UtterlyUrban Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 On 10/11/2018 at 11:02 AM, KinkaidAlum said: I'll continue to shop in stores because I am afraid of what our society will become without retail jobs. Plus, I like human interaction and I am picky with my produce. There is significant truth in this. And, retail is often faster (especially for clothing) and arguably better environmentally, than shipping me 8 pairs of pants from 5 stores only for me to try them on, keep one, and ship them all back for “free”. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted May 31, 2019 Share Posted May 31, 2019 I was doing some research and came across this very informative site presented by the Houston downtown district who provides much of the direction and steering along with funding for the future of downtown. It is thorough and presents all of the projects that will make Houston even more livable. Here is the link http://www.downtowndistrict.org/static/media/uploads/attachments/plan_downtown_report_final_spreads_sm.pdf 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 Any news on what will happen to the Forever 21 in downtown? Hopefully the Forever 21 location in downtown is not affected by the recent bankruptcy filing. I assume Forever 21 will seek restructuring/concessions from all their landlords, (including the downtown location) so, hopefully both sides can come to new terms. If not, maybe another retailer or grocery store can come in to that space? The future of downtown is not good (for retail) if there is another giant vacant retail space, again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 12 hours ago, 102IAHexpress said: Any news on what will happen to the Forever 21 in downtown? Hopefully the Forever 21 location in downtown is not affected by the recent bankruptcy filing. I assume Forever 21 will seek restructuring/concessions from all their landlords, (including the downtown location) so, hopefully both sides can come to new terms. If not, maybe another retailer or grocery store can come in to that space? The future of downtown is not good (for retail) if there is another giant vacant retail space, again. I like how we have all been excited by the growth of downtown and the growth of new uses in downtown, but all the sudden one retailer closes its doors in a retail development that has never been that successful and all the sudden there is panic like this is a harbinger of things to come. Its like that one quote from the Joke in The Dark Knight (with slight alterations for this context), "Nobody panics when things go according to plan, even if the plans are horrifying. If I tell the press that tomorrow [Amazon will deliver with drones and that I can get my groceries deliver via an app], nobody panics. But when I say one little old [retailer that has been under performing for years dies], everyone loses their minds!" Enough with the hot takes and knee jerk reactions everyone. Everything is fine. Next door all of The Shops and Houston Center is being renovated and altered to create more retail and will probably bring in more of the retail we would actually like to see in downtown. Lets just wait and see. Its not like downtown Houston is the reason Forever 21 went bankrupt, and it wouldn't have been the reason it would have been saved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 5 minutes ago, Luminare said: I like how we have all been excited by the growth of downtown and the growth of new uses in downtown, but all the sudden one retailer closes its doors in a retail development that has never been that successful and all the sudden there is panic like this is a harbinger of things to come. Its like that one quote from the Joke in The Dark Knight (with slight alterations for this context), "Nobody panics when things go according to plan, even if the plans are horrifying. If I tell the press that tomorrow [Amazon will deliver with drones and that I can get my groceries deliver via an app], nobody panics. But when I say one little old [retailer that has been under performing for years dies], everyone loses their minds!" Enough with the hot takes and knee jerk reactions everyone. Everything is fine. Next door all of The Shops and Houston Center is being renovated and altered to create more retail and will probably bring in more of the retail we would actually like to see in downtown. Lets just wait and see. Its not like downtown Houston is the reason Forever 21 went bankrupt, and it wouldn't have been the reason it would have been saved. Huh? Who said Forever 21 is closing its doors? Do you have a source? They filed for bankruptcy, true, but what does that have to do with closing? Do you know how bankruptcy works? I agree, enough with the knee jerk reactions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 8 minutes ago, 102IAHexpress said: Huh? Who said Forever 21 is closing its doors? Do you have a source? They filed for bankruptcy, true, but what does that have to do with closing? Do you know how bankruptcy works? I agree, enough with the knee jerk reactions. I think this has been both a clarification and communication issue. I was merely using your quote as a launching point to a more general discussion about several threads which have discussed Forever 21's bankruptcy which was to be used as a more broader discussion on how some seem to be spelling doom of retail in downtown due to this one companies incompetence. Also people seem to be overly sensitive to the topic of retail in downtown. You seem to be looking to discuss Forever 21 more in-depth which is not what I was looking to do in my statement. That is something that should have been pointed out and clarified. That is on me in that instance. Other than that I stand by my general statement about what I'm seeing, and my focus is on that and not on Forever 21 specifically. That help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 26 minutes ago, 102IAHexpress said: Huh? Who said Forever 21 is closing its doors? Do you have a source? They filed for bankruptcy, true, but what does that have to do with closing? Do you know how bankruptcy works? I agree, enough with the knee jerk reactions. They may close up to 178 stores https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/09/29/forever-21-chapter-11-bankruptcy/3816101002/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 13 minutes ago, Luminare said: I think this has been both a clarification and communication issue. I was merely using your quote as a launching point to a more general discussion about several threads which have discussed Forever 21's bankruptcy which was to be used as a more broader discussion on how some seem to be spelling doom of retail in downtown due to this one companies incompetence. Also people seem to be overly sensitive to the topic of retail in downtown. You seem to be looking to discuss Forever 21 more in-depth which is not what I was looking to do in my statement. That is something that should have been pointed out and clarified. That is on me in that instance. Other than that I stand by my general statement about what I'm seeing, and my focus is on that and not on Forever 21 specifically. That help? Not really helpful, no. You stated: 37 minutes ago, Luminare said: ...but all the sudden one retailer closes its doors in a retail development ... Just trying to understand where -you- got that from? Not from any of other threads, that I took a quick glace at. Seems like you just made it up? So far, there is no evidence that the Forever 21 in downtown is closing. It may close in the future, indeed I hope it does not (see my post above), but in any event it seems like -you- where the one making knee jerk reactions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 Just now, 102IAHexpress said: Not really helpful, no. You stated: Just trying to understand where -you- got that from? Not from any of other threads, that I took a quick glace at. Seems like you just made it up? So far, there is no evidence that the Forever 21 in downtown is closing. It may close in the future, indeed I hope it does not (see my post above), but in any event it seems like -you- where the one making knee jerk reactions. No the problem here is that you seem to take everything literally. If you aren't going to accept my clarification which was an attempt in good faith then I'm going to have to infer that you are making your case in bad faith, and I think its just best that we disengage. I didn't even say that it was closing today or into the future, but bankruptcy does present that threat. They will close all their stores across the Atlantic, and might not stop there, but that has left some in a tizzy over it all. Clearly though you are fixated on one word, and if you aren't even going to look at the broader scope of what I said then I don't feel like this is a conversation that we can reasonably have or make productive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 11 hours ago, Luminare said: I didn't even say that it was closing today or into the future, but bankruptcy does present that threat. You literally did. It's like I'm talking to Trump. We can all read what you posted. Anyways, for those interested in -facts-, as of right now the downtown Forever 21 has been spared. Very good news for downtown. I would suggest we all try to limit our "knee jerk" reactions before facts are posted. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/01/forever-21-closings-list-these-178-stores-could-close/3833982002/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 9 hours ago, 102IAHexpress said: You literally did. It's like I'm talking to Trump. We can all read what you posted. Anyways, for those interested in -facts-, as of right now the downtown Forever 21 has been spared. Very good news for downtown. I would suggest we all try to limit our "knee jerk" reactions before facts are posted. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/01/forever-21-closings-list-these-178-stores-could-close/3833982002/ Considering your post history this seems to be how you normally engage with most which is rather unfortunate. I probably should have further clarified that it would have been a "potential" closure. That would be fair, but again you aren't asking for that in good faith. You are so militant, and being such a royal prick, that instead of making that clarification I'm simply going to state that, for your sake, I hope they all close just to take the piss out of you haha. You clearly are overly sensitive to the point you can't handle people approaching things in a way that isn't exactly how you wish to approach them which essentially makes you look like a child. Post away, but this isn't worth my time. Wish you the best. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 As of now, Forever 21 in Downtown is NOT closings its doors, Forever 21 has not died. These are just facts. I have no idea why Luminare claimed otherwise? This may be better suited for another thread on declining societal norms, but for some reason people can’t admit when they are wrong anymore and instead engage in ad hominem attacks and get defensive. HAIF can do better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 Nice touch talking *about* him rather than *to* him. That's just *chef's kiss* level of dickishness. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 3 hours ago, Texasota said: Nice touch talking *about* him rather than *to* him. That's just *chef's kiss* level of dickishness. I appreciate it Tex, but I think its more the fact that apparently the community is at fault in all this? "HAIF can do better". How dare HAIF give a platform to those with differing opinions! HAIF shall remain pure! HAIF can do better....like Twitter! Shame on me. Shame on HAIF! haha The community and I must repent Tex haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSirDingle Posted October 5, 2019 Share Posted October 5, 2019 Feel good redemption story on how Downtown went from office buildings and parking lots, to an actual neighborhood. Also talks about how building residential in Downtown isn't a pioneering effort anymore, and the fact that residential life is finally taking root. https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/multifamily/no-longer-pioneering-downtown-living-is-finally-taking-root-101107 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 wow guys. this is a Forever 21. No one can really care this much about Forever 21? 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 (edited) Downtown Forever 21 closing.... Untitled by Houston Midtown, on Flickr Edited November 3, 2019 by HoustonMidtown 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 18 hours ago, HoustonMidtown said: Downtown Forever 21 closing.... Untitled by Houston Midtown, on Flickr Not sad... did anyone ever really go there? Feel like we can put something better there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 3 hours ago, Triton said: Not sad... did anyone ever really go there? Feel like we can put something better there... It’s a loss no matter how you slice it IMO, one of the few “major” retailers Downtown. Realistically what would you like to see? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinsanity02 Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 My daughter loved going there. I couldn't stand the place. Maybe that's why my daughters liked it so much. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted November 4, 2019 Share Posted November 4, 2019 Not as many people go to Forever 21 anymore though, hence the bankruptcy. You need a large amount of retail to enter that market at the same time so you have a viable place for people to go to, to walk around for clothes shopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quietstorm Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 4 hours ago, nate4l1f3 said: It’s a loss no matter how you slice it IMO, one of the few “major” retailers Downtown. Realistically what would you like to see? I think Zara would do better. Whenever I travel and visit Zara, it’s busy and would probably fit the DT residents, workers and tourists. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 3 hours ago, quietstorm said: I think Zara would do better. Whenever I travel and visit Zara, it’s busy and would probably fit the DT residents, workers and tourists. I feel like Zara, Forever 21, and H&M all have the same customer base. I would love a Zara here though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 Does forever 21 sale clothes for guys? I know Zara and h&m do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 (edited) Yup. Reasonably priced with styles similar to H&M and Zara. They’re only doing 10% off denim at this location right now. Edited November 5, 2019 by nate4l1f3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJilliams Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 That store was always empty. I remember walking around downtown when my family was here during the summer and taking a break to cool off inside the store. There was almost no one there other than the employees at the front counter. Isn't the LifeTime Fitness taking over this space as well, or a different section? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 31 minutes ago, CaptainJilliams said: That store was always empty. I remember walking around downtown when my family was here during the summer and taking a break to cool off inside the store. There was almost no one there other than the employees at the front counter. Isn't the LifeTime Fitness taking over this space as well, or a different section? Lifetime is going into the space next door to it that used to house Books-A-Million Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Montrose1100 Posted July 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted July 15, 2021 Inspired by the Editor's post about 20 years of HAIF & Bilbao58's posts in SSC about projects that are less than 20 years old - I present: The Highlighter Google Earth Downtown Houston 20 Years of development image. Green: New Build Yellow: Renovation (saved from abandonment, which is why the Leeland Federal Building is not notated, or the Allen Center). Purple: U/C buildings missing from the outdated satellite imagery. Feel free to add in or ask me for corrections/amendments. A cool visual of the amount of investment in our city! Personally, I'd be happy to see donut apartments fill in every surface lot over a Supertall. But a new Supertall would be nice ;) 13 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 Wow, thanks. Pretty much confirms that Discovery Green is the greatest idea anyone has had for downtown in the modern era. I am rather surprised that more has not been done in the Historic District, which is most likely because there are few sites large enough to build a large building with a parking garage. We need to learn how to do fine-grained development. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 Thanks for compiling this, really cool. I've been here more often than not over each of the last 20 and it's hard to overstate the change. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 Montrose, thank you so much. 😃 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 Looking at this I’m actually disappointed in the development around MMP. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEES?! Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 2 hours ago, nate4l1f3 said: Looking at this I’m actually disappointed in the development around MMP. I'll be interested to see how that land ends up developing around there. I mean, it really is only a matter of time before we get some awesome development over in that direction With the Theater District Master Plan being implemented as we speak and the Post development, I wonder if that's going to be the next area to pop off, or will whoever's holding land around MMP get moving now that the land surrounding DG is getting filled in with denser and denser development? On the South side, I'm guessing Trebly park will have some influence on the immediate blocks surrounding it (save for the surface lot that will never die, lol *cries*), though I wonder how much of an influence a not-even-city-block-sized park can have on an area. But who knows? If it's a well-programmed, well-maintained space, that will certainly help bring some life to that side of Downtown, it feels kinda quiet down there, and I think it's largely due to a lack of any real draw right now. Maybe Trebly will help liven it up a little :P 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 9 hours ago, nate4l1f3 said: Looking at this I’m actually disappointed in the development around MMP. There was at least one other DLI building that was axed when we had the downturn that would have taken out a surface lot, but north of the ballpark is still a blend between the courthouse stuff (bail bond shops) and the Salvation Army/Star of Hope/underpass encampment traffic, that's going to make things lag. DT as a whole had that whole feel and dynamic in the 90's, I think it will come around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sapo2367 Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 2 hours ago, Nate99 said: There was at least one other DLI building that was axed when we had the downturn that would have taken out a surface lot, but north of the ballpark is still a blend between the courthouse stuff (bail bond shops) and the Salvation Army/Star of Hope/underpass encampment traffic, that's going to make things lag. DT as a whole had that whole feel and dynamic in the 90's, I think it will come around. I'm curious if this part of downtown will change with the NHHIP project dropping the highway underground etc. If they do successfully make that a multi-block park hopefully the area will be a destination instead of a section to avoid. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 (edited) 12 hours ago, BEES?! said: I'll be interested to see how that land ends up developing around there. I mean, it really is only a matter of time before we get some awesome development over in that direction With the Theater District Master Plan being implemented as we speak and the Post development, I wonder if that's going to be the next area to pop off, or will whoever's holding land around MMP get moving now that the land surrounding DG is getting filled in with denser and denser development? On the South side, I'm guessing Trebly park will have some influence on the immediate blocks surrounding it (save for the surface lot that will never die, lol *cries*), though I wonder how much of an influence a not-even-city-block-sized park can have on an area. But who knows? If it's a well-programmed, well-maintained space, that will certainly help bring some life to that side of Downtown, it feels kinda quiet down there, and I think it's largely due to a lack of any real draw right now. Maybe Trebly will help liven it up a little :P I completely agree. Really the development the last 20 years helped us catch up for the prior 20 that we were falling apart. It’s really just a matter of time. With Frost Town brewery and 2 more residential properties opening, this area is going to explode. We still have yet to find out what Jim Crane has in store for his property. The Elysian Viaduct just opened so traffic will begin to flow better through downtown. I see a lot more residential in this part of the city center. Edited July 16, 2021 by j_cuevas713 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 What the above shows is how a great urban park can spur development. It is still a shame that the Superblock park in Midtown wasn’t completely realized! Thanks @Montrose1100! I used to love getting the development maps from DowntownHouston back in the early 2000’s. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 On 7/15/2021 at 10:06 PM, nate4l1f3 said: Looking at this I’m actually disappointed in the development around MMP. Would you want to live next to MMP? Every other night for 6-7 months of the year you have dramatic spikes in traffic and crowds; the rest of the time you have a giant dead zone next to you. Tons of parking lots everywhere. You can't see into the park, and after a few weeks the whole "Wow! That's Minute Maid Park!" feeling wears off. It's not like there's a good bar district now that the only neighborhood sports bars next to MMP have been bulldozed. I don't see any advantage to living there, unless you're right on Texas Ave. or between it and Discovery Green. If you want to watch games, live somewhere near Main St. and walk to games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) I suppose one could look to Petco Park in San Diego as an example of the sort of neighborhood you could hope would build up around a MLB ballpark. I think once you have enough critical mass that it would be a fun neighborhood, developments would have cafes and bars built in. As for living there… I would think avoiding the traffic downtown wouldn’t be nearly as hard as avoiding it around NRG. Night games aren’t every day during the season, and even day games on the weekends wouldn’t be too bad if there was enough parking available that it’s spread out away from the immediate couple of streets around the park. I could also see the merit to building another city/sports authority owned garage with the possibility of another hotel and/or offices above nearby. [edit: you could nitpick anyplace to pieces. The theatre district doesn’t have any buildings with interior visibility from the outside. There is also traffic associated with that. I think living in a downtown you just accept there is a near constant expectation of activity.] Edited July 19, 2021 by arche_757 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 49 minutes ago, H-Town Man said: Would you want to live next to MMP? Every other night for 6-7 months of the year you have dramatic spikes in traffic and crowds; the rest of the time you have a giant dead zone next to you. Tons of parking lots everywhere. You can't see into the park, and after a few weeks the whole "Wow! That's Minute Maid Park!" feeling wears off. It's not like there's a good bar district now that the only neighborhood sports bars next to MMP have been bulldozed. I don't see any advantage to living there, unless you're right on Texas Ave. or between it and Discovery Green. If you want to watch games, live somewhere near Main St. and walk to games. on the plus side, you get fireworks every Friday and Saturday night for almost the whole summer. traffic isn't that bad before games, as people seem to trickle in, it's when games are over that it can get frustrating with traffic. if I were in the apartment market, and looking to live downtown, I would pay a little extra to be in one of the apartments facing MMP, with a balcony. from people watching before/after the game, to listening to the roar of a game on the rare occasion that the roof is open. I was shocked and disappointed to see that the bars across the street became a parking lot. with the bars gone, and the old mansion moved, that stretch of Texas St feels a lot less like Houston, and at the same time a lot more like Houston. hopefully that parking lot is a short term addition to Houston's street scape. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, arche_757 said: I suppose one could look to Petco Park in San Diego as an example of the sort of neighborhood you could hope would build up around a MLB ballpark. I think once you have enough critical mass that it would be a fun neighborhood, developments would have cafes and bars built in. As for living there… I would think avoiding the traffic downtown wouldn’t be nearly as hard as avoiding it around NRG. Night games aren’t every day during the season, and even day games on the weekends wouldn’t be too bad if there was enough parking available that it’s spread out away from the immediate couple of streets around the park. I could also see the merit to building another city/sports authority owned garage with the possibility of another hotel and/or offices above nearby. [edit: you could nitpick anyplace to pieces. The theatre district doesn’t have any buildings with interior visibility from the outside. There is also traffic associated with that. I think living in a downtown you just accept there is a near constant expectation of activity.] Yes, traffic is better there than around NRG. But I am comparing living at MMP to other parts of downtown, which is the more pertinent decision if you are a developer or someone looking to live downtown. Right now if you could live near Main St./Market Square or Discovery Green and walk to MMP, this seems like the better deal. Petco is a little different since everything is full thanks to the waterfront so you're not living in an empty zone. Also, the point about interior visibility is that the attraction to living next to a ballpark in some cities is getting to watch the game from your balcony, but it wouldn't work at MMP since the roof is usually closed and the site across the street from left field has been developed. But you are right, it is impossible to see inside the theatre buildings. Edited July 19, 2021 by H-Town Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) The Petco Park neighborhood before/after. I feel that folks in virtually any city that do not live immediately adjacent to a ball park are likely not able to see the action very well if at all. [edit: of course we do not have the San Diego harbor front for our downtown…unfortunately! That said, 59/69 is nearly as effective in serving as a point of demarcation!] Edited July 19, 2021 by arche_757 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, arche_757 said: The Petco Park neighborhood before/after. I feel that folks in virtually any city that do not live immediately adjacent to a ball park are likely not able to see the action very well if at all. [edit: of course we do not have the San Diego harbor front for our downtown…unfortunately! That said, 59/69 is nearly as effective in serving as a point of demarcation!] I'm not sure what you're driving at. My point is that, right now, most people would probably rather live close to Main St./Market Square or Discovery Green and walk to Minute Maid than live next to Minute Maid. From the photo you post of Petco, the view into the park is gorgeous and has attracted highrises with that view as a selling point. With Minute Maid, views into the park aren't much of a factor for development outside because the roof is almost always closed. I'm not sure whether it is common for ballparks to offer views to outside buildings. Some ballparks do. But not Minute Maid. Why do you think more development has happened in other parts of downtown than around Minute Maid? I've attempted to offer a few reasons. What do you think? Edited July 20, 2021 by H-Town Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 (edited) . Edited July 20, 2021 by H-Town Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 Not to continue arguing for the sake of arguing… Your point (as I see it) is that any ballpark isn’t a decent catalyst for development because of traffic, noise etc. I just posted a picture of a vibrant (looking) neighborhood next to a ballpark. Now, San Diego had development prior to Petco Park, yet much of the neighborhood that grew around the ballpark there was vastly underdeveloped. This is despite the great views, and no doubt strong zoning/planning ordinances to push the very type of development that had yet to occur around Petco. That is all. Why has it taken longer? I’d guess: adjacent land prices too high, too many other neighborhoods in town where that sort of development is easier, oil price recessions…etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 4 minutes ago, arche_757 said: Not to continue arguing for the sake of arguing… Your point (as I see it) is that any ballpark isn’t a decent catalyst for development because of traffic, noise etc. I just posted a picture of a vibrant (looking) neighborhood next to a ballpark. Now, San Diego had development prior to Petco Park, yet much of the neighborhood that grew around the ballpark there was vastly underdeveloped. This is despite the great views, and no doubt strong zoning/planning ordinances to push the very type of development that had yet to occur around Petco. That is all. Why has it taken longer? I’d guess: adjacent land prices too high, too many other neighborhoods in town where that sort of development is easier, oil price recessions…etc. No, my point was that Minute Maid Park hadn't been a good catalyst for development, because of a combination of those factors and the fact that there are better areas of downtown that lack some of those drawbacks. Petco has enviable development and shows that factors such as parking and dead days can be overcome, but Petco is not a good comparison because it offers great views to nearby highrises (almost as nice a visual amenity as Discovery Green) and doesn't have a roof that closes over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 I seem to have misinterpreted your reasoning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 Interesting tidbit from this week's City Council agenda regarding the capital improvement plan for the MAIN STREET/MARKET SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The FY23 – FY27 CIP Budget totals $64,631,000 and includes economic development program provisions for office-to-residential conversion plan and blight removal targeting 901 Main, 801 Jefferson, and 1111 Main; San Jacinto Street reconstruction to connect to Hardy Yards; the installation of enhanced pedestrian lighting through key walkable corridors Downtown; mobility connections to the Near Northside; and infrastructure and improvements in the Warehouse District. 5 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookey23 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 (edited) I'm glad there is money going into the Warehouse District. It has the potential to be a really cool little walkable pocket of downtown Houston, but clearly needs some help. Once those new apartments are done, I could see that 6 block stretch becoming a fun little bar and restaurant area. Is there a presentation or anything available online? Edited January 30 by bookey23 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 (edited) Yikes so the city is going to demo 901 Main!? That sucks. I was really hoping that building was salvageable. I wish the blight removal applied to that other convenience store on Main St that has paneling covering a beautiful façade. It would be great for the city to work with the owner to help finance the restoration of that property. Edited January 30 by j_cuevas713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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