East River: Mixed-Use Development By Midway

[Houstonian4Life]

https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/neighborhood/5-projects-planned-for-eado-and-east-end-98989?&utm_source=outbound_pub_54&utm_campaign=outbound_issue_29053&utm_content=outbound_newsletter1&utm_medium=email

 

There’s some interesting info regarding East River as well as an event on June 4 with developers and investors on the Future of Eado and East End.  

[Texasota]

5 hours ago, Mr.Clean19 said:

Probably a combination of private funds, opportunity zone, affordable housing, TIRZ 23, TIRZ 18, and other city funds. I think that there was an estimate waaay back after the property was purchased from KBR that it would take $1.2 to $1.5 billion to revamp the site 

 

I meant the streetcar. I'm reasonably confident that Midway will make this project work.

Edited May 16, 2019 by Texasota

[Timoric]

-

 

Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[HoustonMidtown]

They are putting this drainage all along the bayou

 

Untitled by Houston Midtown, on Flickr

[I'm Not a Robot]

http://eastriverhtx.com/

 

site has been updated with two brochures

 

https://midwaycompanies.sharepoint.com/sites/Marketing/East River/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FMarketing%2FEast River%2FCollateral%2FBrochures%2FLeasing%2FOffice%2F190319 EastRiver - Office - CES Folder%2F190319 EastRiver - Office Spreads - CES.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FMarketing%2FEast River%2FCollateral%2FBrochures%2FLeasing%2FOffice%2F190319 EastRiver - Office - CES Folder&p=true&cid=9320239a-9036-4f2f-8242-bf35b47ee0be

 

https://midwaycompanies.sharepoint.com/sites/Marketing/East River/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FMarketing%2FEast River%2FCollateral%2FBrochures%2FLeasing%2FRetail%2F190424 East River Retail - CES Folder%2F190424 East River Retail Spreads - CES.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FMarketing%2FEast River%2FCollateral%2FBrochures%2FLeasing%2FRetail%2F190424 East River Retail - CES Folder&p=true&cid=7e5b89a3-aa12-4c86-82ed-217a510eca4d

Edited May 22, 2019 by I'm Not a Robot

[Response]

It's like Houston is being reborn or something. Never thought I'd live to see the day that something this cool would be built east of downtown. Loving it big time.

[Luminare]

10 minutes ago, Response said:

It's like Houston is being reborn or something. Never thought I'd live to see the day that something this cool would be built east of downtown. Loving it big time.

 

I think we have been discussing this on multiple threads, but its been fun seeing this sort of "free-market" urbanism take shape. It certainly hasn't been perfect, and we have had to really be patient while all these different developers tweak and reimagine various urban formulas, but it seems that from here on out things are going to start getting better and more sophisticated like this. Really cool stuff. Again Houston's formula for development can be frustrating, but its also really interesting and unique.

[I'm Not a Robot]

I'm still holding out hope that the movie theater is the first Alamo Drafthouse inside the loop. The Maritime Museum originally planned to break ground in mid 2018 and open in late 2019, so maybe that gives us a timeline of the first phase? With groundbreaking underway maybe we can see some stuff begin to open in late 2020 or early 2021. That's much earlier than I had originally expected. 

[Luminare]

18 minutes ago, CrockpotandGravel said:

Three things that stood out to me from the proposed renderings of the East River development from Midway, Houston:


1. This apartment building called East River or Easter River One Place, and the surrounding town homes (neither are not marked on the phase 1 map)





2. The beautiful design of the Maritime Museum





3.


 

 

3. Profit?

[Mr.Clean19]

This view kind of interests me because they didnt simulate the new 45 reroute. They also showed development on the Pinto Realty lots that will be taken over by the 45 re-route.

 

https://imgur.com/eIoYjh4

 

 

[SMU1213]

57 minutes ago, Mr.Clean19 said:

This view kind of interests me because they didnt simulate the new 45 reroute. They also showed development on the Pinto Realty lots that will be taken over by the 45 re-route.

 

https://imgur.com/eIoYjh4

 

 

Not all of the Pinto realty lot is being taken over by 45. Last I've heard, townhomes are going in east of the railroad tracks. 

[ArtNsf]

20 hours ago, Response said:

It's like Houston is being reborn or something. Never thought I'd live to see the day that something this cool would be built east of downtown. Loving it big time.

Agreed.  Exciting times to be a Houstonian again.  This East River site is going to be massive if all 5 phases come to fruition and will nearly double the size of bayou front properties downtown.  Truly exciting.

[j_cuevas713]

On 5/23/2019 at 11:57 AM, ArtNsf said:

Agreed.  Exciting times to be a Houstonian again.  This East River site is going to be massive if all 5 phases come to fruition and will nearly double the size of bayou front properties downtown.  Truly exciting.

And think of the development that will branch off of this!

[thedistrict84]

4 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

And think of the development that will branch off of this!

 

I live within walking distance, on the other side of the Bayou. I’m stoked for this and the wave of development that will occur concurrently and after. You are already seeing the effect of this south of the Bayou, with new townhomes going in, proposed apartments like the one on Fox St, and new retail developments.

 

This will have a drastic positive impact on the East End and the southern portion of Fifth Ward. I can’t wait!

[j_cuevas713]

On 5/24/2019 at 8:58 PM, thedistrict84 said:

 

I live within walking distance, on the other side of the Bayou. I’m stoked for this and the wave of development that will occur concurrently and after. You are already seeing the effect of this south of the Bayou, with new townhomes going in, proposed apartments like the one on Fox St, and new retail developments.

 

This will have a drastic positive impact on the East End and the southern portion of Fifth Ward. I can’t wait!

I live right off Canal and I agree. This area is going to explode. 

[hindesky]

Infrastructure.

[Mr.Clean19]

@hindesky did you sneak on site?

[htownbro]

On 5/22/2019 at 3:01 PM, CrockpotandGravel said:

Updated renderings of East River from Midway at 4100 Clinton Dr in Houston.


Phase I

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/5bwfQR6.jpg )

Central Plaza & Retail Pavilion

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/fezJODo.jpg )



(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/qJBzVxp.jpg )




(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/eIoYjh4.jpg )


Bayou Pavilion

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/ZKQn0Dd.jpg )


Ground Floor Retail Under Office Building and Garage

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/ZKQn0Dd.jpg )

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/jrDZofd.jpg )


Anchor retail & Office A

(direct link to non-compressed, full-sized image: https://i.imgur.com/goENJCG.jpg )


Office Building C

 

Oh my!  Look what Amazon missed out on.  Will this be completed by the time we get another Superbowl?  

[j_cuevas713]

3 hours ago, htownbro said:

Oh my!  Look what Amazon missed out on.  Will this be completed by the time we get another Superbowl?  

Amazon screwed every city that participated. I'm actually glad we weren't even considered. The fact a company wants to basically set up shop and drain a city of its financial responsibilities in the form of an "incentive package" for tax breaks is crazy. Amazon wants all the benefits without risking anything. Now that we're seeing Houston developers create an ecosystem of dense walkable pockets in the cities core, I'm sure we'll draw some better suited companies. 

[Timoric]

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Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[hindesky]

10 hours ago, Mr.Clean19 said:

@hindesky did you sneak on site?

No, although there are several places to get access to get in. This work was going on right next to Jensen and Clinton.

[Timoric]

-

Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[Angostura]

15 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Amazon screwed every city that participated. I'm actually glad we weren't even considered. The fact a company wants to basically set up shop and drain a city of its financial responsibilities in the form of an "incentive package" for tax breaks is crazy. Amazon wants all the benefits without risking anything. Now that we're seeing Houston developers create an ecosystem of dense walkable pockets in the cities core, I'm sure we'll draw some better suited companies. 

 

It's actually worse. From AMZN's perspective, it's better for the company to choose a high-tax location with lots of incentives than a low-tax location with lower incentives. By choosing to locate in states with relatively high state income taxes, (originally VA and NY) they are essentially diverting a portion of their employees' salaries back to the company, just laundered through the state tax system on the way.

[j_cuevas713]

15 hours ago, Timoric said:

Is Jeff Bezos, an HISD student, less a philanthropist than he should be? I don't know if he has ever done anything for Houston, with his space exploration interests I wish Ellington could get some of his funding as a hat tip to a place he was raised in

Never knew Bezos was an HISD student, wow smh

 

 

[thatguysly]

21 minutes ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Never knew Bezos was an HISD student, wow smh

 

 

 

Wiki says he went to River Oaks Elementary for 4th to 6th grade and went to high school in Florida.

[Houston19514]

21 minutes ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Never knew Bezos was an HISD student, wow smh

 

 

 

Approximately three years in River Oaks Elementary School.

[j_cuevas713]

52 minutes ago, thatguysly said:

 

Wiki says he went to River Oaks Elementary for 4th to 6th grade and went to high school in Florida.

 

51 minutes ago, Houston19514 said:

 

Approximately three years in River Oaks Elementary School.

Now I dislike him even more

[mattyt36]

Battleship Texas is moving to an undetermined location:

 

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/houston/article/Battleship-Texas-will-be-relocated-from-San-13904051.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HC_MorningReport&utm_term=news&utm_content=briefing

[Timoric]

-

Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[mattyt36]

46 minutes ago, Timoric said:

Field Trip goers at Local Schools wait with baited breath as they wrap cans in foil and place in freezer

 

Oh the memories . . .

 

I remember several trips out there during elementary school and thinking, why did they put the San Jacinto Monument THERE . . . ?

 

Can't remember, however, when the light bulb finally went off.

Edited May 30, 2019 by mattyt36

[Mr.Clean19]

The bayou is wide enough in this location to fit this ship. That would be a huge pull for the new museum and a great view of downtown. 

[I'm Not a Robot]

6 minutes ago, Mr.Clean19 said:

The bayou is wide enough in this location to fit this ship. That would be a huge pull for the new museum and a great view of downtown. 

 

 

I don't love the idea of it being in the bayou. Seems like it is so wide that it would take up nearly all of the channel. This would place a burden on any potential for a focus on kayaking. I think if it were moved to this area it would be inside of the museum as a focal point. 

Edited May 30, 2019 by I'm Not a Robot

[CaptainJilliams]

2 hours ago, mattyt36 said:

Battleship Texas is moving to an undetermined location:

 

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/houston/article/Battleship-Texas-will-be-relocated-from-San-13904051.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HC_MorningReport&utm_term=news&utm_content=briefing

 

I was thinking the Maritime Museum (if they decide to locate to East River), would be a fantastic location for the battleship.

 

There are 2 problems (and probably a few more) with this location:

 

1. Can they even get the Battleship that far up the ship channel? Is the bayou deep enough to handle a ship that large?

2. This project has deep political ties, and rumors have suggested that those in power want to move the battleship to Galveston in hopes of generating higher visitor numbers. Even if the Bayou is suitable to dock the ship, will the local politicians allow it to happen?

[Avossos]

10 minutes ago, CaptainJilliams said:

 

I was thinking the Maritime Museum (if they decide to locate to East River), would be a fantastic location for the battleship.

 

There are 2 problems (and probably a few more) with this location:

 

1. Can they even get the Battleship that far up the ship channel? Is the bayou deep enough to handle a ship that large?

2. This project has deep political ties, and rumors have suggested that those in power want to move the battleship to Galveston in hopes of generating higher visitor numbers. Even if the Bayou is suitable to dock the ship, will the local politicians allow it to happen?

 

Could it handle major bayou flooding?

[CaptainJilliams]

15 minutes ago, Avossos said:

 

Could it handle major bayou flooding?

 

Even better question, I didn't consider that.

[Naviguessor]

Lot$ of reasons that this would not work. There are, also, at least 7 bridges (roadway and rail), not to mention numerous pipelines, which would require removal and rebuilding, even if the Bayou was dredged and improved to accommodate a vessel this size.   The turning basin is as high is a deep draft, ocean going vessel can (and should) go.    Fun to fanaticize about though. 

[HOUTEX]

Eh, all the rail bridges open an pivot open. Cut off the tower and re-weld it on arrival. 

 

Problem solved. 

[thatguysly]

On the local NPR station, they said they think it'll move to Galveston.

[j_cuevas713]

Moving it to Galveston is only speculation but what I read was it would be easier for Houstonians to access it which makes me believe they want to put it closer to the city. 

Edited June 5, 2019 by j_cuevas713

[Urbannizer]

Looks like a larger office tower was originally proposed with Phase I

 

http://www.andrewvuono.com/

[Mr.Clean19]

The link below takes you back to the original release. I cant imagine putting a tall office tower in phase 1 or 2 and potentially blocking view in the latter phases. Plus this section with the tall tower is on the lowest point of the site and the only area below the 500 year flood plane

 

https://imgur.com/pUsudtZ

Also, interesting stats on this Andrew guys page:

 

• Architecture Firm: Page
•  
• Size: 600,00 square feet
• Location: Houston, TX
•  
• Completion: 2021

[Luminare]

On 6/4/2019 at 1:37 AM, Urbannizer said:

Looks like a larger office tower was originally proposed with Phase I

 

http://www.andrewvuono.com/

 

On 6/4/2019 at 12:49 PM, Mr.Clean19 said:

The link below takes you back to the original release. I cant imagine putting a tall office tower in phase 1 or 2 and potentially blocking view in the latter phases. Plus this section with the tall tower is on the lowest point of the site and the only area below the 500 year flood plane

 

https://imgur.com/pUsudtZ

Also, interesting stats on this Andrew guys page:

 

• Architecture Firm: Page
•  
• Size: 600,00 square feet
• Location: Houston, TX
•  
• Completion: 2021

 

I imagine that this would have been a high profile pitch to a company wanting to have a dedicated building or campus that isn't from Houston. I know some have had suspicions (or legit info. I really don't know) that this was at one point pitched to Amazon. Probably pitched to others.

 

At this point I don't think thats what Phase 1 or even Phase 2 wants to be. Now Phases 3 and 4? That looks prime to be a big time campus for a very large company.

Edited June 7, 2019 by Luminare

[ljchou]

For those curious about the East River Amazon Pitch, here it is: https://squarefeetdesign.com/project/east-river/

[H-Town Man]

They hope to start Phase I sometime next year, with 20 year buildout.

 

http://realtynewsreport.com/2019/07/01/next-gen-mixed-use-development-keeping-it-fresh/

 

[Luminare]

1 hour ago, H-Town Man said:

They hope to start Phase I sometime next year, with 20 year buildout.

 

http://realtynewsreport.com/2019/07/01/next-gen-mixed-use-development-keeping-it-fresh/

 

 

This article was actually a really good read. It once again illustrates how simple things might seem at first glance, but get infinitely more complicated once you get more into detail.

 

We would all like more and more GFR, but the current retail landscape hasn't really sort itself out yet. With comments such as this:

 

One of the concerns about mixed use developments today is the retail component.  “With some projects, you can’t fill every ground floor space with retail, because there isn’t the demand to justify the retail,” he added.

 

Retail has become a major challenge in mixed use.  “The retail world is more competitive; the tenant base is changing,” he continued. “What was a 5,000 square foot soft good clothing retailer a few years ago now may be a 2,500 square foot retailer.  We built 400,000 square feet of retail at CityCentre and even though it is all full now, probably we would have built less of that today.”

 

Retail will survive, but its still learning how to challenge the online space, and create a unique identity. Retail is shedding sqft that would have normally be used to sell more "generic" wears and "base-essential" wears, and instead are focusing are particular brands, boutique looks, and more specialized retail experiences. Not to mention because our city still lacks the critical mass of foot traffic necessary to sustain a large amount of retail is a reason why its not only a challenge to put it into a new building, but determine the sqft that is possible. I believe we are well on our way to reversing this, but it will take time. Hopefully, by then the retail market grows into its new transformed identity and we can position ourselves as a city to embrace it.

 

Really like their remarks about context driven development and how they approach such large scale projects:

 

Public support is also important. Reis said Cooper Carry does a great deal of public engagement with a new mixed use project.  “We let everyone be heard,” he said. “At every public meeting, there will usually be one or two vocal people who have a single agenda that they want to get across. We listen. If the process is transparent, they see 85% of the people around them are for the project. It’s a way to gain consensus.”

 

With mixed use projects, engaging community groups and stakeholders is very important, particularly in Houston — a city sans zoning, Brinsden said “Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should,” he joked.

 

Its really encouraging to hear, but what I didn't know about was just the hurdles to gain lending support for such projects because of how segmented it is:

 

Financing of mixed use projects has become easier,  said Rathie.  “It’s been a learning process around mixed use,” he said.  “Institution capital likes the idea behind mixed use but it’s new.”

 

Brinsden agreed, noting that Midway had to capitalize each use separately for CityCentre. “Today you probably could raise capital from one institutional partner,” Brinsden said. “The capital markets understand mixed use developments better now.  But even today, office residential, retail and hospitality cycles operate differently, so we’re always working with different market forces.”

 

The issues surrounding this and the institutions that normally lend now getting more familiar with these kinds of projects are maybe why we have seen an explosion of announcements for such projects around the city in the past few years.

 

There is more here to look into and I would advise others to give it a read. They are working hard to not only understand how to get this done, but to do it in the best way possible in each particular situation. 

[thedistrict84]

2 hours ago, H-Town Man said:

They hope to start Phase I sometime next year, with 20 year buildout.

 

http://realtynewsreport.com/2019/07/01/next-gen-mixed-use-development-keeping-it-fresh/

 

 

Huh. I thought we were expecting an official groundbreaking this year? And a 20 year build-out for all phases is also longer than initially suggested.

 

I understand that projects of this scale are hard to fully predict, but the fact that these dates and numbers are changing this early is a tad bit concerning.

[Timoric]

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Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[j_cuevas713]

That fact they "hope" to start Phase 1 next year already has been worried. I thought Phase 1 was going to start this year.

[Urbannizer]

On 7/1/2019 at 3:53 PM, thedistrict84 said:

 

Huh. I thought we were expecting an official groundbreaking this year? And a 20 year build-out for all phases is also longer than initially suggested.

 

I understand that projects of this scale are hard to fully predict, but the fact that these dates and numbers are changing this early is a tad bit concerning.

 

On 7/5/2019 at 4:09 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

That fact they "hope" to start Phase 1 next year already has been worried. I thought Phase 1 was going to start this year.

 

I'm pretty sure there's no article out mentioning a 2019 groundbreaking, nothing official at least.

[Naviguessor]

They are still busy at the site constructing drainage infrastructure and pulling up former foundations.