LTAWACS Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 I was there late last night. No change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 I think the greater concern is the material used for construction. If they are really going to use wooden members for structural support then that is a concern. Obviously we're talking about a fully sprinklered building. I still don't like that. I'm all for smaller scale buildings in this part of downtown. Anything to fill in the sea of empty lots.Parking is going to start being more of a premium than it was now.  Agreed. I'm not a huge fan of a wood frame structure in the heart of downtown. Wood frame structures--- tend to be temporary in nature...  That being said, I wouldnt be surprised if the first floor is reinforced concrete with wood frame above it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Construction workers are marking the pavements around the site, particularly on Bell St. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 I think the greater concern is the material used for construction. If they are really going to use wooden members for structural support then that is a concern. Obviously we're talking about a fully sprinklered building. I still don't like that. I'm all for smaller scale buildings in this part of downtown. Anything to fill in the sea of empty lots.Parking is going to start being more of a premium than it was now. Is the issue that a wooden structure is insufficiently strong for the height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 It is building longevity. Wood rots, steel rusts. But you can patch steel more easily than you can replace entire sections of rotted/termite damaged wood trusses. Also, this is Downtown and the building we're talking about is fairly large, so we would want a building with at least a projected lifespan of 50-60 years. And I don't think all of the wood framed buildings that are mostly mid-rise apartments around town are projected to last that long. Do you? By the way - I have no idea if in fact this project will be wood or steel structure. I'm assuming wood, because that is the norm for these "urban" apartment buildings around town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 It is building longevity. Wood rots, steel rusts. But you can patch steel more easily than you can replace entire sections of rotted/termite damaged wood trusses. Also, this is Downtown and the building we're talking about is fairly large, so we would want a building with at least a projected lifespan of 50-60 years. And I don't think all of the wood framed buildings that are mostly mid-rise apartments around town are projected to last that long. Do you? By the way - I have no idea if in fact this project will be wood or steel structure. I'm assuming wood, because that is the norm for these "urban" apartment buildings around town.maybe thats part of the plan. (this is just me scheming what i would do, but hear me out) what makes you think a 5 story apartment building is going to be economically reasonable within our downtown 50 years from now? land values are sure to go up as more and more lots get built on and properties become scarce. especially the prime lots. this will be a fairly desirable spot since its right on the main light rail line/Main Street.stop renewing leases for the tenants in 20 years or so, eventually get them all out.. tear down the place and either sell off the land to a developer, or develop a new tower there yourself... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 I was thinking along the same lines as cloud. I think they are just going to throw something up, make a quick buck of of rents and in about 30 years sell the land for the inflated value. It's the same thing happening to all these garden apartments in the loop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Arche you and I think alike. I think a midget wooden apartment complex in our concrete jungle does sound silly. I would rather ever last one of those little squares have a 15 floor (or more) concrete building.On the other hand if I way my interests I would also like a hefty downtown population. Now waiting for park places and sky houses to develop we may get two each decade. I would rather fill up the lots with the cheaper apts and replace them as the area warrants more space than to sit there waiting years between new residential towers. I think a quickly growing residential population is priority one with me. I think there is more room for error with the towers.You build a bunch of expensive towers that serve one use and then find its costly to serve the growing population properly. If you build more cheaply and the population demands are observed more quickly then it is easier to adjust. Throw a couple more of these 200 and 300 unit low rises downtown and you will see more of an interest from retaillers looking to the area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 it could be the other way around.  If I were running the numbers I would be looking at a scenario where the property loses value after 30-40 years, or that projected rents are lower, so it has to be built cheaply up front to make any sense.  Surely banks providing the financing would be looking at this project as at least a moderately high risk (although much less so with Skyhouse next door).  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 And yet how long have most of the previous boom apartment buildings wood framed and all (virtually none of them taller than 3 floors) been sitting are all over town being replaced that have sat for 10-15 years too long beyond their lifetime? Most of them probably have significant structural issues that aren't apparent until the wrecking ball comes around and starts tearing them down. A more solidly built building would provide the alternative to tear-downs and allow a smaller/middle sized developer the chance to come in and rehab the building into something still useable. I hope this building isn't built the same way, but I suspect it will be. Also - do we have an official height in floors? I saw an image posted above that indicated a 7 floor building, not one that is 5 floors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 We are not talking about the rest of the city, we are talking about downtown.I can't see these low rise residentials surviving long if land prices increase awhile availability shrinks. If availability of land doesn't shrink, well then thank God we got something over that darn parking lot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 The property now has Alliance signs on it which include the rendering. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdog08 Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 We are not talking about the rest of the city, we are talking about downtown.I can't see these low rise residentials surviving long if land prices increase awhile availability shrinks.If availability of land doesn't shrink, well then thank God we got something over that darn parking lot. Lot of land undeveloped/underutilized in downtown and surrounding areas (east and north especially)...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 Lot of land undeveloped/underutilized in downtown and surrounding areas (east and north especially)......Exactly my point.A new residential boosting the downtown population , and knocking off an empty lot is +++ in my book. A supertall on each lot would be nice, but since that isn't happening I will take an alternative Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invisibletrees Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier today. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Exactly my point.A new residential boosting the downtown population , and knocking off an empty lot is +++ in my book. A supertall on each lot would be nice, but since that isn't happening I will take an alternativeI agree, theres hundreds of 2-5 story buildings in Manhattan, its the density, not the height that counts.Look at San Francisco, we have way more tall buildings than them yet their skyline is widely considered the "larger" and more beautiful one because of all the low rise density and no oceans of parking lots. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post brijonmang Posted December 12, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted December 12, 2013 I got your groundbreaking right here. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZKB9 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Dat density, HNNNGGGGGÂ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 going to be a nice little residential corner there. 3 apartment buildings each with 200 units plus+ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Like a small residential district. Im sure others will follow suit. We still have plenty of surface parking lots to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 (edited) Yeah there are three more planned a few blocks away: the ten floor one next to the Church (one block across and one down from Houston House) and the two phase 12 floor project a few blocks away near Root Square (3 blocks from Houston House). Edited December 23, 2013 by HoustonIsHome 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaderJF Posted December 25, 2013 Share Posted December 25, 2013 Looks very similar to the one on fountain view Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 Word is that Alliance will build another residential project on the lot south of SkyHouse 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 Word is that Alliance will build another residential project on the lot south of SkyHouseHopefully bigger than this one. I like that it's happening but kinda puny for downtown. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 Word is that Alliance will build another residential project on the lot south of SkyHouse  Hopefully bigger than this one. I like that it's happening but kinda puny for downtown.Yeah if it it's the same as the one north of skyhouse it will look kinda odd being surrounded by skyhouse, Houston House, Arch Diocese buildings, Amergy Bank Tower, Savoy, and Exxon two blocks away.Come-on Alliance, at least 8 floors this time. 12 floors will have me dancing on the ceiling. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 From what I understand, it will be taller, but not by a lot. Â This development is not confirmed but I know it is on the drawing board. Â Fits with their portfolio too. Â Â They already have 3800 Main under construction in Midtown, with plans for another on the lot of the former Fire Museum site. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 From what I understand, it will be taller, but not by a lot. This development is not confirmed but I know it is on the drawing board. Fits with their portfolio too. They already have 3800 Main under construction in Midtown, with plans for another on the lot of the former Fire Museum site.So they are creating 4 residential complexes on the Red Line? NICE!!!TOD is really taking off 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 So they are creating 4 residential complexes on the Red Line? NICE!!!TOD is really taking offNonsense, according to some posters here there has not been a single development built on the metro light rail line. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 Nonsense, according to some posters here there has not been a single development built on the metro light rail line.Ah, I must be deluded by the Calais, Pearl Midtown, Camden Midtown, That apartment on Main and Alabama, Post Midtown, Fingers, the zillions of units that went up on Bagby, The Mosaic and it s twin, all the new restaurants, bars in midtown.... I need a doctor I Am seing so many things that are not there. Don't get me started on Reliant Station and Smith lands area. So many things went up in that area that area that may not actually be there.Comeon. The few blocks along the rail did not become dense urban blocks overnight like some expected, but quite a few developments occured. The medical center has been revolutionized. It went from a near universally car dependent employment center into an area where Transportation is overflowing with patrons. This model needs to be copied in other areas south of the med center went from a no mans land to a huge TOD where many people live and hop on the train to TMC. Lots of new residential there and many new restaurants. A new target opened on main.Just because lots remain vacant along main, but that doesn't mean nothing has gone on. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted December 26, 2013 Share Posted December 26, 2013 Ah, I must be deluded by the Calais, Pearl Midtown, Camden Midtown, That apartment on Main and Alabama, Post Midtown, Fingers, the zillions of units that went up on Bagby, The Mosaic and it s twin, all the new restaurants, bars in midtown.... I need a doctor I Am seing so many things that are not there. Don't get me started on Reliant Station and Smith lands area. So many things went up in that area that area that may not actually be there. Comeon. The few blocks along the rail did not become dense urban blocks overnight like some expected, but quite a few developments occured. The medical center has been revolutionized. It went from a near universally car dependent employment center into an area where Transportation is overflowing with patrons. This model needs to be copied in other areas south of the med center went from a no mans land to a huge TOD where many people live and hop on the train to TMC. Lots of new residential there and many new restaurants. A new target opened on main. Just because lots remain vacant along main, but that doesn't mean nothing has gone on. Nope, never happened, none of it. LA LA LA LA, I CANT HEAR YOU, LA LA LA LA I CANT HEAR YOU! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Construction equipment now on-site. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Construction equipment now on-site.Yea for the past 3 days they've been cutting back all of the trees around the property. Good to hear! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Did the name change for this? I thought this was the Allied (or Alliance?) site and don't see that mentioned in the title anymore..Now that we know what is happening with the 3 empty blocks on the east side of Main (from Jefferson to Bell), I wonder what's going to happen on the empty block north of Bell, or the empty blocks on the west side of Main.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 I changed the thread title to the name of the project so it can be easier to search for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 (edited) Ah, I knew it looked different. Confused me for a minute.. So any rumors for what's to come to the blocks north or west of this site? I was thinking a residential tower would be nice on one of the two Main st lots on the west side, next to ExxonMobile.. Especially if they build that submerged underground plaza (hopefully with retail) connecting into the tunnel system. It would be a very convenient location for people to live and work. Edited January 11, 2014 by cloud713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) Construction has started Construction has started Edited January 13, 2014 by DrLan34 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) Edit: Funny, I guess you were there earlier in the day. lol     Remember those trees I was talking about?  Edited January 13, 2014 by Triton 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 SWEEEEET! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Whats the completion time for this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 From yesterday, driving down Main Street... Â 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 Some closer shots from this afternoon... Â Â Â 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 That must be the start of the underground garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfastx Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 This is going to be some fantastic infill. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted January 20, 2014 Share Posted January 20, 2014 This is going to be some fantastic infill.It is?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfastx Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 It is?? In my opinion, yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 I think what he meant was, it's going to be some infill. Which is fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchCity Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 (edited) When I passed by the site today there was a lot people and machinery moving rebar and digging up the parking lot. Good to see these Downtown projects get going! Edited January 21, 2014 by ClutchCity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted January 21, 2014 Share Posted January 21, 2014 When I passed by the site today there was a lot people and machinery moving rebar and digging up the parking lot. Good to see these Downtown projects get going!Yeah I walked by there too. Was great to see construction all up and down main. This, Skyhouse, Savoy, Greenstreet and Macy's site all in a nice little stretch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urban909 Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 From this morning: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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