Avossos Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 (edited) https://www.bidclerk.com/project/3167062.htmlWork to begin late August!Very happy. I like this building a lot. Great 50s vibe Edited July 27, 2015 by Avossos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Is this just east of Stowers bldg.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alec Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Is this just east of Stowers bldg.?Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Sweet! Can't wait to see the renderings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 https://www.bidclerk.com/project/3167062.htmlWork to begin late August!I wonder if this will be ready in time for the Super Bowl? Probably not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 How long did the JW Marriott renovation take? With the existing structure up, I'd think a turn time by the Super Bowl would not be completely out of the question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) Edit: Duplicate Post. Edited July 28, 2015 by houstontexasjack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 This building, unlike the Marriott, shouldn't involve taking off the entire facade and then putting up EIFS in its place, so maybe it will be faster? Depends on how much work needs to be done to the interior, especially since it's a conversion from office to hotel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I will be curious to see.I imagine that there is a ton of work to do. Going from office to hotel will involve gutting the entire interior and adding new interior spaces and bathrooms (plumbing), electric, and HVAC. It will also involve adding any "behind the scenes" spaces for laundry, kitchen, employee spaces, etc. I wonder if building codes call for differ types of fire exits or fire suppression between an office building and a hotel? Are the distances from rooms to fire exists more strict? Glad to see this project moving forward and I hope to learn something regarding how long and "interior only" (assuming that is true) conversion like this might take..... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rechlin Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 They definitely need to do some exterior work. They've removed some of the black panels covering the original turquoise panels below them, but neither seem to be in very good shape. I wonder if they will keep the exposed fire escape (like they did with the Great Southwest building) or if they will completely enclose it (like they did with the Club Quarters and the JW Marriott) or if they do something in between (like they seem to be doing with the Central Square building). Also, I'm sure the windows will end up getting replaced, too, as those are surely quite old and inefficient. It will be interesting to see what it ends up looking like when it's done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 How long did the JW Marriott renovation take? With the existing structure up, I'd think a turn time by the Super Bowl would not be completely out of the question. They started taking off the façade in September of 2012 (apart from the test strip which was removed earlier) and finished around October 1 of 2014, so ~ 24 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rechlin Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 This is almost as big of a project as the JW Marriott (255 rooms vs 270 rooms, and 206,000 square feet vs 221,000 square feet). The only advantage is the exterior doesn't need as much work. We're 18 months from the Super Bowl, so while it's possible it will be done in time, it seems that they are cutting it tight. Remember that the JW Marriott wasn't even done when it opened; they took a couple more months to build out the top few floors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Le Meridien is a premium brand with Starwood. I am not sure the hotel would pay the extra dollars to make a big push to be open by the Super Bowl given their marketing edge in being affiliated with a large, known hotel chain. Getting open by the Super Bowl would be far more important for something like the Alessandra, methinks, where a lesser known brand might really want the chance to highlight its amenities. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Before: Â 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmitch94 Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I have never noticed that building until now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 (edited) I have never noticed that building until now.  Easy to miss, unless you walk past it. They actually placed a pot-a-potty on the sidewalk in front of it to cut down on folks using it as a urinal (or worse). Edited August 3, 2015 by Nate99 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 (edited) - Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Re-exposing the turquoise will  make it stand out better too. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 (edited) - Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 If pee was the only thing this smelled like, it would be a blessing. This place smells like despair. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 ^^^ although i am loving the fact that LE MERIDIEN is venturing forth back into the houston cbd, i cannot help but wonder why they chose this particular edifice to renovate / expand? Â starwood hotels, could have very easily just torn down this building and reconstructed from ground up.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 (edited) - Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 ^^^ although i am loving the fact that LE MERIDIEN is venturing forth back into the houston cbd, i cannot help but wonder why they chose this particular edifice to renovate / expand?  starwood hotels, could have very easily just torn down this building and reconstructed from ground up.... Mid-century modern is kind of an in thing right now, and a lot of out-of-town people like the authenticity of using an actual period building rather than new construction. Not a lot of Houstonians, perhaps, but a lot of out-of-town people value this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Mid-century modern is kind of an in thing right now, and a lot of out-of-town people like the authenticity of using an actual period building rather than new construction. Not a lot of Houstonians, perhaps, but a lot of out-of-town people value this.Even if someone didn't like the style, hopefully they can appreciate it over Embassy Suites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 If 6 Houston Center and the big tower portion of the Texaco renovation actually got built, this little guy would have been surrounded by big towers. As it is, once/if HSPVA and the Alexan project get built, there will be fewer angles available where you will be able to see it at all.  It’s not a big deal of a building either way to me visually (as always, I’m not picky), but I am amazed that it is getting a refurb after being a blight for so long.  Poor ol’ Sheraton Lincoln just didn’t make the cut. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 If only they could flip it around to the opposite corner of the block. 2 Houston Center just doesn't care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 ^^^ heck, maybe this edifice was just very cheap to purchase, and they couldn't pass up such a profound bargain..... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 If only they could flip it around to the opposite corner of the block. 2 Houston Center just doesn't care. Having the hotel entrance across the street from the Texaco residential/GFR would have added value to both projects, I would think. As it is, I'm interested to see what it's like around there once this is up and running along with the Aloft. If something were done with the parking lot on the other half of the block, you would have something quite nice where it was extremely sketchy pre-BG Place, though that was due as much to the Montagu as it was the abandoned buildings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 (edited) - Â Â Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Having the hotel entrance across the street from the Texaco residential/GFR would have added value to both projects, I would think. As it is, I'm interested to see what it's like around there once this is up and running along with the Aloft. If something were done with the parking lot on the other half of the block, you would have something quite nice where it was extremely sketchy pre-BG Place, though that was due as much to the Montagu as it was the abandoned buildings. I was thinking that would probably get built over by a parking garage for the hotel, but maybe that lot is too big for just a hotel parking garage, I haven't been there in awhile. If such a parking garage had GFR, it would really tie the room together for that little neighborhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 I was thinking that would probably get built over by a parking garage for the hotel, but maybe that lot is too big for just a hotel parking garage, I haven't been there in awhile. If such a parking garage had GFR, it would really tie the room together for that little neighborhood.Combined with the Great Wall of Houston Center renovations, it will help with the flow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Exterior Changes:  - All existing glass will be replaced- More glass at street level; space created for a restaurant- The roof will become an amenity space for hotel guests which will feature a pool and bar- Exterior brick will be cleaned and repointed where needed 1121_Walker_MATERIALS.pdf 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Everyone get excited. The turquoise is coming back!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Everyone get excited. The turquoise is coming back!!! Oh please let it be so! In the old photos this building was so swank. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmitch94 Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I sure hope the bar can be open to the public, Houston needs some rooftop bars. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ those original turquoise tiles as simply GOD AWFUL!  please, do not let them retain this most profoundly ugly and shocking design aspect.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ those original turquoise tiles as simply GOD AWFUL! please, do not let them retain this most profoundly ugly and shocking design aspect....I'm sorry. They are restoring the building to its original appearance. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Turquoise tiles would be interesting. They evoke an old-school Havana vibe for me (I think of "Godfather: Part II" for some reason). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 If there was one building I thought could be restored to an enhanced version of its original appearance, as opposed to as close as possible, it would have been this one. Just not the most gorgeous building, and the thought that New York was building the Seagram building at the same time we were building this shows just how minor a city we were (although it makes our leap forward to One Shell and Pennzoil seem that much more remarkable).At any rate, if this is restored and the Astrodome is saved, we should once and for all lose the stigma of a city that tears down its history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ those original turquoise tiles as simply GOD AWFUL!  please, do not let them retain this most profoundly ugly and shocking design aspect....  ^^^ Lacks appreciation for the finer points of MCM design. There was a brief period when turquoise buildings were all the rage. At one point I kept a list of the primary examples in Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 The turquoise plays off well against the large expanses of beige brick, like some sort of tribute to New Mexico. Or maybe it's meant to evoke Galveston, the ocean and the beach? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Purify Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I looked through this thread and wasn't able to find an image of the original turquioise facade. Does anyone have a link or an image of this? I'm feeling left out and it's giving me the sadz :-( 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ Lacks appreciation for the finer points of MCM design. There was a brief period when turquoise buildings were all the rage. At one point I kept a list of the primary examples in Houston.Might there be a reason that the period for turquoise was brief? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Might there be a reason that the period for turquoise was brief? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rechlin Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I looked through this thread and wasn't able to find an image of the original turquioise facade. Does anyone have a link or an image of this? I'm feeling left out and it's giving me the sadz :-( There's a photo on page 29 of the PDF linked above. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) ^^^ jesus christ, this looks like a circa 1950's hospital in the med center. Â no way, they should re-create this god awful 1950's look, in today's 2015 downtown CBD. Â this would be a national embarrassment for houston.... Edited August 16, 2015 by monarch 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ jesus christ, this looks like a circa 1950's hospital in the med center. no way, they should re-create this god awful 1950's look, in today's 2015 downtown CBD. this would be a national embarrassment for houston....You've stated your opinion on the building. Many people disagree with you.I think it's going to be awesome! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ctaf Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I think this building is going to look great once they restore it, I'm pretty stoked about the turquoise 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 You've stated your opinion on the building. Many people disagree with you.I think it's going to be awesome!No! Stop! Sassy monarch is hilarious! Hey monarch....turquoise is my favorite color... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-TownChris2 Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 ^^^ jesus christ, this looks like a circa 1950's hospital in the med center. Â no way, they should re-create this god awful 1950's look, in today's 2015 downtown CBD. Â this would be a national embarrassment for houston....I'm with you monarch, this is terrible... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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