Ivy District - Formerly Waterlight District

clearman · May 16, 2007

There is a sign up near the Bass Pro shops construction at the Spectrum exit off 288 showing the "Waterlight District" with a water taxi in the picture.

Anyone know about this Woodlandsesque development?

Chamo · May 16, 2007

There is a sign up near the Bass Pro shops construction at the Spectrum exit off 288 showing the "Waterlight District" with a water taxi in the picture.
Anyone know about this Woodlandsesque development?

You are right on the money about being Woodlandesque.... Only add the Presidential statues.

Presidential Park

Rendering Waterlight

blocked writer · May 16, 2007

Also see these stories

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories...html?from_rss=1

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Large+Presid......-a0161553386

clearman · May 16, 2007

Oh my god. They can't be serious with those presidential heads.

Original Timmy Chan's · May 16, 2007

Oh my god. They can't be serious with those presidential heads.

I think that's kicka$$!!!

May 16, 2007

Oh my god. They can't be serious with those presidential heads.

:lol: I wondered what they were going to do with those things.

I think it's great and pretty quirky for the suburbs. Actually, these days that might be the only place they wouldn't be protested in some form.

And the Bass Pro Shops construction is pretty darn exciting too.... :rolleyes:

rajuncajun · May 16, 2007

I wondered what they were going to do with those things.
I think it's great and pretty quirky for the suburbs. Actually, these days that might be the only place they wouldn't be protested in some form.
And the Bass Pro Shops construction is pretty darn exciting too....

That Bass Pro Shop is HUGE!! I think I remember reading that it is the largest in the country (don't quote me). Also will be the largest HEB in the State on 518. Along with the largest presidential heads. We also have the largest tax rate..........go figure. On a serious note, I don't know how all these projects are going to fill their space. Ever wonder why the Shoppes at the Spectrum is flying under the radar (i.e. no press releases)? Ever notice how those new strip malls on FM2234 are doing....vacanct!! Maybe they are waiting for the street to be widened.

rem78 · May 16, 2007

On a serious note, I don't know how all these projects are going to fill their space. Ever wonder why the Shoppes at the Spectrum is flying under the radar (i.e. no press releases)? Ever notice how those new strip malls on FM2234 are doing....vacanct!! Maybe they are waiting for the street to be widened.

That disturbs me too. I'm just afraid we are going to have a lot of vacant buildings which can lead to vandalism problems. Supposedly the "strip center" on the Southeast corner of FM 2234 and Reflection Bay has several tennants lined up. But haven't heard anything about the other vacant buildings. Looks like the bond to start section 1 of the Pearland Regional Sports Park was approved so I guess we might eventually start to have more people heading down FM 2234.

Subdude · May 16, 2007

I think that's kicka$$!!!

Brilliant! The combination of standard suburban-style strip center architecture with giant presidential heads is just so off the wall. I suppose the little boats will be giving tour information.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that's Starbucks on your right, if you would like a refreshing latte. And on your left, that's James Knox Polk, our 11th president!" :lol:

hbcu · May 17, 2007

I've noticed also the 2234 centers sit vacant while anything off 518 fills as soon as the foundation hardens..they HAVE to do something with 2234...too much traffic now with little light at night....

I grew up across the tracks near the salt mill and my old area is finally beginning to develop with all the freeway access....my only gripe is when will a major, full-service grocery store ever come to our area? The HEB at BW8 and West Fuqua never materialized and the rest now are Foodaramas which are decent but they're not full-service...

Outside of Kroger on 518..what else is out there?

clearman · May 17, 2007

HEB just started construction on NW side of 518 and 288.

People currently shop a the Kroger's, Randall's, Wal Mart, or Super Target.

blocked writer · May 17, 2007

They are also building another Kroger at 2234 and 288.

Edited May 17, 2007 by blocked writer

Chamo · May 17, 2007

HEB just started construction on NW side of 518 and 288.
People currently shop a the Kroger's, Randall's, Wal Mart, or Super Target.

I've been in SCR for almost 2 years now. Never been to Kroger or Randall's. I have survived with Super Target, Wal-Mart and an ocasional visit to Sam's Club; HEB will be my place to go in the future.

Seems like they just opened Buccee's on 2234, anybody been there? I always stop at their stores on my trips to get beef jerky for the road.

blocked writer · July 27, 2007

Has anybody noticed that there's a new sign in front of the WaterLights site that says something like "Coming Soon - Restaurant Row on the Grand Canal"? I haven't been able to find any information but it got me wondering whether they may try to make the Presidential Park/Waterlights more restaurant oriented rather than retail oriented. To me, this would make sense 1) because will soon be so much retail in the area. 2) There's a shortage of good restaurant choices. What do you guys think?

TheNiche · July 27, 2007

Has anybody noticed that there's a new sign in front of the WaterLights site that says something like "Coming Soon - Restaurant Row on the Grand Canal"? I haven't been able to find any information but it got me wondering whether they may try to make the Presidential Park/Waterlights more restaurant oriented rather than retail oriented. To me, this would make sense 1) because will soon be so much retail in the area. 2) There's a shortage of good restaurant choices. What do you guys think?

Sounds like a glorified food court.

Chamo · July 30, 2007

Has anybody noticed that there's a new sign in front of the WaterLights site that says something like "Coming Soon - Restaurant Row on the Grand Canal"? I haven't been able to find any information but it got me wondering whether they may try to make the Presidential Park/Waterlights more restaurant oriented rather than retail oriented. To me, this would make sense 1) because will soon be so much retail in the area. 2) There's a shortage of good restaurant choices. What do you guys think?

Saw the big sign and also activity in their trailer office this morning. I agree with you Blocked Writer, with the amount of Retail and Office Space going up closeby right now and the plans in the future for the Spectrum and SCR (UT Campus, New Hospitals, Hotels, etc), a more restaurant oriented attraction area (Kemah comes to mind) would make much more sense.

Cant wait to see the Presidents Heads rolling into Pearland!

jbmurrah · August 1, 2007

They are also building another Kroger at 2234 and 288.

The tire center where a portion of that is being built has taken down the lettering on the building and emptyed it out. Hopefully they will be leveling it soon.

Brian

Cook911411 · August 11, 2007

San Antonio River Walk - ish? With President's Heads? Hmmmm.....

Chamo · August 18, 2007

New update on the design......Presidential park, Restaurant Row & Garden district. WATERLIGHT

Chamo · November 15, 2007

Great Idea from the developer..... Help select the restaurants!!

THE RESTAURANT ROW ON THE GRAND CANAL

rajuncajun · November 15, 2007

Great Idea from the developer..... Help select the restaurants!!
THE RESTAURANT ROW ON THE GRAND CANAL

If this development looks anything close to what the rendering looks like this will put this area on the map. Quite ambitious IMO.

njvisitor · November 16, 2007

the restaurant poll is an interesting way of doing business... def. a plus!

hbcu · November 16, 2007

some of those restaurants are right down the street off 518 as I know Olive Garden just opened I think...I wonder how serious will they take the survey?

clearman · November 19, 2007

If they get almost any of the restaurants on that survey it would be a HUGE coup. Most of those places are way to high end for what I'm afraid this will turn out to be.

Chamo · November 22, 2007

I have a lot of faith on this place..... Richard Browne has plenty of experience helping developing the Woodlands Town Center and I am sure his development company will do a great job setting a stage for the presidential heads and surround them with first class restaurants.

However I agree some of the options they put in the survey make no sense, like Olive garden, Fuddrockers & Cabo (Already very close on 518), Fish City & Grill & BJ's (Coming to Pearland Town Center) , Lupe Tortilla & La Madelaine (Coming to Shadow Creek Town Center).

editor · November 23, 2007

The presidential heads seem quirky, but it's a good effort. I'm in favor of people trying stuff, even if it seems strange.

Remember, there were protests against the arch in Saint Louis, the Bean in Chicago, the Eiffel Tower, and even the Statue of Liberty. I'm not saying the presidential head river tour is of the same calibur, but there will always be people who are critical just because they enjoy being negative.

TheNiche · November 26, 2007

I have a lot of faith on this place..... Richard Browne has plenty of experience helping developing the Woodlands Town Center and I am sure his development company will do a great job setting a stage for the presidential heads and surround them with first class restaurants.

Do bear in mind, Richard Browne was the land planner for The Woodlands Town Center, not the developer. Although I'd agree that he's a got a great planning firm, his record on development is sketchy thus far.

I'm not saying that it won't happen, just that development isn't where his core competencies lie.

citykid713 · December 23, 2007

Check this website out > http://www.waterlightsdistrict.com/

HtownWxBoy · December 23, 2007

Check this website out > http://www.waterlightsdistrict.com/

Looks awsome... but in Pearland????? :huh:

editor · December 23, 2007

Don't we already have a thread about this?

RedScare · December 23, 2007

Don't we already have a thread about this?

Yup.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...showtopic=11132

Edited December 23, 2007 by RedScare

December 23, 2007

Topics merged, and from the 12-17-07 Pearland Journal;

"WATERLIGHTS DISTRICT

Council heard a presentation by representatives of Historic Real Estate, developer of the Waterlights District, which is dubbed to be the Greater Houston area's next major economic district. The property is a 57-acre area located on the west side of Highway 288, east of Kirby Drive, south of South Spectrum Boulevard and north of Clear Creek.

The development is proposed to be a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development with office, retail, restaurants, hotel and 340 residential units. Twelve acres of park and garden areas are also proposed, as well as a grand canal and winding waterway.

HRE Executive Director David Goswick said more than 3,700 people cast online votes for "The Restaurant Row on the Grand Canal" which will feature 10 places to dine, including steakhouse restaurants, seafood, Italian, Mexican/TexMex, sushi, barbecue, and Asian.

"It's staggering what people want," Goswick said. "We plan to post those results later this week on our web site."

No structures are present at the site except for a temporary project trailer for the Waterlights District site office, and a metal barn. A groundbreaking has been tentatively scheduled for Feb. 18, which Councilmember Steve Saboe called an "aggressive timeline."

A public hearing will finalize specific terms of the conceptual plan, with Planning and Zoning Commission's changes and City Council's approval of those modifications.

Goswick emphasized the need for a development geared towards people who work at the Texas Medical Center and other surrounding areas.

"It's important that we respect connectivity," he said. "We've received 4,800 e-mails, and the request is how fast can this be created."

For more information on the Waterlights District, go the waterlightsdistrict.com. "

Chamo · January 6, 2008

Help select the first Statues to come to the Park. Ground break has been scheduled Presidents Day in February.

PRESIDENTIAL PARK

scrres · January 12, 2008

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/pea...ws/5438347.html

Jax · January 25, 2008

I thought this was sort of interesting. The Waterlight district is possibly going to be the location of the "Nano World Headquarters", which is supposed to be "office, laboratory and conference space and will serve as a venue for collaboration amongst academic, industry and government partners pursuing Nano development, and as an accelerator for startup companies aiming at commercializing the resulting technology."

Wow, a nanotech place right in the middle of all those presidential heads!

I heard about this at a conference at Rice yesterday...

http://www.nanoworldheadquarters.com/

TheNiche · January 25, 2008

I thought this was sort of interesting. The Waterlight district is possibly going to be the location of the "Nano World Headquarters", which is supposed to be "office, laboratory and conference space and will serve as a venue for collaboration amongst academic, industry and government partners pursuing Nano development, and as an accelerator for startup companies aiming at commercializing the resulting technology."

After reading the White Paper, I remain unconvinced of the reason to place such a facility in Pearland. I'll grant that of all the suburbs, Pearland is the closest to the TMC and has easy access to NASA/JSC, but it is also smack dab on the opposite side of town from IAH and doesn't have any major convention space and won't ever have a convention hotel in the immediate area. The paper also suggests extending LRT to Pearland, but I doubt METRO is ever going to spring for that.

Seems like it'd be a perfect fit for the Astroworld tract, especially if the Astrodome gets converted to a convention hotel. Pre-existing LRT access, a more central location that is roughly in between our two airports, and if Pearland is really THAT important, its still reasonably close by.

scrres · January 25, 2008

I thought this was sort of interesting. The Waterlight district is possibly going to be the location of the "Nano World Headquarters", which is supposed to be "office, laboratory and conference space and will serve as a venue for collaboration amongst academic, industry and government partners pursuing Nano development, and as an accelerator for startup companies aiming at commercializing the resulting technology."
Wow, a nanotech place right in the middle of all those presidential heads!
I heard about this at a conference at Rice yesterday...
http://www.nanoworldheadquarters.com/

thats a great news for pearland. thanks for posting this

Jax · January 26, 2008

Seems like it'd be a perfect fit for the Astroworld tract, especially if the Astrodome gets converted to a convention hotel. Pre-existing LRT access, a more central location that is roughly in between our two airports, and if Pearland is really THAT important, its still reasonably close by.

For once, you and I agree on something!

bsienk · February 6, 2008

In case you've haven't seen it, the Chron's "Inside Pearland" blog has an update on the Presidents' Heads:

http://blogs.chron.com/pearland/2008/02/fi...busts_head.html

TheNiche · February 6, 2008

In case you've haven't seen it, the Chron's "Inside Pearland" blog has an update on the Presidents' Heads:
http://blogs.chron.com/pearland/2008/02/fi...busts_head.html

JFK? :huh: Weak.

njvisitor · February 7, 2008

In case you've haven't seen it, the Chron's "Inside Pearland" blog has an update on the Presidents' Heads:
http://blogs.chron.com/pearland/2008/02/fi...busts_head.html

Glad to see that FDR & JFK made the list!

TheNiche · February 7, 2008

Glad to see that FDR & JFK made the list!

Had JFK not been shot, he'd have been remembered much as Nixon is. Some decent accomplishments, but mostly overshadowed by personal failings.

FDR at least makes sense in that he changed everything and had something to show for it. But if FDR gets to be on there, Andrew Jackson ought to be right alongside. It's hard to think of other hawk presidents that increased presidential powers more than these...aside possibly from George W. Bush.

crunchtastic · February 7, 2008

Had JFK not been shot, he'd have been remembered much as Nixon is. Some decent accomplishments, but mostly overshadowed by personal failings.
FDR at least makes sense in that he changed everything and had something to show for it. But if FDR gets to be on there, Andrew Jackson ought to be right alongside. It's hard to think of other hawk presidents that increased presidential powers more than these...aside possibly from George W. Bush.

Baiting!!

TheNiche · February 7, 2008

Baiting!!

Truthtelling.

crunchtastic · February 7, 2008

G.W. sets quite a precedent with regard to executive order.

I would not take that lightly. Being a white American citizen doesn't necessarily qualify as an exemption.

TheNiche · February 7, 2008

G.W. sets quite a precedent with regard to executive order.
I would not take that lightly. Being a white American citizen doesn't necessarily qualify as an exemption.

If you charted some index of presidential power on a y axis and time on the x axis, you'd have something that look like stairs. Up, level, up, level, up, level. Jackson, Lincoln, Roosevelt (1), Roosevelt (2), Bush (2). These are the ones at the top of mind, but I'm sure there are others. The point being, though, that there are plenty of presidents in between that are generally less remembered, less honored, and those are ones that tended to play by the rules.

I'm not sure what being white has to do with anything.

Edited February 7, 2008 by TheNiche

crunchtastic · February 7, 2008

If you charted some index of presidential power on a y axis and time on the x axis, you'd have something that look like stairs. Up, level, up, level, up, level. Jackson, Lincoln, Roosevelt (1), Roosevelt (2), Bush (2). These are the ones at the top of mind, but I'm sure there are others. The point being, though, that there are plenty of presidents in between that are generally less remembered, less honored, and those are ones that tended to play by the rules.
I'm not sure what being white has to do with anything.

Oh, I was referring to abuses of executive under GW. Has lots to do with everything, assuming you trust the constitution still applies.

But I can definitely agree on your other presidential examples.

njvisitor · February 7, 2008

Hmm, maybe this is what will happen at the Waterlights park...

People will erupt into arguments over executive authority and presidential legacies!

TheNiche · February 7, 2008

Oh, I was referring to abuses of executive under GW. Has lots to do with everything, assuming you trust the constitution still applies.

I don't trust that the constitution applies, but what's new? I cited Lincoln, after all.

I still don't get the white comment.

lockmat · March 3, 2008

Heads are in place now. Some of them at least.

http://swamplot.com/ex-presidents-in-pearl...3-03/#more-1338

Somehow I missed this whole topic. I really like the idea.

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Ivy District - Formerly Waterlight District

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