Embassy Suites By Hilton Houston Downtown At 1515 Dallas St.

[lockmat]

Wow the view from the park is horrible. Hopefully they'll paint a mural or something.

That's three votes for a mural. Let's petition it h aha

[kdog08]

Dare to say it is ugly? This is normally where the "we shouldn't criticize it because it's better than surface parking" crowd chimes in.

It is ugly but that hasn't changed.

[LTAWACS]

This only proves that the people responsible for the building's design are nothing more than incompetent, bumbling, buffoons who are so out of touch with reality, they would have the gall the think this is a design worth building. Make those responsible for this hideous creation pay.

[lockmat]

Question for architects: How often does the final built product actually look like what you thought it would be?

[Highway6]

This only proves that the people responsible for the building's design are nothing more than incompetent, bumbling, buffoons who are so out of touch with reality, they would have the gall the think this is a design worth building. Make those responsible for this hideous creation pay.

And this only proves that some people are incompetent buffons that have no idea how the process works. The developer/owner wants what he wants. He gets the final say. An architect can try to talk him out of it, but ultimatly an architects job is to satisfy the needs and desires of the customer... IF they don't, they'll be kicked to the curb and replaced by an another architect that will play ball.

You're repeated misguided anger is laughable.

Developing is a business.. Viva Capitalism. I don't know why the hell the building faces the way it does, but I'm sure the developer and architects had their reasons, so i don't care.

---------------------------

I'm not naming any names here... but in my opinion, someone here has a firm stranglehold on "Most Worthless Haif Contributor" 2010 award.

Edited November 16, 2010 by Highway6

[TheNiche]

Has Embassy Suites commented on why the building faces away from the park? Isn't that really ugly electrical substation on the side that it now faces? I'd love to hear why they decided to point it towards a block full of electrical equipment instead of a park.

The building is at an intersection of two streets where, if it faced either street, it would face away from the park. Also, since the land behind the building (between it and the park) is still a separately-owned surface lot, there was a decent chance that something would be built that blocked a nice and expensive facade if one had been built that faced the park.

Not that I'm defending the suckage, mind you; I fully acknowledge and concur regarding the suckage. I'm just pointing out the obvious to the oblivious...that's all.

[barracuda]

Also, since the land behind the building (between it and the park) is still a separately-owned surface lot, there was a decent chance that something would be built that blocked a nice and expensive facade if one had been built that faced the park.

We can only hope.

[DrLan34]

This is really good information and makes a lot of sense.

The building is at an intersection of two streets where, if it faced either street, it would face away from the park. Also, since the land behind the building (between it and the park) is still a separately-owned surface lot, there was a decent chance that something would be built that blocked a nice and expensive facade if one had been built that faced the park.

Not that I'm defending the suckage, mind you; I fully acknowledge and concur regarding the suckage. I'm just pointing out the obvious to the oblivious...that's all.

[brian0123]

The building is at an intersection of two streets where, if it faced either street, it would face away from the park. Also, since the land behind the building (between it and the park) is still a separately-owned surface lot, there was a decent chance that something would be built that blocked a nice and expensive facade if one had been built that faced the park.

Not that I'm defending the suckage, mind you; I fully acknowledge and concur regarding the suckage. I'm just pointing out the obvious to the oblivious...that's all.

I had no clue that the lot between it and the park is separately-owned. I thought they had the entire block. It makes sense why they did what they did if that's the case.

[lockmat]

The building is at an intersection of two streets where, if it faced either street, it would face away from the park. Also, since the land behind the building (between it and the park) is still a separately-owned surface lot, there was a decent chance that something would be built that blocked a nice and expensive facade if one had been built that faced the park.

Not that I'm defending the suckage, mind you; I fully acknowledge and concur regarding the suckage. I'm just pointing out the obvious to the oblivious...that's all.

That little space between their building in the park is owned by someone else? I know we can build stuff on little parcels but that's pretty small, considering every building needs a parking garage. The undeveloped land to the east seems much more likely for something to be built.

So is that one block divided between three owners? Embassy, space to the north, and space to the east?

[LTAWACS]

If they are going to build something on such a small piece of land it better have the words "needle" and "sky" somewhere in the name.

[Highway6]

That little space between their building in the park is owned by someone else? I know we can build stuff on little parcels but that's pretty small, considering every building needs a parking garage. The undeveloped land to the east seems much more likely for something to be built.

So is that one block divided between three owners? Embassy, space to the north, and space to the east?

I was under the impression that Embassy's land extended the width of the block to Lamar as well. NIche revealing otherwise is the obvious answer as to why the building fronts the way it does. It's not just the likelihood of something being built there that is the problem. If the Embassy only has 2 street access, not 3 like I thought, they have to front where they have access.

Even more important is the rectangular shape of the site. All your hotel rooms are going to face out the long sides or the rectangle. The site dictates that the back faces the park.

That being said, the ugly crowd's main complaint is with the big bare wall, which translates to lack of glazing.

If you remember from the construction photos, 1/3 of that wall is the emergency stairwell.. placed there because one is typically located in a back corner. They also have a shear wall there on the left. While the typical liner hotel room does not have glazing on the sides (thats where you have your furniture), the front of the hotel shows it certainly is possible and desired if you're building suites. Why are these not bigger suites on the back left corner which would allow for more side glazing? I'm sure there an economic formula that hotels deal with that dictate the % of suites but the most likely answer is that it is the back of the site/interior of the block.

While it in unlikely, Discover Tower's multistory entrance cube demonstrates it is possible to build something, part of a building, on such a small area of land that would obstruct those suite's views, esp if one developer were to buy the rest of the block.

Edited November 17, 2010 by Highway6

[LTAWACS]

Perhaps they were trying to save money./

[TheNiche]

That little space between their building in the park is owned by someone else? I know we can build stuff on little parcels but that's pretty small, considering every building needs a parking garage. The undeveloped land to the east seems much more likely for something to be built.

So is that one block divided between three owners? Embassy, space to the north, and space to the east?

The block is divided between only two owners. Embassy Suites has the land that Embassy Suites is on; someone else has everything else. Check out HCAD's facet map and also check ownership records.

Although the site is not rectangular, as per usual, there would be no problem at all with the physical feasibility of a tower with an odd footprint. Eyeballing it, I don't think that there is a single cross-section on the surface lot with less than 60 or 65 feet of width. In fact, the shape of a prospective floorplate and the placement of stairwells and elevator banks, etc., is pretty intuitive. The only limiting factor, if there is one, would be the layout and flow of a parking garage.

[lockmat]

The block is divided between only two owners. Embassy Suites has the land that Embassy Suites is on; someone else has everything else. Check out HCAD's facet map and also check ownership records.

Although the site is not rectangular, as per usual, there would be no problem at all with the physical feasibility of a tower with an odd footprint. Eyeballing it, I don't think that there is a single cross-section on the surface lot with less than 60 or 65 feet of width. In fact, the shape of a prospective floorplate and the placement of stairwells and elevator banks, etc., is pretty intuitive. The only limiting factor, if there is one, would be the layout and flow of a parking garage.

Cool, thanks for the info. Knowing that one owner has the rest makes a lot more sense. I'm no architect or engineer, but since with money they're pretty much capable of anything, putting a tower and garage there looks fairly simple.

In the end Embassy suites probably did the right thing for themselves in terms of the plain jane architecture on the north side, considering this has become a popular area to build and whatever their neighbors decide to build has a good chance of being something of significance.

[GovernorAggie]

Cool, thanks for the info. Knowing that one owner has the rest makes a lot more sense. I'm no architect or engineer, but since with money they're pretty much capable of anything, putting a tower and garage there looks fairly simple.

In the end Embassy suites probably did the right thing for themselves in terms of the plain jane architecture on the north side, considering this has become a popular area to build and whatever their neighbors decide to build has a good chance of being something of significance.

Agreed. Much like the 100% blank wall on the new Ballet Center and to a much lesser extent the Hess Tower parking garage. Both have smaller tracts remaining on their blocks for add'l development.

[photolitherland]

When this building broke ground a while back, I was really looking forward to it, but god damn, its horrid. Id rather have a surface parking lot than this monstrosity. Seriously, it should be torn down as soon as possible. The architect should be put on trial for crimes against humanity and the city of Houston.

[Subdude]

When this building broke ground a while back, I was really looking forward to it, but god damn, its horrid. Id rather have a surface parking lot than this monstrosity. Seriously, it should be torn down as soon as possible. The architect should be put on trial for crimes against humanity and the city of Houston.

You think it's an eyesore now? Wait a couple of years until the beige stucco starts to age. People will have to turn away to keep their eyes from bleeding.

[lockmat]

When this building broke ground a while back, I was really looking forward to it, but god damn, its horrid. Id rather have a surface parking lot than this monstrosity. Seriously, it should be torn down as soon as possible. The architect should be put on trial for crimes against humanity and the city of Houston.

Let's take into consideration what some of us recently discussed about the rest of the block and what the developer and architect most likely took into account when placing and designing this thing. Totally forget about the north and east faces of the building; imagine they're covered by one or two other buildings. Only think about the west and south - it's really not THAT bad.

[Subdude]

Let's take into consideration what some of us recently discussed about the rest of the block and what the developer and architect most likely took into account when placing and designing this thing. Totally forget about the north and east faces of the building; imagine they're covered by one or two other buildings. Only think about the west and south - it's really not THAT bad.

Yeah, but even the facades with windows are mundane, to put it charitably.

[ricco67]

Well, yesterday i noticed furniture going into the place.

I would have loved to see how they coordinated doing all that.

[barracuda]

Well, yesterday i noticed furniture going into the place.

I would have loved to see how they coordinated doing all that.

I wonder if all the furniture and decor will be beige too.

[LTAWACS]

What a disaster.

[Howard Huge]

Why is beige/tan the new theme in dt houston? This thing is almost as ugly as the pavillions.

[CHiPs]

A $125 million park and we get this next to it. "C'mon Man!"

Edited December 6, 2010 by CHiPs

[Subdude]

Why is beige/tan the new theme in dt houston? This thing is almost as ugly as the pavillions.

You know, I've wondered about the beige thing many times myself. Is beige the rage just in Houston, or is it a nationwide color fad? It's truly odd how one color came to dominate so much of architecture. I think history will look back and call this The Age of Beige.

[lockmat]

You know, I've wondered about the beige thing many times myself. Is beige the rage just in Houston, or is it a nationwide color fad? It's truly odd how one color came to dominate so much of architecture. I think history will look back and call this The Age of Beige.

Isn't beige California and Arizona's state colors? Every one of their houses are that color or one close to it.

[barracuda]

Isn't beige California and Arizona's state colors? Every one of their houses are that color or one close to it.

Beige stucco buildings hide into the landscape in Arizona. Here they stick out and cultivate a sheen of mold and mildew.

[LTAWACS]

Ugh.

[photolitherland]

Photo I took yesterday of this monstrosity.

[Lotus]

Photo I took yesterday of this monstrosity.

It's part of the only color in the photo, the rest being greys and whites. I see that as a good thing. So, by itself, it might look like a suburban hospital, a strip center on steroids or maybe a Tuscan garage-mahal. But as part of the overall scraperscape, it both attracts and rests the eye. It also harmonizes with the other earth tones of the new apartments by the park and the domed courthouse thingy down the street.

Edited January 1, 2011 by Lotus

[fatesdisastr]

It's part of the only color in the photo, the rest being greys and whites. I see that as a good thing. So, by itself, it might look like a suburban hospital, a strip center on steroids or maybe a Tuscan garage-mahal. But as part of the overall scraperscape, it both attracts and rests the eye. It also harmonizes with the other earth tones of the new apartments by the park and the domed courthouse thingy down the street.

I don't share that perspective. It attracts the wrong attention and is an eye sore...It's the biggest let down of the year...or of the decade? is that too strong to say? Wish they'd implode this thing already lol

[Houston19514]

I don't share that perspective. It attracts the wrong attention and is an eye sore...It's the biggest let down of the year...or of the decade? is that too strong to say? Wish they'd implode this thing already lol

Oh for Gawd's sake people. It's a frickin' Embassy Suites. Get over it already.

[Highway6]

It's a frickin' Embassy Suites. Get over it already.

+10 if I could, man

[Subdude]

Oh for Gawd's sake people. It's a frickin' Embassy Suites. Get over it already.

Which justifies being an eyesore?

[TheNiche]

Which justifies being an eyesore?

Not every member of our society is a unique little snowflake. Nor is every member of our society magnificent. The same is true of that society's structures. Ho hum. I find myself puzzled that so many unremarkable people have so great a measure of expectations for every minor building.

[totheskies]

After doing a couple of image searches, I propose this... Embassy Suites is a f-u-g-l-y hotel chain. I challenge persons on this forum to post an overly aesthetically pleasing Embassy Suites that is more than 10 stories tall. Do some searches!!

[KinkaidAlum]

Oh for Gawd's sake people. It's a frickin' Embassy Suites. Get over it already.

... in a very visible spot adjacent to a a multi-million dollar public/private park. I'd have no complaints about the E.S. Hotel if it were located just 3 blocks away. This block called for something better.

[barracuda]

After doing a couple of image searches, I propose this... Embassy Suites is a f-u-g-l-y hotel chain. I challenge persons on this forum to post an overly aesthetically pleasing Embassy Suites that is more than 10 stories tall. Do some searches!!

I've stayed at a few ES's over the years, and they are basically designed as large, inverted motels, with rooms or balconies opening to a big atrium. At the base of the atrium, they typically install artificial waterways and plastic plants for some kind of strange, tacky ambiance. One of their hotels in Dallas even keeps geese in their artificial indoor pond. It's very odd. Anyway, I think the designers of Embassy Suites take their queue from old indoor shopping malls, and since everything is self-contained indoors, they aren't much concerned with the building's external appearance.

[Mister X]

There are so many worse buildings in the world. I'm with Hou19541 - Get over it already.

In that photo recently posted of East Downtown, one can barely even notice ES. You would need to draw a circle around it for people to even know what building you are talking about. This building makes no impact on the skyline whatsoever.

And get real people, ES isn't nearly as bad as the people on this thread say it is. If I could remove any buildings in DT Houston that I wanted to with a blink of an eye . ES wouldn't even make my top 10 list.

Of coarse you have every right to hate this building or any building. However, always remember this: people like to complain about things in order to make themselves sound like they know more than they really do. There sure are a lot of those types at this website.

Does that location deserve something better? Absolutely. But it could have been SO much worse. ES could have built something higher or something that made a much bigger impact. Since you can't change anything, you should start thanking your lucky stars that Houston and Disco Green might have actually dodged a bullet. If the economy was better, they might have built something that would have scarred the Houston skyline forever.

Edited January 4, 2011 by Mister X

[editor]

It's too bad that the mayor of Houston doesn't have veto powers over skyscraper design. I know of one city where anything over 14 stories needs to meet with the mayor's asthetic approval to be built. At least then we'd have a name to hold responsible, and not some faceless company.

[KinkaidAlum]

I live here. I could care less what the Embassy Suites looks like in Chamber of Commerce skyline shots. However, I do give a damn about it's street presence. It directly fronts one of the best public/private investments ever undertaken in this city but actually turns its back on the park.

The worst part of it all is that tax money was used to help build it. I think we've matured enough as a city to demand some sort of design review board for projects that seek tax dollars in order to get off the ground. The developer did things on the cheap to help HIS bottom line at the expense of the public. Quite frankly, there should be more anger about that fact; not less.

[TheNiche]

It directly fronts one of the best public/private blah blah blah

No it doesn't.

[photolitherland]

Yeah, the block this crap is on is only half owned by ES, we could see some more development on that block in the future that could cover up Embassy Suites from DG. It would have to be a curved building and a pretty slim one, but it could easily be done.

[LTAWACS]

It's too bad that the mayor of Houston doesn't have veto powers over skyscraper design. I know of one city where anything over 14 stories needs to meet with the mayor's asthetic approval to be built. At least then we'd have a name to hold responsible, and not some faceless company.

Interesting. What city is this?

[DrLan34]

Interesting. What city is this?

lights are on at the top of the building but the E's aren't on there yet

[roadrunner]

Is this on track to be ready for the Final Four?

Can anyone tell just from looking at it?

[asubrt]

Is this on track to be ready for the Final Four?

Can anyone tell just from looking at it?

It's supposed to open March 11, so if that holds, then yes. Also I was listening to a Rockets game on the radio the other night and they had commercials for the hotel, apparently it's the "Official Downtown Hotel of the Houston Rockets".

[RedScare]

It's too bad that the mayor of Houston doesn't have veto powers over skyscraper design. I know of one city where anything over 14 stories needs to meet with the mayor's asthetic approval to be built. At least then we'd have a name to hold responsible, and not some faceless company.

I, for one, am extremely pleased that our city does not subscribe to such an authoritarian policy. Nothing promotes graft and bribery more than to vest subjective and absolute power in the hands of a single individual. This sounds exactly like something that mob controlled Chicago might do. I have no interest in living in a city run like Chicago.

[bachanon]

.........i'd still like a design committee for specific areas of town, like downtown, but nothing specifically authoritarian.