Cosmopolitan: Condominiums At 1600 Post Oak Blvd.

[MontroseNeighborhoodCafe]

EXCLUSIVE REPORTS

From the August 12, 2005 print edition

Cosmopolitan condos to replace coney islands

Jennifer Dawson Jennifer Dawson

Houston Business Journal

Developer Randall Davis is cooking up plans for a high-rise residential development on the site of the James Coney Island restaurant near the Galleria.

After serving up hot dogs and chili at the Post Oak Boulevard location for more than 30 years, the restaurant owners are branching out from cuisine to condos by entering into a joint venture with Davis on the project.

Initial plans call for the frankfurter fixture to be demolished and replaced by a 20-story tower with 90 residential units. The building would be located on the half-acre tract nestled between a 24-Hour Fitness and the Dessert Gallery on Post Oak near the intersection of San Felipe.

Sources say the high-rise will be named "Cosmopolitan," and details could be released as early as September.

Read More...

[The Great Hizzy!]

If true and comes to fruition, it certainly will help densify the Post Oak corridor. If the competing properties to the south of the intersection (the Pavillions, etc) also come to fruition, then you really have an active corridor that has a future at becoming a denser secondary urban corridor such as Wilshire Blvd in LA.

[The New Juniper]

Here is the website, although it appears more of a teaser right now than anything. I hear this is not an "if" but most definitely a "when". Look for an announcement party sometime in late September.

Cosmopolitan HoustonCosmo Page

[citykid09]

I am not going to get my hopes up for this one like I did the Orion, Im just hoping I hear very soon that the Orion is ready to continue building.

[UrbaNerd]

But, hey, Citykid, Randall Davis isn't like the rest of those developers!

Excuse the cheesy pun, but, hotdog! This will be great for the Uptown area!

[kjb434]

Yeah, Randall Davis has shown to follow through on his projects and is alway putting our press releases. The project he's pulled back he owned up to early instead of leading people on for months.

I think this would be one of his taller ones in Houston. The only other tall one that I know he is working on is in South Padre.

[The New Juniper]

His Padre project shows to be 30+ stories, which is taller than anything else he's built. This type of high end, high rise project is great for that area. I am told that this project will rival Orion for finishes. Too bad those guys flamed out.

[NewMND]

Here is the website, although it appears more of a teaser right now than anything. I hear this is not an "if" but most definitely a "when". Look for an announcement party sometime in late September.

Cosmopolitan HoustonCosmo Page

When you move your cursor over the girl on that page, you can make it look like she's being attacked by bugs, or her skin is flaking off. I was entertaining myself earlier at work

[citykid09]

It would be good if they put the James Coney Island on the first level, and have other shops.

I like that 2 story Mc Donalds down the street from there.

[Talbot]

Yeah, i wonder if it will have a James Coney Island for ground retail.

[kjb434]

I doubt it. Ground floor retail is not considered typically in upper end high-rise residential buildings.

It's a good chance this place will have a wall and gate like the Huntington on Kirby. I only see ground floor retail occuring in midrise projects. Also, not ever residential tower can have ground floor retail.

I also think you'll see less ground floor retail in high-rise residential in the uptown area since so much retail is already available. If Wulfe builds their complex in the future, that will just add more retail than currently exist.

[The New Juniper]

Yeah, i wonder if it will have a James Coney Island for ground retail.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Word is no retail. Other responses have pegged RD's feeling on the site. Too much retail in the area and they are worried about cheapening the building.

I hear Brand + Allen architects are finalizing the building.

[kjb434]

cool,

It'll be another step in filling in the Uptown area.

[Trophy Property]

cool,

It'll be another step in filling in the Uptown area.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am all for progess and I typically like the works of R. Davis, but I love that JCI. I have eaten there for years. I guess there are enough Coney's around Houston to get my fix. Plus I try not to eat there but maybe once a month. I would like to live past 35.

That tract does not seem big enough to me, but I guess considering the whole building will be built up it will probably work.

If this gets done as well as the new Wolf project that area of Post Oak will have a great skyline.

[kjb434]

You can be amazed at what you can fit in a small lot.

We've talked about the concept of the Uptown filling in and eventually removing some of the larger strip centers for more density. This is just one plot, but it's a step in that direction.

If the franchise owner for that James Coney Islands (or the company owner itself if it isn't franchised) see that they can still do business in the area, I think they'll find a place for another one.

To me personally, hot dogs are so easy to cook that I feel guilty for buying one alread cooked. Unless its dollar hot dog day at an Astros game, then all bets are off.

[Trophy Property]

To me personally, hot dogs are so easy to cook that I feel guilty for buying one alread cooked.  Unless its dollar hot dog day at an Astros game, then all bets are off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can make a mean hot dog, but withouth a cheese gun, runny chili and a soggy bun it is just not the same.

But like I said earlier they should change the slogan from:

"Hot Doggin It"

to

"Heart Attackin It"

[eelimon]

But like I said earlier they should change the slogan from:

"Hot Doggin It"

to

"Heart Attackin It"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that is too funny!

But anyhow I cant wait for it all to get built

[VelvetJ]

I would love to see a design with a mostly glass exterior here. Or something with a slanted roof or something with a stepped design.

This is good news, although I didn't realize the highrise condo craze was as strong here as it currently is in other places, to birth so many proposals. I say good for Houston.

[The New Juniper]

I would love to see a design with a mostly glass exterior here. Or something with a slanted roof or something with a stepped design.

This is good news, although I didn't realize the highrise condo craze was as strong here as it currently is in other places, to birth so many proposals. I say good for Houston.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe you are going to get your wish on design....

[H-Town]

I am all for progess and I typically like the works of R. Davis, but I love that JCI.  I have eaten there for years.    I guess there are enough Coney's around Houston to get my fix.    Plus I try not to eat there but maybe once a month.  I would like to live past 35. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There's always the one nearby @ Bering and Westheimer to get your fix.

[Talbot]

I guess a hot dog joint wouldn't do too well in an upscale condo anyway.

[citykid09]

^ Yeah and its one up the street on Westhimer anyways. I ate at the one I just mentioned on Westhimer I did not like it. I had a burger, But I guess I should have got a hotdog.

Anyways, I wonder how this building will change the Uptown skyline? Will It be a big change?

[YakuzaIce]

It will probably fill the skyline in a little bit, but it won't change it most likely.

[citykid09]

I sure it will fill in the gap a little more. Coming in from 610 North should look nice! I only wish they design it with a spire. None of Houston's buildings have spires (that I know of). And I hope its made of glass.

[The Great Hizzy!]

Uptown has become large enough to where singular projects don't necessarily have a large visual impact on the skyline. Take the Calpine Tower DT. It's a fairly large tower (nearly 500 feet) but unless you were well familiar with the shape of Houston's central skyline to the point of being able to distinguish individual buildings, the skyline's appearance hasn't changed much after its completion.

That's now becoming the case with Uptown. From a distance, the addition of a one or two new highrise condos/apartment towers won't have an immediate visual impact. Up close, however, you'll notice greater density at the street level, something that Post Oak Blvd could really use to help it stand out more to the pedestrian.

[citykid09]

Yeah, from strret level it will look more dense. From a distance if you had never been to uptown, you would think itwas pedestrian friendly, but as you get closer its not like that.

[Trophy Property]

Uptown has become large enough to where singular projects don't necessarily have a large visual impact on the skyline. Take the Calpine Tower DT. It's a fairly large tower (nearly 500 feet) but unless you were well familiar with the shape of Houston's central skyline to the point of being able to distinguish individual buildings, the skyline's appearance hasn't changed much after its completion.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. Look at 5 Houston Center. It is a great looking building (IMO) and fits nicely into the whole Houston Center "neighborhood" but you don't really notice it from a distance. It is going to take another really tall building to make people notice. This will not happen anytime soon as the Vacancy is still in the 20% downtown. Thanks Enron !!!

[brijonmang]

a rendering of this building would be nice but i guess we'll have to wait til september when the site launches

[kjb434]

Well, one good thing is to be said is that Randal Davis rarely dissappoints. From the time I started hearing about the Empire project on here to consruction was fairly quick. The website actually went up shortly before construction started.

I think this project will be a little different due to its size, but his track record is impressive and I feel a little better about it moving forward.

I guess Houston-development will tell us in the future if we are just blowing smoke up our a$$ or if it really is going to happen.

[citykid09]

a rendering of this building would be nice but i guess we'll have to wait til september when the site launches

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah they have September, but watch it wont launch till probably September 30.

[houston-development]

I guess Houston-development will tell us in the future if we are just blowing smoke up our a$$ or if it really is going to happen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

its not like i have a crystal ball or anything i only pass along information from personal experience and from others i deem reliable.

randy now has the capabilities to do a deal of this magnatude; hes finishing up on his 17-story deal in vegas. should be done around october/november.

its still way too early to make bets if this deal moves forward or not. however, based upon the developers previous experience, reputation, and capabilities, one would think the deal "should" move forward.

[citykid09]

http://www.cosmopolitanhouston.com/

The site still hasn't launched, and tehy said September. We are half way through with September, and still nothing.

[The New Juniper]

http://www.cosmopolitanhouston.com/

The site still hasn't launched, and tehy said September. We are half way through with September, and still nothing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Someone forwarded me a rendering, but i am not computer savvy enough to figure out how to post it...

Also, I got an invite to the launch party which is being thrown at the Great Room next to Fertitta's office building on the loop at San Felipe.

RD is, at the very least, absolutely commited to making it go. Everything else to which he's put his mind in the past years has gone on to be successful... Fingers crossed.

TNJ

[houston-development]

Be happy they have a website.  The Manhatten and Empire Condos' didn't get a website until construction started and most of the units were alread sold

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

those projects were up on his site (http://www.randalldavis.com) prior to ground breaking.

[citykid09]

Someone forwarded me a rendering, but i am not computer savvy enough to figure out how to post it...

Also, I got an invite to the launch party which is being thrown at the Great Room next to Fertitta's office building on the loop at San Felipe.

RD is, at the very least, absolutely commited to making it go.  Everything else to which he's put his mind in the past years has gone on to be successful... Fingers crossed.

TNJ

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You right click on the image, go to properties then once in properites copy the address URl. Next come to the thread and go to the advanced reply then click the IMG button at the top and paste it in there. Submit the message and you are done!

[The New Juniper]

You right click on the image, go to properties then once in properites copy the address URl. Next come to the thread and go to the advanced reply then click the IMG button at the top and paste it in there. Submit the message and you are done!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Problem is that it was forwarded to me in an email, not posted on a website. Way to computer challenged here

In any event, saw the new sales center opened yesterday. Drove by last night on my way home and RD was standing out front surveying the site. Picture of the building is on a sign on the outside of the building and it looks very cool.

[YakuzaIce]

If you want I can PM you my email and I can do it.

[bcnet]

I had lunch at JCI yesterday and asked one of the workers how long the restuarant will be open and he said they have been told at least 6 month. I guess it always depends on the number of units sold to get the ball moving.

[jmancuso]

there is a construction trailer out in front now.

[caroline]

cosmo's just waiting for a few more presales, then it's a go. so if you're interested in a highrise condo, hurry up and buy so we can get this project started!

[Lectro]

Please see current projects.

http://www.randalldavis.com/

[editor]

I've lived in a Randall Davis building before, and known people who have lived in other ones. Let's hope they have better management, maintenance, and construction than the ones I've experienced.

[The New Juniper]

Guy in my office says there is some kind of launch party tomorrow night at the big tent being built by Tillman's Rolls dealership on the west loop.

He put in a reservation check and said he got number 24 and they haven't even launched yet.

I went by the sales trailer yesterday and it really is nice. Above and beyond anything Randall Davis has built in the past.

Can't wait to see the crane on site. We need more of this in Houston.

[houston-developement]

...

Edited September 28, 2005 by houston-developement

[houston-development]

ooops, dont mind the post above. no wonder i kept getting an error message. duh

I've lived in a Randall Davis building before, and known people who have lived in other ones. Let's hope they have better management, maintenance, and construction than the ones I've experienced.

i havent heard anything from those who live in his new construction deals. however, ive heard of numerous issues with hvac in his rehabbed ones.

[ToolMan]

I've had a few issues at The Hogg, but I guess that is what you get when you live in an old building.

Edited September 28, 2005 by ToolMan

[kjb434]

The website is up in full with floorplans and everything. It'll be a nice addition when heading north on Post Oak and the views from the building looking south down Post Oak will be nice.

[The New Juniper]

cosmo's just waiting for a few more presales, then it's a go. so if you're interested in a highrise condo, hurry up and buy so we can get this project started!

Heard from the architect's office that the project has been released and drawings are in full swing. Push is to get to permit in the next 60 days. Very exciting.

[JGraspo]

Does anyone have a link to the site?

[kjb434]

the link is earlier in the thread, please read the thread to find it