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talltexan83

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Everything posted by talltexan83

  1. talltexan83
    I am looking forward to this development and the adjacent garage as some good infill for Midtown, but doesn't the old Scout building retro-fit look a little strange? Maybe even tacky? Judging by the renderings, the old and new components of this building don't mesh. Maybe some architecture buffs out there can help explain otherwise, but I just don't get it.
  2. talltexan83
    It would have been nice to unveil it during the Houston Marathon weekend. oh well. It will be a great addition for the runners/bikers/dog walkers in the area.
  3. talltexan83
    This will be a great fit for the area. We are really starting to see a critical mass of residential, retail and commercial buildings that will make this part of Midtown truly sustainable. And while many of us still dream of a pedestrian/mass-transit oriented infrastructure (jncluding myself), a public parking garage is a lot more practical. I consider it a welcome compromise. When can we start the official CVS boycott? We need a "do over" on that block!
  4. talltexan83
    I just moved close to this proposed development and am selfishly posting in hopes of stirring up some more information on Regent Square. The chic Regent Square office on Dunlavy has been empty (no cars, not sure if it is even open) every time I've driven by, but the construction office around the corner has been busy, although I'm not sure if it is related to the development. Crossing my fingers. I really think this development can set the standard for inner loop mixed-use.
  5. talltexan83
    Did any HAIF'ers get to attend the grand opening party? I'm living out of state now, and I trust they did a great job on the renovations..........I'm most curious about what impact the brewery will have on the surrounding blocks. I really hope it spurs some additional investments in the area. Did any HAIF'ers get to attend the grand opening party? I'm living out of state now, and I trust they did a great job on the renovations..........I'm most curious about what impact the brewery will have on the surrounding blocks. I really hope it spurs some additional investments in the area.
  6. talltexan83
    From a construction management perspective, is today's demolition a really good sign of this project taking off?.............or are we just as likely to see a vacant lot for a few more years?
  7. talltexan83
    Latest news from the City of Houston; plans returned to the applicant without approval on 6/3/2008: Plan Check Inquiry Details Project Number: 07042588Address: 1717 BISSONNET STDescription: SITEWORK AND FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE 23 STORY HIGH RISE APARTMENTSApplicant Name: MINER-DEDERICK CONSTRUCTIONSubmittal(s): .These plans were originally submitted on: 07/30/2007 .To date, the plans have been submitted four times .The last submittal was: 05/21/2008 Approval Date: These plans have NOT been approved for permittingPlan Location: Plans were returned to applicant on 06/03/2008Today is : 6/10/2008 11:33:22 AM Central TimeDEPARTMENT REVIEW SUMMARY Added Department/Section Review Status Review Date 07/30/2007 PLANNING 140 - PLANNING Passed department/section review 07/30/2007 08/01/2007 PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING 220 - WATER/SEWER Passed department/section review 10/26/2007 08/01/2007 PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING 120 - TRAFFIC Did not pass dept/section review 06/03/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT 360 - STORM DRAIN Passed department/section review 03/26/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT 330 - STRUCTURAL P Did not pass dept/section review 06/02/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT 310 - ELECTRICAL Passed department/section review 03/26/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT 320 - PLUMBING Passed department/section review 03/26/2008
  8. talltexan83
    Buckhead is clearly winning the web design battle. They have come along way in the last few months. I hope it has cost them a fortune These "residential highrise" comparisons don't really help their argument. All of these properties are bordered by wide 4+ lane streets (Montrose, Kirby, Westheimer, etc.) and bordered more by parks, schools and churches than single family homes. If anything, this comparison proves that their really is no precedent in Houston for putting a 23-story structure in the middle of a residential area.
  9. talltexan83
    I rode by this project on the train this morning and noticed a lot of activity. No foundation yet, but a couple of giant holes in the ground. Maybe 20 feet deep? Anyways, signs of progress like this are always a good way to start my commute.
  10. talltexan83
    I drove by this project yesterday and it is coming along quickly. It even appears that they will using brick for the entire facade............a welcome change from the usual stucco or plank siding. Oddly enough, I think the biggest impact of the Fairmont development is the looming chaos of the adjoining dog park. The dog park was packed yesterday and it is going to be crazy when residents of the development move in.
  11. talltexan83
    Please take the time to read through this thread before dropping another one line response. It offers nothing productive to the discussion. As for the Ashby High rise, it is clear that most of us have have our opinions on the ideal outcome. Many of us (myself included), have strong opinions. But I think the recent developments are encouraging for all parties involved. We could reach a compromise between Buckhead and the nieghborhood........all while serving as a catalyst for the city to overhaul its approach to neighborhood developments.
  12. talltexan83
    I found this on the "Stop Ashby High Rise" website. It looks like the two sides are working towards a compromise without the city's help. Kevin Kirton and Matthew Morgan requested a meeting with representatives of the Stop Ashby High Rise Task Force to discuss alternatives to the construction of the 23-story commercial/residential building at 1717 Ashby that they originally proposed. The meeting was held on Tuesday, February 5 at Buckhead Investments
  13. talltexan83
    I was eating outside at Berryhill's a few nights ago (~ Westheimer @ Revere) and noticed a very active crane at the West Ave. site. There were still going strong when I left around 9 pm. It's good to see this project moving along quickly. It might be more appropriate for another thread, but the development directly behind 2727 Kirby (along Revere) has also broken gorund. This entire area is going to look completely different in a few years.
  14. talltexan83
    Walking by this yesterday, I was really struck by the height of the office portion of this complex. 11 stories (8 of office space) will keep the retailers busy until the dinner/basketball/baseball/convention crowd arrives at night. From this perspective, it is an entirely different project than Bayou Place. I really hope it becomes a catalyst for a continued development boom in the downtown area.
  15. talltexan83
    In lieu of greater restrictions, the 1717 Bissonnet issue represents market forces acting as we would expect. In this case, the neighborhood residents appear to have greater pull with the city government than the developers. In my experience in Houston, this successful anti-development campaign (so far.......I would say the Southampton residents are winning) is a welcome change from the norm. There are already countless examples in our city of developers building without respect to their surroundings. Regardless of the outcome, the push back from these wealthy residents will result in a deterrent for the better. Our inner city is already in a construction boom, but most of the projects lack an urban continuity. With the recent announcement of expanded light rail construction, and this ordinance from city call, I look forward to development with a more long-term focus.
  16. talltexan83
    It appears that the health clinic on the corner of Dunstan and Morningside is staying put. I guess they refused to sell. That 2-story brick building is going to look pretty out of place as this project goes up.
  17. talltexan83
    Again......please drive by this site sometime during rush hour to get a better feel for the traffic flow. I don't have a wealth of insider knowledge or 5300+ posts for reference, but this stretch of Bissonnet would be pushed to the max with this development. It is not specifically the number of residents that will cause problems. There are already plenty of cars at Maryland Manor, but they have multiple exits and entrances to help with traffic flow. I am most concerned with the retail component (I know, it pains me to say that). The in-and-out of visitor parking could cause havoc. See the effects of the Raven Grill just down the street. I also find it interesting that the developer has offered to build a stop light as a form of compromise. I am not sure what this would accomplish. Maybe more traffic lines on Ashby instead?
  18. talltexan83
    It's good to see the City of Houston addressing this issue. There were clearly flaws in a traffic study that indicated "no measurable impact." I think that the last line in the article is telling.... "Whether we develop that site or not, there will be other developments in close proximity that will be traffic generators in that neighborhood," Kirton said. That is a far different tune than we were hearing a few weeks ago. I still think some kind of compromise is just around the corner.
  19. talltexan83
    Just found this on chron.com http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headli...iz/5178375.html
  20. talltexan83
    It is not about whether you feel bad for the people in Southampton. Yes, their homes are some of the most expensive in the city (well beyond what I could hope to afford), but they are no different than any other civic association in the city. They want what is best for their neighborhood In lieu of deed restrictions, Houston neighborhoods have always fought these kind of developments. Some have been successful and some have not, but you cannot fault an association for putting up a fight. A "they should have seen it coming" logic does not apply. I had a chance to live in the area has a student and have fond memories of Southampton. Along with Rice University, Hermann Park and the Musuem District, I think this is the one of the most appealing parts of Houston, and a high rise on Bissonnet is only taking away part of that appeal.
  21. talltexan83
    Just drive westbound down Bissonnet around 5:30 on a week day. You will be crying by the time you reach Kirby Drive...... Good to hear that the Mayor is getting involved. It should make for an interesting battle. side question: Would the economics really not work for building an upper class 4 -5 story mixed use development on this site (similar to Sonoma)? Wouldn't a project like that be even more marketable to potential buyers?
  22. talltexan83
    It is just my impression that many high rise owners would prefer to be closer to more commerical establishments or green space. The project downtown next to the new park and all of the activity in Uptown would seem to suggest that. Anyone know how much they paid for the land? More or less than property in the musuem district or near Hermann Park?
  23. talltexan83
    Property values were not at the center of the discussion last night. These neighborhoods are already a gold mine, and the decreasing number of single family homes inside the loop will only increase their value. A high rise is not going to change that. Many of the speakers came from backgrounds in urban planning and design and spoke to quality-of-life concerns that this development would bring. A 23 story building is in direct contrast to its surroundings. Why not push for a development that will embrace its environment?
  24. talltexan83
    I stopped by the neighborhood meeting last night at Poe Elementary. It was an impressive turn out. Standing room only.......I would guess close to 500 people. It turns out the developer is a resident of West U who grew up in the area. The group seemed intent on organizing and taking legal action. And the civic association has already started raising funds for a legal team.
  25. talltexan83
    The River Oaks shopping center is a different animal. They are replacing one commercial shopping center (albeit a historically significant one) with another commerical center. Over time, I would expect a Barnes & Noble to do more business with the River Oaks clientele than a Black Eyed Pea ever did. It was a frustrating loss for those trying to maintain Houston's architectural heritage (myself included), but replacing a 1 story structure with a 2 story one was never the issue. I hope to hear more following their neighborhood meeting this evening, but I expect to see quite a fight from the local residents. Building a high rise this close to deed-restricted neighborhoods would be unprecendented inside the loop (I can only think of a few along Westheimer, San Felipe and Kirby - but they are not completely surrounded by dense single family homes) . I really encourage you to drive by and understand how out of place it would seem.
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