Mab Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Houston-s-apartment-boom-focuses-on-urban-scene-4619878.php?t=445cfc44ffb05374ef Hines is planning to build a high rise across the street from Market Square Park at Preston and Travis 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I wonder if this will increase the desirability of the stream/linbeck tower? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchCity Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Downtown is really starting to heat up, just hoping they go tall! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Wow! That is awesome news. If it's confined to the current parking lot, it seems it would almost have to go at least tall-ish. Probably not a big enough parcel of land to do a mid-rise. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Is that the same parking lot where the International Tower by Stream/Essex with Linbeck construction? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barracuda Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) This is great to see. I'm equally excited about the Alliance Residential building in the photo on Main/Leeland. Even though it's not a high-rise and not terribly exciting architecture, it's displacing a surface lot and should be a great location adjacent to a light rail stop. Hopefully it'll encourage more residential buildings in SE downtown. Edited June 25, 2013 by barracuda 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Is that the same parking lot where the International Tower by Stream/Essex with Linbeck construction? It said caddy-corner from Mkt Sqr, so that would be the lot next to Frank's Pizza. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talltexan83 Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I know "walking distance" is a loosely defined term in Houston......but let's call it 1/2 a mile for the sake of argument......then the new or proposed residential/hotel projects within walking distance of the light rail is remarkable right now. 1000's of new units. I know there are many other contributing factors to this building boom, but this is certainly a welcome validation for the light rail and its long term benefit to the city. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Fan f n tastic !!!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 That is a small lot so it has to be a high rise. How cool because I go to La Carafe at dusk to see the view. This is great! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I know "walking distance" is a loosely defined term in Houston......but let's call it 1/2 a mile for the sake of argument......then the new or proposed residential/hotel projects within walking distance of the light rail is remarkable right now. 1000's of new units. I know there are many other contributing factors to this building boom, but this is certainly a welcome validation for the light rail and its long term benefit to the city. I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I have difficulty attributing the growth that's occurring around Market Square Park to light rail. Look at the timeline. Light rail opened in 2004. Market Square Park was renovated in 2010. The vast majority of the development in the area has occurred since 2010. Isn't it reasonable to attribute a large part of the development that has occurred in that area to the renovation of the park? After all, both Discovery Green and Market Square Park experienced major growth in the surrounding areas after renovation and development along the light rail line has been spotty. I think that a more accurate assessment would be that proximity to light rail is one of several contributing factors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I have difficulty attributing the growth that's occurring around Market Square Park to light rail. Look at the timeline. Light rail opened in 2004. Market Square Park was renovated in 2010. The vast majority of the development in the area has occurred since 2010. Isn't it reasonable to attribute a large part of the development that has occurred in that area to the renovation of the park? After all, both Discovery Green and Market Square Park experienced major growth in the surrounding areas after renovation and development along the light rail line has been spotty. I think that a more accurate assessment would be that proximity to light rail is one of several contributing factors. The Hines spokeperson said: We love sites with access to public transportation, especially rail 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Stone Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 If parks spur cool towers (which they sure seem to be doing lately) the city of Houston should buy up key blocks in areas of downtown that have excessive surface parking lots (such as the southeast corner of downtown) and build a park on it. Then just sit back and watch the building cranes rise around it. Sounds like a productive use of tax dollars to me. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) The Hines spokeperson said: I agree that light rail is a contributing factor. I also know that there is a lot of development happening around the parks in Houston. I further know to never take what a spokesperson says at face value. BTW, the idea that parks contribute to economic development isn't exactly a radical idea people. http://www.planning.org/cityparks/briefingpapers/economicdevelopment.htm Edited June 25, 2013 by livincinco 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston? Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I wonder how tall it will be. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 You had me at hello. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchCity Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Here's a Culturemap article about it. It does a good job of summing up the impact this could really have on downtown's building residential momentum. I also like how the Hines spokesperson described the possible Museum District tower as "terrific".http://houston.culturemap.com/news/realestate/06-26-13-let-the-high-end-market-square-park-apartment-frenzy-begin-hines-could-trigger-a-trend/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Why is Hines initiating contact with the Chronicle to announce something that they're still doing a study on? I could be wrong, Maybe the Chron picked up on it when they became aware of the impending transaction, but it doesn't seem that way. Strange 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I really have to wonder when the post office property gets a look. In typical US government fashion they will probably watch the most robust real estate market pass them by and not capitalize. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 If parks spur cool towers (which they sure seem to be doing lately) the city of Houston should buy up key blocks in areas of downtown that have excessive surface parking lots (such as the southeast corner of downtown) and build a park on it. Then just sit back and watch the building cranes rise around it. Sounds like a productive use of tax dollars to me. ive always wondered why more surface lots werent converted to park space. ive had a cool idea for a while of a submerged park thats still open to the elements, but dropped down to tunnel level, with access on each side opening up into the tunnel system and shops/cafes lining the 4 sides below the street level (downtown could sure the additional amenities for all these new residents).. it seems to me like not that many people outside of those who work downtown even know the tunnel system exists, so imo it would help improve the existing system by having more street access from the tunnels and possibly bring new people into the tunnels that ordinarily wouldnt of stumbled into them unless they were in an office building. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Great news! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Cloud - make that idea happen +1 Love it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Perhaps the title should be changed. We have a thread for the Hines museum district highrise. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
infinite_jim Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Where do yall think the massing of this tower will go? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
infinite_jim Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 (edited) ive always wondered why more surface lots werent converted to park space. ive had a cool idea for a while of a submerged park thats still open to the elements, but dropped down to tunnel level, with access on each side opening up into the tunnel system and shops/cafes lining the 4 sides below the street level (downtown could sure the additional amenities for all these new residents).. it seems to me like not that many people outside of those who work downtown even know the tunnel system exists, so imo it would help improve the existing system by having more street access from the tunnels and possibly bring new people into the tunnels that ordinarily wouldnt of stumbled into them unless they were in an office building.Not sure why but in my mind I see the WTC memorial design but with a tunnel connected food court. Edited June 28, 2013 by infinite_jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 It looks like El Big Bad is going in on the site Hines was said to develop this residential Market Square tower on. anyone have any idea what this means for the Hines development?i agree, a thread title change might be good since we already have a dedicated Hines museum tower thread but no dedicated thread for the Hines downtown residential tower.http://swamplot.com/el-gran-malo-to-open-english-language-version-downtown/2013-08-02/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 ........title updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 It looks like El Big Bad is going in on the site Hines was said to develop this residential Market Square tower on. anyone have any idea what this means for the Hines development?i agree, a thread title change might be good since we already have a dedicated Hines museum tower thread but no dedicated thread for the Hines downtown residential tower.http://swamplot.com/el-gran-malo-to-open-english-language-version-downtown/2013-08-02/If Hines builds there it will probably just be on the Norhtern section of the lot that is currently parking. If hines tore down Franks I would chain myself to the bulding. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 (edited) haha, i dont think Hines were planning on tearing down Franks, but i assumed from the article that this El Big Bad would go on the corner nearest Market Square, thats currently a parking lot. i just looked at Google Earth street view though and apparently am mistaken. i didnt realize Cabo was on the southwestern corner of the block. now that i see where Cabo was, and El Big Bad is going, next to Franks Pizza, it looks like the parking lot will still be vacant/available for Hines to develop. i was worried for a minute that a restaurant was going to be built on the property Hines wanted to build this residential tower on. does anyone know when we should hear more on this property/what exactly Hines being "under contract to buy up a downtown block" means? obviously they are interested in the land but what does the whole "under contract to buy" part mean? Edited August 3, 2013 by cloud713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 ^ No. El Big Bad is going in to the other half of the building that houses Franks. The spot formerly occupied by Cabo. Zero impact on Hines' plans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 Hines is just building in the vacant part of the block. That block is inside the historic district, so none of those buildings are going anywhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 Yeah I finally realized that after I went to street view and saw where the old cabos was. I knew the 10ish story towers on the east side of the block were staying, I was just under the impression from reading the new article that El Big Bad was going on the same site as Hines tower. The article just said the same block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Any renderings? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shasta Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Any renderings? Not yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston? Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 I can't wait! I don't know of any boring boxy residential towers (off the top). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted August 6, 2013 Share Posted August 6, 2013 I think that if the project gets built it will be the game changer this part of town needs. The market square area is poised to develop into an upscale residential enclave where the performing art district rubs shoulders with the historic district. The diversity in restaurants is finally starting to attract more interests and now that Market Square park has finally found its heart it will be a magnet for growth.Just like what Discovery Green has done for the east side with continuos programming of activities and dining, market square willAttract more and more development. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 I wonder how tall it will be.30 stories. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 30 stories.Ok buddy, you know we're gonna need more info than that. Spill your guts. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 What firm is working on the plans for this project and has anyone seen renderings? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 I hope it has some kind of spire at the top. I think that would be cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 I hope it has some kind of spire at the top. I think that would be cool. Shouldn't you change your quote? The tables have turned... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 Hopefully Hines Quarters can get off the ground as quickly as SkyHouse. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 "Hines Quarters" Har Har! Topic Name Change? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 Montrose: huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pragmatist Posted August 12, 2013 Share Posted August 12, 2013 Montrose: huh? He's talking about the quote in your signature, I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 So much going on downtown all at once! So whats the update with the Finger residential across from Minute Maid? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowerSpotter Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Just go to the topics page they have updated it with pictures. It looks like they are just moving dirt. http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/26803-marvy-finger-seven-story-apartments-near-ballpark/page-5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Thanks TowerSpotter! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Kind of cool, if you ask me... 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowerSpotter Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 I still need to see a full rendering of the building but looking at it closer it looks like retail is strong possibility. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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