Ion District In Midtown

[houstontexasjack]

Norcity signage photos:

[Luminare]

"Solar-powered Food Park" haha. Okay I've heard it all now.

[houstontexasjack]

1 hour ago, Luminare said:

"Solar-powered Food Park" haha. Okay I've heard it all now.

We used to call that a “farm.”

[hindesky]

I'm guessing solar powered storage batteries to be used during night time operations.

[phillip_white]

1 hour ago, hindesky said:

I'm guessing solar powered storage batteries to be used during night time operations.

Most food trucks run generators for electricity, so ideally the solar panels and batteries would be sufficient for a majority of their daily power consumption. 

[BigFootsSocks]

15 hours ago, phillip_white said:

Most food trucks run generators for electricity, so ideally the solar panels and batteries would be sufficient for a majority of their daily power consumption. 

Exactly, it's a cool idea and kind of captures the spirit of what the Ion District is supposed to be; innovation.

[IntheKnowHouston]

Thanks @houstontexasjack!  I appreciate your efforts. 

[toxtethogrady]

"A greener way to power your plate". Got to leave it to the creative minds in the advertising biz to come up with that...😆

[hindesky]

[TrainTrak]

hmmm, first i think, that's nice.  the generators at food trucks are so noisy.  seems like a great idea provide solar power so that spending time at this food park will be more pleasant.  but then i stop and wonder--they're going to build out all of this solar and battery infrastructure.  wouldn't it make more sense to just supply power from the electric grid.  would require far less of an upfront investment.  you could source 100% of the electricity from renewable sources.  i would argue that not buying the new panels and batteries makes it a more environmentally mindful option.  maybe use some of the money you save to feed the homeless population in this area.  but a power line it doesn't "look" like the more environmentally mindful option...

 

...i don't know that i would call this innovation.

[Andrew Ewert]

As someone who works at Ion, the only part about this sucks and appears to have no planned solution - walking from the parking garage to Ion in the rain. It's a problem with the current temp lot, and the garage will be even a block farther away. It also sucks having to cross a busy Fannin twice a day at rush hour. I get there will be a whole campus this garage is servicing, but having it so inconveniently located to your flagship building is kind of a bummer.

Ah well, at least now that things are starting to cool down a bit I can go back to biking.

[X.R.]

5 hours ago, Andrew Ewert said:

As someone who works at Ion, the only part about this sucks and appears to have no planned solution - walking from the parking garage to Ion in the rain. It's a problem with the current temp lot, and the garage will be even a block farther away. It also sucks having to cross a busy Fannin twice a day at rush hour. I get there will be a whole campus this garage is servicing, but having it so inconveniently located to your flagship building is kind of a bummer.

Ah well, at least now that things are starting to cool down a bit I can go back to biking.

At some point I wouldn't be surprised to see them put in a HAWK pedestrian crossing somewhere. Or add a light for the street between the apartment and the garage. The light is a little problematic because its so close to the light by Wheeler. Fanin, as much as I love it for letting me gun it down the street (its my street of choice for leaving Midtown/DT), has a speed problem that I'm sure the Ion group will eventually look to fixing, which should help you when you leave the garage and walk. Can't have high end cars leaving that garage during a special event just to get smashed by an Altima going 55.

[004n063]

8 hours ago, X.R. said:

At some point I wouldn't be surprised to see them put in a HAWK pedestrian crossing somewhere. Or add a light for the street between the apartment and the garage. The light is a little problematic because its so close to the light by Wheeler. Fanin, as much as I love it for letting me gun it down the street (its my street of choice for leaving Midtown/DT), has a speed problem that I'm sure the Ion group will eventually look to fixing, which should help you when you leave the garage and walk. Can't have high end cars leaving that garage during a special event just to get smashed by an Altima going 55.

I'm sorry, but are you suggesting that highway-style "street" designs are incompatible with dense urban districts??? How dare you. 

[Texasota]

I'm always a fan of high-end cars getting smashed, but pedestrian safety needs to be a priority here. Midtown as a whole would benefit from a light or stop signs at *every* intersection. Nearly every intersection downtown is signalized, and it really helps a lot despite massively wide streets.

[Andrew Ewert]

16 hours ago, X.R. said:

At some point I wouldn't be surprised to see them put in a HAWK pedestrian crossing somewhere.

There already is one shortly before Wheeler. It's what I currently have to use. As a pedestrian I can tell you it does very little to inspire confidence. HAWK signals are pretty horrible from an information design perspective. Most drivers are only sort of tangentially aware of what they're really supposed to do with them and I've watched people speed through them countless times.

The placement of that HAWK also causes a bunch of problems as it often conflicts with traffic backed up at the Wheeler light, and together with the fact that parking is allowed on Fannin, turns that whole area into a visibility nightmare.

Edited September 7, 2022 by Andrew Ewert

[Sanjorade]

There should be a small tunnel system here. The Ion already has an underground floor or two. Might as well continue the trend with future developments.

Edited September 7, 2022 by Sanjorade

[X.R.]

1 hour ago, Andrew Ewert said:

There already is one shortly before Wheeler. It's what I currently have to use. As a pedestrian I can tell you it does very little to inspire confidence. HAWK signals are pretty horrible from an information design perspective. Most drivers are only sort of tangentially aware of what they're really supposed to do with them and I've watched people speed through them countless times.

The placement of that HAWK also causes a bunch of problems as it often conflicts with traffic backed up at the Wheeler light, and together with the fact that parking is allowed on Fannin, turns that whole area into a visibility nightmare.

I knew something was there, didn't know that was a hawk signal. I don't think its ever been activated while I've taken Fanin (usually late, late afternoons or weekends). Probably should be a light if I'm being honest, given the speed people pick up on Fanin. The HAWK by the museums have people complaining on reddit/twitter all the time about people not stopping and that's in an area where people do actually walk so cars at least know there are pedestrians in the area. Can't imagine a HAWK on Fanin would actually work.

The museums have a tunnel, thats a cool idea @Sanjorade. Or the street could lose a lane, which, given how much money the Ion is spending and the business it'll generate for the city I'm sure if suggested would happen. 

[phillip_white]

5 minutes ago, X.R. said:

I knew something was there, didn't know that was a hawk signal. I don't think its ever been activated while I've taken Fanin (usually late, late afternoons or weekends). Probably should be a light if I'm being honest, given the speed people pick up on Fanin. The HAWK by the museums have people complaining on reddit/twitter all the time about people not stopping and that's in an area where people do actually walk so cars at least know there are pedestrians in the area. Can't imagine a HAWK on Fanin would actually work.

The museums have a tunnel, thats a cool idea @Sanjorade. Or the street could lose a lane, which, given how much money the Ion is spending and the business it'll generate for the city I'm sure if suggested would happen. 

On 8/29/2022 at 5:43 PM, IntheKnowHouston said:

From the renderings it appears that all of blocks through the district will have protected parking lanes on both sides of the street, which would reduce driving lanes to two. Between this traffic-calming feature and increased pedestrian activity, through traffic should slow considerably. Changing the timing of the lights at Cleburne and Wheeler would help as well.

Please no more tunnels.

[Big E]

4 hours ago, phillip_white said:

Please no more tunnels.

This is the exact type of development that would actually benefit from tunnels. Its large, covers multiple blocks across very busy streets (that will remain busy even if traffic is slowed), and the buildings will probably already have basements, if Ion is any indication. You can still have street facing businesses for people coming off the street. The tunnels are mainly for those that work inside the buildings and commute to the development and park in the garage.

Edited September 7, 2022 by Big E

[004n063]

Definitely team no-tunnel here as well.

Actually, I'm fine with a tunnel, but only if it follows a pedestrian-oriented street redesign.

[phillip_white]

4 hours ago, Big E said:

This is the exact type of development that would actually benefit from tunnels. Its large, covers multiple blocks across very busy streets (that will remain busy even if traffic is slowed), and the buildings will probably already have basements, if Ion is any indication. You can still have street facing businesses for people coming off the street. The tunnels are mainly for those that work inside the buildings and commute to the development and park in the garage.

If that's the case, put the traffic in a tunnel. Seems like that would solve everything. 

[Big E]

2 hours ago, phillip_white said:

If that's the case, put the traffic in a tunnel. Seems like that would solve everything. 

Not sure how you will be able to sell the city on that expense, but you are sure welcome to give it the old college try!!

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 6/21/2022 at 11:53 AM, hindesky said:

Many more buildings.

https://iondistrict.com/#section-11

Same rendering but without the text. It's labeled as the Sears Civic Plaza in the image description. It's also labeled as Ion District Plaza on the Ion District website.

This is part of phase two of the Ion District, slated for delivery in 2023 and 2024.






 

Edited September 8, 2022 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

  

On 6/21/2022 at 12:14 PM, hindesky said:

Many, many more buildings.

https://iondistrict.com/files/Ion-District_Presentation-Deck_Compressed.pdf

Same rendering but without the text. 


Ion District facing north on Caroline St. The rendering depicts a portion of phase three. What's shown is a planned retail + office development slated for delivery in 2027.

The two buildings pictured to the left are situated at 4510 Main St (labeled as building J below) and the lot near Stuff'd (labeled as building I below). The greenspace is 4422 Main St.
 

• 4510 Main St is bounded by Travis St, Ruth St, and Rosewood St.
   
• 4422 Main St is bounded by Travis St, Rosewood St, and Richmond Ave.

Edited September 8, 2022 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 6/21/2022 at 12:14 PM, hindesky said:

Many, many more buildings.

https://iondistrict.com/files/Ion-District_Presentation-Deck_Compressed.pdf

 

Same rendering but without the text. 


Ion District Plaza / Ion Plaza facing east. It's part of phase two, slated for delivery 2023 and 2024.







 

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 8/23/2022 at 7:23 AM, IntheKnowHouston said:

A photo of Dock 45 in India is shown on the site as a design inspiration for the look Norcity is possibly aiming for.


 

In the Ion District retail brochure, there are building models for future phases, including Norcity. The model for Norcity appears to be a structure similar to the inspiration image shared in the above quoted post.

Norcity is the solar-powered food park / container hall coming to the Ion District. It's planned for the 51,924 sf lot at 4001 Main St. Norcity is planned for phase three. Estimated delivery for phase three is 2027.

This is the latest food hall concept from Company of Nomads / Nomads Hospitality (Conservatory, Bravery, and Railway Heights Market).

Edited September 8, 2022 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

In the most recent Ion District retail brochure (updated in July), there are building models for future phases. 


The Ion District is a 16-acre, multi-phase district. It will consist of 3-5 million square feet of retail, commercial office, multi-family residential and hospitality  to be built in partnership with best in class developers over the next 10 years. 
 

• Phase 1 (2021/2022) 
• Phase 2 (2023/2024) 
• Phase 3 (2027)
• Phase 4 (2030)

Phase 3 (2027) 
Phase 4 (2030) 

Edited September 8, 2022 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

Second Draught, craft beer bar opening soon at the Ion (4201 Main St Suite 130).


https://seconddraughthtx.com



This was shared last week by Second Draught on Instagram:

"Houston, we officially have a certificate of occupancy in hand!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-0XNnJ9cN/ 


 

[IntheKnowHouston]

Second Draught, a craft beer pub at the Ion, opens Monday. The address is 4201 Main St Suite 130.


More from an article published today by Houston Press:


"Come Monday, it'll be all right when the 2,000 square-foot taproom opens as a comfortable watering hole with 18 beer taps and two wines on draft. Guests order at the bar and then find a seat at one of the 66 indoor seats or a spot on the outdoor patio which faces the Ion Plaza."


Regarding food:

"There isn't a kitchen but owners Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer told the Press that there will be a digital system set up for guests to order food from soon-to-open fellow Ion tenants, Late August and Lymbar."


https://www.houstonpress.com/restaurants/cherry-block-debuts-at-stomping-grounds-north-italia-woodlands-soon-14031392

[hindesky]

Crew is doing work inside the old convenience store and dry cleaners building next to Stuff'd.

[clutchcity94]

21 minutes ago, hindesky said:

Crew is doing work inside the old convenience store and dry cleaners building next to Stuff'd.

Hallelujah! I almost got mugged at that gas station while filling up once. Do we know what it’ll be?

Edited September 12, 2022 by clutchcity94

[dbigtex56]

3 hours ago, clutchcity94 said:

Hallelujah! I almost got mugged at that gas station while filling up once. Do we know what it’ll be?

A brewpub called "Mugs". Sounds ominous....

 

[mattyt36]

2 hours ago, dbigtex56 said:

A brewpub called "Mugs". Sounds ominous....

 

"Mug" would be ominous.  As long as it's plural, it's OK.  You can't have just one after all!

Edited September 13, 2022 by mattyt36

[IntheKnowHouston]

Norcity recently created an Instagram page. Their bio reads:

"Building micro circular cities for a sustainable future."


Norcity is a forthcoming container hall planned for the 51,924 sf lot at 4001 Main St. It's part of the Ion District. 


https://www.instagram.com/norcity.io

[hindesky]

[hindesky]

[hindesky]

 

[dbigtex56]

As parking garages go, it's not bad. It shows imagination.
I've definitely seen worse.

 

[aachor]

On 9/8/2022 at 6:32 AM, IntheKnowHouston said:

In the most recent Ion District retail brochure (updated in July), there are building models for future phases. 


The Ion District is a 16-acre, multi-phase district. It will consist of 3-5 million square feet of retail, commercial office, multi-family residential and hospitality  to be built in partnership with best in class developers over the next 10 years. 
 

• Phase 1 (2021/2022) 
• Phase 2 (2023/2024) 
• Phase 3 (2027)
• Phase 4 (2030)

Phase 3 (2027) 
Phase 4 (2030) 

Does anyone know how much of the phase 2 is funded yet? The massive garage they're working on certainly seems ambitious. But what are chances of this actually coming together on this timetable?

If this is more than just a paper project, I can see this spurring a lot more residential development in midtown, which is a happy thought.

Edited October 4, 2022 by aachor

[phillip_white]

10 hours ago, aachor said:

Does anyone know how much of the phase 2 is funded yet? The massive garage they're working on certainly seems ambitious. But what are chances of this actually coming together on this timetable?

If this is more than just a paper project, I can see this spurring a lot more residential development in midtown, which is a happy thought.

The developer, Rice Management Company, control's Rice University's $8B endowment. They're not wanting for funding.

[Brooklyn173]

My understanding is that the plan is to have most of the buildings privately developed under the project urban design guidelines. And last I saw of that, the guidelines are largely aimed at the sidewalk environment (the first 3 floors or so of the building). I don't believe that there are minimum or maximum height requirements (but I'm not sure about that).

And I'm very confident that the endowment will not be throwing around a lot more money for Ion. There has been a significant start up investment and the project will eventually have to start rewarding the University.

[hindesky]

[hindesky]

I wonder which lot is next to get built up using this storm water device?

[phillip_white]

Those are just to sift trash from going into the storm water drains, right? Eco food truck park seems like a solid guess.

[hindesky]

[BEES?!]

Is the breezeblock-looking cladding going to extend up the structure? I like the look of it

[Amlaham]

On 10/14/2022 at 3:20 PM, BEES?! said:

Is the breezeblock-looking cladding going to extend up the structure? I like the look of it

I think its for their green wall, it would be crazy if it was on the entire structure with plants growing from them 

[editor]

On 10/15/2022 at 8:10 PM, Amlaham said:

I think its for their green wall, it would be crazy if it was on the entire structure with plants growing from them 

I might forgive them for building a mammoth parking garage, if they did.

[hindesky]

I talked with a couple of the riggers working with the CoreSlab Structures pre-cast crew. One guy said he thinks the whole building would have the planter boxes but wasn't sure about the brick. They only have the one northwest corner left and should finish in 2 weeks. They said the heaviest pieces weigh 55,000 lbs. One guy said he prefers hanging steel and won't be moving on to their next job.

https://www.coreslab.com

 

[hindesky]