Highland Village Shopping Center At 4055 Westheimer Rd.

[gene]

eek

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1992/02/09/exporters-of-death/3810097b-cd11-45cf-b284-d72275a611af/

interesting example indeed 

[toxtethogrady]

6 hours ago, gene said:

eek

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1992/02/09/exporters-of-death/3810097b-cd11-45cf-b284-d72275a611af/

interesting example indeed 

Yeah, getting yourself written up by Jack Anderson is never a recommendation...

[j_cuevas713]

What are the chances Lulu Lemon pulls out? 

Edited December 1, 2022 by j_cuevas713

[Johnathanwise41]

Can anything be done to push for the work to get finished so the construction mess is cleaned up?

[Luminare]

51 minutes ago, Johnathanwise41 said:

Can anything be done to push for the work to get finished so the construction mess is cleaned up?

There is nothing any ordinary person can do to either move construction along or clean up the construction mess unless you are directly inconvenienced in some way (you are the owner of the property next door and their delays and messes are directly hindering your business operations). Other than that not a lot available to your average person. I suspect if you were to file a suit you might have it thrown out due to lack of standing alone. None of this is legal advice, and know that I'm not a lawyer.

On 11/30/2022 at 12:15 PM, Paco Jones said:

Until the liens are taken care of I wouldn't expect any work to continue.

 

BTW, Google the owner of Highland Village...

If there are still mechanic liens which still have yet to be resolved then @Johnathanwise41 there are a lot more problems on this job then whether you are personally inconvenienced. This could either be disagreements between the Owner and Contractor, Owner and Architect, Architect and Contractor or all three, or a concern over money. Who knows. There are so many reasons a job can stop out of nowhere.

[j_cuevas713]

Is this thing building ever going to start again? I just passed it last night on the bus. 

Edited March 9 by j_cuevas713

[EndUser]

Who tf knows.... right now it's just rotting away.

[astrohip]

I drive by it several times a week. Cobwebs at this point...

[Amlaham]

This stretch of Westheimer is getting minor upgrades! I'm not sure the exact details, but from what I've seen over the weekend, it looks like they're expanding the sidewalks and they've added medians! Really hope they install traffic light arm masts because the string of street lights is not cutting it.  

 

Also, side note, still no activity at the Lulu building 

Edited May 1 by Amlaham

[astrohip]

I drive this almost daily. What they've done is eliminate the center turn lane for the stretch from the Apple store (Drexel St) to the RR tracks. It now has a curbed median, and based on the extensive infrastructure they're putting in the medians, will probably have lighting and landscaping (ie, not just grass).

They've added dedicated left turn lanes in a few spots, to replace the loss of the center turn lane, for drivers on Westheimer. But there are no new traffic lights, which means trying to turn left onto Westheimer (from side streets & store parking lots) will be harder than ever. Before you could cross the near lanes, and enter the center turn lane, and sit there and wait for an opening. Now they've eliminated that possibility, and it's already causing problems for people trying to enter and go left on Westheimer from cross streets and parking lots. They would've been better off just not allowing that, and force people to use the traffic lights to cross.

And the abandoned store construction (Lululemon?) still sits... forsaken and deserted.

[SpaceGhost]

Update: Looks like a stoplight is being installed at Suffolk and Westheimer. Bases for light posts, and a raised platform for the signal box have been built. Starbucks is still vacant, and Lululemon has had a little bit of work done. Some of the exterior glass along the ground level was removed. The median is being prepped for landscaping.

[astrohip]

More traffic lights were inevitable once they removed the middle turn lane. Thanks for the update.

[EndUser]

I see they’re now TAKING DOWN the curtain wall on the end building… going backwards…

[SpaceGhost]

Glass has been completely removed.

 

Edited June 13 by SpaceGhost

[Luminare]

Interesting. Looking at photos posted here in May, it looks like they choose Butt Glazed Curtain Wall. This is when the Curtain wall is supporting the glass structurally from the inside and the glazing on the outside is married together with a kind of epoxy that binds both ends of the glazing. Its a much more expensive form of curtain wall than your typical standard curtain wall.

There are a number of reasons why they could be dismantling the system:

- During the process of installation, costs to erect the rest of the system would go over budget, and now they are in the process of subbing this system with a move cost-effective system.

- During the process of installation, it was notified to the architect that while part of the order arrived on time, the rest of the system still has a long lead time which would further delay the project, and in order to get the project on schedule it might have been decided between the Architect, Contractor, and Owner to sub the system for one which has less lead time.

- Upon installation of the system, the architect reviewed the system, found that either the system was installed not in accordance with the contract documents (construction documents) (this can be for any reason btw), and has ordered the system to be dismantled either to be reattached or find a system that matches better with the contract documents.

- Upon installation of the system, the structural engineer reviewing the system, found either structural deficiencies (bad connections, poor quality construction, or the construction was not in accordance with the contract documents, and has ordered the system to be dismantled.

- There are so many RFI's related to the erection of the system, or how the system is attached to the framing, that the architect has concluded that the contractor does not have the staff or experience to finish the system and has chosen to replace it with a system that is easier to construct.

- There are so many RFI's related to the depiction of the system or its details (either because there is a lack of details, not detailed correctly, or there was a failure in coordination between architecture and structure), that the architect has decided to replace it with a system that is easier to construct.

- Upon review of the system, or glazing, or structural connections via submittals, the architect has noticed that either the system itself, or the glazing, or the structural connections do not meet the requirements noted in the specifications, and has rejected the submittals (which in this case would have included shop drawings.)

- The owner on a whim (yes this does happen), after seeing the partially constructed system, has decided to unilaterally replace this system with another system to there liking. It could also be that even though everything is on the up and up construction wise its not just the owner who wants to replace this system on a whim, but also the architect wants to replace the system on a whim.

These are just a few of possibly many different reasons why this might be dismantled. While this is a pain to watch for everyone in this forum, including myself, take this as crash course in building construction, both what to do, and what not to do. With all this being said, I have no internal knowledge of what is going on. All of what I have said is an educational guess from inferring what I see in photographs, and from my professional experience. It could be all of these, other less common reasons, or none of the reasons.

Edited June 13 by Luminare

[gene]

yikes! but wow @Luminareyou are smart and stuff! 🙃...it is so crazy that it has been sitting there as a shell for so long...and you are probably right in one of your theories! I hope they can get back to creating something awesome instead of dismantling it! 😩

anyway, in exciting news, The Houston Post has reported that in the meantime they will cover all window openings with giant spider webs and make it a Spirit Halloween Superstore July through October...

🤪

Edited June 13 by gene

[EndUser]

It could also mean that, based on the amount of liens for non-payment on this project, that there is a new contractor who might not have access to the balance of the system, submittals, etc. and simply cannot use the existing system…

[Luminare]

5 hours ago, EndUser said:

It could also mean that, based on the amount of liens for non-payment on this project, that there is a new contractor who might not have access to the balance of the system, submittals, etc. and simply cannot use the existing system…

The first part is probably true, which I pointed out a while back. The second part is half right. At this point they probably have rebid the project and selected a new contractor, or if that hasn't happened then the current contractor / owner have renegotiated the existing contract. As for the last part, thats not what would take place. Often times that info is simply passed on to the next contractor, though I could be wrong in specific circumstances. It is true that if the project has been rebid then that means a bunch of sub-contractors, possibly manufacturers for products which will require a new round of submittals for most things anyway. Everything that has already been processed though should be backed up by the Architect, so it can crossed referenced if their are any questions. No doubt whatever is going on its a mess. Changing Contractors mid-project is always crazy and a mess.

[Ns1021]

Pure speculation but looking at it in the hundreds of times I’ve driven past it (and if you look at some of the old photos posted on this thread) it appeared to me it could’ve been a mess up in the designs / plans. The metal framing hanging on the side of the building that was installed to cover the mechanical (pipes / hvac etc) dropped from the ceiling appeared to go too low, in that it was visible / obstructing what I assume was intended to be floor to ceiling windows. Almost like the windows were too tall for the floor height and needed a smaller segment of windows above it for the section of drop ceiling / floor. 

[hindesky]

Architect - https://www.nr.works

[hindesky]

https://www.everythingbutwater.com

[hindesky]

[astrohip]

Not exactly Highland Village, but close...

Cyclone Anaya's is moving into the location formerly occupied by Frank's.

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/cyclone-anayas-mexican-kitchen-river-oaks-location/

I love the pic in the article, people milling around the front of it, strolling around the area. I guess they're going to relocate the 6 lanes of Westheimer that happen to be in front of this location.

[Houston19514]

3 minutes ago, astrohip said:

Not exactly Highland Village, but close...

Cyclone Anaya's is moving into the location formerly occupied by Frank's.

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/cyclone-anayas-mexican-kitchen-river-oaks-location/

I love the pic in the article, people milling around the front of it, strolling around the area. I guess they're going to relocate the 6 lanes of Westheimer that happen to be in front of this location.

Or 4 lanes of traffic plus a turn lane, but who’s cutting?  All of Westheimer inside the loop is slowly becoming more and more pedestrian-friendly.

[Amlaham]

54 minutes ago, Houston19514 said:

Or 4 lanes of traffic plus a turn lane, but who’s cutting?  All of Westheimer inside the loop is slowly becoming more and more pedestrian-friendly.

Westheimer from 610 to Highland Village, Wesleyan to Buffalo speedway, and Shepherd to Bagby  is whats left to reconstruct and make a continuous pedestrian friendly street. We're soo close, yet soo far 

[SpaceGhost]

Went back to get some photos up close of the building, and some of the infrastructure for the new traffic lights. I didn't intend to take these at night, but they all came out pretty good. The photo of the info screen in the middle is to show the progress on the median, would you believe, palm trees are going down the middle!

 

One of the things you might be able to make out in the first few photos was that water got into the building during its half constructed state. When the dew point was right those enormous windows would fog up on the inside, and the water would drip throughout the building.

[004n063]

On 6/16/2023 at 11:31 AM, SpaceGhost said:

Gonna throw out a possibly unpopular opinion, but here goes:

Non-native palm trees are dumb, and going out of your way to plant more shadeless trees is a telltale sign of landscape architects who have zero intention of using the space they're window-dressing.

[Amlaham]

34 minutes ago, 004n063 said:

Gonna throw out a possibly unpopular opinion, but here goes:

Non-native palm trees are dumb, and going out of your way to plant more shadeless trees is a telltale sign of landscape architects who have zero intention of using the space they're window-dressing.

I get what you're saying, but there are some palm trees that are actually native to Texas. You can actually see them growing out of nowhere on its own in Houston. I've seen them growing out of asphalt ground right next to a utility pole. I always see them sprouting from the grown in random places, even breaking through concrete/ asphalt coming from nowhere. 

Now in terms of how they look, I'm sure we can all appreciate how tropical palm trees look and feel. Some of the most famous picturesque streets in California and Florida are palm tree lined, same goes with other areas around the world. We legit have sooooooo much Oak trees, so I actually appreciate the change of scenery. 

[monarch]

2 hours ago, 004n063 said:

Gonna throw out a possibly unpopular opinion, but here goes:

Non-native palm trees are dumb, and going out of your way to plant more shadeless trees is a telltale sign of landscape architects who have zero intention of using the space they're window-dressing.

^^^ uhhmm , dude, i'm not at all sure of what is going on in your world, but after fighting the HEAVY/HORRIFIC/CHAOTIC traffic on lower westheimer... driving up to the BEAUTIFUL/STATELY/GRACEFUL/ELEGANT palm trees located at highland village... ALWAYS presents me with an instant calming effect.  i absolutely LOVE the way that they look... standing so very TALL/MAJESTIC/STATELY.  imo, they make the entire area around them seem so very posh and elegant.  heck, i wish we had even MORE OF THEM...

[004n063]

I mean, I'd have no problem with them if they were mixed in with actual shade trees.

But it's really not important to me. Happened to take the 82 for an errand yesterday, so I saw them and saw the post. But I never go there and the lack of shade there doesn't actually impact my life in any way whatsoever. Fancyland can do what it wants with its money.

And I can be as judgey as I want about it. 🤠

Edited June 17 by 004n063

[steve1363]

3 hours ago, 004n063 said:

Gonna throw out a possibly unpopular opinion, but here goes:

Non-native palm trees are dumb, and going out of your way to plant more shadeless trees is a telltale sign of landscape architects who have zero intention of using the space they're window-dressing.

Houston should only have palm trees on 45 South, none west of downtown.

[Twinsanity02]

4 hours ago, 004n063 said:

Gonna throw out a possibly unpopular opinion, but here goes:

Non-native palm trees are dumb, and going out of your way to plant more shadeless trees is a telltale sign of landscape architects who have zero intention of using the space they're window-dressing.

Good thing folks in Hawaii didn't take that attitude. Hawaii has only one native palm species.

There is no problem planting palms as long as done intelligently. There are many palms which can take our winter beside the Sabal minor: Pindo, European fan, Windmill, Lady palms, California Fan, several Sabal species as grown at Highland village. Look at all the palms in New Orleans and Pensacola. I think they give these places a certain tropical look. 

[Johnathanwise41]

How is the city allowing the owner of that shopping center to be a nuisance to all the people who drive through Lynn Park on Drexel and on Westheimer with the construction halting and using the city's sidewalk?

Further, the parking garage in that center looks hazardous.  Looks like it's about to fall.  How are they getting away with it?

[EndUser]

22 minutes ago, Johnathanwise41 said:

How is the city allowing the owner of that shopping center to be a nuisance to all the people who drive through Lynn Park on Drexel and on Westheimer with the construction halting and using the city's sidewalk?

a) because the City of Houston (in general) does not care about traffic nuisances, walkability, or inconveniences to its citizens... but maybe if the white folk make enough noise they will....

b) see item (a)

[j_cuevas713]

On 7/11/2023 at 3:10 PM, Johnathanwise41 said:

How is the city allowing the owner of that shopping center to be a nuisance to all the people who drive through Lynn Park on Drexel and on Westheimer with the construction halting and using the city's sidewalk?

Further, the parking garage in that center looks hazardous.  Looks like it's about to fall.  How are they getting away with it?

That parking garage is a waste. They could eliminate so much surface parking and meet minimums parking requirements. 

On 7/11/2023 at 3:36 PM, EndUser said:

a) because the City of Houston (in general) does not care about traffic nuisances, walkability, or inconveniences to its citizens... but maybe if the white folk make enough noise they will....

b) see item (a)

Partly because the city is just plain lazy. I joined Bike Houston to help clean up a section of bike path on Chartres St this weekend that took less than an hour. It makes you realize how much the city doesn't do. 

Edited July 17 by j_cuevas713

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 6/15/2023 at 10:29 AM, hindesky said:

A plan review was submitted a few days ago for clothing retailer Marine Layer. The clothing store is leasing a unit at Highland Village ( 4088 Westheimer Rd). The permit is for an one-stop demo non-load bearing wall, retail.

[asubrt]

Not sure if it’s actually any meaningful progress, but there is definitely work going on at the previously halted flagship Lulu Lemon construction site. There’s some new-ish bright red foam board insulation (I think that’s what it is anyway) on the Westheimer side, and multiple workers on site doing something on the upper levels 

[ChannelTwoNews]

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2023/08/11/boll-branch-first-texas-location-highland-village.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_27&cx_artPos=8#cxrecs_s

"Luxury bed linen retailer Boll & Branch has opened its first standalone store in Texas in Houston’s Highland Village.

Summit, New Jersey-based Boll & Branch leased an 1,868-square-foot space at 3930 Westheimer Road for its newest location. The store opened Aug. 5.

Names of the brokers who negotiated the lease and the companies that worked on the store's renovation were not immediately available.

Boll & Branch targeted Houston for the new store because Texas is one of the company's largest markets, alongside its home state of New Jersey, Audrey Miller, senior vice president of stores for Boll & Branch, said in an email."

[urbanize713]

On 8/3/2023 at 11:03 AM, asubrt said:

Not sure if it’s actually any meaningful progress, but there is definitely work going on at the previously halted flagship Lulu Lemon construction site. There’s some new-ish bright red foam board insulation (I think that’s what it is anyway) on the Westheimer side, and multiple workers on site doing something on the upper levels 

It appears this has hit another gear. A lot more glass than I remember and people working on a Saturday. 

[Highrise Tower]

Noticed this in the Uptown skyline picture I took this weekend.  Bright red indeed!

[hindesky]

Architect - http://architechdesign.net

Edited September 27 by hindesky

[Amlaham]

I love all the updates happening at Highland Village, it looks so refreshed and even more polished! I just reallyyyyy wish they would replace the wired street lights on Drexel and Weslayan with an actual arm mast. 

[Highrise Tower]

Oh my!!

What a beautiful building.

[SpaceGhost]

Update: Traffic lights are up at Suffolk and Westheimer but are not yet active. The median has been completed, and Christmas lights are up on all the palms. Work has started on the parking garage, mostly hanging tarps on the side.

[Amlaham]

11 hours ago, SpaceGhost said:

Update: Traffic lights are up at Suffolk and Westheimer but are not yet active. The median has been completed, and Christmas lights are up on all the palms. Work has started on the parking garage, mostly hanging tarps on the side.

I drove by to see Christmas lights with the family yesterday. Westheimer from Post Oak to Highland Village was decorated very beautifully! I really wish the Highland village aesthetic extended past Weslayan. Right at the Weslayan and Westheimer light, its like night & day.