CHiPs Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 (edited) I'm not a huge fan of the building aesthetically - even spruced up it's just too big and kills a great view of the skyline behind it looking from the SW on the ground - and wouldn't be so hurt to see it come down. But if they can get it in shape (that could actually be cheaper nowadays) and price the rooms right I think this project can succeed. There are some nice views up there and it's still just a block away from the rail while also being accessible to Midtown. It's preservation, FWIW.Now that it looks like something is happening with this, if it succeeds it gives hope to some other older DT buildings (including hotels) that need a little TLC....what if, say, having a new rail line along Texas spurs interest in bringing the Ben Milam back to life?IMO I rather see it come down too...it blocks the DT view from the south...(being picky here)...Condos would be nice...but as always will be overpriced. Edited June 23, 2008 by CHiPs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 The development group that bought the shuttered Days Inn hotel on the southern end of downtown said it will spend up to $50 million converting the dilapidated structure into another hotel.New Era Hospitality, a group of doctors and entrepreneurs that bought the building in May, is negotiating with three hotel companies to brand the property.But demolition has already started on the interiors, which are being gutted and will be replaced with 340 modern suites, 60 standard guest rooms, 32,000 square feet of meeting space and a swimming pool and bar on top of the attached garage.http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/busine...ff/5872453.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Looks like it's a GO! While it is ONLY going to be 400 rooms, it should be interesting on what happens in this hotel. My only problem with it is that it is relatively isolated from the rest of downtown, except by rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capnmcbarnacle Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Looks like it's a GO! While it is ONLY going to be 400 rooms, it should be interesting on what happens in this hotel. My only problem with it is that it is relatively isolated from the rest of downtown, except by rail.Isolated? Whatever. It's only 2 blocks from the Petroleum Club!!Kidding, I agree with you. A funny thing though --when I looked at Google Earth I realized it is about 7 blocks to the Pavillions, and about 7 blocks to Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown. I realize the average hotel guest in Houston is not going to want to walk either of those, but I found it interesting that you could go either way. The Pierce Elevated acts as such a physical and mental barrier that I never would have thought about walking to Midtown until I looked on the map.I am just really psyched to see this thing get cleaned up, and keeping my fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeebus Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 (edited) I think as that area fills-in, 7 blocks won't seem like such a trek anymore. I personally had hoped to see lofts here, but if a budget franchise 2 star hotel, or boutique 3 star can occupy this space, then a success is a success.I wonder if it would be possible to knock out floors, to open up some of the upper floors, creating 20 foot ceilings for penthouse suites? Edited July 6, 2008 by Jeebus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Isolated? Whatever. It's only 2 blocks from the Petroleum Club!!Kidding, I agree with you. A funny thing though --when I looked at Google Earth I realized it is about 7 blocks to the Pavillions, and about 7 blocks to Cyclone Anaya's in Midtown. I realize the average hotel guest in Houston is not going to want to walk either of those, but I found it interesting that you could go either way. The Pierce Elevated acts as such a physical and mental barrier that I never would have thought about walking to Midtown until I looked on the map.7 blocks? why would they do that when they can do lone star! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 7 blocks? why would they do that when they can do lone star!Eliminate the 7 blocks with...REV Houston!!!http://revhouston.com/Looks to me that if REV Houston uses advertisements for funding, this new hotel group should pitch in big time--win win for the guests, the hotel, and REV, IMO.Then again, that's if REV sticks around long enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 It's best assets, geographically speaking, are that it's only a block away from the DT Transit Center rail station and that it's a reasonable walk to Midtown's more burgeoning area.Regardless, it'll be nice to no longer see that big eyesore dominating the southern end of DT's skyline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 7 blocks? why would they do that when they can do lone star!AWESOME! I totally forgot about that place. Well, it will be popular with the construction crews for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Eliminate the 7 blocks with...REV Houston!!!http://revhouston.com/Looks to me that if REV Houston uses advertisements for funding, this new hotel group should pitch in big time--win win for the guests, the hotel, and REV, IMO.Then again, that's if REV sticks around long enough.Just saw the story about REV today. Very cool!Details came over from one of Cap'n Crunch's friends who lives in the Heights; I asume he's talking about white linen nights. Commentary I found interesting:I just read about this as a possible addition to a big retail festivalnight planned for the Heights in August. I assume they used the GEMbecause it has two rows of seats. Further research revealed that REVis trying to make money by selling ad space, while the drivers liveoff the tips, and the electricity is donated by a business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovernorAggie Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) For what it's worth, I saw a worker tossing junk/debris out of a window today. There's also a wooden structure that's been placed inside the parking garage on the north side, where another worker was standing. Needless to say, I was very excited to see something going on there! Edited July 7, 2008 by GovernorAggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 For what it's worth, I saw a worker tossing junk/debris out of a window today. There's also a wooden structure that's been placed inside the parking garage on the north side, where another worker was standing. Needless to say, I was very excited to see something going on there! Just curious, has anyone noticed that there are more ads for "Days Inn" on HAIF lately? Coincidence? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 For what it's worth, I saw a worker tossing junk/debris out of a window today. There's also a wooden structure that's been placed inside the parking garage on the north side, where another worker was standing. Needless to say, I was very excited to see something going on there!Yeah, I think the chron article from yesterday mentioned that they've been working on the inside already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 For what it's worth, I saw a worker tossing junk/debris out of a window today. There's also a wooden structure that's been placed inside the parking garage on the north side, where another worker was standing. Needless to say, I was very excited to see something going on there!Be still my heart. It's hard to believe something is actually happening after all these years to Houston's most prominent eyesore! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I believe that there has been some level of "work" being done to that building, even before the recent transaction, just nothing of any major note (mostly removing recyclable scraps and that sort of stuff). But to actually--finall--be doing some legitimate interior breakdowns is very intriguing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSky Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I have one word to say....Hallelujah!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I have one word to say....Hallelujah!!!!Amen to that! Now would somebody move on the the Central Bank building. Convert it to residential already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OkieEric Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Wow...it'll be amazing to walk by without the stench of that perpetually flooded basement-level parking garage. I'm pretty sure something has to be living in there by this point... I'll also miss the painted "Hotel" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robhan Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I am glad they are fixing it up. The front of it has been a urinal for the homeless for a few years now. Onm a real hot day the smell can be overpowering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 (edited) I am glad they are fixing it up. The front of it has been a urinal for the homeless for a few years now. Onm a real hot day the smell can be overpowering.Absolutely. But not only that. The building has also had occasional trouble with pieces of the fascia's panelling falling to the ground. They've not had the area roped off in months but for a while there it was constantly roped off.And I agree about Central Plaza. I am also still hopefull of a remake of the old Savoy Houston. Edited July 9, 2008 by The Great Hizzy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 (edited) Edited pictures Edited April 19, 2009 by secretsquirrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liammclaren Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I know this is like 4 years late but it's now official ! I am now the "Houston King of Urban Exploring" ! Here's some pics from the roof of Days Inn. I love all these buildings and hope they remain here forever . The longer they sit the more interesting they are. wow, very cool. any more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 So is work still being done on this building? I haven't really heard anything or noticed anything being done when I drive by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 So is work still being done on this building? I haven't really heard anything or noticed anything being done when I drive by.They are still working (very slowly). They are still removing the asbestos. I saw decontamination showers and tons of bags of contaminated waste(asbestos). Most of the carpet, furniture has already been removed. It looks like they have a lot of work to do. The lobby is still full of huge piles of trash. I've also seen workers throwing trash out the window during the daytime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 They are still working (very slowly). They are still removing the asbestos. I saw decontamination showers and tons of bags of contaminated waste(asbestos). Most of the carpet, furniture has already been removed. It looks like they have a lot of work to do. The lobby is still full of huge piles of trash. I've also seen workers throwing trash out the window during the daytime.If they are in the midst of asbestos abatement are you really sure you want to be walking around there? It is a difficult process. I think you pretty much have to get rid of everything except the frame and floor slabs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 (edited) Edited content Edited April 19, 2009 by secretsquirrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I wear a P100 rated respirator and take the appropriate safety precautions to be as safe as possible. The areas where they are removing the material is totally sealed off and I stayed out of there . Asbestos won't stop me though. Nothing can compare to the feeling of looking out over the city from the roof of a 30 story building. Plus as a kid I used to drive by the Days Inn and always wondered what was inside. I had to see for myself. I'll post some more pics laterLooking forward to additional pictures. And I understand, urban exploration is a lot of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 (edited) Looking forward to additional pictures. And I understand, urban exploration is a lot of fun! Edited April 19, 2009 by secretsquirrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Thanks for posting those...what a difference a couple decades can make Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Thanks for posting those...what a difference a couple decades can make IOh wow , I've never seen that building when it was all nice !! Do you have any more pics of any other parts of the building ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeebus Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 In 1990 we came and stayed here over night (from Louisiana) while attending my first Astro's game at the dome. I remember swimming in this pool and I remember our beachball going right over the side! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 IOh wow , I've never seen that building when it was all nice !! Do you have any more pics of any other parts of the building ? Here's the full brochure: And a guest ticket: More: http://www.arch-ive.org/archive/holiday-inn-downtown/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretsquirrel Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Here's the full brochure: And a guest ticket: More: http://www.arch-ive.org/archive/holiday-inn-downtown/ Sweet ! Thanks for the link ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Hey, long time first time.Any updates on this? I work downtown and can see this building from my office. Needless to say I am VERY eager for something to happen with it. During my lunch break I walked by the building and it looked as though there was zero activity. I did see a bulldozer parked in a loading dock, but that's it. I don't think I've seen anything remotely resembling activity since I started working downtown (january 2009) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbaker Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Hey, long time first time.Any updates on this? I work downtown and can see this building from my office. Needless to say I am VERY eager for something to happen with it. During my lunch break I walked by the building and it looked as though there was zero activity. I did see a bulldozer parked in a loading dock, but that's it. I don't think I've seen anything remotely resembling activity since I started working downtown (january 2009)I live nearby and am also interested in the status of this project. It seems like the project is dead as there has been no activity is many months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tac0meat Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 What happened to the pictures posted by secretsquirrel? I would love to see what the inside of this place looks like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 What happened to the pictures posted by secretsquirrel? I would love to see what the inside of this place looks likeYour screen name is my new all time favorite on the internet. With the possible exception of a dude I spied on a national economics forum who calls himself 'manwhich'.Welcome to the HAIF! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tac0meat Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 Your screen name is my new all time favorite on the internet. With the possible exception of a dude I spied on a national economics forum who calls himself 'manwhich'.Welcome to the HAIF!LOL, thanks!I have actually been snooping around on the forum for quite some time, this was my first post. It was actually this building that caused me to stumble on to the site. I was sitting in the parking lot (summer 2007) on the northside of this building, staring in amazement of such a huge structure being completely abandoned. Then i noticed on about the 8th floor, some guy wearing shorts and no shirt, pulling wiring out of the wall and coiling it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tac0meat Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Came across this concerning its development: http://thecastledev.com/castle/newera.phpEither work has stalled or they haven't updated their progress since June 08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Savoy that sucker! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Yeah, the "timelines" are a little old!http://thecastledev.com/castle/demolationplan.phphttp://thecastledev.com/castle/progress.phpI haven't seen anything go on there in quite some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 They bought the property and started working on it the next day? That sounds too amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Savoy that sucker!It may be that demolition would cost more than the value of the property just sitting there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I am willing to bet this thing is dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I am willing to bet this thing is dead.I say we all buy sledgehammers, then at night go by randomly take a single swing at a wall until it has to be has to be savoyed by the city. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I say we all buy sledgehammers, then at night go by randomly take a single swing at a wall until it has to be has to be savoyed by the city. Best. Idea. Ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Someone needs to redirect the Heights arsonist over to this thing. I bet he couldn't even do a lick of damage to this REAL structure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfre81 Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 It may be that demolition would cost more than the value of the property just sitting there?Probably.Wouldn't the value go up if it was gone though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tac0meat Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Probably.Wouldn't the value go up if it was gone though?I am surprised they never put the parking garage into service(after the hotel closed), even when the Maharishis owned it. Parking space seems to be a fairly easy money maker downtown. If anything it might have been enough to cover the taxes on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
native_Houstonian Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Any new news on this eye sore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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