UtterlyUrban Posted July 12, 2017 Share Posted July 12, 2017 I hope that the city goes to the mat on this one. The folks who own this building should be ashamed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Looks like someone decided to turn up the heat on this project 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I guess that I don't understand what is going on in the pictures. What is the fire department doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 They were spraying the side of the building with the water cannon. They were finishing up when I walked over - I don't know how long they were there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downtownian Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 (edited) "KHOU 11 met with the owners on Tuesday. They didn’t want to go on camera, but did say they have nearly completed an $85 million dollar hotel renovation plan. However, they said they are still trying to get financing." http://www.khou.com/news/future-remains-uncertain-for-dangerous-downtown-building/456267629 Edited July 13, 2017 by downtownian 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 2 hours ago, downtownian said: "KHOU 11 met with the owners on Tuesday. They didn’t want to go on camera, but did say they have nearly completed an $85 million dollar hotel renovation plan. However, they said they are still trying to get financing." http://www.khou.com/news/future-remains-uncertain-for-dangerous-downtown-building/456267629 I hope they are right and wish them luck, but a nearly completed plan without financing isn't anywhere near complete. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I mean I have a nearly complete plan for a subway on westheimer but unless I found a suitcase full of cash it's a pointless plan 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Geez.. i like to dabble in photography and explore, but I can't say I've done much urban exploration, or know anyone into urbex to go with me to check this building out.. im not stupid enough to go alone, so I haven't ever been, but this has always seemed like it would be an amazing place to check out. Though after reading these posts about being held hostage and the place being deemed "dangerous", the allure of exploring this has worn off a bit.. Haha. And yeah.. the owners development plans being close to "finalized", with no sign of financial backing is pretty comical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 the windows have been removed from the bottom few floors. it's either a work in progress or crackheads. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted July 29, 2017 Share Posted July 29, 2017 No, this is great news and I hope that some of my letters and emails to all city office holders and Bob Eury helped stir the city into a more aggressive approach. I saw images of it in swamplot today. Its going to improve the skyline view from the Pierce elevated going north. It won't be quite the eyesore thats its been for far too long. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted July 29, 2017 Share Posted July 29, 2017 I would have to change my underwear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted July 29, 2017 Share Posted July 29, 2017 I think uptown is very luxurious just not very "hip". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 With 8 foot ceilings, I can't see how it could be any luxury brand hotel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 11 hours ago, ToryGattis said: With 8 foot ceilings, I can't see how it could be any luxury brand hotel. I doubt 8 foot ceilings would keep it from becoming a luxury hotel. See, for example the renovation of the Statler Hilton in Dallas. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenOlenska Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I just jumped up and touched my ceiling pretty easily and I'm comfortable here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 Scaffolding was going going up when I walked by yesterday. Took pics. Will try to post later 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 Isn't the old Savoy a Holiday Inn (regular) now. IHG has a ton of non-HI brands, but referencing Holiday Inn with a "triple branded" option seems like they would use them all up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 42 minutes ago, Nate99 said: Isn't the old Savoy a Holiday Inn (regular) now. IHG has a ton of non-HI brands, but referencing Holiday Inn with a "triple branded" option seems like they would use them all up. IHG has at least a dozen different flags. They currently have a Holiday Inn and a Holiday Inn Express downtown. That leaves them with 10 flags to choose from, without duplicating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Houston19514 said: IHG has at least a dozen different flags. They currently have a Holiday Inn and a Holiday Inn Express downtown. That leaves them with 10 flags to choose from, without duplicating. Right, I was essentially wondering why the article didn't refer to IHG instead of "Holiday Inn". Plenty of brands to choose from, but probably no Holiday Inn varieties. Edited August 2, 2017 by Nate99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 They should make the first hexatruple branded property at the old Astro world site - bring 6 flags back to Astro world 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Any word on what the scaffolding is for? Maybe they are getting rid of done if the graffiti and boarding up some of the windows. I noticed a lot of shattered glass around the building Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillip_white Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 Most of the windows appear to be removed from the south side of the building. I haven't seen it from the north, but I would imagine those are gone too due to how clear it is looking through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 4 minutes ago, phillip_white said: Most of the windows appear to be removed from the south side of the building. I haven't seen it from the north, but I would imagine those are gone too due to how clear it is looking through. Weird. I wonder what's going on here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillip_white Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 5 minutes ago, UtterlyUrban said: Weird. I wonder what's going on here? I did some digging: http://www.khou.com/news/local/exclusive-look-inside-dangerous-vacant-downtown-hotel/456536135 Quote He said they are beginning to clean the graffiti from the exterior and will be placing large cinder blocks at the entrances to the property. The contractor told KHOU 11 News if work progress continues at this rate, the building will be completely gutted and cleaned by the end of the summer. SFK Development, Inc. owners say they are nearly 90 percent finished with a hotel development plan for the building. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adr Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 Most of the windows and the exterior facade itself is in the process of being removed as we speak/read/write/post/forum/whatever. 7 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Note to self: be a security guard now. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 33 minutes ago, kbates2 said: Note to self: be a security guard now. Four "shifts" to cover 24/7/365 with 20% for overhead still gets you $110k per guard. There seems to be some heavy inefficiency working in that calculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Also, if you cannot afford $550,000 for security then you might not want to purchase a high rise with plans to redevelop it into a hotel. Not. Buying. It. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 50 minutes ago, KinkaidAlum said: Also, if you cannot afford $550,000 for security then you might not want to purchase a high rise with plans to redevelop it into a hotel. Not. Buying. It. Can't tell if the recent news is positive to the situation, but the earlier quotes from the ownership group did sound like they were in way over their heads and close to begging for money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 (edited) - Edited July 11, 2019 by Timoric 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenOlenska Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I like it as is actually. And I'd rather it stay derelict and graffiti bespected than destroyed. It should be turned into a hotel. It would look clean with new glass and light fixtures. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 (edited) - Edited July 11, 2019 by Timoric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 39 minutes ago, Timoric said: It reminds me sort of the Post Office in Detroit where all my people live, where you could see the flash of gun fire - was so tall, not sure they ever tore that one down. The Michigan Central Station? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 (edited) - Edited July 11, 2019 by Timoric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Makes me sad to see that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinsanity02 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Elegant old building Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 20 hours ago, Nate99 said: The Michigan Central Station? HGTV should branch out into real estate and buy this building. Create a new show called ultimate fixer upper, unleash all their fixers to build a whole bunch of condos each of them styled in their own fashion. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 That show would make huge ratings too. Especially if the people on the show had to pay for the condo space (like $50k or something), I could see that making money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 The good news about Michigan Central is it is still standing and near Corktown, one of the only areas of Detroit that isn't a hell hole. Lots of empty lots but few burned out/abandoned buildings/tire dumps so there's maybe future potential? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tumbleweed_Tx Posted October 24, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted October 24, 2017 15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeerNut Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 implosion ready... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 13 hours ago, BeerNut said: implosion ready... Sounds good to me. If no one is ever going to renovate this thing or keep claiming they are, it should just be taken down. Can't believe I'd prefer a parking lot over this crap. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanjorade Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Turn it into a cool art gallery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 1 hour ago, Sanjorade said: Turn it into a cool art gallery. Agreed...... as soon as the owners flatten the current shell, the empty lot that remains would make a great art gallery enclosed in a lovely new building. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 People flock to take their social media-filtered posts at Austin's graffiti wall/park. Lets one up them. Hipsters would love it and it could help lure Amazon II. It's on the light rail too! Win-Win-Winning. (sarcasm) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 I can only figure that there is some sort of tax dodge involved for the owner of this thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 I'm just pleased that its been cleaned up. IT looks so much better. I just drove on Pierce elevated from 45 south yesterday for the first time and it still stuck out only because I was blown away by how much better the skyline looked now without the eyesore. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted December 30, 2017 Share Posted December 30, 2017 They finally cleaned it up!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 30, 2017 Share Posted December 30, 2017 I wish I could find an elevated place to get a better see through shot of the shell that's left of the building. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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