Popular Post Urbannizer Posted May 28, 2015 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 28, 2015 http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2015/05/downtown-hotel-moves-forward.html A building permit has been approved for Aloft's latest Houston project, a redevelopment of a building at 820 Fannin St. that dates back to 1913.The permit for the renovation of the 10-story, 125,000-square-foot property was valued at $7.7 million 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 hurray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Wow this is great news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted June 4, 2015 Author Share Posted June 4, 2015 http://www.arch-con.com/hospitality/aloft-downtown/ This 1913 historic building in downtown Houston was the former headquarters of Stowers Furniture and housed the entire company’s operations. The first two floors were the company’s showroom. It will be restored into a vibrant 163 room, 119,981 square foot Aloft, respecting the integrity of historic preservation. The project will add an intricate 12,000 square foot terrace with roof top pool. This project is expected to deliver in May 2016. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Lights were on inside it yesterday. First time I have ever noticed that. You couldn't tell much trough the painted over windows, but they were either at a low second floor or a high first floor ceiling height and were temporary plastic cage over bare bulb type construction lights. Game on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 http://www.arch-con.com/hospitality/aloft-downtown/ The project will add an intricate 12,000 square foot terrace with roof top pool. Very cool, though cubicle bound workers in BG and 2HC will be taunted by a relaxing pool deck for eternity. Good work as always Urbannizer. Now go get the scoop on the Le Meridien. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Lights on... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 ^^^ great illustration nate99! however, surely they are going to require a bit more than approximately $8mm to fully and completely restore / renovate this wonderful old edifice correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 ^^^ great illustration nate99! however, surely they are going to require a bit more than approximately $8mm to fully and completely restore / renovate this wonderful old edifice correct? The permit may just be partial with others to come as necessary, I too would assume it would be a lot more than $7.7 million to turn an old vacant office in to a hotel, but what do I know. FWIW, the whole property was appraised at ~$7 million per HCAD. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 The permit may just be partial with others to come as necessary, I too would assume it would be a lot more than $7.7 million to turn an old vacant office in to a hotel, but what do I know. FWIW, the whole property was appraised at ~$7 million per HCAD. It seems like we've heard in the past that Hines restored it, at least somewhat, with the development of BG Group Place. I suppose the BG Group Place thread might have photos if anyone wants to dig through, although photos were much less common on HAIF back then. It would make sense for them to have at least fixed up the exterior so that it wouldn't detract from their new office tower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 It seems like we've heard in the past that Hines restored it, at least somewhat, with the development of BG Group Place. I suppose the BG Group Place thread might have photos if anyone wants to dig through, although photos were much less common on HAIF back then. It would make sense for them to have at least fixed up the exterior so that it wouldn't detract from their new office tower. I recall that someone rehabbed it, but to what extent, I have no idea. The exterior looks to be in good shape. The brick is almost like ceramic tile and will clean up with kind of a shine if they don't resurface it. From what I could see around the lights that were on (mostly the ceilings), there did not appear to be anything but bare building structure there, so maybe they have a clean starting point, which would be ideal for a conversion. I do wonder how they might manage a loading dock or service entrance with BG blocking two sides, but I'm sure they'll manage something. Aloft is not a "full service" hotel with bar/restaurant, right? Should cut down on that need. The Proposed 1114 Texas Hyatt Place would be in the same camp (and the Magnolia for that matter). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I recall that someone rehabbed it, but to what extent, I have no idea. The exterior looks to be in good shape. The brick is almost like ceramic tile and will clean up with kind of a shine if they don't resurface it. From what I could see around the lights that were on (mostly the ceilings), there did not appear to be anything but bare building structure there, so maybe they have a clean starting point, which would be ideal for a conversion. I do wonder how they might manage a loading dock or service entrance with BG blocking two sides, but I'm sure they'll manage something. Aloft is not a "full service" hotel with bar/restaurant, right? Should cut down on that need. The Proposed 1114 Texas Hyatt Place would be in the same camp (and the Magnolia for that matter). I think the last A-loft I stayed at had a bar, and thats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 (edited) It seems like we've heard in the past that Hines restored it, at least somewhat, with the development of BG Group Place. I suppose the BG Group Place thread might have photos if anyone wants to dig through, although photos were much less common on HAIF back then. It would make sense for them to have at least fixed up the exterior so that it wouldn't detract from their new office tower. It was restored/renovated, but not by Hines and not with the development of BG Group Place. Spire Realty Group renovated the building, in the 2002-2004 time period. It was reported at the time to have been a $13-14 Million renovation. They were marketing it as office and retail condominiums. But as far as I know, they never sold a single square foot. Edited June 12, 2015 by Houston19514 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 ^^^ well, to say that this particular edifice has been restored / renovated etc... it sure doesn't look the part! i'm sorry but it doesn't! this prospective new hotel shall need a lot of work to make it shine a bit.... definitely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 ^^^ well, to say that this particular edifice has been restored / renovated etc... it sure doesn't look the part! i'm sorry but it doesn't! this prospective new hotel shall need a lot of work to make it shine a bit.... definitely! Prior to the renovation, it was in much the same condition as the buildings that were razed to make way for BG Place. That block was blighted and nasty all the way around. I'm surprised anyone would have bothered to restore anything there prior to Hines taking out the worst of it, though maybe they knew that was coming. The building that fronted Main had been abandoned for a long time, and the Montagu was as seedy a hotel as you could draw up. The $.99 store across Walker is a holdout from those days, but one would wonder how much longer they can hold out with property values rising. If that building were restored to its original condition and the other check cashing/fried chicken place two blocks down converted to something else, the transformation of Main Street would be nearly complete and pretty awesome. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nate99 Posted June 17, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted June 17, 2015 There goes another sidewalk lost to construction. I'd say they are underway... 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Love this. So much potential for this building. Now, if someone could just do something with that terrible garage. Sure wish downtown had some sort of design standards for garages. Far too many look like this. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Love this. So much potential for this building. Now, if someone could just do something with that terrible garage. Sure wish downtown had some sort of design standards for garages. Far too many look like this. That one has ground floor retail, so it can no be criticized. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 ^^^ great illustration nate99! however, i have never noticed that there was car garage built into this edifice. learn something new everyday i guess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 i cannot wait to view the renderings / concepts for this new prospective hotel. should be wonderful.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Heh. .. Nate wins the forum today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 That one has ground floor retail, so it can no be criticized. moo. I'll continue to have higher standards. It's an eyesore. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 That one has ground floor retail, so it can no be criticized. moo. I'll continue to have higher standards. It's an eyesore. Is it a big enough eyesore to be considered a disaster? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 Meta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Is it a big enough eyesore to be considered a disaster? Not a "failure" disaster but rather catastrophic in that it kills people and destroys the earth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Not a "failure" disaster but rather catastrophic in that it kills people and destroys the earth.Jimmy Johns will save us. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 They are hauling wheelbarrow loads of sheetrock and whatnot out to dumpsters currently. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nate99 Posted June 29, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted June 29, 2015 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 No wonder no one leased it out as office space - look at that huge snake! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 ^^^ great illustration nate99! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share Posted July 7, 2015 Downtown RE 2Q Update: The newest addition to the list is Aloft, a conversion of the historic 1913 Stowers Building. 172 rooms are planned, and a 12ksf terrace with rooftop pool will be added. Est completion 2Q16. This project will be added to the next edition of the downtown development map. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortune Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/07/new-aloft-hotels-coming-to-houston.html"As Houston Business Journal previously reported, one of the new hotels will be the Aloft Houston Downtown. The historic Stowers Furniture Building at 820 Fannin St. will be redeveloped into a 165-room hotel with 2,000 square feet of meeting space. It is expected to open in June 2016." 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 The song of the jackhammers is coming out of the open windows now. It will be interesting to see how fast this gets done and what they do to construct the rooftop terrace/pool. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 ^^^ i cannot wait to focus upon the new renderings / concepts.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 The song of the jackhammers is coming out of the open windows now. It will be interesting to see how fast this gets done and what they do to construct the rooftop terrace/pool.Well, they have about a year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/07/new-aloft-hotels-coming-to-houston.html"As Houston Business Journal previously reported, one of the new hotels will be the Aloft Houston Downtown. The historic Stowers Furniture Building at 820 Fannin St. will be redeveloped into a 165-room hotel with 2,000 square feet of meeting space. It is expected to open in June 2016." http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2015/07/aloft-plans-three-houston-area-hotels-by-2018-six-more-across-texas/#34275101=0 Aloft Houston Downtown: A renovation of the Stowers Building at 820 Fannin will feature 165 rooms and 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is expected to open in 2016. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mab Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Bill Franks, development partner for the Aloft Houston Downtown, said renovations like the one underway at the Stowers Building are worth the added expense."It's easier and faster and less expensive to tear something down and bring something new back up in its place," he said. "But when that happens, you've lost in this case 100 years of history that we can never get back no matter what we do."Franks, who has been involved in revitalizing 14 downtown buildings including the 328-room JW Marriott at 806 Main, will bring a Mid Century Modern style to the 10-story building at 820 Fannin.Built in 1913 to house the G.A. Stowers Furniture Co., the property will be turned into a 173-room hotel with an opening targeted in May. Trend Hospitality is developing the project and Arch-Con Construction is handling construction.The top floor, which once served as manufacturing space for furniture, will house an exercise facility and guest rooms. The first floor will contain a restaurant, bar and lobby, while the second floor will house 2,000 square feet of meeting space and guest rooms. A rooftop pool and patio will offer views of the city."I like taking a historic building and revitalizing it into a building that is state of the art for today but will now last 50, 75, 100 more years," Franks said.The building, which was designed by architects Green & Finger, shares a block with the new BG Group Place skyscraper. It is designed to appeal to travelers who want to be near Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center and numerous companies, Franks said.The downtown hotel is Arch-Con Construction's first historic hotel renovation project. The Houston-based company is also building a 105-room Aloft in College Station scheduled to open next month."It is exciting to be a part of a project that is taking a building with such an architecturally historic and successful past and putting it back in service," Arch-Con president and CEO Michael Scheurich said.Aloft falls into the "select service" genre, which is less expensive than a full-service hotel, but still offers some of the same features such as meeting space and dining options, McCaslin sahttp://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Starwood-kicks-off-hotel-expansion-6391792.php 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Interesting that they actually assembled the furniture on the top floor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 ^^^ props for sharing mab! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Mid-Century Modern, interesting choice for this 1913 building. Is it really less expensive to tear down and build new than to renovate? I guess it depends on the extent of the renovation, but for this building, they'd save money by tearing down and starting over? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 It saves time which I assume equates to money saved long-term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Walked by there today, they were taking the doors off the Fannin facing side and so it was open to see in to the street level. It was otherwise gutted, but there are escalators right in the middle of the first floor. I wish I could have taken a picture. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nate99 Posted July 29, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted July 29, 2015 Luckily, I'm a persistent nerd about these things. 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) nate99, along with your incredible persistence and masterful work, please think SAFETY FIRST no matter what! thank you for another wonderful contribution..... Edited July 29, 2015 by monarch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 nate99, along with your incredible persistence and masterful work, please think SAFETY FIRST no matter what! thank you for another wonderful contribution..... I was walking by on the sidewalk shooting through an open door; my additional safety risk was negligible. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 (edited) I was in New Orleans this past weekend, and I was thoroughly impressed with how they save all their old architecture while still building new buildings alongside. We can't continue to destroy the history of this city to save money. Not only do we fail to remember how we have grown but we neglect the charm a city this size can have by maintaining it's older structures. I'm thankful this building is being renovated. Edited August 2, 2015 by j_cuevas713 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted August 6, 2015 Author Share Posted August 6, 2015 https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/hotel/sneak-peek-into-aloft-downtown-conversion-48812#14 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 (edited) Wow. Very exciting. And... "so far they're on track to finish by April"!! Edited August 6, 2015 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rechlin Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Great find! Here's a slightly better variation on link. I was confused by the last link because it skipped to the last slide and wasn't showing anything. This will start from the beginning: https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/hotel/sneak-peek-into-aloft-downtown-conversion-48812?single-page 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Great news. I love these historic buildings being renovated into apartments and hotels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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