Hardy Yards Developments

[aarosurf]

http://www.jonescarter.com/projects/landdevelopment/HardyYards.html

 

Not sure how current this is.

[lockmat]

http://www.jonescarter.com/projects/landdevelopment/HardyYards.html

Not sure how current this is.

It's years old, but the rfp is only a few months old

http://www.civcastusa.com/projectdetails.aspx?projectID=4064

[lockmat]

Not sure if this is in preparation for the hardy yards development, but they are making capital improvements to the site.

http://www.houstontx.gov/ecodev/tirz/agendas/21agenda.pdf

[Luminare]

Honestly I hope what that post is, dies! If that is the plan....what a waste! This isn't an Upscale residential neighborhood!!!! This should be an area where you build mid-rises or attract retail/residential which targets middle income to lower middle income. You don't even need "class "A"" office space. Just build some nice medium sized buildings which can service a large variety of tenants. Is this the freakin twilight zone?? Was that a Cul-de-sac I saw on that plan!? Are these developers really this simple minded...

[lockmat]

Honestly I hope what that post is, dies! If that is the plan....what a waste! This isn't an Upscale residential neighborhood!!!! This should be an area where you build mid-rises or attract retail/residential which targets middle income to lower middle income. You don't even need "class "A"" office space. Just build some nice medium sized buildings which can service a large variety of tenants. Is this the freakin twilight zone?? Was that a Cul-de-sac I saw on that plan!? Are these developers really this simple minded...

 

I believe the cul de sac is because rail is there.

[phillip_white]

I really don't see this going anywhere as it is currently planned. The site is far from ideal for a posh urban enclave.

[DNAguy]

I'm still hoping for a large scale development w/ the HSR + bus + LR megastation and a white oak bayou promenade that extends to a new mix use development on the post office site and a buffalo bayou river walk.

 

One can dream right?

Edited July 29, 2014 by DNAguy

[toxtethogrady]

Honestly I hope what that post is, dies!

The cynic in me says we're looking at four apartment wraps and a few bike paths. The real estate is definitely valuable - close to Downtown, access to the light rail. In DC, it would already have been developed. Those derelict car dealerships along the North Freeway are getting redeveloped, so I can't imagine this site's being ignored.

[Triton]

I've been hearing rumors of traction on this property and it was confirmed again in the Swamplot comments of an article. I'll post more when I'm off work.. Nothing major but still traction nonetheless.

[Triton]

Well, I'm still at work but here is a Swamplot comment that sounds somewhat similar to what I've been told but I don't know the age of this claim. Is this still relevant info about Cypress? (I cannot quote from mobile) - - - "Cypress got hurricane relief funds to have mixed income units as part of their hardy yards development. They are shutting down the Hernandez Tunnel this month to have Burnet connect to North Main."

[lockmat]

I've been posting that they've been doing site improvements for a few months, so it wouldn't surprise me. Glad there is more evidence.

[Triton]

 

http://www.ccimtexas.com/images/website243/cypress_real_estate_advisors__brochure_low_res.pdf

[skooljunkie]

Last I heard: 350 unit building on the SE side of HY (half the units affordable CDBG-funded)

 

http://www.houstontx.gov/housing/publiclegal/Hardy_Yards_Residences.pdf

 

[Houston?]

 

http://www.ccimtexas.com/images/website243/cypress_real_estate_advisors__brochure_low_res.pdf

 

Chile, put it to rest. This is dead as a door knob.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Houston?

[BigFootsSocks]

Last I heard: 350 unit building on the SE side of HY (half the units affordable CDBG-funded)

http://www.houstontx.gov/housing/publiclegal/Hardy_Yards_Residences.pdf

Affordable? Hell yes I might be able to do this on my "poor college student" income!

[Triton]

Does anyone know how old that rendering is though?

Edit: it is a rendering that has not been posted here before.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Triton

[scarface]

I drove by the site the other day and noticed that elevators had been installed where the staircase is to the lightrail line. I was thinking that "something" may be coming, maybe not on the magnitude of the original hardy Rail Yard plan but something big is coming that they haven't really revealed to us.

[largeTEXAS]

N Main has already been closed in order to connect it to Burnett. Infrastructure work is being done now. Burnett is being widened and wide sidewalks added to both sides. Then, apparently, work will be done on the Yards

[Triton]

I drove by the site the other day and noticed that elevators had been installed where the staircase is to the lightrail line. I was thinking that "something" may be coming, maybe not on the magnitude of the original hardy Rail Yard plan but something big is coming that they haven't really revealed to us.

The elevators have been there for a long time. They started working on those 2 years ago (possibly three years?). I even have pictures posted on this forum in the north line metro rail thread of when they started... Definitely were not built recently for anything new planned. I believe we still had that metro station (modal? Sp?) for buses planned here when they began work on the elevators.

[Triton]

N Main has already been closed in order to connect it to Burnett. Infrastructure work is being done now. Burnett is being widened and wide sidewalks added to both sides. Then, apparently, work will be done on the Yards

As of when? I live right down the street on North Main and haven't noticed anything.

[Houston19514]

As of when? I live right down the street on North Main and haven't noticed anything.

 

According to the UH-D website, work was scheduled to begin yesterday (Sept. 2)

[scarface]

As of when? I live right down the street on North Main and haven't noticed anything.

 

I've driven by that site several times in the last year and 1/2 and don't recall seeing the glass elevators there. I remember the stairs being constructed but not the elevators. Not disputing what you're saying, I just don't remember seeing it.

[Naviguessor]

There have always been elevators there.  Required to be ADA compliant. 

[Triton]

According to the UH-D website, work was scheduled to begin yesterday (Sept. 2)

Okay, I'll drive by when I'm heading home and see if I see anything.

Scarface, yea no worries. I'll need to search the northline thread to see if I can find it. That will give the true date of when they started. I've even been in the elevators myself when the line opened late last year.

[Triton]

Okay, I'll drive by when I'm heading home and see if I see anything.

Scarface, yea no worries. I'll need to search the northline thread to see if I can find it. That will give the true date of when they started. I've even been in the elevators myself when the line opened late last year.

 

These are new trailers on the site. Check the satellite imagery on Google Earth. These certain were not here a few months ago. Something is going on with this property and it looks like the rumors I've heard may be closer to reality than I thought.

2014-09-03 18.32.43 by marclongoria, on Flickr

 

Road closed

2014-09-03 18.35.30 by marclongoria, on Flickr

 

Like you guys said, N Main is closed. Sounds like the closure just happened yesterday so I didn't realize it.

2014-09-03 18.31.39 by marclongoria, on Flickr

 

Here is when I took a good amount of photos of the transit station back in December: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/7525-the-metro-north-rail-line/?p=443711

 

But it looks like Ricco first spotted the roofs of the elevator shaft back in June 2013: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/7525-the-metro-north-rail-line/?p=424912

[largeTEXAS]

Thanks for posting those pics, Triton! What I keep hearing is that infrastructure work has started and will continue for a while. Once it's finished, the building will begin. That rendering appears to be old. The recent site plan I've seen has a small park at Fulton and Burnett and midrises along Burnett, high-rises to the south. 

[Houston19514]

 

These are new trailers on the site. Check the satellite imagery on Google Earth. These certain were not here a few months ago. Something is going on with this property and it looks like the rumors I've heard may be closer to reality than I thought.

 

Road closed

 

2014-09-03 18.35.30 by marclongoria, on Flickr

 

Like you guys said, N Main is closed. Sounds like the closure just happened yesterday so I didn't realize it.

 

2014-09-03 18.31.39 by marclongoria, on Flickr

 

Here is when I took a good amount of photos of the transit station back in December: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/7525-the-metro-north-rail-line/?p=443711

 

But it looks like Ricco first spotted the roofs of the elevator shaft back in June 2013: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/7525-the-metro-north-rail-line/?p=424912

 

I noticed those trailers and I believe a little construction equipment (like a backhoe) on the site last week when I was taking MetroRail to the Texans game.  Definitely new.

 

And, yes, the elevator has most certainly been there since the construction of the Burnett Station platform.  In fact, IIRC the elevator shaft was built well before the steps.

Edited September 4, 2014 by Houston19514

[Triton]

I noticed those trailers and I believe a little construction equipment (like a backhoe) on the site last week when I was taking MetroRail to the Texans game.  Definitely new.

 

Could this simply be for the City of Houston's infrastructure enhancements? Perhaps nothing for Hardy Yards directly? I don't know.

 

From the UH-D website in case anyone forgot why the tunnel is closed:

 

 

Next week, The City of Houston will begin road reconstruction work on N. Main St. at the Judge Alfred J. Hernandez Tunnel, between Naylor and Brooks. Work is scheduled to begin on September 2 and continue through April 2015, although this date could slide.

The project will improve access to Burnett Street from N. Main St.  In addition to reconstruction of the aging tunnel, the project will bring major water and wastewater infrastructure improvements to the area.

North and southbound lanes of N. Main St. at the tunnel will be closed to vehicular traffic. Attached is a detailed map showing the City-approved detours. This construction work will not impact access to Naylor Street. All UHD parking lots, including the faculty/staff garage located under the Shea Street Building, will remain open and accessible throughout the project.

 

"Major water and wastewater infrastructure" sounds like the city is bringing critical pipes to Hardy Yards for any development that may be coming.

[cloud713]

Is this a new rendering? It was posted 2 months ago..

http://www.edforh.com/district-h-projects/

[lockmat]

Im pretty sure that an old rendering

[Triton]

There are rumors of UH-D Housing floating around. 

[Triton]

Sorry to double post but on a somewhat unrelated note, LISC has issued a grant to perform an economic development study on this area along light rail for retail. A company called CDS is preforming the study. I've said enough. 

[Fortune]

I really hope not, that is one of the ugliest renderings I have ever seen. The buildings look so out dated.

[cloud713]

I really hope not, that is one of the ugliest renderings I have ever seen. The buildings look so out dated.

That's what I was thinking/hoping.. Lol

[Howard Huge]

I really hope not, that is one of the ugliest renderings I have ever seen. The buildings look so out dated.

Looks like the Federal Reserve building on Allen Parkway

[BigFootsSocks]

Sorry to double post but on a somewhat unrelated note, LISC has issued a grant to perform an economic development study on this area along light rail for retail. A company called CDS is preforming the study. I've said enough. 

Alright you know something, we know you know something, might as well spill it.

[Triton]

Alright you know something, we know you know something, might as well spill it.

 

I'll wait for some time to pass. There's also a multi-family complex with GRF planned along rail on Fulton close to a station.  Ok, enough for tonight!  Keep your eyes on the Northside... it's the next big target for developers.

[toxtethogrady]

Northside, er, Tampico Heights, was already in the crosshairs. This just happens to be a nice big expanse of cleared flat-as-a-pancake.

[xsatyr]

I actually like the name Tampico Heights and I was raised in Northside Village and still reside there.

Edited September 26, 2014 by xsatyr

[BigFootsSocks]

I'll wait for some time to pass. There's also a multi-family complex with GRF planned along rail on Fulton close to a station. Ok, enough for tonight! Keep your eyes on the Northside... it's the next big target for developers.

You are such a tease.

[xsatyr]

I'll wait for some time to pass. There's also a multi-family complex with GRF planned along rail on Fulton close to a station.  Ok, enough for tonight!  Keep your eyes on the Northside... it's the next big target for developers.

 

Is this by Moody Park? I know there are a couple projects across the street in their infancy/preconception stages there. There is also something going on behind the original Donerakis.

Edited September 26, 2014 by xsatyr

[toxtethogrady]

I actually like the name Tampico Heights and I was raised in Northside Village and still reside there.

 

Apparently other residents hate the name Tampico Heights; Houstonia magazine caught all kinds of grief when they used that name to describe it.

[xsatyr]

Apparently other residents hate the name Tampico Heights; Houstonia magazine caught all kinds of grief when they used that name to describe it.

 

I know a few who hate it and plenty who don't care. Some of the residents don't even know what the area is called. Many of them hate it because they are worried about being priced out of the neighborhood when gentrification hits. That's going to happen with or without a name change though. There is also some racial undertones in the conversations I have with my neighbors but I think that is normal.

 

Edit: I saw what you were referencing. Many of the complaints were talking about retaining the culture of the neighborhood. I am not buying that at all. Behind closed doors their main concern is their ability to stay in the area. That is just my observation from the conversations I had though.

Edited September 26, 2014 by xsatyr

[Luminare]

mediocre rendering from what I can analysis, but the core concept of pedestrian dominated plazas and buildings which enclose and help define that wide pedestrian space is the right direction as well as a main promenade from said plaza to the station with no car traffic interruptions is also a great direction. Due to the lack of a secure foothold of any defining architectural characteristics I would hope that whatever goes in this area is bold and isn't as conservative as this. Take that fake stucco and brick mortar and put it somewhere else. This could become a very interesting urban core is planned and developed right. With all those factors though I don't see any development happening here for quite some time. The land is just too big and I don't think people are in the right mindset yet to really take full advantage of the land that they got there.

[fernz]

Does anyone know who owns all that land?

[largeTEXAS]

Does anyone know who owns all that land?

 

Cypress http://www.cypress-advisors.com/ 

[citykid09]

mediocre rendering from what I can analysis, but the core concept of pedestrian dominated plazas and buildings which enclose and help define that wide pedestrian space is the right direction as well as a main promenade from said plaza to the station with no car traffic interruptions is also a great direction. Due to the lack of a secure foothold of any defining architectural characteristics I would hope that whatever goes in this area is bold and isn't as conservative as this. Take that fake stucco and brick mortar and put it somewhere else. This could become a very interesting urban core is planned and developed right. With all those factors though I don't see any development happening here for quite some time. The land is just too big and I don't think people are in the right mindset yet to really take full advantage of the land that they got there.

 

Exactly what I was thinking, dated design, good concept. If Houston wants light rail to be worth it, the stations should be surrounded by development that people want to explore and not suburban shopping centers with a sea of parking.

 

[Sparrow]

There are rumors of UH-D Housing floating around. 

 

While many seem to want office towers or mixed use or condos, wouldn't it be something if UHD was able to use the Hardy Yards to make an actual campus instead of being scattered about? Don't stop at just creating housing.

 

Any chance the Main Building can be repurposed as, oh I don't know, let's get crazy, a high speed rail station or anything like that? HSR folks finance some new buildings up at the Hardy Yards, and in doing so buy the well located building that already has a rail line running thru. Building a few more rail bridges over Travis and Milam wouldn't be difficult at all to create several platforms--assuming the building could be repurposed. It already has it's own light rail stop. Fairly decent highway access to 45, 59, and 10. Sure would have great potential for a transit terminal--especially if they plan on making a south canal touristy "riverwalk" a few decades from now. And what a great view to present of our city to arrivals.

 

It's a win-win for UHD and HSR.

[toxtethogrady]

Exactly what I was thinking, dated design, good concept. If Houston wants light rail to be worth it, the stations should be surrounded by development that people want to explore and not suburban shopping centers with a sea of parking.

 

Okay, suburban shopping centers WITHOUT a sea of parking. All I know is the developments around the DART stations all seem to be apartments on retail with a parking structure nearby, and they seem to be doing well.

[citykid09]

Okay, suburban shopping centers WITHOUT a sea of parking. All I know is the developments around the DART stations all seem to be apartments on retail with a parking structure nearby, and they seem to be doing well.

 

Sorry.

When I said parking, I meant to say parking lots. Parking structures are fine.