Why Is Uptown So Much Better Looking Than Downtown?

[shinoda28107]

Surprising someone from the Dallas area would be surprised by multiple skylines as they are all over Dallas and DFW.

I would have thought so. But he was mostly impressed with Uptownbeing as large as it is. Plus, he spends his time in Western Forth Worth.

[worldlyman]

If Uptown had the same building density, with the wide sidewalks, pedestrian activity and all, as downtown...man, that would be sum'thang! But the pedestrianism around Dillards and the waterfall is better than nothing though.

As it is, the Galleria is a bumping place for a type of diversion, while downtown fills the need for another.

I loved partying at the Roxy...and back in the late 90s, I just loved the driveway to that restaurant Chianti's with the attached Martini Bar. Party times back in that day. Then nocturnal downtown Houston happened...

[kennyc05]

Uptown! 

[Montrose1100]

To answer the original question, BECAUSE I live there.

[Sunstar]

A little dumpster diving, eh?

[monarch]

^^^ spring 2017 has definitely sprung....

[bobruss]

I think both are uniquely fascinating. 

Downtown has the historic district, Buffalo bayou, the street grid and rail, and the largesse of being first with it's clusters of skyscrapers.

It has towers from the twenties all the way to tomorrow with the new 609 Main.

It has the theater district, city hall, the courts, the convention center with parks and recreation areas and now a very large residential segment.

It's much easier to get around downtown and lends itself to mobility and pedestrian needs, and with the new initiative to redo downtown and improve the atmosphere I believe that it will become even more popular.

Uptown is new shiny and full of opportunities for shopping and commerce, but unfortunately it was not laid out in the most affective away to promote pedestrian access, and mobility is a major issue. Lets face it everything is so spread out 99% of shoppers are not going to walk very far to shop and carry packages around, even in the best of weather.

I like both for what they bring to the table but to pit one against the other is like comparing apples and oranges. I think both have their pluses and their minuses. I'm an old guy who prefers the original and hope that it remains the center of Houston.

Uptown, actually the galleria, wasn't even here in 1960. So obviously it looks shinier and more modern. There isn't a building in Uptown older than 50 years. 

I think the second best skyline in Houston is definitely TMC, if only for it compactness, or density and its wonderful grouping of nice architecture with nice lighting. It also takes advantage of the rail something that the merchants of post oak don't want to come to grips with.

 

[The Pragmatist]

I'm just wondering when or if the strip centers lining Post Oak will be redeveloped. Around 50 acres of land comprise the combination of the strip center containing Grand Lux (along with the Ethan Allen one), the one containing Kenny & Ziggy's, the one with Masraff's, and plot containing Dillard's, the Shell, and Zone d'Erotica.

[gene]

i am guessing something will be happening to almost all of the things you mention once this project is completed... https://theboulevardproject.com/

 

[bobruss]

It seems to me that at some point the property values will define their future, but I'm sure that SWTSIG could tell us about the long term lease arrangements with these tenants and if they are beginning to possibly shorten the new leases or if that has even come up yet. 

You would think that at some point there would be a tipping point and it wouldn't be feasible to be paying for such big open expanses of asphalt and one story retail. I am beginning to think that we are on the cusp of a major revolution in the retail business and not to be a doomsdayer but I think more and more retail stores are going to close in favor of internet sales. 

Look at Neiman Marcus. They have had three quarters of losses and are looking for someone to buy them.

 

[kennyc05]

They're about to put a Dicks Sporting Goods in one of the strip centers on Post Oak.

[monarch]

1 hour ago, kennyc05 said:

They're about to put a Dicks Sporting Goods in one of the strip centers on Post Oak.

^^^ they are just going to occupy the space that the former OSHMAN'S once occupied.

[Montrose1100]

Swtsig anwsered this in another thread for me. If memory serves me correctly the land/s are owned by family members and are a couple decades away from selling. But maybe he could answer you correctly.

[bobruss]

Thanks Montrose, I'll take your word for it. I thought I might get SWTSIG's attention but I guess he hasn't seen it.

I guess from his responses he is a broker or has something to do with leasing.

[kennyc05]

What do you guys think in 2020?

[zaphod]

In my imagination, Uptown would be at its best if eventually the strip malls on the east side of Post Oak were replaced by a row of good-looking skyscrapers with upscale ground floor retail and little linear parks and plazas branching off of that. Imagine if there was a canyon affect, and how dramatic it would look facing north where the road curves. It would be nice if trends in architecture drifted away from the cold mirror glass back towards brick and stone on the lower floors.

 

Uptown will never be Downtown, though. Downtown is #1, its raw and tough, Uptown is the fancy area. Nothing wrong with that distinction.

Edited February 15, 2020 by zaphod

[downtownian]

On 2/12/2020 at 3:57 PM, kennyc05 said:

What do you guys think in 2020?

 

I think the diversity of buildings downtown looks better and the recent additions are beautiful.

 

In terms of overall living, I'm obviously biased but downtown is the only truly walkable neighborhood in Houston. You can walk to work, the gym, dinner, drinks, a park and a show (basketball/baseball/concert/opera/ballet/play).

 

Downtown has diverse housing stock consisting of historic lofts, luxury high-rises and mid-height apartments. 

 

From downtown, you have equal travel times to east and west sides of town with the east side gaining in importance in the future.

[BEES?!]

On 2/15/2020 at 2:05 PM, zaphod said:

In my imagination, Uptown would be at its best if eventually the strip malls on the east side of Post Oak were replaced by a row of good-looking skyscrapers with upscale ground floor retail and little linear parks and plazas branching off of that. Imagine if there was a canyon affect, and how dramatic it would look facing north where the road curves. It would be nice if trends in architecture drifted away from the cold mirror glass back towards brick and stone on the lower floors.

 

Uptown will never be Downtown, though. Downtown is #1, its raw and tough, Uptown is the fancy area. Nothing wrong with that distinction.

 

I feel like I read this on HAIF, don't remember where or when, but isn't this the plan long-term from whoever owns the land some of those strip centers are on?

 

I cannot imagine Uptown keeping strip centers around for much longer, especially since it's expensive over there, and with the new BRT I'm willing to bet prices will get pushed higher up and there'll be more incentive to build upwards, not outwards. I hope the BRT brings more pedestrian-friendly development! And parks...Downtown has several really neat parks and I feel like Uptown would really benefit from more greenspace areas. I know it has the waterwall park, but I feel like they could really use a nice park or two- it did wonders for Downtown! (I know that Uptown's close to Memorial Park, but IMO you can never have enough parks! :D)

 

I think Uptown looks more shiny and new and well-landscaped and polished...and I really think because it's a large area the skyline looks impressive! But you just can't beat Downtown's walkability and the iconic buildings there.

[gene]

i love both!...for different reasons.

my home is uptown and has been for the past 24 years...but love downtown and all it has to offer...it really is 2 different worlds!