midtown 4.2 Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 Kudos to the developer that is opening up a small retail center on Westheimer @ Smith (next to the Calais). Looks like they are placing the parking behind the building, and pushing retail up to the street. Can't vouch for the architectural design yet, but I must applaud the site design. Let's hope this will serve as a cornerstone for other Midtown development. We complain about bad development, let's not forget to praise the good stuff too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtown_resident Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 That is indeed good news.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston Retail Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 yeah, he did a great job of showing how retail can be developed and still lease up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mls1202 Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Is the rendering above facing Elgin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Yeehaw!We have a good urban design in midtown no less!This is great news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Is this the site that will house locals only retail? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Thanks for the rendering, HoustonRetail.In addition to the discreet parking, I also applaud that the design takes cues from the 1920s-30s storefronts in Midtown. Here's hoping that other developers follow this example. Some continuity of architectural style would make Midtown seem more like a 'real' neighborhood, instead of a mish-mash of unrelated development. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
largeTEXAS Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Houston Retail, Ever thought about running for office? You're the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talbot Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 That's excellent. Hopefully more developers use this idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Thanks for the rendering, HoustonRetail.In addition to the discreet parking, I also applaud that the design takes cues from the 1920s-30s storefronts in Midtown. Here's hoping that other developers follow this example. Some continuity of architectural style would make Midtown seem more like a 'real' neighborhood, instead of a mish-mash of unrelated development. what a suburban thought dbigtex, "continuity of architectural style..."? ..."a 'real' neighborhood"? come on, i thought it was diversity, old and new, contrasting structures that created a 'real' urban fabric. actually, i agree somewhat. the statement you made seems to contradict what many people love about being in an urban environment. i do prefer that an architect consider the neighborhood before designing; however, i'm really sick of red brick here in suburbia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 I don't know if continuity of style that makes an urban fabric as much as a continuity of scale, placement relative to the street, and consistent density. There can be a lot of variety in styles that still fit within an overall design framework that create an urban fabric. Just look at all the buildings on the north side of Main St. There is a huge variety of styles, but they work pretty well together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston Retail Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 Houston Retail, Ever thought about running for office? You're the best.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>the only office id ever run for is moderator. can i count on your vote:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston Retail Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 Is the rendering above facing Elgin?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>YesIs this the site that will house locals only retail?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>No, he'll have regional retail and maybe some nationals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted September 29, 2004 Share Posted September 29, 2004 what a suburban thought dbigtex, "continuity of architectural style..."? ..."a 'real' neighborhood"? come on, i thought it was diversity, old and new, contrasting structures that created a 'real' urban fabric. actually, i agree somewhat. the statement you made seems to contradict what many people love about being in an urban environment. i do prefer that an architect consider the neighborhood before designing; however, i'm really sick of red brick here in suburbia. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hehe! You keep me honest, bachanon. No, I'm not suggesting that we should emulate that "Little Pink Houses" song by John Midtown Cougar Mellencamp. The suburban dictate that all structures should look exactly the same is anathema to me. I sure don't want the Doormat Police showing up at my door (...especially tonight. My cat just coughed up a hairball on my welcome mat. Talk about your mixed message). On the other hand, there are still reminants of what Midtown once was, and some beauty, in my eyes. There's some history here, and I'm glad these developers are aware of it. I agree with Subdude about continuity of scale (and situation). If this corner had been developed as another mindless 'safe' development, a strip center with parking in the front, it would detract rather than add to the neighborhood. It's sympathetic. I can walk past it without wanting to spit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted October 30, 2004 Share Posted October 30, 2004 Any updates on this project?They were going great guns for a while - concrete for the slab and the parking lot has been poured - but the only thing I've seen happening on that corner in the past month+ is some digging by the street (storm sewers, perhaps?)Seems to be taking a while for the structure to go up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2112 Posted November 1, 2004 Share Posted November 1, 2004 what a suburban thought dbigtex, "continuity of architectural style..."? ..."a 'real' neighborhood"? come on, i thought it was diversity, old and new, contrasting structures that created a 'real' urban fabric. actually, i agree somewhat. the statement you made seems to contradict what many people love about being in an urban environment. i do prefer that an architect consider the neighborhood before designing; however, i'm really sick of red brick here in suburbia. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm sure the continuous iron work in NYC's SoHo was considered too new and mabye lacked character, back when it first came on line. But look at it now...its a real gem of a particular era. Maybe in timeour main stream will be looked upon as interesting history. Who knows. I particularly love all those aluminum looking 2 and 3 story strutures popping up in Midtown and other areas. Whats that callled anyways? Does anyone have any information on when that style began? I seem to recall that Houston had something to do with creating that style. Is this true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 1, 2004 Share Posted November 1, 2004 It's about time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtown_resident Posted November 27, 2004 Share Posted November 27, 2004 Any updates on this project?They were going great guns for a while - concrete for the slab and the parking lot has been poured - but the only thing I've seen happening on that corner in the past month+ is some digging by the street (storm sewers, perhaps?)Seems to be taking a while for the structure to go up.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Looks like they're back at it dbigtex56...drove by today and noticed quite a few people at work...the framework is up! Good news...i was worried about the slowdown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted July 26, 2005 Share Posted July 26, 2005 Looks like this building is nearing completion. A cellular phone company has opened in the westernmost space. The corner unit (Smith at Elgin) has a notice posted in the window that application has been made for a liquor permit for a club dba The Maple Leaf Pub. Anyone know more about it? Does it cater to Canadians? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted July 26, 2005 Share Posted July 26, 2005 I hit the Maple Leaf Pub in London's Covent Garden.That one totally caters to Candaian ex-pats. Wonder if its the same?It's a good place to get a burger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted July 26, 2005 Share Posted July 26, 2005 The corner unit (Smith at Elgin) has a notice posted in the window that application has been made for a liquor permit for a club dba The Maple Leaf Pub.Anyone know more about it? Does it cater to Canadians? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Do you think the slowdown was related to the NHL strike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orikal Posted July 26, 2005 Share Posted July 26, 2005 I live right there in the Calais. I've watched the progression, and I'm anxious to see what kind of businesses go in there (other than the Nextel store). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ansem Posted August 6, 2005 Share Posted August 6, 2005 I wish Houston could have some attractive mx-used projects like the Addison Circle in Dallas.THe project have parking garages but you won't see it.It just look like an peaceful urban oasis with park, shopping,condos .The projects like this would be perfect for mid-town Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted August 6, 2005 Share Posted August 6, 2005 What do you call the Post Midtown Square property on Gray Street? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ansem Posted August 6, 2005 Share Posted August 6, 2005 I mean the concealed parking garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 The parking garage is concealed on the Post properties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasboy Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 I read somewhere that this area is suppose to be the French Quarter area of Houston. It made me think that there are several buildings in that area that somewhat have that look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnu Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 I read somewhere that this area is suppose to be the French Quarter area of Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasboy Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 i think you are thinking about the area over by Brennan's restaurant (3300 Smith).down the 59 downtown spur.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I don't know, the Calais may be part of it too, with the French name and all and the design with all the colors of The French Quarter. Also isn't the Le Maison Rouge (Don't know if I am spelling this right) near the Calais. The rendering of the center has the design also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 There are several areas that have some of the similarities of the French Quarter, but the big difference is that Houston has much larger streets.French Quarter streets are minimal will room for parking on one side and driving on the other. Some may be three cars wide. The is also true throughout the many older parts of New Orleans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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