citizen4rmptown Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Whats your opinion about the shops? they have a wide selection for food and "dining" but retail wise they are falling behind.. plus they use most of the empy spaces to advertise for other stores... Although i think its great for what they do have.. I went yesterday with an aunt from mexico and we went to the grocery store at the end, and she asked (in spanish) "Why do they have all this stuff here?" i replied with a quote i heard in this forum ... but back to your opinion..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 It houses Doozo, and that's reason enough to venerate it. I wouldn't say they are "falling behind" on retail. I've been there on and off for 15 years and they've never had much retail. It's downtown's food court. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 I always thought it had a lot of potential, but outside of office workers and maybe now because of the park, there isn't much interest in this as a destination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 I've accepted it for what it is: it's a useful and popular place for lunchtime crowds and convenience shopping but it's not a "destination". It's not meant to be the talk of the town or any other town.I'm sure that it can evolve as downtown evolves but right now, it seems to work pretty well for what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wernicke Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 The exterior and entry points are so uninviting... I've always thought this place was lame. I don't think it is rehabilitate-able either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 The exterior and entry points are so uninviting... I've always thought this place was lame. I don't think it is rehabilitate-able either.It becomes more appealing for retail once One Park Place and some of the other proposed residential development goes in downtown. It's walking distance for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 The exterior and entry points are so uninviting... I've always thought this place was lame. I don't think it is rehabilitate-able either.The tunnels lead straight into it. It invites the people it wants to invite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wernicke Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 The tunnels lead straight into it. It invites the people it wants to invite. So they consciously didn't want to invite more people? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 So they consciously didn't want to invite more people? You'd have to ask the folks who designed it. My guess is, no, they didn't go out of their way to invite people from the streets. People on the streets downtown are usually losers who can't afford Chik-Fil-A. Why bother with doors for street people? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wernicke Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 You'd have to ask the folks who designed it. My guess is, no, they didn't go out of their way to invite people from the streets. People on the streets downtown are usually losers who can't afford Chik-Fil-A. Why bother with doors for street people?Maybe b/c someone might build a luxury apartment complex on the adjacent lot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimberlySayWhat Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Not much to it. I agree it's kind of lame. My favorite part is dining out on the terrace, but now One Park Place is blocking the view, which would have been great now that Discovery Green is here. Not that I'm not glad about One Park Place. They could use better stores. The food court is fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Maybe b/c someone might build a luxury apartment complex on the adjacent lot?If someone is smart, someone will connect those luxury apartments to the tunnels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wernicke Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 If someone is smart, someone will connect those luxury apartments to the tunnels. Marvy Finger should definitely have consulted you before he started construction, because it isn't connected to the tunnels... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Yet everyone's excited about HP, with its noticeable lack of good retail, and abundance of overpriced theme bars and restaurants for a downtown residential population that doesn't exist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Yet everyone's excited about HP, with its noticeable lack of good retail, and abundance of overpriced theme bars and restaurants for a downtown residential population that doesn't exist.i wouldnt say i was too excited about HPim actually irratated at the lack or retail/stores... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Marvy Finger should definitely have consulted you before he started construction, because it isn't connected to the tunnels... i dont really know why they would need to connect them via tunnels its just a street crossing and even if it rained ;whats a 15- 30 second run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 i wouldnt say i was too excited about HPim actually irratated at the lack or retail/stores...Are you planning to drive from Pasadena to HP to go shopping?i dont really know why they would need to connect them via tunnelsits just a street crossingand even if it rained ;whats a 15- 30 second run?The tunnels connect to lot more than The Shops. If I was renting a luxury apartment downtown, I'd want tunnel access. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 I've accepted it for what it is: it's a useful and popular place for lunchtime crowds and convenience shopping but it's not a "destination". It's not meant to be the talk of the town or any other town.I'm sure that it can evolve as downtown evolves but right now, it seems to work pretty well for what it is.But couldn't they at least spruce it up a bit? Seems like it went downhill after Brooks Brother's left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbaker Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 The tunnels connect to lot more than The Shops. If I was renting a luxury apartment downtown, I'd want tunnel access.Why? The tunnels are closed after 5 pm and are also closed on weekends. Since most downtown residents are at work during the hours in which the tunnels are open, tunnel access from your apartment is essentially useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Why? The tunnels are closed after 5 pm and are also closed on weekends. Since most downtown residents are at work during the hours in which the tunnels are open, tunnel access from your apartment is essentially useless.Unless you want to walk to and from work in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Are you planning to drive from Pasadena to HP to go shopping?Ok, im not saying im going to HP just to buy me some pants, but i like to go to downtown as much as possible and ifall i see is a food court at HP then that will be dissapointing(yes im exaggerating, i know theres forever 21 and HOB and more besides restaurants) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arisegundo Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Long ago, The Shops used to have these futuristic indoor fountains which I was horribly disappointed to see go away. Does anyone have pictures of them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Long ago, The Shops used to have these futuristic indoor fountains which I was horribly disappointed to see go away. Does anyone have pictures of them?The colored pipes? Sorry to hear they're gone. Part of the problem with this mall was that it was designed in the context of a development that never fully happened. The entire Houston Center was envisioned with the "street" level being 60 feet up from the street, with the area beneath dedicated to parking and service functions. The Park (as it was originally) would have fit in fine with the original scheme. The problem is that when the plan was dropped the mall was left with poor street access and visibility. They have tried to make some changes to open it up some more, but it is still stuck with the basic design. I'm glad they've done as well as they have with the food court business. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desirous Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Why? The tunnels are closed after 5 pm and are also closed on weekends. Since most downtown residents are at work during the hours in which the tunnels are open, tunnel access from your apartment is essentially useless.7PM, but I still agree. I live downtown and never use the tunnels.I've only spent money once at Houston Center, on an accounting manual from Waldenbooks. It's far enough from the Rice that I never find a reason to go there. Main Street has everything Houston Center has, except better -- oh, and a Macy's. When I do find myself heading in that general direction, it's to Discovery Green, and on a weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I was walking by there today and it looks like the white concrete spaces could be opened up to street level retail. Can someone confirm if that is correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I was walking by there today and it looks like the white concrete spaces could be opened up to street level retail. Can someone confirm if that is correct?Could be, as in it's construction going on towards that end? Or wishful thinking could be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Could be, as in it's construction going on towards that end? Or wishful thinking could be?Strictly wishful thinking. Just appears from the outside that it was built with that option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totheskies Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 (edited) I'm excited about HP, but there's something that I'm more excited about...Healthy competition. Houston Center is now going to have to up its game to keep the lunchtime patrons. So much so that they'll seriously have to think about expanding their hours to evenings and maybe even weekends. Then they'll also have to diversify their retail offerings to lure people away from the one or two good ones that HP has. We've set the stage for a restaurant and retail war for downtown Houston, but it's a war that everyone is going to win. Edited October 14, 2008 by totheskies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I'm excited about HP, but there's something that I'm more excited about...Healthy competition. Houston Center is now going to have to up its game to keep the lunchtime patrons. So much so that they'll seriously have to think about expanding their hours to evenings and maybe even weekends. Then they'll also have to diversify their retail offerings to lure people away from the one or two good ones that HP has. We've set the stage for a restaurant and retail war for downtown Houston, but it's a war that everyone is going to win.I really wished they were open on weekends. I've always thought they could have those electric helicopter competitions in all that open air space they have. That could be a big draw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Ok, im not saying im going to HP just to buy me some pants, but i like to go to downtown as much as possible and ifall i see is a food court at HP then that will be dissapointing(yes im exaggerating, i know theres forever 21 and HOB and more besides restaurants)Look, nobody shops there. Several retail establishments have failed in Houston Center, because people go there to eat, not shop. Maybe Discovery Tower, Discovery Green, and Pavilions will change that and bring more shoppers down and ultimately to Houston Center, but for now opening a retail establishment in Houston Center is generally a bad idea.And yes, Doozo is so fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 And yes, Doozo is so fantastic.I enjoyed the pork a bit better than the veggie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I enjoyed the pork a bit better than the veggie.Me too, but I get a mix anyway because I like both, with spicy sauce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Me too, but I get a mix anyway because I like both, with spicy sauce.The sauce was yummy. Tell me ... exactly what are those veggies? I thought it was spinach, but then I wasn't so sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 The sauce was yummy. Tell me ... exactly what are those veggies? I thought it was spinach, but then I wasn't so sure.Spinach, tiny noodles, and a little tofu.The sauce comes in normal, spicy, or extra spicy. I like spicy, but they're all really good.Those guys are like the dumpling nazis, though! You'd better know exactly what you want when you get to the front, because they will not wait at all, and any question you ask will not be answered when they've got a line. That's probably mostly a matter of necessity more than them being rude, because they get so much business. "Half and half with 2 spicies" is my order, and has never failed me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Look, nobody shops there. Several retail establishments have failed in Houston Center, because people go there to eat, not shop. Maybe Discovery Tower, Discovery Green, and Pavilions will change that and bring more shoppers down and ultimately to Houston Center, but for now opening a retail establishment in Houston Center is generally a bad idea.And yes, Doozo is so fantastic.The big reason that nobody shopped there was because the stores were lame. Radio Shack, Hallmark, a lottery/cigarette place and that was pretty much it. I went there a few times back in the 1999-2003 time frame and was continually disappointed. It only catered to the immediate needs of office workers. Without something special, there's no reason to go there.Looking at the list of merchants there today, it doesn't look like much has changed.Banks - 5Gift stores - 9Convenience stores - 4Restaurants - 28Clothing for office workers - 4It's going to need more than a Jos. A. Bank to get people in there. And I see that both the crappy Radio Shack and the crappy Hallmark store are still there. At least they finally came into the 80's and got a Starbucks.If HP puts the Shops at Houston Center out of business, it will be no great loss. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 The big reason that nobody shopped there was because the stores were lame. Radio Shack, Hallmark, a lottery/cigarette place and that was pretty much it. I went there a few times back in the 1999-2003 time frame and was continually disappointed. It only catered to the immediate needs of office workers. Without something special, there's no reason to go there.That's not the only reason. Who wants to pay $10 to park to go shopping in a mall when there are a dozen malls where you can park for free, convenient or no? Actually I think HP might run into the same problem, which is probably why they are leaning the focus heavily on restaurants and venues and very gently on shopping establishments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 That's not the only reason. Who wants to pay $10 to park to go shopping in a mall when there are a dozen malls where you can park for free, convenient or no? Actually I think HP might run into the same problem, which is probably why they are leaning the focus heavily on restaurants and venues and very gently on shopping establishments.Good point about the parking. I always walked there, so I didn't think of it.Do any of the shops at Houston Center validate parking? Do any of the ones in HP?I was surprised when I visited L.A. a few weeks ago that every restaurant or business I went into offered to validate my parking. In that respect, they really know what they're doing there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizen4rmptown Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 Good point about the parking. I always walked there, so I didn't think of it.Do any of the shops at Houston Center validate parking? Do any of the ones in HP?I was surprised when I visited L.A. a few weeks ago that every restaurant or business I went into offered to validate my parking. In that respect, they really know what they're doing there.me too , I've always walked to the shops...So what are the possible scenarios that might happen to theS@HC 1. Out of business?<25%2. More retail will come to challenge that of HP's? <25%3. Extended Weekend and Week Day Hours? 50%4. (insert here) (> <)--% Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 me too , I've always walked to the shops...So what are the possible scenarios that might happen to theS@HC 1. Out of business?<25%2. More retail will come to challenge that of HP's? <25%3. Extended Weekend and Week Day Hours? 50%4. (insert here) (> <)--%I would say it would just stumble on as a really big food court. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I would say it would just stumble on as a really big food court.Yeah. It's a really good food court. It's got Doozo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniepwils Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Crescent needs to lower their rent at this place as well. It is sad that many of the "store fronts" are empty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Is it public knowledge that Houston Center is in the planning stages of a ~$250 million renovation focused on the pedestrian experience and street scape? Saw some renderings flash by on a slide show real quick. Looked interesting. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 This part of the public was is unaware of that. Good idea. HC is in the middle of everything now. And the "pedestrian experience" is abysmal. Just where did you see this, Cloud? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Yeah it really is a great location, just crappy street interaction. Not sure the info is supposed to be public knowledge yet, so idk if I should say exactly where, but the firm didn't seem too secretive about it. Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 It could be our little secret... shhhhh. tell me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 Yesterday I was walking next to Houston Center (the shops at Houston center - don't remember which number that is) and noticed there's big plastic panels that seem perfectly sized to be windows. Were there street level windows that were removed? That could really enhance its street level presence. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 ^^^ $250mm could very easily encompass a brand new tower. are you sure cloud? thats a heck of a lot of dollars just to enhance a streetscape / pedestrian experience. maybe they will loan some funds over to the FOUR SEASONS.... they are need of a lot of enhancements..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 (edited) Yesterday I was walking next to Houston Center (the shops at Houston center - don't remember which number that is) and noticed there's big plastic panels that seem perfectly sized to be windows. Were there street level windows that were removed? That could really enhance its street level presence.I think you're describing the old Strip House, which IIRC, is under renovation to become a Pappadeaux. Like its neighbor Tejas Grille, will have access both inside and from the street. That could help add to the pedestrian experience lol Edited April 23, 2015 by tigereye 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Pappadeaux and a Pappasito's downtown? My family may never leave me alone lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 I think you're describing the old Strip House, which IIRC, is under renovation to become a Pappadeaux. Like its neighbor Tejas Grille, will have access both inside and from the street. That could help add to the pedestrian experience lolI thought Pappadeux's was opening up in the Marriot?Strip House was nice, shame it didn't make it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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