HoustonIsHome 1361 Posted September 2, 2016 I don't think it's ugly or nice. It just blends in with the surroundings. Does not stand out in a bad or good way. Just nondescript. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobruss 4541 Posted September 2, 2016 Thats the problem. If you look at the image that Urbanizer posted on page 65 taken at a distance from the east you have a hard time even noticing the building. It blends in better than Waldo. I just keep thinking of what should have been there. Would someone remind us what we missed out on with a fresh look at the original plans for what would definitely have been a building that would have made a lot of people very happy. I don't know how to do it or I would have posted it here. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rechlin 2718 Posted September 2, 2016 For the benefit of bobruss and everyone else, here's a quote of Urbannizer's original announcement of what we should have gotten instead: On 3/26/2014 at 8:29 AM, Urbannizer said: This is amazing. 7,000 sq ft of retail, demolition work begins in June. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/retail/article/Luxury-project-is-latest-hotel-planned-for-5350301.php 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sellanious Caesar 186 Posted September 2, 2016 It had a very sleek transparent design. I love how it looked like a video gaming desktop computer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timoric 1449 Posted September 2, 2016 (edited) - Edited July 11 by Timoric 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twinsanity02 1025 Posted September 2, 2016 I think for happiness and sanity sake it is best to forget that drawing. Reality is what it is. 6 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gator Purify 257 Posted September 2, 2016 (edited) This is basically Hotel Sorella CityCentre 2.0. I guess we shouldn't be surprised. That's Midway's frame of reference. Edited September 2, 2016 by Gator Purify 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 3723 Posted September 3, 2016 Agreed Tiger.. I had hoped they might do that, given the green space shown in the initial conceptual renderings. All of the barren flat roof tops in our urban areas are so much wasted potential. On September 13, 2013 at 9:23 AM, Urbannizer said: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Plan-calls-for-tax-dollars-to-help-create-4810595.php?cmpid=atfpm 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted September 8, 2016 ^^^ @tigereye really cool job here my pal! referencing these illustrations can only highlight just how very subtle and elegant MIDWAY is constructing and integrating this hotel facility into this entertainment complex.... almost seamlessly. the beautiful palm trees only add to the vitality that all of this will bring once completed. this is going to be one gorgeous place.... wow! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigereye 1706 Posted September 9, 2016 1 hour ago, monarch said: ^^^ @tigereye really cool job here my pal! referencing these illustrations can only highlight just how very subtle and elegant MIDWAY is constructing and integrating this hotel facility into this entertainment complex.... almost seamlessly. the beautiful palm trees only add to the vitality that all of this will bring once completed. this is going to be one gorgeous place.... wow! I agree @monarch. The design is consistent with existing complex and will fit in quite nicely when complete. Now if only Midway would open up entrances with patio seating along the Dallas St side (along with that rooftop park atop Forever 21) 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
H-Town Man 3879 Posted September 9, 2016 (edited) On 9/2/2016 at 0:38 PM, Timoric said: I think we all have to admit that the new buildings in Houston this cycle save a few major exceptions like 609 are very pedestrian. But....that is ok...if...later we get some signature buildings and these are just fill-in that helped get us to the tipping point we all hope for. If Houston is doing the hard and not sexy work of getting transportation, downtown living initiatves, better parks and better roads done to usher in the right conditions and it will pay off in the future, this is just the transition happening. The main potential for better design I think lies in property types such as downtown retail, hospitality, and mixed use, where lack of an established demand base or low outside perceptions limits the amount that investors are willing to risk. With downtown office, since it is so established, we are much closer to being maxed out. Although if there is a big increase in downtown office demand as the baby boomers fade out and downtown residential grows, that could lead to better office designs. Suburban design is probably as good as it's going to get. There is no foreseeable increase in the appeal of the suburbs. Inner loop apartment midrise architecture is probably also maxed out, although things could get more interesting in places like Midtown or along Buffalo Bayou as developments cluster and synergize. To take Dallas' McKinney Ave. corridor as an example, from about 2000 to 2010 you had density being developed, but it was pretty bland, being a frontier area. Since 2010, development has become higher quality because the neighborhood is established and risk is lower. Midtown is a step or two behind, but starting to make this transition. The ultimate thing would be if Houston could somehow make the leap to becoming a tourist destination, led by downtown/Midtown/Museum District forming an attractive, exciting urban core that is unique in the southern U.S. Such a change would absolutely raise the bar on development throughout the city. Even if we only manage to neutralize our current abysmal reputation among other regional cities, that would make a big difference. Edited September 9, 2016 by H-Town Man 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
htownproud 316 Posted September 9, 2016 Embassy Suites is happy to see this hotel completed. It makes it look good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sunstar 540 Posted September 9, 2016 1 hour ago, htownproud said: Embassy Suites is happy to see this hotel completed. It makes it look good. Just say no to beige! 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmitch94 1522 Posted September 9, 2016 15 hours ago, H-Town Man said: Even if we only manage to neutralize our current abysmal reputation among other regional cities, that would make a big difference. Hopefully Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown featuring Houston, which is set to come out soon will help our image on a national level. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigereye 1706 Posted September 21, 2016 Pool activity. Guess Alessandra felt left out with all the focus on Aloft's pool. 10 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted September 21, 2016 ^^^ @tigereye for real? i have never referenced a BLACK pool deck area on a hotel.... wow! this is quite unique, chic, and smooth..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeerNut 1743 Posted September 22, 2016 I'm sure it will be haf in the summer time. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 3723 Posted September 22, 2016 6 hours ago, BeerNut said: I'm sure it will be haf in the summer time. Yeah, I too was thinking a black pool deck would get hot. Maybe they are covering that surface with something else? Does the lobby section of the hotel jut out into the courtyard any? Or is the courtyard really just that narrow through there? Looking at it while driving by on Fannin it looks like the new lobby area juts out into the courtyard. Maybe its just more narrow than i remember/im getting it confused with the width of the wider middle segment? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigereye 1706 Posted September 22, 2016 18 hours ago, monarch said: ^^^ @tigereye for real? i have never referenced a BLACK pool deck area on a hotel.... wow! this is quite unique, chic, and smooth..... Still black at the moment. I kinda like the nickname "Blackwater Bay" lol 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twinsanity02 1025 Posted September 22, 2016 Be able to fry an egg during the summer while swimming in 100 degree water as it is currently displayed. I'm sure they are going to either change the color or add shade covering. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
txtiger 135 Posted September 22, 2016 I suspect the black-colored coating is a waterproof sealant onto which concrete pavers will be set. You can tell a little bit by the raised door thresholds as well, leading out to this area... ...they should eventually be flush w/ whatever final finish is applied. Unsure how the rest of the pool will pan out, but bet there's a bunch more to come on this deck... 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hindesky 29200 Posted September 25, 2016 Is the lobby still going to be on the top level? 9 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted September 26, 2016 ANNOUNCING HOTEL ALESSANDRA She arrives Summer 2017 Valencia Group welcomes a new luxury downtown Houston hotel to our ever-growing portfolio of award-winning hotels, Hotel Alessandra. Once again, Midway and Valencia Group partner on their first hotel since the resounding success of Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE. Alessandra is the eldest of her European sister brands, Valencia and Sorella. She is more fluent, well-traveled and distinctly more glamorous than her younger sisters. Guests will immediately be drawn to her sense of style and sensuality. Plans reveal a sleek and contemporary exterior coupled with sophisticated and luxurious finishes that will emphasize Hotel Alessandra’s beautiful simplicity interwoven with a sense of timelessness and sophistication. Located at GreenStreet in downtown Houston, our newest hotel will transform this urban area into a vibrant and well–rounded environment. We cordially invite you to join us in welcoming one of the best Houston hotel locations for business travel, groups, meetings and weddings. Slated to debut in the summer of 2017, at GreenStreet, this 20 story sky-rise hotel will be amid shopping and entertainment including House of Blues and III Forks Steakhouse and conveniently located just steps away from prominent downtown destinations such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center, and Discovery Green. Whether for leisure or business travel, this new hotel will prove ideal. Inspired by Houston’s towering skyscrapers and GreenStreet’s modern themes, Hotel Alessandra will feature 223 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with oversized bathrooms and private balconies. The interior design will reflect a strong vertical design and an overall minimalist approach to décor. An appreciation of height, space and natural light will also be apparent throughout the hotel from the soaring ceilings in the lobby to the beautiful, luxurious décor of its suites and guest rooms. The lobby, lounge, and hotel restaurant will be on the second floor. Designer Lauren Rottet, Founder for Rottet Studio says “Alessandra transplants old world sophistication to blend seamlessly with Southern charm, sophistication, and a business savvy mindset.” Additional amenities will include meeting spaces and a ballroom on the third floor, a spa, pool and fitness center on the fifth floor. Guests will enjoy comfort, sophistication, and an experience complete with lavish indoor and outdoor spaces with elegant design features throughout the hotel. Hotel Alessandra will combine comfort, elegance and the cultural influence of European lifestyle with the pioneering spirit of the Texas wildcatter to create a uniquely Houston Hotel. San Francisco-based Gensler is the design architect, and Houston-based Rottet Studios is the interior architect. ^^^ @hindesky here you go my pal...... 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swtsig 2653 Posted September 26, 2016 this thing looks hideous. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted September 26, 2016 (edited) 5 minutes ago, swtsig said: this thing looks hideous. ^^^ @swtsig ok, i get what you are saying here. in fact, i'm still laughing! however, i really really really do believe that the MIDWAY COS vs VALENCIA GROUP shall perform any and all to turn this project into a 5***** masterpiece. just take a good look at their HOTEL SORELLA property. it's not a ringing endorsement of pure beauty. however, it's all of the added accoutrements and special touches / amenities that have made this 5***** development a sure winner. not to mention my pal, HOTEL ALESSANDRA, is supposed to be their most mature and elegant property of all the others combined. therefore, i cannot wait to start seeing the sun beaming from behind the clouds on this particular project..... Edited September 26, 2016 by monarch 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UtterlyUrban 1631 Posted September 26, 2016 7 hours ago, monarch said: ANNOUNCING HOTEL ALESSANDRA She arrives Summer 2017 Valencia Group welcomes a new luxury downtown Houston hotel to our ever-growing portfolio of award-winning hotels, Hotel Alessandra. Once again, Midway and Valencia Group partner on their first hotel since the resounding success of Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE. Alessandra is the eldest of her European sister brands, Valencia and Sorella. She is more fluent, well-traveled and distinctly more glamorous than her younger sisters. Guests will immediately be drawn to her sense of style and sensuality. Plans reveal a sleek and contemporary exterior coupled with sophisticated and luxurious finishes that will emphasize Hotel Alessandra’s beautiful simplicity interwoven with a sense of timelessness and sophistication. Located at GreenStreet in downtown Houston, our newest hotel will transform this urban area into a vibrant and well–rounded environment. We cordially invite you to join us in welcoming one of the best Houston hotel locations for business travel, groups, meetings and weddings. Slated to debut in the summer of 2017, at GreenStreet, this 20 story sky-rise hotel will be amid shopping and entertainment including House of Blues and III Forks Steakhouse and conveniently located just steps away from prominent downtown destinations such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center, and Discovery Green. Whether for leisure or business travel, this new hotel will prove ideal. Inspired by Houston’s towering skyscrapers and GreenStreet’s modern themes, Hotel Alessandra will feature 223 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with oversized bathrooms and private balconies. The interior design will reflect a strong vertical design and an overall minimalist approach to décor. An appreciation of height, space and natural light will also be apparent throughout the hotel from the soaring ceilings in the lobby to the beautiful, luxurious décor of its suites and guest rooms. The lobby, lounge, and hotel restaurant will be on the second floor. Designer Lauren Rottet, Founder for Rottet Studio says “Alessandra transplants old world sophistication to blend seamlessly with Southern charm, sophistication, and a business savvy mindset.” Additional amenities will include meeting spaces and a ballroom on the third floor, a spa, pool and fitness center on the fifth floor. Guests will enjoy comfort, sophistication, and an experience complete with lavish indoor and outdoor spaces with elegant design features throughout the hotel. Hotel Alessandra will combine comfort, elegance and the cultural influence of European lifestyle with the pioneering spirit of the Texas wildcatter to create a uniquely Houston Hotel. San Francisco-based Gensler is the design architect, and Houston-based Rottet Studios is the interior architect. ^^^ @hindesky here you go my pal...... "Private balconies? " also, with the lobby and lobby bar on the second floor, what will gon on the first floor? "A uniquely Houston hotel". That is likely true, but it's not a compliment. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigereye 1706 Posted September 27, 2016 (edited) NVM Edited September 27, 2016 by tigereye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChannelTwoNews 2340 Posted October 3, 2016 From yesterday... 23 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChannelTwoNews 2340 Posted October 9, 2016 From today... 22 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BaderJF 529 Posted October 27, 2016 10/27/16: 15 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 27, 2016 ^^^ @BaderJFprops my pal. i was wondering just how this hotel was looking lately. thanks again... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmitch94 1522 Posted October 28, 2016 I know the original render was beautiful but this is a great addition to our downtown. 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobruss 4541 Posted October 28, 2016 The ceilings in the lobby are very interesting. Hopefully these were not altered in later plans. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 28, 2016 ^^^ @CrockpotandGravel props my pal for the gorgeous renders / concepts. however, should the interior design actually be developed according to these renders, then this hotel shall become the toast of texas. there is simply no other hospitality property within this huge state that could rival this interior design. MY GOD! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 2893 Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) 35 minutes ago, monarch said: ^^^ @CrockpotandGravel props my pal for the gorgeous renders / concepts. however, should the interior design actually be developed according to these renders, then this hotel shall become the toast of texas. there is simply no other hospitality property within this huge state that could rival this interior design. MY GOD! I mean it's really nice, but the black stone, green couch, and wood remind me of Champions Forest in the 90's. edit: and to call it the finest in the state is a bit of a stretch... Edited October 28, 2016 by Montrose1100 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 1823 Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) M1.1K - Monarch called it Texas Toast. And come on...we are kind of digging that bar. I am sure that you and I will pop some bubbles while sitting there. Edited October 28, 2016 by Naviguessor 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) 37 minutes ago, Montrose1100 said: I mean it's really nice, but the black stone, green couch, and wood remind me of Champions Forest in the 90's. edit: and to call it the finest in the state is a bit of a stretch... ^^^ did you really take a good and careful look at those highly unique renderings / concepts? please tell me what hospitality property within this great state of ours that shall incorporate such high-end state of the art luxury. please trust me my pal, TEXAS has some extremely high-end properties throughout, and i have seen many of them. however, i have not yet witnessed any that shall incorporate the kind of high-end UBER exotic luxury that is referenced upon those renderings that we have viewed within this cool thread. if you can hereby point some out, then please do so kind sir... Edited October 28, 2016 by monarch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 2893 Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, monarch said: ^^^ did you really take a good and careful look at those highly unique renderings / concepts? please tell me what hospitality property within this great state of ours that shall incorporate such high-end state of the art luxury. please trust me my pal, TEXAS has some extremely high-end properties throughout, and i have seen many of them. however, i have not yet witnessed any that shall incorporate the kind of high-end UBER exotic luxury that is referenced upon those renderings that we have viewed within this cool thread. if you can hereby point some out, then please do so kind sir... Edit: Forget it. I should know better than to discuss opinions with someone who thinks black marble and gold trim are high-end UBER exotic luxury. You'll probably explode when you see the ZaZa rooms. This hotel will make Houston rain diamonds and encourage Dallas St. to be paved in gold. You're right, sorry, carry on. Edited October 28, 2016 by Montrose1100 7 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 28, 2016 1 hour ago, Montrose1100 said: Edit: Forget it. I should know better than to discuss opinions with someone who thinks black marble and gold trim are high-end UBER exotic luxury. You'll probably explode when you see the ZaZa rooms. This hotel will make Houston rain diamonds and encourage Dallas St. to be paved in gold. You're right, sorry, carry on. ^^^ you're a little late with the zaza analogy my pal... been there done that. please remember @Montrose1100 i work in the middle east. therefore, i have become privy to some of the most magnificent hotels in the world. dubai, cape town, sa, shanghai, taiwan, kuala lumpur, maylaysia, london, paris, italy, bali, and then some. please trust me when i say that i know my hotels. when i laid eyes upon certain elements within those renders / concepts, there were certain details that i had never seen before. should HOTEL ALESSANDRA proceed forward with that form of exotic UBER interior design, that hotel will be damn near a 6****** star... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sic'EmBears 2234 Posted October 29, 2016 5 hours ago, monarch said: please tell me what hospitality property within this great state of ours that shall incorporate such high-end state of the art luxury....if you can hereby point some out, then please do so kind sir... The Joule. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 29, 2016 2 hours ago, Sic'EmBears said: The Joule. ^^^ magnificent dallas hospitality edifice. however, i could very easily equate THE JOULE with HOTEL SORRELA or even HOTEL GRANDUCA in houston. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sic'EmBears 2234 Posted October 29, 2016 57 minutes ago, monarch said: ^^^ magnificent dallas hospitality edifice. however, i could very easily equate THE JOULE with HOTEL SORRELA or even HOTEL GRANDUCA in houston. Either you've never been to The Joule or you have some strong bias. Whichever it is, I'm excited to see how Alessandra turns out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 2993 Posted October 29, 2016 38 minutes ago, Sic'EmBears said: Either you've never been to The Joule or you have some strong bias. Whichever it is, I'm excited to see how Alessandra turns out. ^^^ should i ever decide to start adding "strong bias" to any hospitality property in this great world of ours, i can assure you that the FAIRMONT THE PALM DUBAI wins! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Texasota 1726 Posted October 29, 2016 Monarch does love his palm trees. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quietstorm 1248 Posted November 16, 2016 Nothing like the original rendering, but there is more glass than I assumed. 17 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
