional" suburban stores have.

    So any downtown stores will have to charge a "convenience" premium. This is fine when you need something, but I would guess that a majority of the downtown dwellers, when given the opportunity, would shop further out to get the better bargain. (it's kinda the American way). This may cause the downtown grocer to raise prices further or give up all together.

    I feel like I am being 'Debbie Downer', but until downtown has enough people to support a traditional store by itself (even with the inconvenience of reduced parking, etc.), I think downtown grocers will be hard to come by or be very expensive.

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