More Coming To Midtown

[Trae]

9 hours ago, Mattie said:

No, they just built one on Bay Area in Clear Lake. Not sure if it’s open yet 

 

Also stores in Sugar Land and Alvin that have been open a few months now. There's one in Spring coming soon too.

[cloud713]

5 hours ago, X.R. said:

Krispy Kreme! Yes! Big Gulps! The best!

 

The Midtown/Museum District is where its at baby, we're coming up! Best surprise of the year on HAIF.

 

 

Don't forget the free slurpees on 7/11 day..

[wilcal]

On 1/7/2020 at 10:50 PM, clutchcity94 said:

Will this be the first 7-11 in Houston? 

 

On 1/8/2020 at 5:53 AM, Mattie said:

No, they just built one on Bay Area in Clear Lake. Not sure if it’s open yet 

 

There is one at Townsen/1960 in Humble that's a new build that has looked 48 hours away from opening for almost a month. I wonder if they'll open a la Kohl's with a bunch of locations at once. No 7/11 signage up, but that's basically the only thing that's missing. 

[dbigtex56]

On 12/12/2019 at 9:03 AM, phillip_white said:

This building has been vacant for at least 3-4 years, so a car dealership is better than nothing. Just a little concerning that they didn't spell their own name correctly on the CO permit.

 

 

 

The misspelling doesn't appear to have interfered with their opening. Delta Auto Alliance

[dbigtex56]

According to Yelp!, Advantage BMW service building (2101 San Jacinto) is closed.
Realtor signs have recently appeared, and a service bay entrance has been boarded up. 
Has anyone heard about a possible new tenant or redevelopment of this property?
 

[Moore713]

3 hours ago, dbigtex56 said:

According to Yelp!, Advantage BMW service building (2101 San Jacinto) is closed.
Realtor signs have recently appeared, and a service bay entrance has been boarded up. 
Has anyone heard about a possible new tenant or redevelopment of this property?
 

Ohh I really hope so.. this and the other one off main...it no offense against them just feel the area has evolved  past these places and could be put to better use...like restate 

[skwatra]

These homes off West Pierce and Stanford that were abandoned partially through constructions have been discussed on this forum several times. I used to live on this street and got this from my old neighbor:

https://www.change.org/p/mayor-sylvester-turner-keep-our-neighbors-safe-and-our-community-clean

 

 

[phillip_white]

18 hours ago, dbigtex56 said:

According to Yelp!, Advantage BMW service building (2101 San Jacinto) is closed.
Realtor signs have recently appeared, and a service bay entrance has been boarded up. 
Has anyone heard about a possible new tenant or redevelopment of this property?

 

I believe they closed for construction/remodeling. They recently applied for a setback variance so not sure if this a major change to the existing structure or if they are adding an additional one.

[_nataliepw]

TABC sign spotted at 3502 Chenevert St! 

[cspwal]

Hope they're going for a neighborhood bar feel - that's definitely off the beaten path

[midtowndweller]

The Pacesetters Personnel Services (PPS) has closed!!!! It’s all boarded up! Of course we knew this was part of the Rice Development but I’m just so happy to see it finally gone! That has been ground zero for the homeless in the area. Granted, now they are all congregating along the fence. Now all that’s left to be closed is that sketchy MetroPCS/Corner store.

[CaptainJilliams]

17 hours ago, midtowndweller said:

The Pacesetters Personnel Services (PPS) has closed!!!! It’s all boarded up! Of course we knew this was part of the Rice Development but I’m just so happy to see it finally gone! That has been ground zero for the homeless in the area. Granted, now they are all congregating along the fence. Now all that’s left to be closed is that sketchy MetroPCS/Corner store.

 

Do you know if that Jack-in-the-Box next door will be torn down as a part of the Rice plan? 

[midtowndweller]

2 hours ago, CaptainJilliams said:

 

Do you know if that Jack-in-the-Box next door will be torn down as a part of the Rice plan? 

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/17090-south-main-innovation-district-in-midtown-former-sears/?do=findComment&comment=608866

 

Yes, it looks like Rice will also develop this entire block.

[mattyt36]

Does anyone know what's going up at the site of the old Hefley's that burned down (138ish W Gray?).  It looks to be a 2-story steel frame structure.

[staresatmaps]

On 2/16/2021 at 10:02 AM, mattyt36 said:

Does anyone know what's going up at the site of the old Hefley's that burned down (138ish W Gray?).  It looks to be a 2-story steel frame structure.

I believe its going to be a bar and possibly mixed use with some offices and a penthouse for the man himself on the upper floors.

[phillip_white]

There is a TABC sign up in the window of the building where Next Level E-Sports was supposed to open up. Here are the details:

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that Eleven 11 Lounge Group, LLC D/B/A Eleven 11 Lounge has filed application for Mixed Beverage Permit, Mixed Beverage Late Hours Permit, Beverage Cartage Permit, Food and Beverage Certificate. Said business to be conducted at 2402 Austin Street, Houston (Harris County), Texas 77004. Eleven 11 Lounge Group, LLC D/B/A Eleven 11 Lounge David Gonzalez, Manager

There is also a business listing under that name/location on Google Maps.

Has anyone heard anything? Seems too big for a hookah lounge. Maybe a nightclub?

[X.R.]

1 hour ago, phillip_white said:

There is a TABC sign up in the window of the building where Next Level E-Sports was supposed to open up. Here are the details:

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that Eleven 11 Lounge Group, LLC D/B/A Eleven 11 Lounge has filed application for Mixed Beverage Permit, Mixed Beverage Late Hours Permit, Beverage Cartage Permit, Food and Beverage Certificate. Said business to be conducted at 2402 Austin Street, Houston (Harris County), Texas 77004. Eleven 11 Lounge Group, LLC D/B/A Eleven 11 Lounge David Gonzalez, Manager

There is also a business listing under that name/location on Google Maps.

Has anyone heard anything? Seems too big for a hookah lounge. Maybe a nightclub?

I mean, this place closed back in 2015/2016 and served dope seafood, seemed to do with inability to pay back rent. https://www.zagat.com/r/eleven-xi-restaurant-bar-houston

Man, Austin street will be blowing up if they get a nice restaurant and bar along with gypsy poet, which is already kind of a neighborhood fave.

 

[dbigtex56]

23 hours ago, X.R. said:

Man, Austin street will be blowing up if they get a nice restaurant and bar along with gypsy poet, which is already kind of a neighborhood fave.

Perhaps his trend may help revive the proposed bar and restaurant development that stalled out at 2403 Caroline, especially since the construction on Caroline St has mostly been completed.
With any luck the rebuilt street, sidewalks, and landscaping and appealing destinations will draw the people who live in the newly built apartments nearby to walk a few blocks.

[phillip_white]

23 hours ago, X.R. said:

I mean, this place closed back in 2015/2016 and served dope seafood, seemed to do with inability to pay back rent. https://www.zagat.com/r/eleven-xi-restaurant-bar-houston

Man, Austin street will be blowing up if they get a nice restaurant and bar along with gypsy poet, which is already kind of a neighborhood fave.

That would be nice, but a local publication should be buzzing about that by now. Agreed that this sliver of Austin/Caroline has the potential to make a destination area if the landowners get off their butts.

3 minutes ago, dbigtex56 said:

Perhaps his trend may help revive the proposed bar and restaurant development that stalled out at 2403 Caroline, especially since the construction on Caroline St has mostly been completed.
With any luck the rebuilt street, sidewalks, and landscaping and appealing destinations will draw the people who live in the newly built apartments nearby to walk a few blocks.

That development opportunity is long gone. I believe this is what is moving forward:

 

[dbigtex56]

11 minutes ago, phillip_white said:

That development opportunity is long gone. I believe this is what is moving forward:

I had the impression that the affordable housing was to be located at Caroline and McGowen, but not occupy all of the land that was previously earmarked for Midtown Commons.
If so, the existing building at 2403 Caroline would not be included (and could possibly become a bar, restaurant, or some combination).
Either way, I'm looking forward to any development that will breathe more life into these blocks.

[phillip_white]

48 minutes ago, dbigtex56 said:

I had the impression that the affordable housing was to be located at Caroline and McGowen, but not occupy all of the land that was previously earmarked for Midtown Commons.
If so, the existing building at 2403 Caroline would not be included (and could possibly become a bar, restaurant, or some combination).
Either way, I'm looking forward to any development that will breathe more life into these blocks.

The permits for Caroline Lofts mention Building 2, so I would guess they are developing in phases. All of the land along Caroline and a little lot on Austin are part of the same parcel. Not sure how it was sold (or maybe it's still under contract), but I would guess that it's all going together. The spot across the street where the used car lot is operating has bar/restaurant written all over it.

[phillip_white]

The former garage structure at Austin and McIlhenny is being converted into a two story club/lounge with outdoor seating. Work is underway with opening scheduled for June.

[dbigtex56]

21 hours ago, phillip_white said:

The former garage structure at Austin and McIlhenny is being converted into a two story club/lounge with outdoor seating. Work is underway with opening scheduled for June.

Is this the building adjacent to The Gypsy Poet?
There's going to be competition for parking if they're open the same hours as Space (formerly Rich's) - and it seems likely they will be. 

Edited April 21, 2021 by dbigtex56
added info

[phillip_white]

8 minutes ago, dbigtex56 said:

Is this the building adjacent to The Gypsy Poet?
There's going to be competition for parking if they're open the same hours as Space (formerly Rich's) - and it seems likely they will be. 

Correct on both accounts. And with the Caroline Lofts project scheduled for construction soon, this area will be quite the handful.

[hindesky]

Shiny, Slick Starck Room Channels Famous French Design In a Bar For “Discerning Guests”

 

The bar, set to debut in May, promises a “clean, sexy” environment inspired by (though not affiliated with) French industrial designer Philippe Starck

by Brittanie Shey@brittanieshey  Apr 26, 2021, 12:54pm CDT

 

 

An intimate new nightclub and event space inspired by a French architect and designer is set to make its official debut in Midtown in May.

The Starck Room has been quietly open for a few months at 2450 Louisiana St. Suite 100, in what was formerly Ibiza Lounge. The new venue is planning for a grand opening celebration sometime in early May, according to a press release.

Thought he’s not involved in the project, the Starck Room was inspired by French industrial designer Philippe Starck, best known for his Masters Chair, ghost chairs, and spider-like juicer. According to a statement, the team behind the Starck Room was specifically inspired by the architect’s Delano Beach Clubhotel in South Beach, the SLS Hotel in LA, and the Paramount Hotel in Manhattan. The unnamed industry veterans behind the club wanted a “clean, sexy name that matched the design and elegance of the space,” per the release.

 

The venue seems to want to be many things to many people, promising both “something for everyone” and a place for “discerning guests” to experience “a new level of luxurious style.” Design-wise, that includes elements like a signature fragrance permeating the space, LED lights in each room to create ambiance, bright blue doors marking the entrance, glimmering golden bar chairs reminiscent of Starck’s own designs, and “masculine and soft feminine touches throughout”. The 1,800-foot interior opens to a Instagram-worthy 300 square-foot patio featuring a graffiti mural and a flower wall.

The bar will offer a handful of signature cocktails that are riffs on classic beverages like the jungle bird and Cosmopolitan, as well as bottle service and champagne and wines by the glass or bottle. For now, the only food is a selection of flatbreads, but plans are in the works for a more elaborate menu, plus a monthly Sunday brunch.

The Starck Room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.. Stayed tuned for more specific details on the grand opening party.

https://houston.eater.com/2021/4/26/22403898/starck-room-bar-opening-bottle-service-midtown

[phillip_white]

Eleven Eleven Nightclub is opening on Saturday at 2402 Austin St.:

https://www.instagram.com/elevenelevennightclubhou/

[BeerNut]

On 5/27/2021 at 8:27 AM, phillip_white said:

Eleven Eleven Nightclub is opening on Saturday at 2402 Austin St.:

https://www.instagram.com/elevenelevennightclubhou/

The sign is up and they were doing a bunch of work yesterday.  I thought there was an exterior picture up already so I didn't take one.  That area is already packed with gypsy poet on the weekend.   Hopefully the club crowd doesn't wind up on the news.

[hindesky]

3 hours ago, BeerNut said:

The sign is up and they were doing a bunch of work yesterday.  I thought there was an exterior picture up already so I didn't take one.  That area is already packed with gypsy poet on the weekend.   Hopefully the club crowd doesn't wind up on the news.

Is Gypsy Poet open? Every time I ride by it looks closed or does it only do late hours?

[BeerNut]

2 hours ago, hindesky said:

Is Gypsy Poet open? Every time I ride by it looks closed or does it only do late hours?

Open Tuesday to Sunday
Tue-Thu
5PM-9PM

Fri
12M-2PM & 5PM-10PM

Sat - 2PM-10PM

Sun - 2PM-9PM

Or Until the Dough lasts

[corbs315]

The Midtown Lodge (flop house at 2910 Crawford) was finally sold and sounds like it's being cleared out. Some possibly good news there!

[Texasota]

The building isn't anything special, but if they could quickly make it ready for commercial that would be very handy for the area.

[Ren]

3 hours ago, corbs315 said:

The Midtown Lodge (flop house at 2910 Crawford) was finally sold and sounds like it's being cleared out. Some possibly good news there!

Is it confirmed sold? Are there any leads on who bought it or what it might become?

I live nearby and would love to see this become chill neighborhood-friendly restaurant or bar.

[corbs315]

On 7/2/2021 at 2:57 PM, Ren said:

Is it confirmed sold? Are there any leads on who bought it or what it might become?

I live nearby and would love to see this become chill neighborhood-friendly restaurant or bar.

Grapevine, but I trust my "sources." No idea what it will become. It looked pretty deserted when I walked to Baldwin Park on Friday for a bike.

[Ross]

Now this is interesting. When Midtown started developing, the property was owned by PDS Enterprises/Investments. In 2005, PDS sold the property to an entity named Intercity Enterprises LP. The general partner of Intercity is La Colombe d'Or Properties, llc, formerly known as Intercity Partners, lc. In 2011, the property was sold to Zimmerman Interests, Inc. The President of La Colombe d'Or Properties at the time was Stephen Zimmerman. It's now Daniel Zimmerman, his son.

There are no recent ownership transfers filed, so we will have to wait and see what happens to this lot.

Fun story. When we moved to Midtown, I paid a lot of attention to tax appraisals. I noticed that the PDS property was taxed using the old land values, so the appraisal was way off. I called HCAD and had a conversation with some lower level apparatchik who tried to tell me that the property was in a different neighborhood than the adjacent townhouses, and that accounted for the difference in valuation. I ended up talking to a higher level appraiser, and pointed out that different neighborhood number notwithstanding, there was no way that the property on one side of the block was worth $2/sq ft and the other side $20/sq ft. The appraiser told me it was too late to change for that year, but promised to get it reappraised the next year. He was true to his word, as the next year the appraisal went up from something like $35,000 to $300,000. I saw a protest was filed, but the value didn't change. 

[Michael Lewis]

@corbs315Thanks for bringing this to our attention.  Let's hope that the closure is indeed secured, and that something neighborhood-friendly will occupy the space.

Separate topic: regarding your "sources", do you have any insight that you can share about Caydon's departure from Midtown?  Was it a financial issue in response to the pandemic or a response to a changed view about Midtown?  

[corbs315]

3 hours ago, Michael Lewis said:

@corbs315Thanks for bringing this to our attention.  Let's hope that the closure is indeed secured, and that something neighborhood-friendly will occupy the space.

Separate topic: regarding your "sources", do you have any insight that you can share about Caydon's departure from Midtown?  Was it a financial issue in response to the pandemic or a response to a changed view about Midtown?  

i do not!

[phillip_white]

Not sure how big of a clue this is, but supposedly there are plans to remediate the site due to soil and groundwater contamination. I think there may have been a dry cleaner on the site at some point?

[corbs315]

https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/dining/southern-realness-sandwiches-and-cocktails-coming-16315232?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sftwitter

New place called Winnie's taking over Natachee's. Johnny's Gold Brick owner. Looks good.

[dbigtex56]

1 hour ago, corbs315 said:

https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/dining/southern-realness-sandwiches-and-cocktails-coming-16315232?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sftwitter

New place called Winnie's taking over Natachee's. Johnny's Gold Brick owner. Looks good.

Glad to see a tenant in this building, and wish that the buildings on the east side of Main Street by the Ensemble Red Line stop would be put to better use.
This has the potential to be the most charming stop on the whole rail system.

[Ross]

On 7/7/2021 at 10:39 AM, phillip_white said:

Not sure how big of a clue this is, but supposedly there are plans to remediate the site due to soil and groundwater contamination. I think there may have been a dry cleaner on the site at some point?

I haven't found any evidence of what the building was used for in the past, but would not be surprised if there was contamination.

[hindesky]

Winnie's....

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/07-14-21-winnies-new-patio-bar-restaurant-midtown-benjy-mason-graham-laborde-chris-roy/#slide=0

 

[corbs315]

Has there been any update about Homeslice in the t'afia space? I can't find anything since March of this year.

[hindesky]

7 hours ago, corbs315 said:

Has there been any update about Homeslice in the t'afia space? I can't find anything since March of this year.

Went to the Continental Club last weekend, looked like all the old restaurant equipment had been removed and was placed on the patio and saw lots of permits posted on the windows. But I didn't see any progress inside.

[qtguy]

On 7/2/2021 at 2:57 PM, Ren said:

Is it confirmed sold? Are there any leads on who bought it or what it might become?

I live nearby and would love to see this become chill neighborhood-friendly restaurant or bar.

I've been walking by it everyday this week and they are definitely gutting it.  All kinds of fixtures and even lots of 2x4s are being hauled away.  We definitely need a cool, chill place on our end of midtown for a change. 

[corbs315]

On 7/16/2021 at 2:42 PM, qtguy said:

I've been walking by it everyday this week and they are definitely gutting it.  All kinds of fixtures and even lots of 2x4s are being hauled away.  We definitely need a cool, chill place on our end of midtown for a change. 

no real update, but every time I've walked by in the last 2 weeks there have been some kind of crew doing something. Sorry for lack of real info, but Stuff Is Happening..

[editor]

Is there an new Uncommon coffee place in Midtown?  I thought I saw it when I was passing by on the train, but I don't see anything online.  Maybe I'm smoking crack waffles.

[GrapefruitTea]

8 hours ago, editor said:

Is there an new Uncommon coffee place in Midtown?  I thought I saw it when I was passing by on the train, but I don't see anything online.  Maybe I'm smoking crack waffles.

Was it across from midtown park? May be it was the relatively new on-the-go Common Bond location at Drewery place.

https://www.commonbondcafe.com/location/midtown-park/

[BeerNut]

13 hours ago, GrapefruitTea said:

Was it across from midtown park? May be it was the relatively new on-the-go Common Bond location at Drewery place.

https://www.commonbondcafe.com/location/midtown-park/

Also Common Bond at Ion

https://www.commonbondcafe.com/location/common-bond-on-the-go-ion/