Jump to content

Sheraton-Lincoln Hotel At 711 Polk St.


Disastro

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 163
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted Images

Which Sheraton Houston are you talking about? There are three:

* Sheraton Houston Brookhollow - 3000 North Loop West Freeway, Houston, TX, 77092

* Sheraton Suites Houston near the Galleria - 2400 West Loop South, Houston, TX, 77027-4204

* Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental - 15700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77032

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmm, I just assumed he meant the original Sheraton-Lincoln downtown, since it had the asbestos issues at one point.

Downtown Sheraton big topic

Yeah, I guess I should have been more specific on that...

The ugly downtown one...the black and white stripped monstrosity...lol!

The thing is literally falling apart. I have to think it could pose a danger unless they do *something* with it soon...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
This is the old Sheraton-Lincoln, right?

(http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...?showtopic=4417)

if so, thank goodness! finally! (i hope it really happens!)

I'm hoping it's that one too. I pass this eyesore everyday on my way to work. Nice pool view. Does anybody know if the Wedge Group ever plans to add a garage to the half-block across the street. I've always wondered how they compete without any parking options.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm hoping it's that one too. I pass this eyesore everyday on my way to work. Nice pool view. Does anybody know if the Wedge Group ever plans to add a garage to the half-block across the street. I've always wondered how they compete without any parking options.

They're contemplating a second tower. :ph34r:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wedge has been contemplating a second tower for about 7 years now. 1401 Louisiana would be the address. Very initial renderings can even be found on the web for it...

If you want to be technical about it, they've been contemplating Tower Two since Wedge Tower was completed, back in the 80's, but the extent and seriousness of their contemplation has varied over time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I recieved this weekly email from the Houston Downtown Management District:

The wow power of the soon-to-be completed Houston Pavillions project, scheduled for a fall 2008 opening, continues to draw additional development to the area.

The latest exciting announcement is the redevelopment of the former downtown Sheraton at 711 Polk by Omni Hotels and Songy Partners. The transformed property will be just a few steps from the Pavilions, which is taking shape as a retail and entertainment hub with future tenants such as House of Blues, Lucky Strike Lanes, Forever 21, McCormick & Schmick's and Yao's Restaurant and Bar.

The Omni project will feature more than 400 luxury suites, 30,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of restaurants. A complete wellness center on the fourth floor will be accessible through a separate, private ground floor entrance for neighboring Houstonians and nearby office workers.

The 13,000-square-foot wellness center will offer a state-of-the art fitness facility with a Mokara Salon & Spa, personal trainers and nutritionists who will be available to create customized wellness and fitness regimens.

Redevelopment of the structure is scheduled to begin later this year, and the property will open for guests in 2009.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Long-vacant downtown hotel to be renovated

DAVID KAPLAN

Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

A downtown building that's been vacant since 1988 will get a $100 million face lift and be turned into an Omni luxury hotel.

The 28-story Sheraton-Lincoln Plaza tower at 711 Polk and Louisiana was acquired for $15 million.by Songy Partnersin a joint venture with Omni Hotels

The redeveloped hotel will have about 450 suites, fine dining restaurants and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space.It will also feature a 13,000-square-foot wellness/ fitness center with a spa and salon.

The lower levels of the building will be opened up with glass, to make it more accessible to pedestrians, said David Songy, CEO of Songy Partners. Gensler & Associates is the project architect.

The renovations are scheduled to begin in late 2007 and the hotel is expected to open by mid-2009.The Sheraton-Lincoln Plaza opened in 1962 as mixed-use hotel and office building.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5117516.html

Edited by Boris
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What the heck? Either DT is in a slump or it isn't.

What aspect of downtown? For the most part, it's doing very well.

Office is booming.

Chain hotels are booming on account of more business travelers.

Boutique hotels are slow going on account of a weak market for leisure travelers.

Aside from One Park Place, residential is nonexistent. Office demand has driven land prices beyond what the residential market can bear.

Retail is good, not great. Still lots of vacancy at street level.

Industrial is all but non-existent anymore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You know, the Chronicle mentions that DT Houston has 4,751 hotel rooms, while San Antonio has about 12,000. Now I understand that SA is mostly a tourist town, but does the difference in the numbers surprise anyone else?

I know Hilton, Hyatt, and Four Seasons have had high occupancy over the past few weeks, but I also wonder about the other hotels (Magnolia, Club Quarters, Alden). I kinda' keep track at the Hyatt and Hilton regularly, but not the other chains. Anyone have a clue?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I guess no one has a clue.

Anyhoo....

Turns out the exterior is starting to decay a bit faster than anyone realized.

A couple of small chunks fell from the 4th or 5 floor a couple of days ago (One measuring about 10 inches long and 4 inches thick) and they might have to put something to protect the people walking underneath it.

I just happened to talk to a gentleman walking by inspecting said damage and commented that it's STILL not a sure thing. something about making the numbers work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm sad, but not surprised, that it isn't a sure thing. A number of other redevelopment proposals for the property have fallen through.

It's also not the first time chunks have fallen off the building. You can see where there is a large hole in the back, and there is also damage on the Louisiana side dating from when the building was gutted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another interesting development, i was talking to the Doorman and was making a casual comment about the hotel and he winced. He then proceeded to tell me that parking was going to be an absolute nightmare.

When I suggested (somewhat playfully) that they should tack on 5 more floors to the garage, he mentioned that reliant owns the garage! I did NOT know that! Who knew? What in the world are they going to do for parking?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess no one has a clue. Anyhoo....Turns out the exterior is starting to decay a bit faster than anyone realized. A couple of small chunks fell from the 4th or 5 floor a couple of days ago (One measuring about 10 inches long and 4 inches thick) and they might have to put something to protect the people walking underneath it. I just happened to talk to a gentleman walking by inspecting said damage and commented that it's STILL not a sure thing. something about making the numbers work.
That strikes me as very unlikely to be true. The people doing this are experienced in the hotel and development businesses; They surely inspected the building thoroughly and crunched the numbers exhaustively before buying the building (and they have already bought the building... the new owners took title earlier this month).
Another interesting development, i was talking to the Doorman and was making a casual comment about the hotel and he winced. He then proceeded to tell me that parking was going to be an absolute nightmare. When I suggested (somewhat playfully) that they should tack on 5 more floors to the garage, he mentioned that reliant owns the garage! I did NOT know that! Who knew? What in the world are they going to do for parking?
Whose doorman? Again, this strikes me as highly improbable. Developers and hotel operator/developers don't generally just walk in and plop down probably seven figures for a building without first inspecting it and knowing whether it includes parking space... Calm down everyone... The bathroom attendant at the Houston Club told me it's a sure thing. Work will begin soon. Edited by Houston19514
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That strikes me as very unlikely to be true. The people doing this are experienced in the hotel and development businesses; They surely inspected the building thoroughly and crunched the numbers exhaustively before buying the building (and they have already bought the building... the new owners took title earlier this month).Whose doorman? Again, this strikes me as highly improbable. Developers and hotel operator/developers don't generally just walk in and plop down probably seven figures for a building without first inspecting it and knowing whether it includes parking space... Calm down everyone... The bathroom attendant at the Houston Club told me it's a sure thing. Work will begin soon.

Sorry I wasn't being specific, the Doorman of the HYATT told me that the attached garage was used (purchased) primarily for the Reliant Building.

Believe me, I have more ears on the ground than you give me credit for.

As far as said inspection, I'll be sure to tell the rock he has to go back up on the building since apparently it wasn't supposed to fall.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is that new? The Sheraton parking was used by the Hyatt for a long time when they owned the building. Maybe Reliant didn't buy the garage, but just contracted out use of the spaces.

I can't believe that parking would be that much of a nightmare. That part of downtown is loaded with parking garages and surface lots. Nobody is going to die if they can't park in the same building as the hotel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry I wasn't being specific, the Doorman of the HYATT told me that the attached garage was used (purchased) primarily for the Reliant Building.

Believe me, I have more ears on the ground than you give me credit for.

As far as said inspection, I'll be sure to tell the rock he has to go back up on the building since apparently it wasn't supposed to fall.

Do you really think the hotel developers didn't notice the pieces falling off the building before they purchased it?

And again, (and agreeing with Subdude) there is no way the hotel developers purchased the building without having a clue of how they were going to handle parking. No offense, but I think you need to look for some new "ears on the ground." The ones you have now don't seem to be serving you very well.

Edited by Houston19514
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you really think the hotel developers didn't notice the pieces falling off the building before they purchased it?

And again, (and agreeing with Subdude) there is no way the hotel developers purchased the building without having a clue of how they were going to handle parking. No offense, but I think you need to look for some new "ears on the ground." The ones you have now don't seem to be serving you very well.

Have you heard of home inspectors overlooking bits and pieces? Why yes! you've heard them on this board from other people.

Whether they overlooked it, or it was unexpected (there IS a difference), if they KNEW concrete was falling off the side of the building, do you think that MAYBE they would put up some pedestrian barriers to prevent like, Oh...say a LAWSUIT, or do you think they left the sidewalk open for funsies and open up a "hit the person on the head" pool?

How many times have YOU been surprised after you purchased your home and said, "Wow....that waterheater went suddenly!" or "That fence needs to be replaced."

get over yourself.

Yes, I would have expected that they would have looked closely at the parking situation, but that would be too logical. I've seen bigger screwups before involving bigger screwups.

As far as my "ears" on the ground goes, I could have said "I talked to someone HIGH up the food chain" but I didn't. I said the truth of what my source is. Reasoning for this is that if the freakin' DOORMAN knew about it, it's public knowledge and my revealing it won't get anyone fired. That's why I post things the way I do. There are things I find out that only a few people know and I don't want to cut off my sources. So excuse me if I don't post up sources that are the people the actual movers and shakers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ricco, we all appreciate your "ears on the ground". Houston19514, i think, is a rationalist (to a fault). but, he could be less abrasive. bachanon politely nudges Houston19514. i wouldn't get too upset over his contradictions. he has good information too.

has anyone discussed how long the renovations are going to take? when should the new hotel be open for business?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you heard of home inspectors overlooking bits and pieces? Why yes! you've heard them on this board from other people.Whether they overlooked it, or it was unexpected (there IS a difference), if they KNEW concrete was falling off the side of the building, do you think that MAYBE they would put up some pedestrian barriers to prevent like, Oh...say a LAWSUIT, or do you think they left the sidewalk open for funsies and open up a "hit the person on the head" pool? How many times have YOU been surprised after you purchased your home and said, "Wow....that waterheater went suddenly!" or "That fence needs to be replaced."get over yourself. Yes, I would have expected that they would have looked closely at the parking situation, but that would be too logical. I've seen bigger screwups before involving bigger screwups. As far as my "ears" on the ground goes, I could have said "I talked to someone HIGH up the food chain" but I didn't. I said the truth of what my source is. Reasoning for this is that if the freakin' DOORMAN knew about it, it's public knowledge and my revealing it won't get anyone fired. That's why I post things the way I do. There are things I find out that only a few people know and I don't want to cut off my sources. So excuse me if I don't post up sources that are the people the actual movers and shakers.
We shall see soon enough.
has anyone discussed how long the renovations are going to take? when should the new hotel be open for business?
Mid-2009. Parking will be available at a former K-mart in Humble with shuttle service provided from there. Because, oops, nobody thought about the need for parking for a 400 room hotel ;-)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just to clear a couple of things up.

The group that purchased the building owns the parking garage below the building. Once construction starts the garage will be closed. Currently the Hyatt and individuals lease out parking in the garage.

As far as the pre-cast falling off the building - Eng. have reviewed and are in the process of reviewing the skin on the building. Some spawling on the pre-cast panels does exist. The owners are working on a plan to mitigate this situation. It just will take a little time.

The hotel is scheduled to open Sept. 09

Edited by DTG
Link to comment
Share on other sites

September 2009 seems like a reasonable goal at this point, assuming that they don't come across something unforseen in the current structure that might require serious abatement.

The asbestos has already been abated. The building is just a shell now - frame and concrete floorplates.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I had to do a double take on thursday when I saw a crane take away the booth from the parking lot across the street from the future Omni. Didn't think much of it until Friday when I saw that it was closed off. Even the Hyatt bus was parked off to the side (blocking a sidewalk, I must add).

Anyone know about what's going on? DTG? Is this connected to the Omni or has something ELSE slipped uner the radar?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you thinking that parking lot will be a staging area for construction? Wouldn't that mean closing Polk on that block? The Sheraton was always one of my favorite downtown buildings, so this is one project I'm really excited about. I hope it happens.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had to do a double take on thursday when I saw a crane take away the booth from the parking lot across the street from the future Omni. Didn't think much of it until Friday when I saw that it was closed off. Even the Hyatt bus was parked off to the side (blocking a sidewalk, I must add).

Anyone know about what's going on? DTG? Is this connected to the Omni or has something ELSE slipped uner the radar?

The current plan is to close the sidewalk on Polk and one lane of traffic to install a dual cab exterior hoist. We are expecting to have this hoist in place for 6-9 months until we get the interior elevators running. Anticipated start date is Jan-Feb 07.

Also the existing garage will be closed to the public once construction starts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to Sheraton-Lincoln Hotel At 711 Polk St.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...