fernz 364 Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 So, what do we think these towers are? Tall Residental, short Office?I would say the round one is apartments, because of the balconies. The short one could be boutique office, to compete with Hines' tower. Where's the parking? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 2184 Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 Brown pedestal under the round tower probably is parking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 I like this design more than almost everything else going up, particularly the oval tower and the metal scrim. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sky-guy 191 Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 It's very Austin-ish. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44123 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 http://issuu.com/mipim/docs/mipim_2014_news_1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 11784 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 It's....started? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston? 139 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I'm confused. Which tower(s) is getting built? The one in the newsletter or the sleek ones on the first page? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 337 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 This one could be really great. Upper Kirby could be the next uptown. NOOOOOO.....Upper Kirby should strive to be a Broadway ...not Uptown 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoninATX 170 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Looks like something started. More than likely it's the rendering in that article. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fernz 364 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Looks like something started. More than likely it's the rendering in that article.So maybe I wasn't wrong about the feeling I had...too good to be true. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j_cuevas713 3026 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Wow so along with Levy Park not too far away and the other development a little further down Richmond in Greenway Plaza, this area is gonna really beef up. I go to the Art Institute and I don't know if anyone else noticed, but they redeveloped the River Oaks hospital area too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobruss 4986 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 This is a little off topic but pertains to Upper Kirby.This sculpture by James Surls was installed SundayIt reaches 38 feet high. Great addition to the neighborhoodand excited to have another Surls in Houston.  5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3718 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 This is a little off topic but pertains to Upper Kirby.This sculpture by James Surls was installed SundayIt reaches 38 feet high. Great addition to the neighborhoodand excited to have another Surls in Houston.Wacky and Tacky. As most of the swamplot comments are - I agree they should have planted trees. This sculpture would have fit nicely along Buffalo Bayou or Montrose Blvd. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoninATX 170 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 (edited) So maybe I wasn't wrong about the feeling I had...too good to be true.The article sounded convincing to me. So I could be wrong though. Hey can someone drive by the site to see if any progress been made. Hopefully they hold out for the new, sleeker renderings. Edited April 9, 2014 by JoninATX Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j_cuevas713 3026 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 If there is a topic already started can someone open it for me, but whats begin built behind the Crowne Plaza off 59? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChannelTwoNews 2924 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 If there is a topic already started can someone open it for me, but whats begin built behind the Crowne Plaza off 59? Kirby Grove at Levy Park http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/27333-kirby-grove-at-levy-park/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fernz 364 Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 The article sounded convincing to me. So I could be wrong though. Yes, but it did not include the cool renderings though...too bad, I really like that design. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4038 Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 Yes, but it did not include the cool renderings though...too bad, I really like that design.Me thinks the article didn't have the new renderings yet. That rendering has been floating around since 2008. No reason to think they spent money coming up with a new rendering just to end up going with the old one.. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fernz 364 Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) Me thinks the article didn't have the new renderings yet. That rendering has been floating around since 2008. No reason to think they spent money coming up with a new rendering just to end up going with the old one.. I hope you're right....however, the magazine where the article comes from has a full-page ad from Thor Equities, so obviously they have a working relationship. No reason why Thor wouldn't give the magazine the latest renderings; it's free publicity. Edited April 12, 2014 by fernz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44123 Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 Thor Equities' page for The Kirby Collection was updated with the new renderings last month. The article uses the old rendering of the project. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoninATX 170 Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 So I take it, they have already started? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LarryDierker 3405 Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 When I circled the block this morning I noticed no activity, and all the business' seemed to be operating normally as far as I could tell on a Sunday morning. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 2184 Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 Big White Variance Request Sign is up! :-) 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sky-guy 191 Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 What's the location? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 2184 Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 In front of OTC Bar on Kirby. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44123 Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 SubdivisionPlatPDF_David Crockett Second Replat Partial Replat No 4 - 41690 - 140328.pdf 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KinkaidAlum 2829 Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 Those variance signs are in several locations. There's also one at the intersection of West Main @ Lake St near the Hawthorne/Cafe Express Bldg. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 44123 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 According to Swamplot, the variance request was approved. http://swamplot.com/signs-herald-kirby-dr-funeral-bars-impending-doom/2014-05-05/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dakota79 650 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Actually I think it says the request has been deferred. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4038 Posted May 5, 2014 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Oh yeah it was edited. Deferred for a few weeks.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston? 139 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Will there be stores in this development? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nativehoustonion 588 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Yes stores, restaurants, office building 15 floors, and luxury high rise I think 25 floors. The neighbors did not like the bars there and sued. This will be a another Ashbury!  Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Avossos 2282 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Yes stores, restaurants, office building 15 floors, and luxury high rise I think 25 floors. The neighbors did not like the bars there and sued. This will be a another Ashbury! I doubt it. I think the people living in that area have seen (or should see) the writing on the wall. There are already towers on Kirby. There will be more. Fighting this will cost them time, money, and they will lose. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nativehoustonion 588 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 Correct. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstontexasjack 2354 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 I doubt it. I think the people living in that area have seen (or should see) the writing on the wall. There are already towers on Kirby. There will be more. Fighting this will cost them time, money, and they will lose.Sadly, I suspect we will see a lawsuit over this. I think the lesson of Ashby, as opposed to 2229 San Felipe, is for neighbors to sue before any concrete is poured. It makes a temporary injunction more attractive to a judge to preserve the 'status quo.' If we could get some binding appellate decision from Ashby on the other hand that might indicate such claims are baseless as a matter of law.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swtsig 2929 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Kirby is a MAJOR thoroughfare with countless number of high-density developments including many high rises. Zero chance this gets tied up in court. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 337 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Kirby is a MAJOR thoroughfare with countless number of high-density developments including many high rises. Zero chance this gets tied up in court. It really is the Broadway of Houston and is starting to look like it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fernz 364 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Kirby is a MAJOR thoroughfare with countless number of high-density developments including many high rises. Zero chance this gets tied up in court.I agree. But that doesn't mean that emotional neighboors won't sue. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 2184 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 It'd cost them lots of money. And they'd loose. Commercial street. Commercial property. No shared lot lines with residents. Project in keeping with the neighborhood and the city wants to develop Kirby to develop as a commercial/retail corridor. This neighborhood was not able to keep the bars from operating. But, you're right. Emotional neighbors may try. But they've been quiet so far. So... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstontexasjack 2354 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Kirby is a MAJOR thoroughfare with countless number of high-density developments including many high rises. Zero chance this gets tied up in court.Any suit would need to be brought soon to have a prayer at slowing construction. I agree an injunction would be a longshot, but win at district court roulette and get in front of the right judge and crazy things can happen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Luminare 6042 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 (edited) Kirby is the one area of town that I'm pretty excited about. Still has its large surface parking lots and small tenant buildings, but it is certainly growing. Houston also did a smart thing early on (unlike westheimer) and repaved the whole thing and improved the walkability of it all. The only thing they need to do now is come up with some proper graphics, more street art, and large media type stuff that can really make this area stand out. Along with lots a denser buildings of course lol. Edited May 12, 2014 by Luminare Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dakota79 650 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 (edited) Upper Kirby District did all that work with their Tax reinvestment dollars. Westheimer is also part of the work they are doing now. Edited May 12, 2014 by Dakota79 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Luminare 6042 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 well unfortunately that isnt to improve the road....its to improve whats underground thats even worse than the actual road lol. Didn't know thats where that money came from. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dakota79 650 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 (edited) Go to the Upper Kirby District website. They are paying to bury the utilities, improve signage and sidewalks and they added the new sculpture on Kirby. In addition, the roads are being completely replaced section by section. Edited May 13, 2014 by Dakota79 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Timoric 1556 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 (edited) - Edited July 8, 2019 by Timoric 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j_cuevas713 3026 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 (edited) Wow the entire district is going to be a nice big walkable area... Not to mention it damn near connects seamlessly to Montrose and all the way through Midtown. I'd like to see connectivity between Rice Village and Upper Kirby somehow... Like some sort of pedestrian bridge or something Edited May 13, 2014 by j_cuevas713 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Luminare 6042 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Wow I'm impressed with the initiative the people in this part of town are into making this place better overall. Now we just need the others to get in gear and help the city out! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DNAguy 440 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Wow the entire district is going to be a nice big walkable area... Not to mention it damn near connects seamlessly to Montrose and all the way through Midtown. I'd like to see connectivity between Rice Village and Upper Kirby somehow... Like some sort of pedestrian bridge or something Wow the entire district is going to be a nice big walkable area... Not to mention it damn near connects seamlessly to Montrose and all the way through Midtown. I'd like to see connectivity between Rice Village and Upper Kirby somehow... Like some sort of pedestrian bridge or something  Wow I'm impressed with the initiative the people in this part of town are into making this place better overall. Now we just need the others to get in gear and help the city out!  Add the capital improvements with the new METRO bus plan, and we could get a true walkable neighborhood http://tei-houston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=2832e4e9d2fb4ff1a01a4bac26078ac2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dakota79 650 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 It's happening!http://swamplot.com/cafe-express-on-kirby-is-closing-at-the-end-of-may/2014-05-22/ 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DNAguy 440 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Bravo burying the utilities, so ugly to see wooden telephone poles everywhere. They can't be that bad. I mean, Metro didn't get rid of them in the East end and it ended looking just fine...... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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.