Tumbleweed_Tx Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 El Big Bad is already at Market Square 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxtethogrady Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Can Razzoo's be far behind? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downtownian Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Nothing new in the article but glad to see ground has officially broke: http://www.multihousingnews.com/news/work-begins-on-downtown-houston-apartments/1004110159.html 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Nothing new in the article but glad to see ground has officially broke:http://www.multihousingnews.com/news/work-begins-on-downtown-houston-apartments/1004110159.htmlI am troubled by one thing...... No this building per se but generally......It seems to me that increasingly these resi buildings are saying that they have GFR "ground floor retail" when, if fact, what they mean to say is "ground floor restaurants".....While that is good, having a bunch of eateries and pubs will not make downtown inherently more livable. Having actual dry goods (or grocery) retail will.I certainly understand the pressures these buildings face.... OPP has about 3k feet of space that has never been leased in 5 years.... Faces the park but, perhaps, no retail suitor....... Still......We need retail more than dining at this point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I am troubled by one thing...... No this building per se but generally......It seems to me that increasingly these resi buildings are saying that they have GFR "ground floor retail" when, if fact, what they mean to say is "ground floor restaurants".....While that is good, having a bunch of eateries and pubs will not make downtown inherently more livable. Having actual dry goods (or grocery) retail will.I certainly understand the pressures these buildings face.... OPP has about 3k feet of space that has never been leased in 5 years.... Faces the park but, perhaps, no retail suitor....... Still......We need retail more than dining at this point. Perhaps some restaurant spaces could be converted to retail if there is enough demand down the road? At least the space is there, and there's something to work with. Unlike BG Group Place where you deaden a whole block of Main Street with little chance of ever having retail barring major surgery to the building. What bothers me more about this development is the big curb cut in the middle of the block facing Texas and the port cochere set back on the west side of the block (with mature trees taken out). That half of the block looks like it would be a good design for Woodway or San Felipe rather than a key downtown street with pedestrian traffic. But I've mentioned these things before on this thread. Still a net positive for this part of downtown. I'm excited about tomorrow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Howard Huge Posted November 5, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 5, 2014 I certainly understand the pressures these buildings face.... OPP has about 3k feet of space that has never been leased in 5 years.... Faces the park but, perhaps, no retail suitor...I can tell you exactly why. New downtown Houston construction does their "ground floor retail all wrong. Its all about presentation, street level/sidewalk presence to the passer by, driver by, pedestrian.Look at New York ground floor retail in Manhattan... Note the: - all glass facades - see through stores - window displays - high visibility, vibrant, large, colorful, eye-catching signage - inviting, luring store fronts Now look at the "ground floor retail space at One Park Place (and alot of other Houston buildings that jave built out their gfr similarly) See the difference? Now you might say "well duh, theres no signage because theres no tenant", to which I would say, even if there was a tenant, for one, OPP or downtown Houston, one or the other wouldn't allow any brilliant signage anyway, and two, it wouldnt even matter, because look at the store front. You cant even tell there is one, its just pure brick wall at the street level with little castle windows in between. You cant even tell there is retail space available in OPP, it doesnt look like it. This is the problem. And this happens over and over with new construction in Houston, they design the buildings gfr to look invisible, like its just a part of the building as a whole. It should not be bricked off with tiny windows, it should be all glass and completely see through. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 It will be interesting to see how fast the GFR in Mid-Main (which seems to be much more thoughtfully designed) fills up. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 (edited) Now look at the "ground floor retail space at One Park Place (and alot of other Houston buildings that jave built out their gfr similarly) See the difference? Now you might say "well duh, theres no signage because theres no tenant", to which I would say, even if there was a tenant, for one, OPP or downtown Houston, one or the other wouldn't allow any brilliant signage anyway, and two, it wouldnt even matter, because look at the store front. You cant even tell there is one, its just pure brick wall at the street level with little castle windows in between. You cant even tell there is retail space available in OPP, it doesnt look like it. This is the problem. And this happens over and over with new construction in Houston, they design the buildings gfr to look invisible, like its just a part of the building as a whole. It should not be bricked off with tiny windows, it should be all glass and completely see through. WOW.. that ground floor retail BLOWS. what the hell were they thinking? is there even any other doorways/entrances in any of the window looking cut outs on the ground floor? that central entrance looks like a private residential entrance. i wouldnt be inclined to venture in there looking for retail. fortunately it seems like most of the new high-rises going up have much better retail that fronts the streets and interacts with pedestrians. edit. i just noticed the little doorway tucked in the nook to the left. What. The. ****. seriously? youre going to tuck the entrance to this GFR retail in a 10 foot setback, away from the sidewalk..? no wonder it hasnt been leased. were probably the only group of people who knows it exists.. Edited November 5, 2014 by cloud713 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 WOW.. that ground floor retail BLOWS. what the hell were they thinking? is there even any other doorways/entrances in any of the window looking cut outs on the ground floor? that central entrance looks like a private residential entrance. i wouldnt be inclined to venture in there looking for retail. fortunately it seems like most of the new high-rises going up have much better retail that fronts the streets and interacts with pedestrians. edit. i just noticed the little doorway tucked in the nook to the left. What. The. ****. seriously? youre going to tuck the entrance to this GFR retail in a 10 foot setback, away from the sidewalk..? no wonder it hasnt been leased. were probably the only group of people who knows it exists.. EXACTLY!!!!!If I was a retailer I would lease a spot in a Lyons ave strip mall in 5th Ward before I EVER considered leasing that space. I mean, seriously, WHAT THE **** WERE THEY THINKING??!! Same with the new 40 story Market Square tower, more brick walls and little castle windows... Now look at Hines Market Square, at least theres more glass in between all the bricks, but wait, wheres the ****ing doors??? One place in downtown/midtown that got the ground floor retail right is Post midtown on Gray, they did everything perfect, great signage, awnings, shade trees, wiiide sidewalks, patio seating, glass facades etc, good job... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMF Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 What a waste. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Honestly, I dont care because this building is so sexy, but, just an observation, looks like Marvy did the same kind of retail under the minute maid park apartments, brick columns with small windows in between. I wonder why they all do it like this? I mean, I would think it would actually be cheaper to do all glass on the ground floor, right? Seeing as to how you dont have to pay for all that extra brick, bricklaying, etc.. Am I right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 In defense of OPP (yeah you know me), it may be that they were going for a more exclusive feel with their GFR, something that would cater mainly to building residents and those in the know. I definitely agree that GFR must be visible, although something big and gaping would look awful if it were vacant, hence the more cautious approach. I think Hines Quarters gets it right and errs a bit on the side of risk, like any great development. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Isn't this partially on the architects to know what happens to GFR if it isn't handled properly or are area firms working in Houston not knowledgeable of these results.I know the client has the last say, but if they agree to gfr shouldn't someone in the know be pointing them in the right direction. This thread just seemed to analyze the problem in about four entries. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 well let's please remember that PHOENICIA MARKET is also (in the rear entry) of OPP. this particular retail establishment is definitely well known throughout the CBD. however, i am thinking that the small retail concept may be exclusive to the tenants as per OPP itself.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt16 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 well let's please remember that PHOENICIA MARKET is also (in the rear entry) of OPP. this particular retail establishment is definitely well known throughout the CBD. however, i am thinking that the small retail concept may be exclusive to the tenants as per OPP itself.... I'm not saying the visibility is great, but that picture of OPP doesn't really tell the story. You showed the side where there isn't an entrance to the gfr. Should have a picture of the other side of OPP to get the true identity. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I'm not saying the visibility is great, but that picture of OPP doesn't really tell the story. You showed the side where there isn't an entrance to the gfr. Should have a picture of the other side of OPP to get the true identity.i a concurring with you completely! another one of our stalwarts submitted the illustration. from what i have personally witnessed, OPP does not harbor any difficulties as per retail traffic. i am always shopping at phoenicia market... i love it there. once they finally open the alternate retail establishment... i am most certain that it shall become successful as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoninATX Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 So did it break ground today? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I was looking at it earlier on the 609 Main webcam. It looked as though they were having a formal ground-breaking ceremony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 (edited) I'm not saying the visibility is great, but that picture of OPP doesn't really tell the story. You showed the side where there isn't an entrance to the gfr. Should have a picture of the other side of OPP to get the true identity.Because we werent talking about Phoenicia, we were talking about the gfr facing the park that has been empty since OPP opened.Read the post I first quoted. Edited November 5, 2014 by Howard Huge 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mab Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 The Chicago developer planning a 28-story luxury residential tower near downtown’s Minute Maid Park read the definition of “catalyst” at a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. “A catalyst is something that enables a reaction to create change at a faster rate of speed than would otherwise be possible,” Darren Sloniger said under a white tent and over the din of construction noise coming from another apartment complex under way on the next block. ”We really believe that’s whats happening here today.” The word is significant because it’s the name of Sloniger’s new development. Catalyst Houston is set to rise from a downtown block along Texas Avenue between Austin and LaBranch. Slongier, president of the Chicago-based Marquette Cos., was joined at the ceremony by downtown officials and real estate professionals involved in the project. “The building is coming at a time when people are changing their lifestyle patterns,” said architect Scott Ziegler of Ziegler Cooper, which designed the aluminum and glass clad tower. See renderings of the project here. A strong economy, increased traffic and a population influx has driven high-density residential development across the inner city. “It’s explosive what’s happening inside the Loop right now,” Ziegler said. The new project will receive a $15,000-per unit tax rebate through the city’s Downtown Living Initiative program. A dozen projects, including 3,900 units, have been approved through the program, which is capped at 5,000 units. The city’s Chief Development Officer Andy Icken said many people have been surprised at how successful the program has become. “We are creating a critical mass in downtown,” he said. http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/11/downtown-high-rise-breaks-ground/#28179101=10 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 So did it break ground today? http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/11/downtown-high-rise-breaks-ground/#28179101=0 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxtethogrady Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 So did it break ground today? The Chronic says they did. Off and running; in 3 to 6 months we can look for a crane. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoninATX Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Thank you all. It's great to see another parking lot bite the dust for progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2014/11/downtown-high-rise-breaks-ground/#28179101=10 It broke ground inside a sandbox. How hard is it to borrow a machine for an hour and knock a little pavement away so these guys can dig in actual dirt?! In before "People on this board will look for anything negative..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 I'm not even criticizing the sand box, but I will say that wearing a suit as a construction worker has got to be uncomfortable for a full shift. /sarcasm 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Going back to eateries, I am hopeful residential development Spurs Treebeards at Market Square to be open on weekends. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 Going back to eateries, I am hopeful residential development Spurs Treebeards at Market Square to be open on weekends.Yes please!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 If they actually broke ground, they would be forfeiting a lot of parking revenue whilst sweating out the construction financing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 The parking lot is closed and has been all week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 6, 2014 Share Posted November 6, 2014 If they actually broke ground, they would be forfeiting a lot of parking revenue whilst sweating out the construction financing. Presumably they wouldn't break ground though, even ceremonially, until they had secured financing? Usually the ceremonial groundbreaking is shortly before construction begins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 Presumably they wouldn't break ground though, even ceremonially, until they had secured financing? Usually the ceremonial groundbreaking is shortly before construction begins. I was just being silly/pessimistic, I don't know anything. The sandbox was still sitting there when I drove by this morning, so now they have to get a demolition permit (joking again). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 The sandbox was still sitting there when I drove by this morning, so now they have to get a demolition permit (joking again). Someone with a truck (or a mobile crane?) should carry it over to Preston and Travis and a group of us could break ground on the Residences at Market Square. Maybe even take some photos and put together a press release to send to the Chronicle, since they typically run press releases as news stories anyway, right? 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 (edited) Someone with a truck (or a mobile crane?) should carry it over to Preston and Travis and a group of us could break ground on the Residences at Market Square. Maybe even take some photos and put together a press release to send to the Chronicle, since they typically run press releases as news stories anyway, right?LmfaoWe need to find someone with a large white tent, some golden shovels, and a few white hard hats... Do any fellow HAIFers have the goods/can you come through for us so we can have a ground breaking ceremony?Be sure to dress formal! Edited November 7, 2014 by cloud713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Howard Huge Posted November 7, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 7, 2014 Lmfao We need to find someone with a large white tent, some golden shovels, and a few white hard hats... Do any fellow HAIFers have the goods/can you come through for us so we can have a ground breaking ceremony? Be sure to dress formal! Ill be there in my "groundbreaking green" suit. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 I call dibs on the Orange suit from Dumb and Dumber 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Howard Huge Posted November 8, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 8, 2014 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Fenced and crews on site Catalyst Houston by marclongoria, on Flickr 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 wow.. nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nate99 Posted November 18, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 18, 2014 Maybe the sandbox is going to be an amenity. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxtethogrady Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Maybe the sandbox is going to be an amenity. Did I tell you that the place is going to be cat friendly? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Did I tell you that the place is going to be cat friendly? That explains the name of the building! 29 floors of cat perching spots! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Urbannizer Posted November 19, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 19, 2014 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanize713 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) wow, great addition to downtown! Edited November 19, 2014 by urbanize713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 looks a lot like the sovereign haha... but man those interiors look SLICK. i'd live there. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fkp5 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) Wow, this looks amazing. They will have excellent views of downtown! Edited November 19, 2014 by fkp5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxtethogrady Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) So can we assume that some of those tenants on the east side of the building will get a view of the Astros blowing yet another late inning lead? Edited November 19, 2014 by toxtethogrady 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxtethogrady Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Speaking of losses, did this project lose a floor in just the last fifteen minutes (or are my eyes deceiving me)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple addict Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 is the red area in the last picture retail space? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonBoy Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 This tower looks great! I just think that the city should stop making luxury towers and start putting up basic low income towers. Those, to me at least, make a city also look very nice and urban. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 ....seems to know no bounds here! the lobby - luxurious the pool terrace / deck - luxurious interior designs - luxurious the overall edifice - luxurious ground floor retail - will have to be luxurious in order to cater to the uber residents. just sayin... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.