Park Place | River Oaks: Mixed-Use Development At Westheimer Rd. & Mid Ln.

[lockmat]

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/07/inner-loop-tract-slated-for-huge-mixed-use-project/

Quote

A Texas real estate investment firm has assembled a 12-acre tract inside the West Loop where it hopes to create a mixed-use development with a hotel, offices, shops and apartments.

Gensler is the architect.

[swtsig]

they've been trying to piecemeal those tracts together for awhile, along with the shopping center and crappito's tract across midlane... hopefully this means a big name luxury highrise.

[LTAWACS]

Good eye. This isnt something that we already know about is it? It seems close to some other projects that may or may not start up.

[Mab]

New Concept art for a new mixed used development near Highland Village. 

http://swamplot.com/whats-planned-for-the-block-just-west-of-the-highland-village-shopping-center/2013-11-14/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+swamplot+%28Swamplot%3A+Houston%27s+Real+Estate+Landscape%29

 

[TowerSpotter]

This would either be on weskcreek or just south of it?

 

Edit: Nevermind I see where it is now. 

Edited November 14, 2013 by TowerSpotter

[Mab]

This would either be on weskcreek or just south of it?

Here a quote from the article stating the area.

 

 

 An affiliate of Stonelake Capital Partners owns an entire block at 4200 Westheimer, which it assembled in a series of 3 purchases completed in July of 2012. It’s currently the site of theWestheimer Oaks office complex and a still life of demolished modern apartment buildings behind it, accessed from Bettis St.Mid Ln. forms the western border.

[cloud713]

Westheimer.. where mixed use developments come to die. hope this one sees the light of day as envisioned.. none of the others have so far.

[arche_757]

With the influx of these sort of density driven developments along Westheimer I'm saddened we never thougth putting LR down that road was possible.  I know it would have been a big pain in the *ss but that's where transit driven development would have really taken off!

 

I shudder at the holiday traffic in this area over the coming decade.

[ChrisPHous]

Looks great! I'll say unfortunately, for now, that this high street and RO district have virtually no connectivity. This and ROD blow high street out of the water, which I think was a major disappointment.

Anton Oaks is getting squeezed on all sides which is fine by me!

[TowerSpotter]

Swamplot mentions it will begin in a few week....This project didn't even make any headlines yet.

[arche_757]

The proximity to Highland Village will certainly help it along.  But there is room for both of these developments.

[Pumapayam]

Looks great! I'll say unfortunately, for now, that this high street and RO district have virtually no connectivity. This and ROD blow high street out of the water, which I think was a major disappointment.

Anton Oaks is getting squeezed on all sides which is fine by me!

I came into this thread thinking the same, I hope since they are all in different stages of being built, decide to allow some sort of relationship with each other with sidewalks and minimize fences and walls between them.

 

and I still can't get over the name, Crapittos?

[swtsig]

looks good... love the density/design. there are several projects in the works in this area that are flying under the radar. whether or not many of them ultimately get off the ground is always the lingering question but don't be surprised to see a few more high rise/mixed-use projects get announced.

[cloud713]

With the influx of these sort of density driven developments along Westheimer I'm saddened we never thougth putting LR down that road was possible. I know it would have been a big pain in the *ss but that's where transit driven development would have really taken off!

I shudder at the holiday traffic in this area over the coming decade.

Agreed, if they can build lrt down Richmond they could of done it down westheimer. So much potential along this street

[Triton]

Can Westheimer even handle all this development? Also, makes me wonder what the owners of the Galleria are thinking about this competition.

[cloud713]

Can Westheimer even handle all this development? Also, makes me wonder what the owners of the Galleria are thinking about this competition.

good points. westheimer is already a mess with traffic. and these developments are probably part of the reason for the new remodeling of theGalleria..

[HOUCAJUN]

The traffic will be breathtaking, however I still believe these developments will transform this stretch of Westheimer into our Rodeo drive. The Galleria knows it. Theyve really never had any competition. Now they do.HAIFERS, keep a close eye on these projects. Game Changing!

[Subdude]

The traffic will be breathtaking, however I still believe these developments will transform this stretch of Westheimer into our Rodeo drive. The Galleria knows it. Theyve really never had any competition. Now they do.HAIFERS, keep a close eye on these projects. Game Changing!

 

I had said this in the Predict Houston 2030 topic, but you're right, I can easily see the stretch of Westheimer from Kirby out to the Galleria becoming heavily up-market retail-dominated.  

 

 

When and if that happens, I'll bet the city or else a local group will be pushing very hard to give the Westheimer/River Oaks strip a catchy name for marketing purposes (think "Eado", if you must).  You read it here first.  I'm thinking it will be some variation on "Miracle Mile".

[Triton]

The Highland High-End Strip?

[arche_757]

You know sadly the only development that really engages Westheimer is the already in place Highland Village, the rest are less linear and run into the properties away from Westheimer.  Like a culdesac of high end glossy retail repleat with expensive rental apartments and the occasional condominium tower or townhome.

 

How about "MidWest"  as in middle Westheimer?

[Subdude]

 

 

How about "MidWest"  as in middle Westheimer?

 

Hmmm, I don't think "Midwest" is quite the image they would want to project. 

[ChrisPHous]

MiWe? Jk

[arche_757]

How about "The Highlands" ?  Geographically it is higher in elevation (I think) than Downtown.  And because of High Street and Highland Village one could make the connection?  Besides, Highland Village will always be the more famous of the developments along this stretch of road.  It also makes sense that there would be the Highlands next to Uptown.!?

[Montrose1100]

looks good... love the density/design. there are several projects in the works in this area that are flying under the radar. whether or not many of them ultimately get off the ground is always the lingering question but don't be surprised to see a few more high rise/mixed-use projects get announced.

I look forward to some cool new renderings. Any one in awesome project particular, or just a bunch like these?

[Sellanious Caesar]

The traffic will be breathtaking, however I still believe these developments will transform this stretch of Westheimer into our Rodeo drive. The Galleria knows it. Theyve really never had any competition. Now they do.HAIFERS, keep a close eye on these projects. Game Changing!

Can Westheimer even handle all this development? Also, makes me wonder what the owners of the Galleria are thinking about this competition.

Oliver McMillan concepted the River Oaks District to be Houston's Rodeo Drive. I think Westheimer with the the help of Highland Park, River Oaks District, Mid Lane, Highline/Westcreek, West Avenue, and several other works will be Houston's version of Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.

I think Neartown/Allen Parkway is quickly becoming Houston's Condo Canyon, which is where Regent Square is.

As for the Galleria, they'll always have their advantages, even with the new competition. The guys managing the Galleria know, that's why they've proses making it into more of a mixed use mall. With the new residential tower of 300 units and reconstruction and renovations of Galleria III. The Galleria's advantages are most apparent on freak weather days, it is what it is. I like the variety in shopping that Uptown will have soon.

Edited November 15, 2013 by Sellanious Caesar

[cloud713]

The Highland High-End Strip?

West Oaks? or Westhoaks, with an H thrown in there for pretentiousness. haha. West-O? The Highland Strip isnt that bad i guess. or we could be completely unoriginal and just call it The Shops on Westheimer or something related to a local street or area. do you guys see them distinguishing that part of Westheimer from the rest of the street, as a new high end shopping/mixed use district, with unique signage and stuff like how Uptown distinguishes itself from the rest of the city with their chrome light poles and arches?

[monarch]

"galleria highlands" well, it's a start. I think that it has a nice and yet subtle ring to it...

[cloud713]

The road of scaled back dreams? for real though, maybe Platinum Rowe/Row (or road), however you prefer?

[skooljunkie]

How about "across the tracks"?

[HoustonIsHome]

Why not just continue to call the area Highland Village?? It seems less forced than an EaDo or other geographical name like Midwest.

River Oaks district sounds good too. I know that HLV and ROD do not cover the entire area, but people refer to all of uptown as the galleria area, why not do the same for the area surrounding Highland Village?

Cloud we already have an area called West Oaks.

[Texasota]

I like Highland Village.

 

It sounds vaguely Dallas-y, and that and Uptown are definitely the Dallas-iest parts of Houston.

[cloud713]

I like Highland Village.

 

It sounds vaguely Dallas-y, and that and Uptown are definitely the Dallas-iest parts of Houston.

Probably sounds dallasy because they have Highland Park which has the Highland Park Village shopping center? thats my only gripe about Highland Village.. other then that Highland _____, or The Highlands makes for a decent name.

[bachanon]

It seems that both Highland Village and the new development should make an effort to connect via pedestrian walkways across the tracks or over/under the tracks.  An important element missing from most of these new high-density centers is that they are an island seldom (or barely) connected to the surrounding areas.  It's great to have high-density mixed-use, but without pedestrian connectivity to immediate areas, the full benefit of this type of development is lessened in my opinion.

[htownproud]

I think you can walk across the tracks. Not many trains.

[fatesdisastr]

I think you can walk across the tracks. Not many trains.

 

Nothing says style and class like walking over a railroad hump on a narrow busy road with a sidewalk inches from cars.

 

Edit: Add in the drainage ditch to the equation.

Edited November 18, 2013 by fatesdisastr

[Texasota]

aw, poor rich white people have to cross the train tracks.

 

with their feet, no less.

Edited November 18, 2013 by Texasota

[cloud713]

Nothing says style and class like walking over a railroad hump on a narrow busy road with a sidewalk inches from cars.

 

Edit: Add in the drainage ditch to the equation.

they need to trench the railroad at Westheimer.

and am i crazy or did they fill in the drainage ditch and are building more rail lines along the route? seems like i saw that when i was in the area recently.

[ArchFan]

hey, i live near there and walk across the RR tracks often.  I'm not too proud ... but I do think it would be good for the neighborhood to engineer things so as to be kindler and gentler to pedestrians (i.e., other low-class scumbags like me).  I don't mind it so much, I can deal with it ... but, I guess I would like to improve things for our international visitors who have to hike through our obstacle course.  Even if its only to help the economy by having them want to return.  I know many here don't give a hoot about that, but personally, I would like visitors to have a good experience here.

 

 

[Texasota]

There's also a utility easement. It would be really cool to see a greenway/ bike trail put in there to connect the quasi-walkability of that stretch of westheimer to Memorial Park

[Subdude]

It seems that both Highland Village and the new development should make an effort to connect via pedestrian walkways across the tracks or over/under the tracks.  An important element missing from most of these new high-density centers is that they are an island seldom (or barely) connected to the surrounding areas.  It's great to have high-density mixed-use, but without pedestrian connectivity to immediate areas, the full benefit of this type of development is lessened in my opinion.

 

I just can't see a pedestrian-oriented retail strip through Highland Village as realistic.  It isn't likely that the target shopper for these mixed-use projects is interested in walking, and more importantly the scale is too large for a pedestrian environment.  Westheimer is too wide, the potential strip is too long, and at least at Highland Village there is parking in front.  I think it's just the wrong location for pedestrians.

[Houston19514]

I just can't see a pedestrian-oriented retail strip through Highland Village as realistic.  It isn't likely that the target shopper for these mixed-use projects is interested in walking, and more importantly the scale is too large for a pedestrian environment.  Westheimer is too wide, the potential strip is too long, and at least at Highland Village there is parking in front.  I think it's just the wrong location for pedestrians.

 

I presume you've never been to North Michigan Avenue in Chicago?

 

[Subdude]

I presume you've never been to North Michigan Avenue in Chicago?

 

 

Not in many years.  It's hard to see that kind of walking environment replicated on Westheimer.  

[nativehoustonion]

I went to a Houston Tomorrow meeting last week.  The speaker was a landscape architect.  From her slide show we saw what they did in Lancaster, CA.  It was a 6 lane highway in the middle of the city with cars speeding through it.  They reduced to 2 lanes each way.  They added trees and landscaping in the middle of the street.  Also wider sidewalks and more plants.  Before they did this there was no retail.  All the buildings were empty. Two years later they are full with people walking up and down the street.  It can happen here, with River Oaks District, 2929 Weslayen, and Highland Village.  People would rather walk then drive.  I live in the Upper Kirby District and we walk to Eddie V's, Flemming's, Whole Foods, Little Pappasitos and so on.  When we walk down Alabama the traffic at 4 pm is jammed from Kirby to Greenbriar.  We start laughing poor people stuck in traffic.          

[arche_757]

The difference is Westheimer doesn't really have the ability to go from 6 lanes to 4 lanes.  Could the city add in an esplanade even?  I don't think there is room?

 

And I agree about the rail road tracks a better solution needs to be figured out there.

 

I do remember the Harris County Toll Road Authority discussion the possibility of putting a "Westpark-esque" toll way down that right of way to help ease some of the congestion on I-610 west.

[Houston19514]

Not in many years.  It's hard to see that kind of walking environment replicated on Westheimer.  

 

Not really hard at all with just a tiny bit of imagination and vision.  After all, the reasons you listed above that in your mind makes a Westheimer pedestrian oriented strip unlikely also apply to North Michigan Avenue.

 

High-end target shoppers.

Too large of scale.  Street is too wide and strip is too long...  (North Michigan Avenue is easily as wide as Westheimer and longer than the strip along Westheimer being discussed.) 

[citykid09]

I have been saying that an over/under pass is needed at Westheimer and the tracks for the longest. http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/21839-could-an-over-or-underpass-for-westheimer-at-railroad-crossing/?hl=%2Bvilla+%2Bmaria

[cloud713]

why not a streetcar connecting all of these shopping areas and mixed use developments along Westheimer since many are kind of spread out.

it could run from the future light rail on Post Oak by the Galleria, through Westcreek, River Oaks District, West/Mid Lane, Highland Village, ect, down through West Ave and 2727 Kirby. possibly extending further..

[nativehoustonion]

Something has to be done with the railroad train tracks.  They need a overpass over it with trees, fountains, native plants.  Houston can do ANYTHING!

[htownproud]

Something has to be done with the railroad train tracks.  They need a overpass over it with trees, fountains, native plants.  Houston can do ANYTHING!

We should turn the overpass into a unicorn preserve as well.  Perhaps have leprechauns handing out candy at each end for the kids.   

[nativehoustonion]

How stupid!