Montrose1100 3722 Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 From what I understand there was some opposition at the time to the original scheme where the streets and parking level would be totally covered by the platform a couple of stories high. The concern was that the streets would turn into a dark dead zone. That, and I suppose the economics of it, led to the development being a somewhat random group of skyscrapers and a shopping mall. In retrospect I would have preferred if it had been built as first envisioned. Razing the entire site killed off any street life to begin with, and it would certainly have been unique among US cities. Yes, the Hanging Gardens parking structures of Houston. Although if the full vision was realized, we might not have some of the Towers we have today. I'm curious as to how the tram system would work going to 59. Would it deliver cars? Would it deliver people from a drop off point directly from 59? I think the design is actually really cool and unique. Very Disney Epcot. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 The tram system wouldn't have connected to 59. I think it was more of a tramway at the podium level. The stopping point of the people mover is supposedly still identifiable at Two Houston Center. If this had been built there might have been less subsequent development in west Downtown, such as along Smith. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IronTiger 913 Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Here's how the Houston Center would've fit in with the rest of the skyline. Obviously, while the actual things would have similar color to the rest of the downtown area, it still looks a bit jarring. I'll release the 10 page document (not all of it has renderings, sorry) soon if there's sufficient demand on HAIF. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
democide 165 Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Please do share what you got on Houston Center Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Here's how the Houston Center would've fit in with the rest of the skyline. Obviously, while the actual things would have similar color to the rest of the downtown area, it still looks a bit jarring.I'll release the 10 page document (not all of it has renderings, sorry) soon if there's sufficient demand on HAIF.Rad! Yes please share!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Here's how the Houston Center would've fit in with the rest of the skyline. Obviously, while the actual things would have similar color to the rest of the downtown area, it still looks a bit jarring.I'll release the 10 page document (not all of it has renderings, sorry) soon if there's sufficient demand on HAIF.Release the hounds! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IronTiger 913 Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Two last ones: Describing how the "platform city" interfaces with the rest of the CBD The people mover system. Looks very futuristic! By now, those that have requested the Houston Center "image source" have been sent one. That's all for now... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 The tallest is my favorite. Almost like it more than the AON in LA. Thanks Iron, really cool! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 This thread got some at the chron todayhttp://m.chron.com/news/strange-weird/article/Architectural-plans-show-how-history-thought-5351548.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IronTiger 913 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Yeah, I was contacted by that guy and ended up sending the guy the files I had scanned, but not until after he had already published some. I noted that one of the renderings seemed to have a better copy, and somewhere, better copies of everything in that book exist. Over in the Greenspoint Mall thread, someone mentioned that there were originally plans to build a second, more upscale mall across from the highway that would include an ice rink and fancy anchors, but no concrete plans exist (it ended up being a strip mall). I wonder if that was ever a serious proposal, and if so, where is it? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 This thread got some at the chron todayhttp://m.chron.com/news/strange-weird/article/Architectural-plans-show-how-history-thought-5351548.phpThat City Hall plan was GORGus. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 Mixed-Use Senior Housing, 2000 http://www.fdmarch.com/work/mixed_use_housing/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 Probably just as well this didn't get built. It's awfully sterile. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 11803 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Looks like it belongs in the 50s. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 I wonder what was supposed to be in the middle, a park for them to frolic in? ;p Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted July 13, 2014 Share Posted July 13, 2014 This one may have been posted already, not sure... http://www.wischermannpartners.com/project_galleries/westin_houston/westin_houston.pdf 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted July 13, 2014 Share Posted July 13, 2014 This one may have been posted already, not sure... http://www.wischermannpartners.com/project_galleries/westin_houston/westin_houston.pdf I remember renderings for the Westin on Clear Lake, similar style, but not as tall. It's amazing how many highrise proposals there were for the area at the time. If all of them would have been built, it would have put Palisade Palms Galveston's condo skyline to shame. I wonder if any of them will resurface? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted July 13, 2014 Share Posted July 13, 2014 I remember renderings for the Westin on Clear Lake, similar style, but not as tall. It's amazing how many highrise proposals there were for the area at the time. If all of them would have been built, it would have put Palisade Palms Galveston's condo skyline to shame. I wonder if any of them will resurface? You're right, there used to be a lot of proposals for the bay area. The economy is booming now, what happened? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 http://www.re-thinkingthefuture.org/portfolio/memorial-city-master-plan-hok-houston/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Was this a design that lost out? http://gravitas.com/featured-renderings/healthcare/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Was this a design that lost out?http://gravitas.com/featured-renderings/healthcare/Vegas! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 http://www.oakbrookco.com/texas/ 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IronTiger 913 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Shamrock Tower was scheduled to have a McDonald's as the ground floor tenant. Question: was it this block where the McDonald's was torn down for the Shamrock Tower project (announced ~2004). It sure would make sense for the timeline. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollusk 2405 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 The Shamrock Tower was going to go where Hines's 609 Main is now going up. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4038 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Were there any plans released for a World Trade Center? I've always wondered why we don't have one and read in one of triton (or iron tiger? I get them confused sometimes)s timeline post about rail during the 1980s-90s that someone was trying to bring one to Houston at one point.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 Were there any plans released for a World Trade Center? I've always wondered why we don't have one and read in one of triton (or iron tiger? I get them confused sometimes)s timeline post about rail during the 1980s-90s that someone was trying to bring one to Houston at one point.. Houston did have a World Trade Center. It was on the Texas-Crawford-Capitol-La Branch block and is now a Westin Hotel. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollusk 2405 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 I liked the old World Trade Center MUCH better before the reskin to make it look "old." 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arche_757 845 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Houston did have a World Trade Center. It was on the Texas-Crawford-Capitol-La Branch block and is now a Westin Hotel. Not sure how this is a "potential" building development. I liked the old World Trade Center MUCH better before the reskin to make it look "old."Though do you think that facade would have attracted people to a Landry's run hotel? Landry's being the opperative word... Landry's.... just saying. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 That's the Amegy Bank building west of the Metro Building Downtown right? Didn't a basketball player invest in it before 2000 to rehab it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollusk 2405 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 (edited) Not sure how this is a "potential" building development. Though do you think that facade would have attracted people to a Landry's run hotel? Landry's being the opperative word... Landry's.... just saying. Actually, the operative word is Fertitta. I don't think the facade would have made a whole lot of difference to the customers (shoot, you could've really tarted it up with a Rat Pack sorta vibe), but it's not nearly gaudy enough for The Tillman. That's the Amegy Bank building west of the Metro Building Downtown right? Didn't a basketball player invest in it before 2000 to rehab it? Nope. This is catty corner from the baseball stadium, across Crawford from Assumption. -------- It doesn't show up on the post card, but IIRC the white columns also had a nice shiny little turquoise inlay running up them. Edited July 28, 2014 by mollusk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 11803 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Were there any plans released for a World Trade Center? I've always wondered why we don't have one and read in one of triton (or iron tiger? I get them confused sometimes)s timeline post about rail during the 1980s-90s that someone was trying to bring one to Houston at one point..Must have been iron tiger. lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IronTiger 913 Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Must have been iron tiger. lolNope, not me. Speaking of which, I need to scan more of "Houston Today" and post 'em. Houston's World Trade Center was actually, I read, the first building named as such, and was later The Inn at the Ballpark, which is now a Westin. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 http://www.pmbdesignstudio.com/Digital-Media-Marketing 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollusk 2405 Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Hmmm... 5 Allen coming in before Chevron? I somehow doubt it. (yes, I know it's just a marketing brochure...) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 (edited) Hmmm... 5 Allen coming in before Chevron? I somehow doubt it. (yes, I know it's just a marketing brochure...)That's why it's Houston Potential. I'm sure it's older than the shorter design we've seen.Edit: Truely a shame I really like this design best out of all the others. Edited November 28, 2014 by Montrose1100 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mollusk 2405 Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 well, yeah... I like it better than the more recent renders, too - however, anything to somehow mask some of Three Allen's awkward shape... (and yes, I realize it gives as big a floor plate as can be put on its particular site - but it's otherwise interesting chocolate brown cladding is kinda like someone wearing black in the hope that nobody will notice his or her Falstaffian mass). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 http://www.bszmodels.com/portfolio/hudson-houston-houston-tx/# 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plumber2 230 Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 Actually, the operative word is Fertitta. I don't think the facade would have made a whole lot of difference to the customers (shoot, you could've really tarted it up with a Rat Pack sorta vibe), but it's not nearly gaudy enough for The Tillman. Nope. This is catty corner from the baseball stadium, across Crawford from Assumption. -------- It doesn't show up on the post card, but IIRC the white columns also had a nice shiny little turquoise inlay running up them. Mollusk, I assume you meant "Annuciation" and not "Assumption" (I couldn't help myself). I worked for a freight forwarder right out of college that was headquartered in the World Trade Center on Crawford St, even though the department I worked in was in the Allen Center. The World Trade Center building housed mostly freight forwarder and shipping line offices. It was a dumpy part of downtown back then, and quite a hike for anyone walking over there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 http://www.ajsny.com/5allencenter 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Cool to see some different renderings of the building. Extremely glad this one never made it, it would have thrown the whole skyline out of balance (although if it were 3/4th's the height it wouldn't be so terrible). The design is quite bland. SOM lost their edge for American skyscrapers. Every new proposal they come out with is just a blue glass rectangle, claiming "minimalism" and not "low budget" as their design inspirations. It will be great to see what the sight produces next go around. Thanks Urb. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
democide 165 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 The taller 3 Allen Center was edited out. It wouldn't looked as good with it in the picture, appearing (not by much) in the back. Anyways, this was perfect at 50 stories, even if bland. Damn shame if you ask me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 its not premature to put this in the potential thread? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 its not premature to put this in the potential thread?The design shown will not be built, so no. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2292 Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 The design shown will not be built, so no. I kinda remember hearing that. Was that confirmed through an article? Or your source told you? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 I kinda remember hearing that. Was that confirmed through an article? Or your source told you? There was a newer design floating around; I just find it highly unlikely they'll use the design above whenever it gets off the ground. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Not much on this one, so I'll post it here. http://gda-architects.com/gda-woodway.html 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 http://www.evolo.us/architecture/urban-infiltration-skyscraper-for-houston/ 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arche_757 845 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 ^Undergraduate thesis project. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3722 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Cool design, poor location. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44144 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 ^Undergraduate thesis project. Yep. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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