Lotus Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 .........i'd still like a design committee for specific areas of town, like downtown, but nothing specifically authoritarian. If not specifically authoritarian then suggestarian, perhaps? I think design committees belong in historic districts to protect and guide reuse of old structures, but not as a panel of taste experts imposing theirs on those who create professionally. Besides, Houston already resembles a city "designed by committee". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 lights are on at the top of the building but the E's aren't on there yetuh.... what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I'd argue that if a project seeks public funding, which the ES Hotel did, then it should have to go through a design review process. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 If not specifically authoritarian then suggestarian, perhaps? I think design committees belong in historic districts to protect and guide reuse of old structures, but not as a panel of taste experts imposing theirs on those who create professionally. Besides, Houston already resembles a city "designed by committee". I've lived places where the planning board has oversight of design, but effectively only to the extent to ensure that proposals aren't drastically out of scale or clash with existing neighborhoods. In the case of Embassy Suites, there would have to be a delegation to allow them to stop construction on the grounds of sheer ugliness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I've lived places where the planning board has oversight of design, but effectively only to the extent to ensure that proposals aren't drastically out of scale or clash with existing neighborhoods. In the case of Embassy Suites, there would have to be a delegation to allow them to stop construction on the grounds of sheer ugliness.It's not impossible. I recall one case in Mesa, AZ where the board delayed the permitting process for a month on the basis of that the color of the trim on a retail center needed to be a darker shade of red. I don't know if you've ever been to Mesa, but there's certainly not a neighborhood pattern entailing dark red accents. The decision was purely aesthetic on the face of it, although the thought had struck me that it might have been politically-motivated on some level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asubrt Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Opens today...http://blogs.chron.com/primeproperty/2011/02/downtown_hotel_opens_today.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 (edited) Opens today...http://blogs.chron.c...pens_today.htmlYippee! Lets all Jump for Joy! Edited February 21, 2011 by fatesdisastr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 (edited) Yippee! Lets all Jump for Joy!I do admit, the rooftop pool does seem kinda' nice. I bet it offers some kick ass views!Edit: contest/bets on who is going to be the first HAIFer to post a photo from the roof of downtown/DG? Edited February 21, 2011 by ricco67 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Opens today...http://blogs.chron.c...pens_today.htmlDoes this mean that we came move this from "Going Up!" into "Beaten to Death"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 How soon can we tear it down? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Sorry for the less than perfect image quality. I was at an amazing vantage point but it was getting dark AND foggy/hazy when I took this. The Embassy Suites looks so tiny sandwiched between Disco Tower and One Park Place. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totheskies Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 (edited) Embassy Suites Downtown is now open. I walked into it last night. The attendant said they opened last week. the little side area is still under construction though. Not sure what is going to be there. The interior was nice, but wholly unimpressive. It doesn't look like a "typical" Embassy Suites... no large open area in the middle, no spacious patios or anything like that. Edited March 2, 2011 by totheskies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 I think the space under construction might be a restaurant. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonfella Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 On the bright side, we've got another downtown hotel. Hopefully, the plans for a new hotel across 59 will happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 i hope so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 I heard on the radio that they've already paid to be "the official hotel of the Houston Rockets." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 If I where a Rocket... and even THAT would be shameful enough for me... I would publicly deny that due to the "poor architectural buff reviews..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 If I where a Rocket... and even THAT would be shameful enough for me... I would publicly deny that due to the "poor architectural buff reviews..."You may not be a rocket, but your deffinately on the moon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 You may not be a rocket, but your deffinately on the moon.k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 saw something interesting on the site... been out of town so i don't know if this is open, has a potential tenant lined up or what"The Embassy Suites Houston-Downtown is a 262 two-room all-suite urban high-rise hotel, overlooking Discovery Green Park and is adjacent to the Houston Rockets' Toyota Center. The hotel is also conveniently just steps away from the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park, the Houston Pavilions, Park Shops and within minutes of the 2nd largest theater district in the U.S..Embassy Suites Houston-Downtown is located in downtown Houston’s Central Business District and features: 100% Non-Smoking HotelLobby Atrium and Water FeaturesRoofscape Pool and Spa24 Hour Fitness Center by PreCor®FREE Cooked-to-order BreakfastNightly Manager’s ReceptionOn-site Valet ParkingCourtesy Shuttle to downtown destinations24 Hour Embassy BusinessLink Business Center with Quick Charge StationGift shop with fully stocked pantry itemsRestaurant/Bar on-site with street entry level In-Suite DiningDigital Concierge6,000 Sq feet of flexible function spaceOn-premise CateringFamily friendly activities/entertainment on weekendsDestination Management Concierge Services" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hrm... bet you livincinco's sanity that the bar will be called something along the lines of "O'toole's" or "Remmington's". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hrm... bet you livincinco's sanity that the bar will be called something along the lines of "O'toole's" or "Remmington's". I have no sanity left for you to bet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadrunner Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Wow so they put in a surface parking lot on the portion of the lot facing the park. What an awful development and a waste of a prime block. The lot is too small to build anything else. It is embarrassing (but not surprising) that the city decided to support this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Wow so they put in a surface parking lot on the portion of the lot facing the park. What an awful development and a waste of a prime block. The lot is too small to build anything else. It is embarrassing (but not surprising) that the city decided to support this. I thought we all concluded a long time ago that the adjacent pieces of land were owned by someone else and that something could be built there still? Does it not look realistic now? We need measurements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Ugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) This thread needs to sink to the pile of dead threads already. Tired if seeing it Edited March 31, 2011 by fatesdisastr 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I was wondering when we were going to tear this thing down. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arternative Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I was wondering when we were going to tear this thing down.You are talking about your HAIF account, right? You can't possibly be talking about new construction. That's just the way I interpret things sometimes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 You are talking about your HAIF account, right? You can't possibly be talking about new construction. That's just the way I interpret things sometimes.Gary? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Gary?No, just another one of your fans I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Can we add average words/post to user profiles as a site enhancement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 No, just another one of your fans I suppose. I KNEW IT! Anyway... Despite my objections this thing does contribute to the overall feel of DT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Can we add average words/post to user profiles as a site enhancement? I generally don't have much to say here anymore. Just browse a little. I KNEW IT! Anyway... Despite my objections this thing does contribute to the overall feel of DT. Knew what? It wasn't me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I generally don't have much to say here anymore. Just browse a little.That comment wasn't directed at you. I've got no problem with your posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 That comment wasn't directed at you. I've got no problem with your posts.You better not... We're both Cinco boys, Lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asubrt Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Is it just me, or are there supposed to be stylized E's for Embassy Suites where the white rectangles are on the crown? I always thought they were going there, but I couldn't really find anything that showed that while quickly browsing the thread. Maybe I just made it up based on the original rendering, but I am always expecting them to be there whenever I go downtown. It looks strange the way it is now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Is it just me, or are there supposed to be stylized E's for Embassy Suites where the white rectangles are on the crown? I always thought they were going there, but I couldn't really find anything that showed that while quickly browsing the thread. Maybe I just made it up based on the original rendering, but I am always expecting them to be there whenever I go downtown. It looks strange the way it is now.The whole building looks strange and out of place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 The building looks like it should be in the suburbs, not on a beautiful park downtown. At least there is hope for the other side of the lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I think they should put some kind of mural on the side of that disgusting building. Perhaps like... a sasquatch. Or some dolphins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I think they should put some kind of mural on the side of that disgusting building. Perhaps like... a sasquatch. Or some dolphins.I think a good "green" mural would be nice, similar to rainbow tower in hawaii. Something that would compliment the discovery green mentality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfastx Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 IIRC when the building first topped out they had an illuminated 'E' at the top. I wonder what happened to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 The letter "E" got embarrassed and went back home to Sesame Street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I think a good "green" mural would be nice, similar to rainbow tower in hawaii. Something that would compliment the discovery green mentality.A green sasquatch then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 A green sasquatch then?I'd take the kukui, nessie, chupacabra, sasquatch, and unicorn mural over that ugly wall any day. I think a green sasquatch would just remind me of the ho ho ho...green giant. haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 The new Embassy Suites Downtown has made an effort to stick to the eco-friendly example set by its neighbor, Discovery Green. Now the commitment to going green will extend to the hotel restaurant. CultureMap has learned that Embassy Suites is in serious discussions on opening a new Ruggles Green as a street-level lunch and dinner restaurant inside the hotel. New Embassy Suites plans to keep it green — Ruggles Green — downtown 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wernicke Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 And, of course, they forgot to promote that the Ruggles Green will have fantastic, up close views of... an electrical substation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 And, of course, they forgot to promote that the Ruggles Green will have fantastic, up close views of... an electrical substation.lol yea i wish they could somehow move that thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 They should hide it with vines, well along the fence anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 The front and west side of this building has really grown on me. I'm not in love with it, but I think it looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 This seems like confirmation the something will/can go next to Embassy Suites! (it's from the GRBCC master plan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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