EllenOlenska Posted July 11, 2020 Share Posted July 11, 2020 I guess it also depends on how you define midrise. Above about 8 tend to be built to last. Below 4 look like tinderboxes. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brooklyn173 Posted August 1, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 1, 2020 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn173 Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 On 7/11/2020 at 3:16 PM, j_cuevas713 said: What is the general consensus among us here in HAIF about all of this mid-rise apartments? Could we see these structures around for the next 100 years? Just curious what yall think 100 years anywhere in the US (or most places) for an apartment building is very aspirational. 50 years seems a little more realistic, though still optimistic, and I'd guess many will meet that criteria. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specwriter Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 They will be present as long as they meet demand and highest, best use. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 6 hours ago, Specwriter said: They will be present as long as they meet demand and highest, best use. Counter point: see the building across the street 5 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HoustonIsHome Posted August 4, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 4, 2020 I love these mid rise buildings. They are not as costly as a hirise They usually are cheaper to rent because of this. They can be filled up quicker They look a lot better than a surface lot They contribute more to building up the critical density than a surface lot. To be honest my eyes are usually between ground level and 6 levels or so. Anything higher than that for me is just icing. Filling up vacant or surface lots is more exciting than the number of floors just as long as I'm not looking at blank walls or exposed parking levels. 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 My rankings for downtown development: Tall building with GFR Mid-rise with retail on the ground floor Lot line building, 1-2 stories, with a shop, bar, or restaurant in it Mid-rise building Tall building Park (public space mainly with grass) Plaza (public space mainly with concrete) Nice looking parking garage vacant lot covered in grass active construction site giant hole in the ground parking lot 4 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinsanity02 Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 11 minutes ago, cspwal said: My rankings for downtown development: Tall building with GFR Mid-rise with retail on the ground floor Lot line building, 1-2 stories, with a shop, bar, or restaurant in it Mid-rise building Tall building Park (public space mainly with grass) Plaza (public space mainly with concrete) Nice looking parking garage vacant lot covered in grass active construction site giant hole in the ground parking lot I would have put "Johnny on the Job edifice" for #12 and parking lot as #13, but your list is spot on. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 Idk. An active construction site puts more of a smile on my face than a vacant lot covered in grass. That Chevron lot still hurts my heart. Depending on what's going up, I would prefer an active construction site over the plaza and park too. Construction sites are fun to follow 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 I'm thinking more day to day, walking around level. That vacant lot makes a great dog-playing-catch area downtown 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 (edited) 9 hours ago, cspwal said: I'm thinking more day to day, walking around level. That vacant lot makes a great dog-playing-catch area downtown You mean the old YMCA lot? If so then I can do without that grass field. That old yellow and red brick building was cute. Edited August 7, 2020 by HoustonIsHome 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJForever69 Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Who is the GC for this project? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted August 22, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 22, 2020 On 8/12/2020 at 1:06 PM, BJForever69 said: Who is the GC for this project? Fairfield Development according to the signs on the fence. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted August 26, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 26, 2020 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brooklyn173 Posted September 2, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 2, 2020 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 @bachanon @jmancuso Moderators: Is it possible to change the heading for this thread to include the street address (1810 Main Street)? Few people have memorized the downtown block numbers, but most are familiar with street addresses. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted September 27, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 27, 2020 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrel Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 I'm guessing the developer is overjoyed they chose concrete over wood frame considering lumber prices currently. Also does anyone live in block 334 or on the red line? It's horn is actually really loud I can hear several blocks away I couldn't imagine living right next to it. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HouTXRanger Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Squirrel said: I'm guessing the developer is overjoyed they chose concrete over wood frame considering lumber prices currently. Also does anyone live in block 334 or on the red line? It's horn is actually really loud I can hear several blocks away I couldn't imagine living right next to it. It's not so loud, I honestly hear the bell and the train over the track switch in front of the greyhound more. Kinda pleasant to hear honestly, makes me feel like I live in a city 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn173 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 I live a block from the McGowen station and I'm always amazed at how muffled the horn sounds. I never notice it, even out on my terrace. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted September 30, 2020 Share Posted September 30, 2020 If you face it, it's pretty noticeable, but windows will block the sound pretty well if you face away from it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtNsf Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 On 9/27/2020 at 3:13 PM, hindesky said: I know this Fairfield Residential project is probably going to look very nice in the middle of downtown. However, that horrible old huge eyesore of a hotel/Days Inn? is still there unimproved, AND the old Exxon tower STILL hasn't been re-clad as has been Shorenstein? Properties' plan for years. Yeah, I want it all done and now, right LOL! But, it sure does seem like these two (almost) abandoned remodels are taking much much longer than expected to begin renovations, with no start date in sight. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Texasota Posted October 1, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 1, 2020 Some of us like the Exxon tower just the way it is, although it would be nice to get it some new tenants. 11 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iah77 Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Texasota said: Some of us like the Exxon tower just the way it is, although it would be nice to get it some new tenants. Agreed, I think it's really beautiful architecturally and historically. Why does everyone want ever building to look the same? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KinkaidAlum Posted October 1, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 1, 2020 I get jealous of Dallas from time to time because they've converted several of their mid-century office towers to residential. I think the Exxon/Humble Tower would make a great apartment tower. Just needs an amenities level somewhere or a nearby garage/amenities facility with skybridge. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 they could put in an automated garage at the Exxon building without having to do major renovations- turn the first 6 or 7 floor into the garage, make the top floors the amenities level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 2 hours ago, KinkaidAlum said: I get jealous of Dallas from time to time because they've converted several of their mid-century office towers to residential. I think the Exxon/Humble Tower would make a great apartment tower. Just needs an amenities level somewhere or a nearby garage/amenities facility with skybridge. I was going to say this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtNsf Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 20 hours ago, Texasota said: Some of us like the Exxon tower just the way it is, although it would be nice to get it some new tenants. nope yuk yuk yuk ! too mid-century un-modern for my taste. and this being HOUSTON after all, it would be great to have it visually more appealing IMHO, perhaps though, another color of glass like bronze or green or something that really pops with some sort of homage to the past look, perhaps at the lower ground level. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Texasota Posted October 2, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2020 (edited) Dear god no. Houston is largely a Modern/Postmodern city. Destroying one of the better examples of that would be a shame. And again, a lot of people (such as myself) do find this building "visually appealing" just the way it is and feel the proposed changes would be a downgrade. Edited October 2, 2020 by Texasota 9 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 23 hours ago, KinkaidAlum said: I get jealous of Dallas from time to time because they've converted several of their mid-century office towers to residential. I think the Exxon/Humble Tower would make a great apartment tower. Just needs an amenities level somewhere or a nearby garage/amenities facility with skybridge. They did that because of a moribund downtown office market. We may end up having to do that now, but the reason why we haven't seen much of that yet is because our mid-century office buildings were still viable as offices, which offers higher profits than residential. For Dallas, I can only really think of the old Republic Bank building as having been converted, and then I think they finally started on that one with the wide pinstripes, but I doubt it's finished yet. Then maybe a few smaller ones? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 I can think of at least 6-7 residential conversions in downtown Dallas of major towers built between mid 1940s and 1970ish. The Merc with its iconic clock tower is my favorite. The old Exxon has been empty for years. It is not in prime office territory and it cannot compete with newer builds. It's obsolete unless they just want to have a lower class B or even C tower going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 5 hours ago, H-Town Man said: They did that because of a moribund downtown office market. We may end up having to do that now, but the reason why we haven't seen much of that yet is because our mid-century office buildings were still viable as offices, which offers higher profits than residential. For Dallas, I can only really think of the old Republic Bank building as having been converted, and then I think they finally started on that one with the wide pinstripes, but I doubt it's finished yet. Then maybe a few smaller ones? 2 hours ago, KinkaidAlum said: I can think of at least 6-7 residential conversions in downtown Dallas of major towers built between mid 1940s and 1970ish. The Merc with its iconic clock tower is my favorite. The old Exxon has been empty for years. It is not in prime office territory and it cannot compete with newer builds. It's obsolete unless they just want to have a lower class B or even C tower going forward. The Statler comes to mind as well. There has definitely been a number of conversions or redevelopments within the past 5 years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 Yep, Statler, the Merc, the Mosaic I and II, Gables Republic Tower, and later this year, a Thompson Hotel with 300+ residences will open in the 628 foot tall First National Bank Bldg built in 1965. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 17 hours ago, Yoda said: The Statler comes to mind as well. There has definitely been a number of conversions or redevelopments within the past 5 years. That would be one of the "few smaller ones" that I referred to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brooklyn173 Posted October 4, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2020 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 17, 2020 Share Posted October 17, 2020 Concrete pour. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 25, 2020 Share Posted October 25, 2020 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brooklyn173 Posted October 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 30, 2020 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrel Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 Just now, hindesky said: What's the purpose of boarding up the first floor? Election? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 1 minute ago, Squirrel said: What's the purpose of boarding up the first floor? Election? Lots of homeless people hang out around this area. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted November 7, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 7, 2020 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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ArtNsf Posted December 28, 2020 Share Posted December 28, 2020 My apologies, on the "Shell Tower" comment above on October 2nd. I was mistakenly talking about that hideous OLD outdated in both classical and post modern terms, Humble Oil 45 story tower that has been slated for a facade makeover with glass exterior panels for several years by Shorenstein, I believe. And I was NOT talking about the beautiful white stone covered 55 story One Shell Plaza tower with the gigantic antenna, which I and everyone I've talked have always loved right in the middle of downtown as you approach from the west. BTW I think we have enough "homage" to post modernism in our city and therefore, refacing some of these uglier ones from the past is fine with me. I don't think we'll ever have a shortage of these old buildings around town. Change is good at the same time that restoration and respect for "examples" of past Houston architecture are also good. It shouldn't always have to be one or the other IMHO. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Texasota Posted December 28, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted December 28, 2020 People are allowed to have opinions different from yours dude. It's going to be ok. And the Exxon/Humble building (800 Bell) is very much a Modernist building, not postmodern. A better building than One Shell Plaza, I would argue, but you don't have to agree with me on that. No one is suggesting keeping every office building downtown intact and exactly as built. Or at least I'm not. To be clear, I would sacrifice One Shell Plaza (depending on what replaced it) to keep 800 Bell intact. I also like the changes made to the Bank of America building to open it up to the sidewalk a bit more. I would actually argue for going a bit further in that direction. I get that you don't like 800 Bell. Nobody's asking you to like it. I'm just asking you to recognize that at least some other people *do* like it and don't think the proposed changes are worth losing its current character. 7 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dbigtex56 Posted December 28, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted December 28, 2020 Let's hope that the ill-advised plans to despoil 800 Bell have been thrown in the dust bin, and that it will not fall victim to an ignorant, awkward and unconvincing attempt to 'modernize' this beautiful and distinctive building. Consider some of the amateurish attempts to update older buildings such as the Federal Courthouse (515 Rusk) or Two Shell Plaza. The results manage to be both tragic and laughable. Granted, that is no small feat, but surely there were better options available. 6 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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