wernicke Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 It doesn't seem like two floors of underground parking will be enough for ES, but then again, they may dig out that entire block for parking and then the building would only occupy a portion.The rendering appears to show a multi-level attached garage, with pool on top next to the building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I agree, but I saw this buidling driving through San Antonio on Monday. There's more garage than building! The Baylor clinic building on Main and Dryden isn't much better. Maybe it looks slightly better but it's more parking than clinic space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Underground parking, wow, what a novel idea. I dont understand why in Houston whenever a new scraper is built they have to build a separate garage and make the street look ugly with it. In most other major cities, parking garages are built below the building or incorporated into the tower. Houston has way too many damn parking garages, especially on Main Street that are just a blight. Im glad they decided to build parking underground with this one but it will be a while then before we see it rise.In a word, cost. The cost of an underground parking space is several times greater than a freestanding parking garage. And for a particular amount of revenue-producing square footage, held constant, the alternative to a separate freestanding garage is that the total structure be taller to accommodate a podium of parking beneath the revenue-producing space. Taller structures require a more reinforced building and typically also that a greater amount of the gross square footage be devoted to elevator shafts and other common area elements of the building's core. Underground parking is often more forgivable for an upscale hotel, as compared to an office building or apartment building, because it is more convenient for valet services.The problem ought not be considered that a parking garage is separate, but that a parking garage creates blight at street level. Put some store-fronts along the sidewalks and the blight isn't so much of an issue. In fact, by removing a surface lot, the new parking garage could be celebrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 i am down with as many surface parking garages as possible... Houston needs to get rid of as many surface lots as possible... at least at this stage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 To be quite honest, Ive stopped paying attention to the Discovery Tower thread since its no longer interesting to me......the threads that are interesting to me are the ones with proposed buildings not yet finalized. Discovery Tower is under construction, so the thread will be boring until the building is in its finishing stages. And with the way the Embassy Suites thread is going, after groundbreaking, it will become boring to me too. I guess I might as well start a thread for the "Second Convention Center Hotle" to keep me occupied. LOL!Now you're talking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 In a word, cost. The cost of an underground parking space is several times greater than a freestanding parking garage. And for a particular amount of revenue-producing square footage, held constant, the alternative to a separate freestanding garage is that the total structure be taller to accommodate a podium of parking beneath the revenue-producing space. Taller structures require a more reinforced building and typically also that a greater amount of the gross square footage be devoted to elevator shafts and other common area elements of the building's core. Underground parking is often more forgivable for an upscale hotel, as compared to an office building or apartment building, because it is more convenient for valet services.The problem ought not be considered that a parking garage is separate, but that a parking garage creates blight at street level. Put some store-fronts along the sidewalks and the blight isn't so much of an issue. In fact, by removing a surface lot, the new parking garage could be celebrated.I like the parking garage by the library. Actually, like is probably too strong a word. It doesn't bother me as much because it has restaurants beneath it (Luthers if I remember correctly). We do need more like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totheskies Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 (edited) I like the parking garage by the library. Actually, like is probably too strong a word. It doesn't bother me as much because it has restaurants beneath it (Luthers if I remember correctly). We do need more like that.Much agreed. This is Houston afterall... we've finally grown out of our "every major CBD building has to be tunnel-connected with retail" phase, I'm hoping that we've acquiesed into the "every major CBD building has to have an ugly parking garage with street-level retail" phase. Considering the close proximity to GRB and Discovery Green, street-level retail in the garage seems to be a no-brainer. As long as we're talking garages though, I give the aesthetics prize to OPP. The parking garage takes up the entire block, and is a total function of the building. I wish Houston had more like this one. ^^^^Wait, I MAY give the aesthetics prize to OPP if and ONLY IF they open a good grocery store like they are supposed to!! Edited May 29, 2009 by totheskies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 i drove past the ES site tonight and didnt see anything resembling a building was planned. there were cars parked all over the lot. no fences blocking it off or anything. unless i was looking at the wrong lot, which i doubt.i guess they havent done anything yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photolitherland Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 WTF, they said construction was supposed to start by last friday. Hmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 WTF, they said construction was supposed to start by last friday. HmmmHere we go again! 6 Houston Center... HERE WE COME!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Houston, we have yet another problem....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Houston, we have yet another problem....! Bank robbers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Convenient Store robbers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 (edited) Nice. Are there any c-stores in this thing? Edited June 2, 2009 by LTAWACS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 They didn't say construction had started, but that they had a "ground breaking". All that means is some semi-important people got to dig around in a makeshift sandbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Owl Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 From my office window (in One Houston Center), I look down at the site. Right now there are two guys there measuring the lot - not surveying, it looks like they have a long string or some kind of measuring tape. There's also a taco truck there, probably for the workers finishing up One Park Place. I might go grab one for lunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Thanks. Keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 They didn't say construction had started, but that they had a "ground breaking". All that means is some semi-important people got to dig around in a makeshift sandbox.Actually, two articles (one from HBJ & the other from the chron) said, at least in the poorly written titles, that construction had begun.Groundbreaking never qualifies, especially if the concrete from the lot you're going to build on has yet to be broken up and is still covering the actual "ground". They didn't even get that far with 6HC, where they only had a social hour and a building announcement.FWIW, I saw they started installing more fencing around the perimiter of the site today. Specifically, starting around the part where Harvey workers had been parking during the construction of OPP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 They finished up fencing off the lot today. Kinda interesting that as they were finishing up, other nearby lots were charging a premium price for the Graduation Ceremonies happening at Toyota Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 those pictures are good to see im ready for this to get underway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanra Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Whaahhh, The sky is falling. This project didn't break ground the exact day that was announced. Its dead just like I predicted. whhaaahhh... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I find your lack of faith, disturbing.I too am glad this is getting underway. It's about time. This will being the total number of downtown hotel rooms to what? 2000? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSky Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 Drove by yesterday, delivered diggers and bull dozers to the site along with dumpsters. It looks like the hotel is about to get kicked off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 There is a lot of involvement (public officials, etc.) on this project now for it to be dead. That doesn't mean things can't change of course. ChannelTwoNews - my only point was that most "groundbreakings" are mostly ceremonial. In this case, I'm optimistic this project gets going soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 There is a lot of involvement (public officials, etc.) on this project now for it to be dead. That doesn't mean things can't change of course. ChannelTwoNews - my only point was that most "groundbreakings" are mostly ceremonial. In this case, I'm optimistic this project gets going soon.I know, and we're in complete agreement. I was only pointing to ill-informed writers as being the only people who had actually leapt ahead and said actual construction had begun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) rolled by the site at about 11 last night after the stros game... lots of activity, buldozers buzzin and everything Edited June 11, 2009 by DrLan34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian0123 Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) rolled by the site at about 11 last night after the stros game... lots of activity, buldozers buzzin and everythingYeah, at 8pm they started tearing up the concrete. Goodbye surface parking lot! Edited June 11, 2009 by brian0123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 2. Who is the Builder?LinbeckAn announcement is listed in an AIA Houston brief from last month, skim down to the 2nd entry for May 4th.http://www.aiahouston.org/membersinnews.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyEvilTwin Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Yeah, at 8pm they started tearing up the concrete. Goodbye surface parking lot!The HAIF really ought to have a running countdown of CBD surface parking lots on its home page. Granted, the countdown has slowed considerably in the last year or so... And the raw number would probably be depressingly high. But it'd be neat. I wonder how many there really are? Could be some room for subjectivity in any count, I suppose (half-blocks, blocks connected to freeways, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 It would be cool to see a plot of Downtown parking lots vs. time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 myeviltwin,sounds like a good idea. i would say only full surface lots should count. who's going to begin documenting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I count 75, which includes lots with at least 50% parking space. So if you wanted, you could probably dwindle that down to 60 or so.We've got a long way to go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 (edited) I count 75, which includes lots with at least 50% parking space. So if you wanted, you could probably dwindle that down to 60 or so.We've got a long way to go... I counted 60 full block equivalents (by adding up all of the 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4 block surface lots. Yes, still a long way to go. But we've also come a VERY long way in a relatively short time: Toyota Center: 6 blocks Hilton Americas/GRB Expansion: 7-8 blocks Minute Maid Park: 8 blocks 5 Houston Center: 1 block Hess Tower: 1 3/4 blocks Houston Pavilions: 3 blocks New Sacred Heart Cathedral 1 block Christ Church Cath Expansion 1 block 1000 Main 1 block 1500 Louisiana 2 blocks Embassy Suites 1 block 717 Texas (fka Calpine Twr) 3/4 block Discovery Green 3 blocks Civil Court House 1 block Criminal Court House 1 block County Pkg garage 1 block Holiday Inn Express 1/2 block new fire station 1 block Metro HQ/Transit Ctr. 1 block New YMCA 1 block That comes to approximately 44 blocks in approximately 10 years (minus 1/4 block lost to surface parking by destruction of old hotel). So, net 43 1/4. At this pace, we'll be rid of all of our surface parking in another 15 years. Edited June 12, 2009 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Good list 19514.I am not sure if these were empty blocks, but you might be able to add the Holiday Inn Express, new fire station, the new YMCA, and the METRO Admin Tower and Transit Center to your list.Of course, we're lost a few buildings too though like the old Milam (or was it Penn?) Hotel near Minute Maid Park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Good list 19514.I am not sure if these were empty blocks, but you might be able to add the Holiday Inn Express, new fire station, the new YMCA, and the METRO Admin Tower and Transit Center to your list.Of course, we're lost a few buildings too though like the old Milam (or was it Penn?) Hotel near Minute Maid Park.Thank you. I was sure I was leaving a few out. I will edit. As to buildings lost, I think that hotel might be the entire list of buildings lost that have been replaced with surface parking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Thank you. I was sure I was leaving a few out. I will edit. As to buildings lost, I think that hotel might be the entire list of buildings lost that have been replaced with surface parking.haha man you guys hardcore, very impressed this has already gone down... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Thank you. I was sure I was leaving a few out. I will edit. As to buildings lost, I think that hotel might be the entire list of buildings lost that have been replaced with surface parking.There was a building over by Franklin and Chenevert that was bulldozed for parking about 3 years ago. It was either 1/4 or 1/2 of a block. Also, the old bus station at Texas and Austin was knocked down for parking about 8 years ago. I believe it was 1/2 a block. Wasn't there a motor bank knocked down in northwest downtown a few years back (not sure if a drive-through should even count)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Went by there today...Zero activity. What little bit of concrete they were breaking up is all they've done.Does anyone know why they would start then stop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Went by there today...Zero activity. What little bit of concrete they were breaking up is all they've done.Does anyone know why they would start then stop?Perhaps it got dark? I will see if I can drive by there later... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 (edited) Went by there today...Zero activity. What little bit of concrete they were breaking up is all they've done.Does anyone know why they would start then stop?Because they have yet to really even start, I'm guessing.Only Wednesday, around midday, did they begin to move the construction trailer onto the site. Looked like half of a double-wide, IIRC. So, I'd say they're still in the process of getting equipment to the lot. Edited June 13, 2009 by ChannelTwoNews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadrunner Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 I haven't been by the site in weeks. Is construction in full swing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pm91 Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 i was there two days ago and they had a green fence around it and dirt everywhere with equipment too. looks like they have only taken the old parking lot out and have the dirt so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSky Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I drove by it today and it is in full swing. It looks like they are working on the utilities right now, but it is happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photolitherland Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Very good news, someone needs to take some photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Very good news, someone needs to take some photos. Apologies, but all this has to be done via my iPhone. I would upload photos, but it is much easier to upload videos and then link to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photolitherland Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Cool, thanks for those videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Apologies, but all this has to be done via my iPhone. I would upload photos, but it is much easier to upload videos and then link to them. I predict that those become the two most viewed videos on youtube of all time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Apologies, but all this has to be done via my iPhone. I would upload photos, but it is much easier to upload videos and then link to them. the second one is awesome.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 the second one is awesome....That's the "action" shot ;-)I wanted to get closer in the first video, but the sidewalk was closed off, with a police office guarding it. I didn't really push the issue.I would love to be a regular contributor of downtown construction photos to haif. Now if I could just figure out how to get photos from my iphone to haif/internet, we'll be set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talbot Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Thanks for posting the videos, it will be cool to watch this progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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