POST: Event Venue At 401 Franklin St.

[UtterlyUrban]

I am concerned about this property.  To me it represents a “once in a lifetime” development opportunity for a firm with vision.  I am not really seeing the vision.   Had a firm like Hines bought it, the vision would likely be clear and it would be spectacular.  Unfortunately, this feels “GreenStreet-ish” to me right now.  I really hope that I am wrong.

[intencity77]

On 7/31/2018 at 9:42 PM, BigFootsSocks said:

Uhhhhh Sawyer Yards??? They’re doing a damn fine job over there. 

 

Idk, I’m getting the feeling that some here are still a little salty about Lovett demanding their renderings be removed the site 

 

Uhh Sawyer Yards, while very nicely done, is small fries and very low density compared to this mammoth site. There’s no comparison whatsoever. It is essentially a renovated industrial building turned glorified urban shopping strip, which still falls in Lovett’s range of expertise.

 

For me the original renderings didn’t leave much of a lasting impression so not “salty” about their removal. 

[H-Town Man]

1 hour ago, UtterlyUrban said:

I am concerned about this property.  To me it represents a “once in a lifetime” development opportunity for a firm with vision.  I am not really seeing the vision.   Had a firm like Hines bought it, the vision would likely be clear and it would be spectacular.  Unfortunately, this feels “GreenStreet-ish” to me right now.  I really hope that I am wrong.

 

You have to think though that there's a reason why Hines or Midway didn't buy it. They must have studied it, and they could have outbid anyone else if they had wanted it. There may be significant challenges or problems we don't know about.

[Timoric]

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Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[H-Town Man]

1 hour ago, Timoric said:

I forget, did it flood?

 

We had some photos on previous pages. Looks like a portion of the parking lot got wet but receded fast. Can't tell if any got to the building. But the sale of the property occurred before the flood.

 

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

it flooded. My buddy had a studio in the basement and lost everything.

[TOMIKA!]

On 8/8/2018 at 0:14 PM, wilcal said:

A little birdy has told me that they had seen the renderings of this project and that they were "next level".

 

I mentioned about the low planned renovation cost mentioned here and they said that he didn't think it was close to possible with the renderings they saw.

 

Don't want to stoke the fires with non-info, but I'm excited about the possibilities. 

 

 

I saw some new renderings the other day. OMA designs. Seriously cool s#!+!

[lockmat]

12 hours ago, H-Town Man said:

 

You have to think though that there's a reason why Hines or Midway didn't buy it. They must have studied it, and they could have outbid anyone else if they had wanted it. There may be significant challenges or problems we don't know about.

 

14 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

I am concerned about this property.  To me it represents a “once in a lifetime” development opportunity for a firm with vision.  I am not really seeing the vision.   Had a firm like Hines bought it, the vision would likely be clear and it would be spectacular.  Unfortunately, this feels “GreenStreet-ish” to me right now.  I really hope that I am wrong.

 

Its a lot of space, buts all by itself and barely connected to downtown. Hopefully there’s more synergy they can create than seems to be there. If it can a kind of “bookend” to downtown that the GRB is becoming that’d be great. 

[UtterlyUrban]

5 hours ago, lockmat said:

 

 

Its a lot of space, buts all by itself and barely connected to downtown. Hopefully there’s more synergy they can create than seems to be there. If it can a kind of “bookend” to downtown that the GRB is becoming that’d be great. 

A “bookend” would be great.  I fear a “dead end”.

 

hopefully the vision that the commentators above mention is real and this property is integrated into downtown and functions as an amazing urban development rivaling all others on a world class scale.  This property has that potential.  It has the potential to be written about and studied generations from now by students and urban planners..... it’s a once in a lifetime chance for the Houston and the Developers.

[Timoric]

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Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[BeerNut]

On 12/21/2017 at 10:56 AM, BeerNut said:

Any word when they will start developing this site?   After the 2nd year of them hosting D4N, I'm beginning to think that the festival in it's current form will last only as long as the site isn't developed.

 

Well it wasn't the development of this site that killed Day for Night...

[iah77]

I don't think many people here get how high quality projects by Rem Koolhaas/OMA tend to be, it's obviously not going to be easy and fast. The project is advancing on the inside and I know several leases have been signed so it's starting within a few months. The second phase has highrises (3-4), I don't think anyone has posted those renders here. 

 

 

 

Edited November 6, 2018 by iah77

[bobruss]

If you have some renderings we'd love to see them.

[j_cuevas713]

21 minutes ago, iah77 said:

I don't think many people here get how high quality projects by Rem Koolhaas/OMA tend to be, it's obviously not going to be easy and fast. The project is advancing on the inside and I know several leases have been signed so it's starting within a few months. The second phase has highrises (3-4), I don't think anyone has posted those renders here. 

 

 

 

Umm any more info? Would have been nice to know this months ago lol

[CaptainJilliams]

Of all the sites/projects downtown, it's this development I want to see happen more than anything, probably even more than the Block 58 Hines tower. Theres just so much space and potential for this site, so close to the arts district and the bayou. As much as I doubt we will see anything close to the renderings happen, I hope I'm seriously proven wrong.

[H-Town Man]

Looks like those are from that design competition the Urban Land Institute had.

[Houston19514]

Agenda item for tomorrow's Downtown Redevelopment Authority meeting:

 

5. Post HTX Economic Development Agreement

[H-Town Man]

On ‎11‎/‎12‎/‎2018 at 11:23 AM, Houston19514 said:

Agenda item for tomorrow's Downtown Redevelopment Authority meeting:

 

5. Post HTX Economic Development Agreement

 

Do we know what came of this?

 

[Houston19514]

4 hours ago, H-Town Man said:

 

Do we know what came of this?

 

 

Check the Chronicle.  I'm sure they covered the meeting.  ROFL.  

 

J/K.  Haven't seen or heard anything.

[j_cuevas713]

https://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/Free-Press-Houston-Day-for-Nights-assets-to-be-13398164.php?ipid=hpctp

[Luminare]

23 minutes ago, j_cuevas713 said:

https://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/Free-Press-Houston-Day-for-Nights-assets-to-be-13398164.php?ipid=hpctp

 

Seems like to me, just from this, that its a done deal. Now we wait for the updated visuals and plans. Looking forward to this one.

[j_cuevas713]

7 minutes ago, Luminare said:

 

Seems like to me, just from this, that its a done deal. Now we wait for the updated visuals and plans. Looking forward to this one.

Yeah and its really is a shame too. Day for Night had a lot of potential of becoming Houston's very own music festival. It had a unique Houston vibe. 

Edited November 16, 2018 by j_cuevas713

[Luminare]

1 minute ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Yeah and its really is a shame too. Day for Night had a lot of potential of becoming Houston's very own music festival. It had a unique Houston vibe. 

 

I actually really wanted to go last year, but just missed it. A really good place to relocate would be somewhere in EaDo. Losts of old places to house a good size festival. If they are smart they should locate it close the Green line.

[j_cuevas713]

1 minute ago, Luminare said:

 

I actually really wanted to go last year, but just missed it. A really good place to relocate would be somewhere in EaDo. Losts of old places to house a good size festival. If they are smart they should locate it close the Green line.

That would be a great idea. 

[samagon]

Day for Night is done, and it's not because of the location.

 

The organizer was called out for sexual assault, not sure if it was confirmed or not. That killed the entire festival. 

 

I went for the last two, they were absolutely the best shows I've ever been to, and it sucks that one act ****ed it all up.

 

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me that someone else couldn't carry it forward, but there it is.

 

Don't get me wrong, sexual assault is a thing, and I hope the guy gets what's coming to him assuming he's found guilty by a court of law.

[iah77]

That's not what killed what killed it, had more to do with returns. 

[htownbro]

Not to get off topic but Travis Scott's Astroworld Music Festival can be Houston's signature music festival.  Now back to the topic at hand.

[j_cuevas713]

2 hours ago, htownbro said:

Not to get off topic but Travis Scott's Astroworld Music Festival can be Houston's signature music festival.  Now back to the topic at hand.

Agree. No better name than Astroworld

[H-Town Man]

3 hours ago, CrockpotandGravel said:

Any updates on POST Houston or Post HTX, the old post office in downtown Houston, 401 Franklin?

 

Update requests are generally considered bad form on here, FYI. I've often been tempted to ask for updates if I haven't heard about something in ages. But when someone hears something, they usually don't hesitate to share, so no need to ask.

 

[Urbannizer]

On 5/16/2018 at 2:23 PM, Urbannizer said:

Website launched: http://posthtx.com/

 

 

Updated - Lovett is now seeking video footage from people to be featured in their "opening day release video". 

[j_cuevas713]

Wth is an opening day release video? Has there been any work on the building? 

[Luminare]

Development seems to be doing a little too much talkin and not enough diggin.

[UtterlyUrban]

This single property may well be the most impactful development in downtown after Discovery Green as it could combine traditional retail, residential, entertainment, and commercial in ways that seamlessly connect pedestrians to the Water, trails, rail, and to Downtown.

 

i am exceedingly hopeful that we don’t get Greenstreet version 2.

 

 

[j_cuevas713]

2 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

This single property may well be the most impactful development in downtown after Discovery Green as it could combine traditional retail, residential, entertainment, and commercial in ways that seamlessly connect pedestrians to the Water, trails, rail, and to Downtown.

 

i am exceedingly hopeful that we don’t get Greenstreet version 2.

 

 

I'm just hoping something even happens. 

[Luminare]

this development is even more of a tease than my previous girlfriend....and thats a high bar by the way.

[iah77]

It's chugging along, entertainment is so far what's been subscribed to the most in terms of what's been taken. I know the F/B component is progressing as well. 

 

Edited January 18, 2019 by iah77

[j_cuevas713]

19 minutes ago, iah77 said:

It's chugging along, entertainment is so far what's been subscribed to the most in terms of what's been taken. I know the F/B component is progressing as well. 

 

Any info on when some of this will be made public?

[MarathonMan]

This project is so strange to me.  I have no idea what the developer is actually striving for.  I worry that this project will be underwhelming when complete.  A missed opportunity, if you will.

[Timoric]

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Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[Nate99]

2 hours ago, Timoric said:

How long has this thing been in the first phases of development? Feels like most of the almost ended decade

 

The "first phases of development" sounds very euphemistic, as in, somewhere between "the last tenant is packing to move out" and "we're working on the final draft to pitch to investors".  

[intencity77]

Hate to say I told y’all so but Lovett was the wrong developer for this project. Hell, Midway had a later start on East River and it’s already starting to make more headway than Lovett is on this project. Sad. 

[pablog]

18 hours ago, MarathonMan said:

This project is so strange to me.  I have no idea what the developer is actually striving for.  I worry that this project will be underwhelming when complete.  A missed opportunity, if you will.

Lovett is working with similar companies that Midway is with East River. I have hopes that this will be a great development because this project will be a statement from Lovett if they do it to right. They need this to be a success as it is a huge gamble for them, which could be the driving force for something amazing. It could also be the reason why they’re taking so long, because they want to make sure they’re doing it right. 

 

I won’t judge until the plans come to life. 

Did not mean to quote you, Marathon Man. My post was intended in general for the conversation. 

[MarathonMan]

40 minutes ago, pablog said:

Lovett is working with similar companies that Midway is with East River. I have hopes that this will be a great development because this project will be a statement from Lovett if they do it to right. They need this to be a success as it is a huge gamble for them, which could be the driving force for something amazing. It could also be the reason why they’re taking so long, because they want to make sure they’re doing it right. 

 

I won’t judge until the plans come to life. 

Did not mean to quote you, Marathon Man. My post was intended in general for the conversation. 

I appreciate your perspective.  And I hope you’re right.  This parcel is a very strategic gateway to downtown from the Washington corridor.  Fingers crossed!

[pablog]

1 hour ago, MarathonMan said:

I appreciate your perspective.  And I hope you’re right.  This parcel is a very strategic gateway to downtown from the Washington corridor.  Fingers crossed!

I agree, and I think a company of that size understands the importance of this site as well. 

Fingers crossed!

[Timoric]

Is it accessible by rail? Could a line but put there easily? Texas Bullet train end stop be good?

[cspwal]

It used to be the Southern Pacific station, and two active tracks and a platform remain that are serviced by the Amtrak Shack on the other side of 45.  It was looked at as one of the possible locations for the Houston terminus of the TCR train, but was ruled out after the environmental impact report by the FRA.  One of the issues would be extensive modifications of different historic sites between 610 and downtown on the UP line that runs through the heights (south of 10)

[CaptainJilliams]

5 minutes ago, Timoric said:

Is it accessible by rail? Could a line but put there easily? Texas Bullet train end stop be good?

 

If by accessible you mean the Red Line (which is on Main Street, about 3 blocks to the East), then technically yes, it just would not be a direct light rail connection.

 

And as for the Bullet Train, unless things have changed, I believe they are still planning on using the NW Mall site (just outside of the 610 loop near 290).

[thedistrict84]

22 hours ago, intencity77 said:

Hate to say I told y’all so but Lovett was the wrong developer for this project. Hell, Midway had a later start on East River and it’s already starting to make more headway than Lovett is on this project. Sad. 

 

Several Lovett projects around town are currently stalled, with few signs of progress: Houston Post building at Polk/Emancipation, Fingers Furniture redevelopment at I-45 and Cullen (Coogs Crossing I think?), this project, etc. I wonder if they’ve taken on too many projects all at once and overextended themselves (financially or otherwise)?. 

[Luminare]

you know this project has nothing going on when we revert back to the whole rail topic...

[iah77]

Well a big delay in the project was getting the historic tax credits approved while allowing modifications such as skylights punched in the roof...

 

There are a few tenants signed  up already. 

 

 

The fingers furniture site (or can't remember if Macy's site) I don't believe isn't being developed but they are putting some pad sites in front (Fast Food/Commercial Tenants).

 

They aren't in a rush and have recently acquired acquired some other big lots recently. They function in a long term land bank strategy. They own so many lots of Harrisburg for example, was there a rush to put in Baker Ripley or the CVS?  It's not even 1/5th developed.