Block 387 by Fairfield Residential

[Houston19514 4617]

Here is the language from the DLI Design Guidelines:

 

A Streets. Ground floors facing A streets should contain active uses. For sites adjacent to Main Street, Main Street is the priority A street for ground floor uses. While retail is the preferred ground floor use, other acceptable uses include public building spaces such as lobbies, common building amenities, fitness facilities, open office space, live/work space, day care centers, etc. (see Figure 5). Regardless of initial use, all ground floors facing A streets should be configured such that they may accommodate retail in the future.2.

 

B Streets. While ground floors facing B streets should also contain active uses to the greatest extent possible, they may contain other uses, such as residential and office. Uses such as building services, storage, and structured parking should be avoided to the greatest extent possible along B streets.

 

(A Streets are Primary pedestrian streets.  B Streets are Secondary pedestrian streets (pedestrian-oriented streets with some potential building services).

[Twinsanity02 1283]

If this goes up will, I believe that leaves only  three more DLI projects: Camden's second tower, Block 98, and some apartment tower north of the ballpark. Anyone know different?

[H-Town Man 4989]

28 minutes ago, Houston19514 said:

Here is the language from the DLI Design Guidelines:

 

A Streets. Ground floors facing A streets should contain active uses. For sites adjacent to Main Street, Main Street is the priority A street for ground floor uses. While retail is the preferred ground floor use, other acceptable uses include public building spaces such as lobbies, common building amenities, fitness facilities, open office space, live/work space, day care centers, etc. (see Figure 5). Regardless of initial use, all ground floors facing A streets should be configured such that they may accommodate retail in the future.2.

 

B Streets. While ground floors facing B streets should also contain active uses to the greatest extent possible, they may contain other uses, such as residential and office. Uses such as building services, storage, and structured parking should be avoided to the greatest extent possible along B streets.

 

(A Streets are Primary pedestrian streets.  B Streets are Secondary pedestrian streets (pedestrian-oriented streets with some potential building services).

 

Looks like someone used their noodle on these. Good stuff.

 

Just now, Twinsanity02 said:

If this goes up will, I believe that leaves only  three more DLI projects: Camden's second tower, Block 98, and some apartment tower north of the ballpark. Anyone know different?

 

Seems like there was the Marquette apartment tower north of the ballpark and also an apartment midrise.

 

[Houston19514 4617]

38 minutes ago, Twinsanity02 said:

If this goes up will, I believe that leaves only  three more DLI projects: Camden's second tower, Block 98, and some apartment tower north of the ballpark. Anyone know different?

 

According to the Downtown TIRZ website (but it seems to clearly be incomplete; the DLI was for a total of 5,000 units):

 

Completed:

• SkyHouse Houston (336)
• Block 334 (207)
• SkyHouse Main (336)
• The Star (323)
• Market Square Tower (463)
• Aris Market Square  (287)

Planned:

• Fairfield Residential (286)

Presumably, the following were/are also DLI projects:

--  1414 Texas  (285)

-- 1711 Caroline (220)

-- Camden Downtown (271)

-- Catalyst (364)

-- Eighteen25 (242)

-- The Hamilton? (148)

 

Planned:

--800 Walker, Block 98 (314)

-- Camden Downtown Phase II (279)

-- Marquette Jackson & Commerce, Block 114 (304)

 

Those add up to 4,665.  I must have missed some.  I recall they said they had agreements for all 5,000.

Edited March 20, 2019 by Houston19514

[mattyt36 427]

I thought Marlowe was DLI as well.

 

I don’t think The Hamilton was.

On 3/20/2019 at 12:57 PM, Houston19514 said:

Here is the language from the DLI Design Guidelines:

 

A Streets. Ground floors facing A streets should contain active uses. For sites adjacent to Main Street, Main Street is the priority A street for ground floor uses. While retail is the preferred ground floor use, other acceptable uses include public building spaces such as lobbies, common building amenities, fitness facilities, open office space, live/work space, day care centers, etc. (see Figure 5). Regardless of initial use, all ground floors facing A streets should be configured such that they may accommodate retail in the future.2.

 

B Streets. While ground floors facing B streets should also contain active uses to the greatest extent possible, they may contain other uses, such as residential and office. Uses such as building services, storage, and structured parking should be avoided to the greatest extent possible along B streets.

 

(A Streets are Primary pedestrian streets.  B Streets are Secondary pedestrian streets (pedestrian-oriented streets with some potential building services).

 

Thanks! So it requires that they at least be able to accommodate retail in the future ... I guess that’s what we all were remembering.

[Urbannizer 44116]

http://www.downtowntirz.com/downtownhouston/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/190305-Authority-Minutes-SIGNED.pdf

[H-Town Man 4989]

35 minutes ago, Urbannizer said:

http://www.downtowntirz.com/downtownhouston/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/190305-Authority-Minutes-SIGNED.pdf

 

Lots of goodies in there, thanks.

 

[Avossos 2281]

2 hours ago, Urbannizer said:

http://www.downtowntirz.com/downtownhouston/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/190305-Authority-Minutes-SIGNED.pdf

 

Shouldn't the April meeting minutes be available now? That meeting was a week ago. These are March minutes.

[Alec 502]

3 hours ago, Avossos said:

 

Shouldn't the April meeting minutes be available now? That meeting was a week ago. These are March minutes.

They aren't up yet. When they are, they'll be here.

[Avossos 2281]

On 2/19/2019 at 9:33 PM, brijonmang said:

 

I don't know much about this project but block 98 is still scheduled to kick off later this year.

 

🙌

[Urbannizer 44116]

What was on the site before (Humble).

 

 

1962-03 Main Street Houston by Mark Navarro, on Flickr

[Urbannizer 44116]

Finally a more significant update, listed as "coming 2021" on their website.

 

https://www.fairfieldresidential.com/new-developments/

[htownbro 603]

8 hours ago, Urbannizer said:

Finally a more significant update, listed as "coming 2021" on their website.

 

https://www.fairfieldresidential.com/new-developments/

It states estimated opening is 2021.  So construction should start soon perhaps.

[H-Town Man 4989]

On ‎7‎/‎3‎/‎2019 at 10:08 PM, Urbannizer said:

What was on the site before (Humble).

 

 

1962-03 Main Street Houston by Mark Navarro, on Flickr

 

This was Humble's first gas station, designed by Alfred C. Finn (who did the Gulf building) and built in 1919. It is featured in The Field Guide to Gas Stations in Texas, page 3-3:

 

https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/preserve/survey/highway/TxDOT Field Guide to Gas Stations in TX 2016.pdf

 

 

[Brooklyn173 818]

I noticed these barricades this morning. They are only along the Travis Street portion of the site. The METRO office building is next door on the right.

 

Does anyone know if this will be something bigger or is it something as minor as sidewalk repairs?

[cspwal 3903]

That's Block 387. 

 

In August they did update their website, so maybe this is the first signs of forward movement

 

 

On 8/21/2019 at 2:45 AM, Urbannizer said:

Finally a more significant update, listed as "coming 2021" on their website.

 

https://www.fairfieldresidential.com/new-developments/

[Brooklyn173 818]

Good news

[Urbannizer 44116]

Threads merged

[hindesky 46417]

Construction fencing on the east and south side, water filled barricades on the west side, nothing on the north side yet.

[DrLan34 1944]

1 hour ago, hindesky said:

Construction fencing on the east and south side, water filled barricades on the west side, nothing on the north side yet.

Christmas miracle!

[wxman 883]

Anybody know the floor count of this?

[hindesky 46417]

36 minutes ago, wxman said:

Anybody know the floor count of this?

Looks like 9 to me.

[Urbannizer 44116]

1 hour ago, wxman said:

Anybody know the floor count of this?

 

10 floors - 7 residential over 3 parking levels

[Caleb 93]

3 hours ago, hindesky said:

Looks like 9 to me.

Having lived in “SODO” for 2 years now... It’s clear the direction this part of downtown is going. It’s becoming an urban mid rise residential neighborhood, very similar to Navy Yard in DC. 

Edited December 26, 2019 by Caleb

[Avossos 2281]

10 hours ago, Caleb said:

Having lived in “SODO” for 2 years now... It’s clear the direction this part of downtown is going. It’s becoming an urban mid rise residential neighborhood, very similar to Navy Yard in DC. 

 

How is the pedestrian scene down there? I have noticed a few cafes / restaurants / shops. Is it picking up foot traffic?

 

I'd love to see the old Holiday Inn building get redone and the Exxon building put to use. I feel like when that's done, things will really hit a stride.

[Twinsanity02 1283]

I know "sodo" stands for "south of downtown", but what is the difference between that and midtown which is also south of downtown? Is sodo a distinct area of midtown? Is there a wodo and nodo?

[hindesky 46417]

29 minutes ago, Twinsanity02 said:

I know "sodo" stands for "south of downtown", but what is the difference between that and midtown which is also south of downtown? Is sodo a distinct area of midtown? Is there a wodo and nodo?

I think it stands for "South Downtown" and has no reference to midtown.

[Caleb 93]

2 hours ago, Avossos said:

 

How is the pedestrian scene down there? I have noticed a few cafes / restaurants / shops. Is it picking up foot traffic?

 

I'd love to see the old Holiday Inn building get redone and the Exxon building put to use. I feel like when that's done, things will really hit a stride.

It’s mostly residents walking dogs etc. There are a few cafes like the cute little bakery under Sky House. But there’s definitely a need for more. I currently take an 8 block walk down Main to get to CVS and better options. It’s not a bad walk during this time of the year. 

[Brooklyn173 818]

I walk by this site from McGowen to the Downtown "Y" a few times a week. I agree with all that's been posted above (including hopes for the vacant Holiday Inn and Exxon sites). In my mind, the Pierce Street Elevated is the demarkation line from Downtown and Midtown. So SODO is a subsection of Downtown (all of this only exists in my mind). The greatest obstacle for continuing improvement of this neighborhood transition area is the homeless settlements near the bus stations. Much worse since the 'closing' of the camps under the I69 elevated by Wheeler and an embarrassment in government and social conscience for Houston, IMHO.

 

But I am still excited for the new neighbors (and the north side of the site was getting the orange construction barriers this morning).

[MarathonMan 1157]

Fencing is up!  One lane of Jefferson is closed for construction.  I bet they start digging in January.

Edited December 27, 2019 by MarathonMan

[hindesky 46417]

Fencing and water filled barricades all the way around.

[Luminare 6042]

Better late than never.

[TheSirDingle 1474]

55 minutes ago, Luminare said:

Better late than never.

Looking at you block 98

[hindesky 46417]

34 minutes ago, TheSirDingle said:

Looking at you block 98

C'mon block 114 pick up your game

[MidCenturyMoldy 620]

On 12/26/2019 at 10:17 AM, Avossos said:

I'd love to see the old Holiday Inn building get redone...

 

Kind of amazed to see someone remembers that it was a Holiday Inn. 

[cspwal 3903]

To be fair, the long running thread on it is titled "Holiday/Days/Heaven on Earth Inn (801 Calhoun)"

[hindesky 46417]

Asphalt being torn up already.

[bobruss 4986]

On 12/27/2019 at 7:22 PM, MidCenturyMoldy said:

 

Kind of amazed to see someone remembers that it was a Holiday Inn. 

I believe everyone on this site is very familiar with this Holiday Inn. It has been on all of our wish lists to be repurposed or leveled.

It is definitely the eyesore of downtown. 

[Highrise Tower 33186]

[midtowndweller 278]

Edited January 20, 2020 by midtowndweller

[Chi-Char-Hou-Dal 383]

Is this project in tandem with the Amegy Bank parking lot / building construction going on ? Laydown site perhaps

[Luminare 6042]

2 minutes ago, Chi-Char-Hou-Dal said:

Is this project in tandem with the Amegy Bank parking lot / building construction going on ? Laydown site perhaps

 

No. Actually the post above you is a good indication that its the actual project construction. That piece of paper on the tree is a reflection that this project had to meet with the city to discuss possible tree removal or triming which is common for vertical projects, and because they will likely alter the streetscape in some way. This isn't something you do if its a laydown yard. This project is actually happening.

[Highrise Tower 33186]

 

[midtowndweller 278]

The trees are gone! 

[H-Town Man 4989]

On ‎1‎/‎20‎/‎2020 at 8:22 AM, midtowndweller said:

 

TOO SOON.

 

R.I.P.

 

[Twinsanity02 1283]

1 hour ago, midtowndweller said:

The trees are gone! 

 

I don't understand why these trees were removed.  Wouldn't trimming them back have done the job? Anyone know? 

[kbates2 1339]

Seems like the city still thinks cutting down mature trees and planting saplings is net neutral.  At least it doesn't get hot here in the summer.

[ArtNsf 722]

So, is that nasty broken windowed graffiti-ed former EYE SORE that was the Days Inn EVER going to be either renovated or torn down ?  This has been the bane of Downtown's existence now for decades.  Seems the City or County would want to invest in trying to influence the current property owner to do something about it, and fast.  I feel so embarrassed when I pass downtown on the Pierce Elevated and for that area.  It's not like it's just a mid-rise run down apartment complex we are talking about here, that thing is many stories high and visible from so many angles around town.  One can only hope this development will help shield some of that crumbling ugliness soon.

[wilcal 1682]

26 minutes ago, ArtNsf said:

So, is that nasty broken windowed graffiti-ed former EYE SORE that was the Days Inn EVER going to be either renovated or torn down ?  This has been the bane of Downtown's existence now for decades.  Seems the City or County would want to invest in trying to influence the current property owner to do something about it, and fast.  I feel so embarrassed when I pass downtown on the Pierce Elevated and for that area.  It's not like it's just a mid-rise run down apartment complex we are talking about here, that thing is many stories high and visible from so many angles around town.  One can only hope this development will help shield some of that crumbling ugliness soon.

 

You just spurred me to go back and look at that thread: 

It was "under contract" last year, but now listed as for sale again. 

 

 

[Avossos 2281]

10 minutes ago, wilcal said:

 

You just spurred me to go back and look at that thread: 

It was "under contract" last year, but now listed as for sale again. 

 

 

 

 

Jesus sell at lot value and let's get something good here... whatever it is.