Office Tower At 1111 Travis St.

[lockmat]

This is downtown Houston, it will be an extremely rare occasion when something will be built without a garage.

I didn't say anything would have been built without a garage. But zoning could have required that any new developments on Main put their garages on Fannin or Travis.

I don't know if they're different, but I'd rather have a few simple and better design standards to accomplish this.

I know I lean towards govt staying out of an owners' business, but if they really wanted a garage on main they could still apply for a variance.

[htownproud]

As someone that takes the light rail to work (and they're aren't many if us), I absolutely understand why they would not face this towards Main. As a practical matter, dropping people off or picking them up would be a nightmare. The road is one lane there. It wouldn't work.

Also the bums down there are awful. I wear headphones so I don't have to deal with them. But they are still an eye sore. If I was spending a hundred million dollars, I would try to lessen the impact of homeless as mush as possible.

Also, this doesn't really look like a parking garage.

Finally, why is rail suppose to be something you build towards? In Chicago, folks don't build buildings so they face the L.

[Slick Vik]

As someone that takes the light rail to work (and they're aren't many if us), I absolutely understand why they would not face this towards Main. As a practical matter, dropping people off or picking them up would be a nightmare. The road is one lane there. It wouldn't work.

Also the bums down there are awful. I wear headphones so I don't have to deal with them. But they are still an eye sore. If I was spending a hundred million dollars, I would try to lessen the impact of homeless as mush as possible.

Also, this doesn't really look like a parking garage.

Finally, why is rail suppose to be something you build towards? In Chicago, folks don't build buildings so they face the L.

What do you propose to "do" with the homeless population? They are human beings too.

[Subdude]

What do you propose to "do" with the homeless population? They are human beings too.

 

That's another pretty obvious topic-hijacker.  If you want to discuss the homeless, create an appropriate topic for it. 

 

[swtsig]

I didn't say anything would have been built without a garage. But zoning could have required that any new developments on Main put their garages on Fannin or Travis.

BUT YOU CAN'T EVEN TELL IT'S A DAMN GARAGE.

From the rendering all it looks like from main is a 7 or 8 story glass building with ground floor retail. Hell from what we can tell the cars wont even be entering from main, so what difference would your "zoning" rant even make? I swear the incessant whining on this board is downright pathetic. If you want to complain that the building perhaps should be taller I'd at least understand but from a desgin perspective it isn't like any building I can think of in houston and it sure as hell isn't just a "box."

Y'all have become downright insufferable.

[Texasota]

we need better renderings of the main side.

[Triton]

This link was already posted but it looks like some people didn't even click it. There is ZERO entry from Main:

 

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=6322560&postcount=5593

[DrLan34]

Main street side looks like a short rise building that encourages pedestrian activity.  

 

There is no car entry on Main as stated above.

Edited November 3, 2013 by DrLan34

[cloud713]

since people are too lazy to click links.. lol

Main street side with ground floor retail


did anyone else notice this..?
"extension of pedestrian walkway if Main Streets 1 lane of traffic is closed".. maybe that idea to close main street to traffic was more serious than we thought?

Edited November 3, 2013 by cloud713

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

that block of main is already closed to northbound traffic

[cloud713]

that block of main is already closed to northbound traffic

oh i didnt realize that the northbound lane south of MSS and the southbound lane north of MSS were closed. i thought Main was only closed at the block of Main Street Square. i guess closing just those sections of the street wouldnt have much impact on the traffic.

[Montrose1100]

It is what it is. A neat little office building.

[Triton]

It is what it is. A neat little office building.

Exactly. I guess I'm one of the few but I actually like it. People were expecting a supertall?

I'm pretty sure for months before this demolition we heard what the general height/floor count would be and that it was going to be somewhat of an oval building. Sounds like we got what we heard.

Having the traffic enter from the south and exit to the north makes sense to me. Don't really see what all the hubbub is about.

[H-Town Man]

BUT YOU CAN'T EVEN TELL IT'S A DAMN GARAGE.

From the rendering all it looks like from main is a 7 or 8 story glass building with ground floor retail. Hell from what we can tell the cars wont even be entering from main, so what difference would your "zoning" rant even make? I swear the incessant whining on this board is downright pathetic. If you want to complain that the building perhaps should be taller I'd at least understand but from a desgin perspective it isn't like any building I can think of in houston and it sure as hell isn't just a "box."

Y'all have become downright insufferable.

 

Don't understand why you get so angry. I've said it before... if you don't like hearing people criticize architecture and design, maybe an architecture forum is not the place for you.

 

And, since you mention it, you can tell it's a garage. The garage floors are clearly visible through the glass. I imagine cars will be too, although whoever did the rendering chose not to depict them.

 

Edited November 4, 2013 by H-Town Man

[Texasota]

I'd still like to see a ground floor site plan. I don't actually see any confirmation here that there is any retail.

[cloud713]

I'd still like to see a ground floor site plan. I don't actually see any confirmation here that there is any retail.

What do you think the glass windows along the bottom floor on main are? Windows into a parking garage?

[Texasota]

It's happened before. I'm not saying it's not retail; it probably is. A floor plan would offer some sort of confirmation though.

[cloud713]

It's happened before. I'm not saying it's not retail; it probably is. A floor plan would offer some sort of confirmation though.

true, i agree.. though they have been saying since this tower was first rumored that it would have ground floor retail, and all the other rumors about it have been true so far. we shall see.

[Montrose1100]

 if you don't like hearing people criticize architecture and design, maybe an architecture forum is not the place for you.

Wow now.. He is a great asset to this board! He was only pointing out holes in some poster's logic.

[H-Town Man]

Wow now.. He is a great asset to this board! He was only pointing out holes in some poster's logic.

 

He's welcome to point out holes in my logic. In this case, I think the hole was in his (see prior post). And I will go on voicing my criticism of designs.

[Guest Jackwood]

I think this website would be more of an asset if Urbanizer was the only one allowed to post. The criticisms do nothing. 

 

Edited November 4, 2013 by Jackwood

[Texasota]

You can criticize something without thinking it's terrible, worse than whatever is there, or even mediocre. 

Criticism is healthy and positive as long as its constructive.

[nativehoustonion]

I think it is a nice design.  Our Main S.t will become Main St. America with all the developments going on.  Office buildings, apartments, hotel, and light rail getting north side extension.  Everyone please be excited!

[H-Town Man]

I think this website would be more of an asset if Urbanizer was the only one allowed to post.

 

You must be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

Edited November 4, 2013 by H-Town Man

[The Pragmatist]

For whatever reason, this reminds me of the buildings at the intersection of 290 and 610.

[Guest Jackwood]

You must be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

 

Now you're adding some value to the internet.  You should stick to re-posting quotes that were thought up by smart people.

Edited November 4, 2013 by Jackwood

[nativehoustonion]

Urbannizer made it in the Chronicle!

[cloud713]

Urbannizer made it in the Chronicle!

wow, congrats urb! link?

nvm, i found this.. dont see any specific mention of urbannizer though, just a link to lockmats blog which mentions urb found it?

http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/11/rendering-of-new-downtown-office-tower-revealed/?cmpid=hpts

Edited November 4, 2013 by cloud713

[H-Town Man]

Now you're adding some value to the internet.  You should stick to re-posting quotes that were thought up by smart people.

 

I think you missed the implication...

[htownproud]

i don't understand the southbound traffic lane from Lamar to Dallas on Main.  Because you can't  take lefts over the rail tracks (which you would have to do if you were coming down Lamar), i don't see how anyone could ever use it.  so shutting it down makes perfect sense.  

[cloud713]

i don't understand the southbound traffic lane from Lamar to Dallas on Main.  Because you can't  take lefts over the rail tracks (which you would have to do if you were coming down Lamar), i don't see how anyone could ever use it.  so shutting it down makes perfect sense.  

are you not supposed to make left turns from the side streets onto Main? i thought it was just no left turns across the tracks if your on Main. if not ive been making illegal turns and havent noticed any signs saying otherwise. ha, but yeah it would be cool if they blocked off that part to cars for a wider pedestrian area on that block.

[Guest Jackwood]

I think you missed the implication...

 

No. You did.

[H-Town Man]

No. You did.

Then why are you still posting? You said you think Urbannizer should be the only one allowed to post. Be the change you want to see in the world.

I think I understood your implications pretty well. As soon as the word "stupid" gets thrown in, subtlety is pretty much gone.

[htownproud]

are you not supposed to make left turns from the side streets onto Main? i thought it was just no left turns across the tracks if your on Main. if not ive been making illegal turns and havent noticed any signs saying otherwise. ha, but yeah it would be cool if they blocked off that part to cars for a wider pedestrian area on that block.

You must be right!

[monarch]

ENOUGH Already!

 

Personally, I feel that H-TOWN MAN is above all correct upon his assessments / critiques, as per the proposed "Hilcorp" boondoggle of a building....  slated as per the most "prime" real estate in all of Texas.  

 

Upon whether or not we are ready to admit it....  aren't we all a bit "shocked" as per the actual "underwhelming" aspects of such a building being promoted as per such a "high octane" site of Downtown Houston.  As I have casually stated beforehand.....  "this green glassed building look's as though it just involuntarily stood up, turned it's "ass" upon Main Street....  and just let out a big "garage".  Just downright insulting....

 

Jackwood, you should never proposed to anyone to "quit" posting upon this open forum.  Your insight is just as "valuable" as anyone else's.  For whenever I venture upon HAIF, I am seeking to reference the insight upon "all" posters....  not just those that are inclined to agree with my own views.  

 

Somehow, over the past several months, I have been getting the feeling that "posters" have been a bit reluctant to "post" simply due to the simple fact that they are "intimidated" by others that they think are a bit more "well versed" than they are.....  isn't this a bit "elementary" to say the least.  Upon my own personal view, (to run the risk of patronizing anyone in lieu this great site) HAIF posters seem to be some of the most intelligent patrons around.....  not to mention, they seem to harbor an undying love as per the City of Houston.....  which in spite of itself....  is it's strength.

 

Look HAIF, just as the old saying goes....  "if it look's and quack's like a duck....  at some point, the duck shall be revealed".  This is the same way that I feel in regards to the proposed "garage" aspect of the newly proposed "Hilcorp" building.  There is just to much "history / memories" dedicated as per this particular site upon Main Street.....  to allow for such an non inspiring, non entertaining, complete bore of an edifice, to be constructed upon such an "holistic" site....  and not allow yourselves to be completely honest about it...    

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2013 by monarch

[H-Town Man]

Jackwood, I'd prefer we both just tolerate each other. I've been on here eleven years and don't intend to quit now. I like discussing architecture and critiquing it. But I have nothing against you except your attitude towards me.

[asubrt]

 

 

Ok, you don't like this building, we get it. But do you have to use quotes in every single sentence with those bold italics? Just type normally, your posts are coming across as really obnoxious and maybe people aren't taking you as seriously as you'd like.

 

Personally I don't mind the building. Of course I'd like for it to be taller, but Hillcorp is building it for their HQ and this is how much space they need. If it was being built without a tenant it would be competing with several of the other buildings that we all want to see built, and probably wouldn't ever get off the ground. Or worse, would prevent some of the other towers that people tend to like more (i.e. Stream/Essex) from going up.

[monarch]

Ok, you don't like this building, we get it. But do you have to use quotes in every single sentence with those bold italics? Just type normally, your posts are coming across as really obnoxious and maybe people aren't taking you as seriously as you'd like.

 

Personally I don't mind the building. Of course I'd like for it to be taller, but Hillcorp is building it for their HQ and this is how much space they need. If it was being built without a tenant it would be competing with several of the other buildings that we all want to see built, and probably wouldn't ever get off the ground. Or worse, would prevent some of the other towers that people tend to like more (i.e. Stream/Essex) from going up.

 

Some posters warrant a bit more expressive articulation method than others.  The "quotes" / BOLD modes are here to serve a purpose...  am I correct?

 

....I do not care at all about others taking me seriously.  I just care about them having a voice....  just like yours....

[cloud713]

THIS
 

Personally I don't mind the building. Of course I'd like for it to be taller, but Hillcorp is building it for their HQ and this is how much space they need. If it was being built without a tenant it would be competing with several of the other buildings that we all want to see built, and probably wouldn't ever get off the ground. Or worse, would prevent some of the other towers that people tend to like more (i.e. Stream/Essex) from going up.

any other new office proposal without a lead tenant and it probably wouldnt of seen the light of day given all the existing proposals out there. a residential tower would of been neat but Hilcorp ended up being the ones willing to fork over the dough for that "prime property" (wouldnt the Hines tower be much more prime since its at the intersection of 2 light rail lines?). it would be cool if they engineered the building for future height expansion when the company grows.. heh

[mfastx]

I think the building is fine.  It's better than what was there before, and it's a hell of a lot better than a vacant/parking lot. 

 

There's plenty of other lots in downtown for trophy towers.  Sometimes some classic infill is nice. 

[capnmcbarnacle]

THIS

 

any other new office proposal without a lead tenant and it probably wouldnt of seen the light of day given all the existing proposals out there. a residential tower would of been neat but Hilcorp ended up being the ones willing to fork over the dough for that "prime property" (wouldnt the Hines tower be much more prime since its at the intersection of 2 light rail lines?). it would be cool if they engineered the building for future height expansion when the company grows.. heh

 

I'm guessing they bought the adjacent lot to accommodate future growth.  As a general rule (taking land costs out of the equation) would it be cheaper to build one 44 story tower, or two 22 story towers?

[H-Town Man]

I'm guessing they bought the adjacent lot to accommodate future growth. As a general rule (taking land costs out of the equation) would it be cheaper to build one 44 story tower, or two 22 story towers?

Two 22 stories, almost always, unless land is too expensive (not here). Not to belabor the point, but a taller building would still likely get off the ground if it were only 40-50% preleased. But that's not what Hilcorp wanted to do, and it's their tower. Plus it makes other towers more likely, like the International. More shorter towers is probably better for downtown than fewer taller towers.

Overall I do like this building(assuming that is ground floor retail below the garage), just wish there weren't another garage on Main.

Edited November 5, 2013 by H-Town Man

[Montrose1100]

 slated as per the most "prime" real estate in all of Texas.  

Source? If it were the most "prime", they'd be building mixed-use with rent-able commercial and/or residential space. But It's not. 

[cloud713]

Source? If it were the most "prime", they'd be building mixed-use with rent-able commercial and/or residential space. But It's not. 

right..? this guy is getting all hyped up over nothing. the lot isnt any more prime than any of the other numerous lots on Main Street. like i said earlier, doesnt Hines have one of the most prime properties in Houston right now (Main/Capital)? their BG Place was an excellent choice too at Main/Rusk so both towers are/will be at the intersection of 2 light rail lines.

i guess it depends how you look at prime and what type of project your building. some may consider a site such as Astroworld or the Hardy Yards to be the most prime since it has so much space for large development and is on a light rail line. but this site at the old Macys? hardly.. the only prime thing about this property other than the light rail (which dozens of other properties along Main and Capital/Rusk are on too) is that its in the new retail district.. we should be glad they arent replacing it with a strip mall...

[Guest Jackwood]

I love how my light hearted, compliment to Urbanizer offended all the right people without ever having named names. If you really took personal offense that this would be a better website without YOUR posts then you are probably just insecure or paranoid or possibly correct. 

 

Seriously tho, some of you took that post a little more seriously than I did.  I don't have anything against anyone. I come hear to read the posts like everyone else. As much as I like Urbanizer's postings and do place a higher value on any posts that come with renderings, info, photos and updates on projects going up in Houston, compared to reading personal opinions that don't make any difference one way or another, this would be a boring place if only one person was allowed to post and I would never come here.

 

So don't be too offended if I didn't say "I wish only (insert your name here) was allowed to post at HAIF." It doesn't mean I hate your guts or anything. I like a lot of people here. 

Edited November 5, 2013 by Jackwood

[arche_757]

Here is my take (just my opinion):

- Yes this building could have been taller (with more uses included - such as hotel or condominium space) but it is just fine.  Its actually a clever little design and will work quite well for its intended use.

- Height doesn't matter here.  I think what we all want to see is more infill.  And that will mean more 15-25 floor buildings all over downtown, the more the merrier.

- The location of the parking garage is ok sense to me it would appear that it is fairly well concealed.

- I'm hoping they will re-do the Americana if they own or intend to buy that building, as it is honestly a nice little tower in the middle of DT.

 

I am however, a bit dismayed they couldn't have built this just two blocks further down the line on Main Street.  For one, it would have not necessitated the destruction of a building that could have been re-done (albeit in a very difficult manner) and it would have held a greater presence on the skyline coming from the south/southwest.

Edited November 5, 2013 by arche_757

[htownproud]

A lot of people have suggested Hilcorp should have restored Foley's. Can someone with building knowledge comment on how expensive it would be to install the windows that would be required to make a building with no windows into a Class A building with as many windows as would be required for such? I'm not a builder but I assume it be cost prohibitive times a thousand.

[KinkaidAlum]

Infill? More like replacement. They tore down a viable building that had been an operational department store for 70 years. 

 

Downtown YMCA, The Houston Club, The Texas Tower, Montague Hotel, Ben Milam Hotel, Foley's, etc... RIP.

[cloud713]

A lot of people have suggested Hilcorp should have restored Foley's. Can someone with building knowledge comment on how expensive it would be to install the windows that would be required to make a building with no windows into a Class A building with as many windows as would be required for such? I'm not a builder but I assume it be cost prohibitive times a thousand.

i dont have the knowledge but i think many of us mentioned it because of the idea that was floated around a few years ago.. here is a PDF mentioning it. Pages 19-21. it would of been a neat repurpose but probably costly.

FWIW, there is a lot of other cool stuff in the PDF but im not sure if they are still trying to pursue the same course of action now that the new retail initiative has come out. i like the Calatrava-esque "galleria" idea down Dallas with a section of street closed off (even though it would screw up the grid), and especially the sunken plaza idea (ive been raving about something like this since i first mentioned my sunken plaza/park idea).

http://downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2011-10-25/111024-AECOM-Final_Report-HDMD_Post.pdf

 

[LTAWACS]

Sunken plaza sounds like a neat idea...