Ion District In Midtown

[IronTiger]

http://www.houstondeco.org/1930s/sears.html

I stand corrected... Rice University now owns the land. link/ web site was year 2014.

Cite 67 has a nice article on the building, as well. Says the original structure was built with a granite exterior, backed with concrete on the bottom floor, stucco exterior for the second floor.

That's the website where the rumor started (though with the new REIT Sears spun off recently, not 100% sure). I know for a fact that they also own(ed) the land that Fiesta sits on, newspaper archives mention that it was developed as a sort of supermarket component of Sears, with the main store getting an interior facelift during that time.

[DrLan34]

https://www.surgehomes.com/blog/surge-homes-develops-homes-near-new-midtown-park?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20999997&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--DtuBky1NfyJGmVCcaBjJsb5ruyFzIbs5Xl2T5dgjxmCFDSazwLhL3dHYv0-sSMKkLnWIAM6ourW-FCSeKxilFolk0rQ&_hsmi=20999997

 

For residents of 4001 Main Street—which will offer new condominiums priced from $139,000 to $809,000—Midtown Park is an 11-minute walk. Main Street residents will also have the option of taking the tramway, which passes right along Surge Homes’ Main Street community.

[UtterlyUrban]

https://www.surgehomes.com/blog/surge-homes-develops-homes-near-new-midtown-park?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20999997&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--DtuBky1NfyJGmVCcaBjJsb5ruyFzIbs5Xl2T5dgjxmCFDSazwLhL3dHYv0-sSMKkLnWIAM6ourW-FCSeKxilFolk0rQ&_hsmi=20999997

For residents of 4001 Main Street—which will offer new condominiums priced from $139,000 to $809,000—Midtown Park is an 11-minute walk. Main Street residents will also have the option of taking the tramway, which passes right along Surge Homes’ Main Street community.

That press release is dated July 9th and makes the statement that "construction is underway." Are there viable signs of that at the site?

[houstontexasjack]

I think this marks the first time I have ever heard of the light rail referred to as a 'tramway.' Not sure how I feel about it.

[BigFootsSocks]

I call it a tram all the time

[cloud713]

Glad I'm not the only one that found the term "tramway" odd..

[BigFootsSocks]

From my experience, our friends across the pond refer to light rail as "trams"

[j_cuevas713]

It's actually a pretty common term. People in L.A. use it all the time. 

[Luminare]

Our lightrail is used more like a tram.

 

Looking at this tracker link that I've posted before. Our lightrail is actually listed as a "tram".

 

http://tracker.geops.ch/?z=14&s=1&x=-8235743.4976&y=4971840.9526&l=transport

 

Trams are easy access rail lines that are right there on the street rather than elevated or segregated from the urban context. This is why it labels Dallas's lightrail as "lightrail" rather than a "tram" because its more divorced from the urban context (which works for dallas SO PLEASE LETS LEAVE DALLAS THERE AND NOT FLAME WAR) while our lightrail functions as a tram since its regulated by the streets.

[cloud713]

I always viewed a tram as the little caravan shuttles in the parking lots at places like Disney World..?

[BigFootsSocks]

Yeah a tram is what Lumi said, and like I said early, a lot of people I know (which is a useless tool for measuring a population, I'm aware of this) say "tram" rather than light rail or train.

[Triton]

Has construction started on this?

[Howard Huge]

Nada.

[Surge Homes]

@Triton, thanks for your interest in the site.  

 

Sorry for any confusion.  We stated that construction has begun on Midtown Park, not our site.  

 

Construction has begun for our site nearby, Parc at Midtown located at 2801 Crawford Street. This site was the preferred choice for our VIPs for Midtown. Our site on 4001 Main will be developed at a later date according to interest expressed by our VIPs and we will announce a construction date for it in the Spring of 2016. Our first phase of development currently underway includes Parc at Midtown, Upper Richton, and Museum BLVD.  

[Urbannizer]

 

@Triton, thanks for your interest in the site.  

 

Sorry for any confusion.  We stated that construction has begun on Midtown Park, not our site.  

 

Construction has begun for our site nearby, Parc at Midtown located at 2801 Crawford Street. This site was the preferred choice for our VIPs for Midtown. Our site on 4001 Main will be developed at a later date according to interest expressed by our VIPs and we will announce a construction date for it in the Spring of 2016. Our first phase of development currently underway includes Parc at Midtown, Upper Richton, and Museum BLVD.  

 

 

Is 103 N. Jackson still being planned? There's no longer any mention of this project on your site.

[astros148]

Sears is in a dump, with its earnings report in the dumpster and the announcement of closing more then 50 stores. This spot has no chance of surviving

[HoustonIsHome]

Glad to see people still cheerleading the loss of retail in a burgeoning neighborhood, that for now has an abundance of empty lots/ under used space.

[corbs315]

I agree, but midtown is such an anomaly.  Honestly, I've attended the church across the street for 30 years (I'm 30), and I have never set foot in that Sears.  And I now live in midtown.

 

I'm not sure what kind of retail could replace it and Fiesta or what kind of retail would want to.

[Texasota]

Why does anything need to replace Fiesta? Is Fiesta going somewhere?

[Moore713]

It not fancy, even though it has a nice section

[WestHamFan2]

Only go in about once a year, but it's like the Sears that time forgot.  Staff seem super friendly, but perhaps they're just surprised and glad you're there. It'd be great if they pulled off the outside sheet metal one day to see if it was worth saving.  My guess is that it probably is.

[astros148]

The building will be destroyed only a matter of time

[HoustonIsHome]

When I lived in the area I frequented Sears regularly. The Macys/Foley too.

Would gladly have those types of department stores over stores like H&M and Forever21. Having both clothing and general goods stores are nice, but I would go for the general goods.

A target would fit the bill. Northern Midtown or Southern Downtown would be perfect for a target. Especially if Sears closes and with Macys gone.

[mollusk]

I live halfway between the Garden Oaks and Main Street Sears stores.  Agreed that the Main Street store is better; unlike most Sears stores you don't have to hunt down an employee and beg for help.  

 

It's ironic that a store that started out with mail order is getting clobbered by Amazon and other current mail order equivalents.

[Houston19514]

Only go in about once a year, but it's like the Sears that time forgot.

 

Sadly, doesn't that describe pretty much all Sears stores?

[djrage]

wait a minute....

 

That Sears in Midtown is still OPEN ?!?

 

I thought it had been closed for years!

Surprise to me too because I thought I heard years ago it was closing. I thought it was. Wow how does it stay open. It can't possibly be the same old Sears it was say 20 years ago, with every floor and different departments still open, is it? 

[djrage]

http://www.houstondeco.org/1930s/sears.html

 

I stand corrected... Rice University now owns the land. link/ web site was year 2014. 

 

Cite 67 has a nice article on the building, as well. Says the original structure was built with a granite exterior, backed with concrete on the bottom floor, stucco exterior for the second floor.

Yes it was. There was another one almost identical to this one on Harrisburg between Wayside and Marcario Garcia. Used to go shopping there for school clothes with my parents a lot in the 70s and early 80s. I still remember that place and remember that design, including the red neon Sears sign. It was closed by 1983 and demolished not long after. Interestingly the strip center thats there now still has a long piece of the old granite at its base behind the building on the Wayside/Capital side of the building. I always thought that was cool that they did that.  You can see for yourself here: 

https://goo.gl/maps/JKbcGZDYpuF2

Edited February 22, 2016 by djrage

[Purpledevil]

Interesting. I had thought the strip center now residing there was the old Sears building repurposed along the lines of the old Katy Fwy @ Dairy Ashford K-Mart. I was always dragged to the North Shepherd store, for Mom's Sears shopping needs. She grew up on the East End on Adams. Absolutely despised the Harrisburg Sears, and she'd never say why. I remember the old building was quite grand as we'd pass it in route to visit my Aunt's on Ave Q & 103rd, down past Manchester, and assumed that the building had been altered to the current cheap looking strip it is now.

[IronTiger]

Just visited the Midtown Sears. Yes, all three floors are open. It's a bit dreary inside and the outside is sketchy but it seemed to be reasonably staffed and has customers on a Monday at 2.

[Dakota79]

Just visited the Midtown Sears. Yes, all three floors are open. It's a bit dreary inside and the outside is sketchy but it seemed to be reasonably staffed and has customers on a Monday at 2.

Can you get me some overalls next time you are there? (Kidding)

The only thing I ever bought there were tools for my dad for Christmas etc.

Edited March 1, 2016 by Dakota79

[trymahjong]

Funny you mention tools for your dad....... I frequent this store a lot just for that reason.....tools. The tool department is very well stocked and the sales associates seem to be knowledgable. It's a short drive from Montrose. Lots of my neighbors seem to go to Sears for same reason. When living in a one hundred year old house there is always something coming up for repairs or maintenance. If a craftsman tool breaks- you can take it back to Sears for replacement.

[mollusk]

Let's not forget appliances.  Lord only knows how many things I've had that say "Kenmore" on them.

[UtterlyUrban]

Tools and appliances....... Sears was my exclusive provider for decades. The last time I purchased an appliance at Sears (different State), the store looked miserable, the salesman was miserable, and the washing machine leaked on delivery.

Now, if I need an appliance, it's most likely Home Depot or Lowes.

If I need a tool it's either HD or Lowes or the quality suppliers on the Internet.

I hope Sears survives in mid-town. It fills a need for many. Unfortunately, I think that it's current corporate management team is not capable of returning the chain to even a pale ghost of what it once was.

[samagon]

Funny you mention tools for your dad....... I frequent this store a lot just for that reason.....tools. The tool department is very well stocked and the sales associates seem to be knowledgable. It's a short drive from Montrose. Lots of my neighbors seem to go to Sears for same reason. When living in a one hundred year old house there is always something coming up for repairs or maintenance. If a craftsman tool breaks- you can take it back to Sears for replacement.

 

this of course is only true if they remain in business 

 

I've got a full chest of craftsman tools, they've gotten me through a lot.

[plumber2]

I was inside this store yesterday. Needed a tie for a meeting. Even impulse bought some socks and t shirts. This store is perfectly located, easy to park, easy to get to, and easy to shop.

I can't even have imagine trying to go the Galleria in the middle of the day to buy a tie and get back to my office without killing someone.

Edited March 6, 2016 by plumber2

[UtterlyUrban]

I was inside this store yesterday. Needed a tie for a meeting. Even impulse bought some socks and t shirts. This store is perfectly located, easy to park, easy to get to, and easy to shop.

I can't have imagine trying to go the Galleria in the middle of the day to buy a tie and get back to my office with killing someone.

Is your office in mid-town?

Jos. A Banks serves the same purpose downtown (Park Shops), albeit likely a bit more expensive.

[plumber2]

Nah, my office is in the Medical Center. I like Jos. A Banks, and have been in another one a couple of times to get a suit and pants. I did not know they had a downtown store, but still, the mid town Sears is so much more convenient. You can park right at the front door, and I mean right in front of it (burglar bars and all).

[UtterlyUrban]

Nah, my office is in the Medical Center. I like Jos. A Banks, and have been in another one a couple of times to get a suit and pants. I did not know they had a downtown store, but still, the mid town Sears is so much more convenient. You can park right at the front door, and I mean right in front of it (burglar bars and all).

Absolutely true. Just an FYI for you though..... Jos A bank is in the Parkshops and you can park in the attached garage and then enter the mall. File that one away in case you need it (or its pouring rain outside!).

[terra002]

I never in a million years would have thought to go to sears for a tie though. Thought it was just tools and appliances. 

[htownproud]

The Wendy's just under the freeway across the street from the Sears is now closed and boarded up.  The spray paint on the new ply wood ads to that area's charm that the final four crowds will get to see on the light rail to the stadium.  

[samagon]

On 3/6/2016 at 10:05 AM, terra002 said:

I never in a million years would have thought to go to sears for a tie though. Thought it was just tools and appliances. 

unfortunately, this is why they haven't been doing well. they have a marketing department more horendous than my spelling.

[djrage]

On March 6, 2016 at 10:05 AM, terra002 said:

I never in a million years would have thought to go to sears for a tie though. Thought it was just tools and appliances. 

They used to be so much more. Used to do our Christmas, back to school and various other shopping at the old Harrisburg location, well there and Globe on Woodridge, but that's for another thread. Such great times

 

Edited March 15, 2016 by djrage

[j_cuevas713]

On 3/15/2016 at 9:10 AM, htownproud said:

The Wendy's just under the freeway across the street from the Sears is now closed and boarded up.  The spray paint on the new ply wood ads to that area's charm that the final four crowds will get to see on the light rail to the stadium.  

Thank God, that Wendy's was terrible. I hope that plot of land becomes something to add to the area. 

[UtterlyUrban]

I'm kinda surprised that a fast food place in that location didn't make it.

[cspwal]

It's difficult to get to from the freeway exits that are there, it's not super on the way for people going to/from the med center, it's not the nicest walk from Wheeler to that location, and remember a McDonald's that was at Richmond and Main closed too a while back

[j_cuevas713]

2 hours ago, cspwal said:

It's difficult to get to from the freeway exits that are there, it's not super on the way for people going to/from the med center, it's not the nicest walk from Wheeler to that location, and remember a McDonald's that was at Richmond and Main closed too a while back

The city needs to really do something about that area. It would be nice if they used the space under the freeway for a nice park. I also envision the Wheeler TC to be more exciting. Like why not build a large bus depot type building with the trains entering. I could see that station being a major interchange for transfers. Idk just my opinion. 

[cspwal]

A lot of that land is owned by Metro.  I agree that they should do something about it - though I suspect that some of the land is being banked for commuter rail station platforms and the University line station platforms.  However, right now it should be one of the busiest interchange terminals in the system and instead it feels like a place you want to leave asap.  It probably affects the ridership of the New Bus Network(tm)

[j_cuevas713]

Just now, cspwal said:

A lot of that land is owned by Metro.  I agree that they should do something about it - though I suspect that some of the land is being banked for commuter rail station platforms and the University line station platforms.  However, right now it should be one of the busiest interchange terminals in the system and instead it feels like a place you want to leave asap.  It probably affects the ridership of the New Bus Network(tm)

I mean honestly its not as bad as it seems. I take the 25 sometimes from there and there are a lot of families, etc, that enter and exit that station but yeah its a rough patch.

[Chi-Char-Hou-Dal]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/01/05/sears-kmart-stores-closing/96195504/

 

Damn - immediately looked and was disapointed the Midtown Sears didn't get the AXE

[cspwal]

If these locations are getting even less business than the Midtown Sears, I'm surprised they've been open this long