Disastro Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 ...must be destroyed! LOLBut, I hear they can't do that because it has asbestos in it...It's fuh-gly though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Me, I love it. The asbestos was abated a few years ago in preparation for a redevelopment by the Hyatt Regency that never happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VicMan Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted July 8, 2007 Share Posted July 8, 2007 Hmm, I just assumed he meant the original Sheraton-Lincoln downtown, since it had the asbestos issues at one point.Downtown Sheraton big topic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disastro Posted July 9, 2007 Author Share Posted July 9, 2007 Hmm, I just assumed he meant the original Sheraton-Lincoln downtown, since it had the asbestos issues at one point.Downtown Sheraton big topicYeah, 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonfella Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Is this the one across from Hyatt? Or is there another former Sheraton downtown? Downtown Hotel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 I think that's right. Right next to 1201 Louisiana. I didn't know there was that much space there for that kind of project. Maybe they'll take a surface lot nearby also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Good news. The Hyatt and Doubletree were booked solid this week, so another choice for my travelers will be nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 They're going all out with that build-out. All suites, a luxury spa, outdoor space, fitness center, etc...Nice upgrade and the Omni name entering the downtown market speaks well for the overall health of downtown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 (edited) 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!) Edited July 24, 2007 by sevfiv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 The Wedge has a parking garage attached to it. Or either I was in la-la land when I went from the Lobby to the parking garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Merge, merge, mergeand again, gotta see it to beleive it. There are too many articles that get everyone excited then splat! nadda. Peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 That's very good news for not only that particular property but that area of DT. The more space that's filled in existing towers, the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 They're contemplating a second tower. They've been saying that for decades. They even had a rendering on their web site at one time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted July 25, 2007 Share Posted July 25, 2007 Oy vey!At any rate, it's one nasty block as it stands to be in the "skyline district".What a silly name. Always with the names. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToolMan Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 More good news for Downtown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonfella Posted August 3, 2007 Share Posted August 3, 2007 ... and more good news: Microsoft Corp. partners will be in Houston for the 2008 annual meeting/conference. There's about 7,600 of those booking 50,000 room nites. HBJ reports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 (edited) Long-vacant downtown hotel to be renovatedDAVID KAPLANCopyright 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 HotelsThe 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 September 8, 2007 by Boris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 This story in the HBJ states they will invest 130 Mil:http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...tml?jst=b_ln_hl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 Merged dupe topics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N Judah Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 What the heck? Either DT is in a slump or it isn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 It's a shame such a dump exists in the "Skyline District". Too bad this city has no power to get rid of the dumps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 (edited) 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 September 30, 2007 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houstonian in Iraq Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 The bathroom attendant at the Houston Club told me it's a sure thing. Work will begin soon.LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 (edited) 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 September 30, 2007 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted October 1, 2007 Share Posted October 1, 2007 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 ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTG Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 (edited) 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 October 8, 2007 by DTG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted December 1, 2007 Share Posted December 1, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted December 2, 2007 Share Posted December 2, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 Well, hate to disappoint you, but it turned out they cleared it so erect a pavilion to host a concert (The Doobie Brothers!) sometime in the next week or two. It's hosted by and for some Oil Company I can't remember. ohwell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTG Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 Oooo...I bet that's going to irritate the Hyatt. LOL.I don't know why, but that makes me giddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuroAztlan Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 Anticipated start date is Jan-Feb 07.Please let me borrow your time machine so I can go back and invest in the stock market and make trillions. Tia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 Oooo...I bet that's going to irritate the Hyatt. LOL.I don't know why, but that makes me giddy.They Hyatt shouldn't complain too loudly. They owned the Sheraton building and sold it when their own redevelopment plan fell through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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