Lowbrow Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 All aboard for intermodal transit centerBy Jennifer DawsonHouston Business JournalUpdated: 8:00 p.m. ET April 24, 2005Could Houston be a candidate for an uber transit center similar to Union Station in Los Angeles or Mockingbird Station in Dallas?Does Houston even need an intermodal transit center that would serve as a crossroads for light rail, Metro buses, Greyhound buses, taxis, Amtrak trains and shuttle services to the airports and cruise ships?That's what a consultant team has recently been hired to find out.The experts will report findings to a steering committee that will determine the feasibility of such a project, which could cost in the neighborhood of $100 million.The Houston Downtown Management District is taking the lead in an inter-governmental agency project to study the feasibility of an intermodal center, which is also referred to as a multimodal center. The 32-member steering committee that will analyze the resulting data is co-chaired by Mark Cover of Hines, Bill Franks of Spire Realty Group and Houston City Councilmember Adrian Garcia.The district received a dozen responses to a "request for qualifications" that was issued in January. Within days, a contract is expected to be finalized with the winning team of Minneapolis-based URS Corp., Houston-based Stainback Public/Private Real Estate and Houston-based Knudson & Associates.The consultants will gather information on potential locations, what types of transportation should be included, community concerns, environmental impact and what other cities are doing along these lines. They'll also address which government entity might ultimately operate the site and how the transit center would be funded.The consultants will present their findings to the steering committee by the end of the year."We've got a long way to go to analyze the work," says Bob Eury, executive director of the downtown district. ......See the rest of the Article HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 cool, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N Judah Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 Maybe they could shell the Astrodome and use the frame as the basic structure for this transit hub (leaving space for rail too). Then people could very easily come and go to events at Reliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 I'll beat this is the last we ever hear of this plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 Actually, this plan has been in the works at part of Metro Solutions. It being coordinated with the other participating agencies. It is not easy to build this kind of facility because all all the parties involved.The plan isn't just some proposal or dream idea anymore. It is currently in the works. The Greyhound station would be moved first and will probably be the only thing at the station. Amtrack may use the tracks currently there also. Metro buses and light rail would just need to connect to the station to complete it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 I'll beat this is the last we ever hear of this plan.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Good lord... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasboy Posted May 2, 2005 Share Posted May 2, 2005 http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7625809/By Jennifer Dawson Houston Business JournalUpdated: 8:00 p.m. ET April 24, 2005Could Houston be a candidate for an uber transit center similar to Union Station in Los Angeles or Mockingbird Station in Dallas? Does Houston even need an intermodal transit center that would serve as a crossroads for light rail, Metro buses, Greyhound buses, taxis, Amtrak trains and shuttle services to the airports and cruise ships? That's what a consultant team has recently been hired to find out. The experts will report findings to a steering committee that will determine the feasibility of such a project, which could cost in the neighborhood of $100 million. The Houston Downtown Management District is taking the lead in an inter-governmental agency project to study the feasibility of an intermodal center, which is also referred to as a multimodal center. The 32-member steering committee that will analyze the resulting data is co-chaired by Mark Cover of Hines, Bill Franks of Spire Realty Group and Houston City Councilmember Adrian Garcia. The district received a dozen responses to a "request for qualifications" that was issued in January. Within days, a contract is expected to be finalized with the winning team of Minneapolis-based URS Corp., Houston-based Stainback Public/Private Real Estate and Houston-based Knudson & Associates. The consultants will gather information on potential locations, what types of transportation should be included, community concerns, environmental impact and what other cities are doing along these lines. They'll also address which government entity might ultimately operate the site and how the transit center would be funded. The consultants will present their findings to the steering committee by the end of the year. "We've got a long way to go to analyze the work," says Bob Eury, executive director of the downtown district. On location The downtown district is spearheading the intermodal center study with several sponsoring entities: The Main Street Coalition, Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) and the Midtown Management District/Midtown Redevelopment Authority. A total of $430,000 has been raised to pay for the feasibility study, but officials say not all of that may be spent on the process. The Texas Department of Transportation is contributing $200,000 in grant money earmarked for intercity bus service; the Houston City Council voted this week to allocate $150,000 in federal funds that are designated for Main Street work; the downtown district is paying $40,000; Metro is throwing in $20,000; and the Midtown district and Main Street Coalition are each putting up $10,000. The consultants will help determine whether Houston needs one large intermodal transit center or whether the area might be better served by several smaller sites throughout the city. If a large intermodal center is considered, it could be located in or around downtown. However, the existing bus center located at Interstate 10 and the 610 Loop has been mentioned as another possible site. Other sites being batted around include the U.S. post office at 401 Franklin; the old Amtrak station west of the post office, and some sites east of downtown. Guy Hagstette, director of planning and development for the downtown district, says an intermodal center has been a part of several long-range planning studies. The most often mentioned possible site is north of downtown, where commuter rail lines are already located. (See related story on Page 12.) "That's a likely location," Hagstette says. "A number of people are assuming it will go there." If a second light rail line is approved, there's a chance it could also run north of downtown. "It probably makes the most sense to develop this facility in-synch with the light rail because the light rail will be a very important component," he says. Once a site is identified, a public meeting will be held in that area to get input from members of the community. Hagstette says it is not yet known how much land would be needed for the project. The development cost also has not been determined. If at the end of the study the steering committee determines an intermodal center is feasible for Houston, it will make such a recommendation to Metro. "It's a recommendation to Metro, not an endorsement by Metro," says Todd Mason, Metro's vice president for real estate. Metro will make the ultimate decision on what is built, he says, but the entity cannot consider any possible light rail locations until the second line gains federal approval. "It is so early in this game," Mason says. "We're pretty far ahead of ourselves. Right now we have one little rail line." Mason says if additional rail lines are not approved for construction, it is doubtful whether a full-blown intermodal center would be developed. "It would be greatly scaled back," he says. "It wouldn't be nearly the facility without the rail." Money matters As the consultants begin their work, they will likely look to the success of Mockingbird Station in Dallas. The 10-acre, pedestrian-friendly development adjoins the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Mockingbird Station. Commercial development includes more than 90 shops and restaurants, office space, parking, 216 loft apartments and an eight-screen Angelika Film Center and Cafe. Consultant John Stainback, Stainback's managing partner, says a transit-oriented development that typically includes housing and retail is funded in such a way that does not require voter approval. First a government entity must be selected as the site's operator. Stainback has identified 18 potential public partners in Houston, including the City of Houston, Harris County and Metro. Ideally, the intermodal center would be developed on government-owned land. A competitive bid process would select a private developer that would lease the land from the government entity. The lease income would be leveraged into revenue bonds to help cover development costs. In addition, Stainback says, property tax from the resulting development could be leveraged into tax increment financing-backed revenue bonds. Sales tax would also be generated from the project. "This is all in concept, but that's the general idea," says Stainback, who has used this structure to finance schools, city halls and public garages. "We do this all over the country. "Basically what you're doing is commercially developing under-utilized, government-owned real estate assets." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbaNerd Posted May 2, 2005 Share Posted May 2, 2005 Hmm..interesting. VERY interesting. I'm drooling... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmariar Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 There hasn't been much recent news regarding the Metro Intermodal Terminal proposed for just north of downtown, but Metro has hinted at the possibility that the facility might be "part of [a] larger development[] that include retail offices, residential, hotel rooms, and entertainment venues." (Metro's slideshow includes photos of Cleveland's Tower City Center, L.A.'s Union Station and Gateway Plaza, and Kansas City, MO's Science City at Union Station.)I know it's too early to know for sure, but does anyone think this development could become an entertainment, dining, and/or shopping destination independent of its transit function? If so, what kind of entertainment, dining, or shopping options might the project attract, either at the facility or adjacent to it? What kind would be most successful at that location? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I know it's too early to know for sure, but does anyone think this development could become an entertainment, dining, and/or shopping destination independent of its transit function? If so, what kind of entertainment, dining, or shopping options might the project attract, either at the facility or adjacent to it? What kind would be most successful at that location? a liquor store, a taco stand and a homeless shelter. it has been about 6 months since the last meeting i've attended about this project. back then, the way the employees were talking, this was not close to fruition. METRO was concentrating on the new rail lines. with the union pacific words last yr concerning inability to share their tracks for commuter rail, this may be pushed a little farther out timewise....you never know though. EDIT: whatever ends up there, the available space will most likely be expensive which may limit some possible merchants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmariar Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 a liquor store, a taco stand and a homeless shelter. Good food, some booze, and a place to crash for the night - sounds like a plan. I'm also guessing the available space might be expensive, given the proximity to downtown - but I could also see invenstors viewing the site as risky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Think of airport retail with a small hotel component. I envision about the same kinds of offerings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmariar Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 That seems logical to me. Businesses aimed at tapping the guaranteed foot traffic generated by the transit. Maybe there aren't any aspirations to do anything beyond that, and I'm reading too much into the pictures of developments in other cities and the slideshow with the pictures of large public food markets elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapturematt Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Dallas has a place like this called Mockingbird Station. It is a really nice place. Hopefully it will be something like that. Check out the Mockingbird Station Link HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapturematt Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 This also kind of reminds me of the Jacksonville Landing in Jax, FL. It is a pretty cool place, but they had a lot of turnaround with merchants, nightclubs, and restaurants. Here is the link: Jacksonville Landing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanith27 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Isn't the St Arnolds brew crew moving their facilities to this area? Not on the Intermodal grounds per se, but in that general area? The MKT/SP should hit close to there when its completed too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmariar Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Isn't the St Arnolds brew crew moving their facilities to this area? Not on the Intermodal grounds per se, but in that general area?I get their newsletters, but don't remember reading that. Something like that or a large farmers' market (like in the pictures on the site) would be much more what I'd think of as destination attractions - airport-like retail and mall-type entertainment (e.g., a movie theater) would be less interesting to me. It looks like it will be a big chunk of land very near downtown, and so I hope they make good use of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Brief notice recently released by METRO regarding three buildings to be demolished on the Terminal site.http://www.metrosolutions.org/posted/1068/...0509.253022.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 They started demo on the huge warehouse building yesterday. Today, it's completely gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Any updates on this? Their website says construction is supposed to start this spring... is it still on track? Intermodal Terminal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Any updates on this? Their website says construction is supposed to start this spring... is it still on track? Intermodal Terminal The large warehouse has been demolished and cleared. The slab still remains and is huge. I estimate that the slab of that old warehouse to be about 5 acres. Other than that, I don't see any activity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Completion of the Intermodal Terminal is moving just as quickly as construction of commuter rail; i.e. not very quickly. The light rail part will be built as part of the North Line project (the contract was just signed), but commuter rail is still being studied by HGAC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 So how are they going to handle N.Main? Some renderings show the tunnel staying intact with the LR trains going overhead, while others show N. Main veering to the west of the current tunnel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 The Main St loop to the west is the more recent plan:http://www.metrosolutions.org/go/doc/1068/200770/Page 3 of Appendix E1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Thanks James. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Completion of the Intermodal Terminal is moving just as quickly as construction of commuter rail; i.e. not very quickly. The light rail part will be built as part of the North Line project (the contract was just signed), but commuter rail is still being studied by HGAC.How could they build this intermodal station if they don't know what modes it will be servicing? I guess they leave empty room for future expansion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
713 To 214 Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 How could they build this intermodal station if they don't know what modes it will be servicing? I guess they leave empty room for future expansion.Hasn't that been METRO's M.O. for the last 15 years? . . . ."Build It Now. . .We'll Figure Out If It Actually Works Later!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Not to keep anybody's hopes up, but I don't think we've seen this rendering, and it looks pretty stinkin cool to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Wow that does look pretty awesome. Completely different than the last rendering I saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Wow that does look pretty awesome. Completely different than the last rendering I saw.I know, right? If we could have elevated rail like that all over town, I'd be down with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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