Popular Post Texasota Posted April 5, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted April 5, 2016 It looks like they're reintroducing retail at the corner of Rusk and Main: http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Commissions/docs_pdfs/hahc/Application_Materials/April_MATERIALS/712_Main_Gulf_Building_App_Materials.pdf 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Wow that's awesome! Retail is going to explode downtown very soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Quote The design reintroduces retail space at the corner of Rusk and Main (former location of Sakowitz Brothers department store) and will reestablish views into and through the building. Dark tinted glass in black, thick frames and opaque glass in silver-toned frames will be removed and replaced with a consistent storefront system with clear class and bronze-toned frames. A boxed canopy over an entrance on Rusk will be removed and replaced with a light metal and glass canopy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 very awesome, good thing this is the centerpiece of the retail district so close to Dallas street 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Nice! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 10 hours ago, cspwal said: I'm pasting the rest of the summary and other sections for people who don't click on the link: PROJECT SUMMARY: The owner proposes to remove non-original windows, doors and storefront systems on the Main (east) and Rusk (south) elevations at the ground and second (mezzanine) levels. Currently several different storefront and window systems are installed at the ground and mezzanine levels. No original materials are proposed for removal. The design reintroduces retail space at the corner of Rusk and Main (former location of Sakowitz Brothers department store) and will reestablish views into and through the building. Dark tinted glass in black, thick frames and opaque glass in silver-toned frames will be removed and replaced with a consistent storefront system with clear class and bronze-toned frames. A boxed canopy over an entrance on Rusk will be removed and replaced with a light metal and glass canopy. The new ground level window and door design reference (but not replicate) historic storefront rhythm, proportions, glass clarity and frame coloring. At the mezzanine level, clear glass will be installed at the existing openings. This sensitive and compatible contemporary window solution allows for economy and flexibility for retail tenant build-outs, and may establish a new building standard for future work on bays or elevations not included in the current scope of work. HISTORIC SUMMARY: Located in the center of downtown Houston, the Gulf Building is a significant 1920s Gothic and art Deco skyscraper. Architect Alfred C. Finn designed the original 30- story building, which occupies a quarter of the block at the corner of Rusk and Main. The Gulf Building opened in 1929 with Gulf Oil, National Bank of Commerce, and Sakowitz Brothers as the primary tenants. After World War II two annexes, also designed by Finn, were added on Travis Street and Rusk Avenue. The annexes share the basic character and style of the original structure. In whole, the 712 Main building has an ‘L’ shaped footprint and occupies approximately three-quarters of the block. The adjacent building, 708 Main is commonly owned and connected at the interior to the Gulf Building at 712 Main. 708 Main, located at the corner of Main and Capitol, is not historically designated. WORK AREA: The proposed exterior work is confined to the ground and mezzanine levels of the building at the Main (west) and Rusk (south) elevations. Interior work is proposed at the north portion of the building fronting Main that connects to 708 Main. The Rusk and Main area is referred to as the “Retail and Currency Lounge” and the area connecting to 708 Main is referred to as the “Lobby and Portal”. At the exterior, bays M1 and M3 through R19 are proposed to be altered at the ground and mezzanine levels. Exterior work is described by bay location. Bays on each facade have been labeled with a letter and number; the first letter indicates the facing street and is followed by number, assigned clockwise from the start of the structure on the north side of Main (Figure 3). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted April 6, 2016 Share Posted April 6, 2016 This corner is a prime location as it is across the street from the JW Marriott and at the intersection of two different rail lines. It also has me thinking about what other buildings downtown have ground floor spaces that can be converted to retail. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 (edited) Wait, are they naming it after the smaller building next door? The Great Jones Building? That's... weird. https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7589348,-95.3634507,3a,75y,274.54h,96.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7KflKh-NxXnH6uWjTmbfNA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 Edited April 7, 2016 by Texasota linky 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 But Jesse Jones had a hand in an enormous amount of real estate. Soon every block downtown will be the Jones something-or-other... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 (edited) Will the currency lounge be semi-open to the public, i.e. could I go in there and chill for a few minutes before going home? Or will it be more of a lobby to a big building where if you aren't supposed to be there big guys named Jeff will escort you out? Edited April 14, 2016 by cspwal 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Very exciting news all around. Although not sure how I feel about punching that hole to connect the lobbies. The lobby to 712 Main has such a delicious monastic feel, a rare space of dimness and mystery in the middle of a bright, glassy city. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Did they really have to use a photo where a bulb is out? This century has been a really nice growing period for the city. Not just in buildings or apartments but in the culture as well. I don't know if it's the influence of immigrants or people from other parts of the country? Or if the mood is finally changing to take on aesthetics and see it's real value. I know we've lost & continue to lose historic structures, but I'm hoping it's not a fad and this mindset will be here to stay. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 lol - i would have never noticed that Montrose1100 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Canopy at Travis and Rusk will be demolished. http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Commissions/docs_pdfs/hahc/Application_Materials/August_MATERIALS/708_Main_Alt_Storefront_APP_Materials.pdf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plumber2 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 There used to be a lounge and restaurant in the building called "The Inns of Court". It was on the top floor of what we used to call TCB, the addition on the northwest corner of the block. I was told it catered to lawyers and such folks that were common tenants in the building and also in the adjacent Houston Club Building. Once Texas Commerce Tower was built across the street and Gulf Oil vacated I think the clientele base drifted off. There was also a small dentist's office on level 6. It was a single chair practice with pictures of his daughter (Jacqueline Smith) adorning the waiting room walls, reminding his loyal patients that he had a celebrity daughter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 17 hours ago, Urbannizer said: Canopy at Travis and Rusk will be demolished. http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Commissions/docs_pdfs/hahc/Application_Materials/August_MATERIALS/708_Main_Alt_Storefront_APP_Materials.pdf This new design looks much better, IMO. It is considerate of and well integrated into the building. Good stuff. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted December 16, 2016 Share Posted December 16, 2016 Luxury menswear store to open in downtown Houston building Quote A men's luxury custom clothing store will be setting up shop soon in a historic renovation downtown. Houston-based Established Bespoke signed a lease inside The Jones on Main, according to a statement from Midway Cos., the property's owner. The store is expected to open in early 2017 inside the historic property, which includes buildings located at 712 and 708 Main. Inside the 664-square-foot store, Established Bespoke plans to sell classic menswear, custom suits, expert tailoring and ready-to-wear clothing. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 FINALLY!!!! RETAIL!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 This is very, very good. I will be one of their first shoppers when they open and I will try to buy something if for no other reason than to welcome them to downtown and help them be successful. that said, let's not get too excited. It's a small <700 sqft shop. Much, much, much more is needed....... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoninATX Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 Very nice Houston. I was looking at google street maps and saw another restaurant that opened up recently called Bombay. It's great to see retail coming in, lets keep the trend continuing! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 On 12/16/2016 at 4:43 PM, Urbannizer said: Luxury menswear store to open in downtown Houston building Didn't the Banker's Mortgage/Great Jones Building house a large menswear store back in the day? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Purify Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 HUGE news. WeWork is coming to 708 Main, which is currently undergoing renovations. ~31ksf. http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/02/28/exclusive-wework-expected-to-open-in-houston-in.html 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 HUGE seems like an overstatement, but sure, getting these two buildings fully leased up is definitely good. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Purify Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 It isn't about the lease up. It's about WeWork, in particular. I work adjacent to a WeWork and its presence has created a sense of community that did not exist prior to its arrival. Its tenants carry a palpable energy. Plus, the fluidity of their schedules means more activity on the streets, in nearby pocket parks, and in nearby restaurants. Activation of the streetscape is what downtown Houston needs more than anything else. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CREguy13 Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 For the record, it isn't confirmed WeWork is taking 31k SF, that's just the amount of space they are saying is available and it is spread throughout the building. It could be more or less than 31k SF, but I'd guess the landlord is relocating a lot of tenants to make room for a block of a few floors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 (edited) HOLY CRAP! WeWork is coming to Houston!!! This is HUGE! This will hopefully draw new types of business to the city as well! Wow I'm seriously in shock lol Edited March 3, 2017 by j_cuevas713 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Merged. Carry on. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunstar Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 This is great news indeed, but how does this classify as retail? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 WeWork is just an "office share" arrangement like others that already exist downtown and elsewhere, right? I have a friend with a budding consulting business renting a shared office space now. She loves it. But, how is WeWork different any why should I be more excited about this than another shared office space? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post adr Posted May 12, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted May 12, 2017 Quote A new food hall is coming to downtown Houston complete with a dozen food outlets, a craft beer and wine bar, and an art deco cocktail lounge. The Food Hall at Main and Rusk is set to open in early 2018 at The Jones on Main in the JPMorgan Chase building at 712 Main – the former Gulf Oil Building that is undergoing a major renovation by Houston developer Midway. The 37-story tower's owner, Lionstone Investments, in partnership with Midway, has tapped Austin-based Oz Rey, LLC, to develop and operate the food hall. ... The food hall, which will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options, is designed to be a culinary destination with a "curated group of celebrated local and global chefs." The dining and drinking concepts will be located in the grand lobby of the building. While no local chefs or concepts have been identified for the project, the food hall is described as a 20,000-square-foot project that will feature "chef-driven food outlets, a craft beer and curated wine bar, and art deco cocktail lounge and unique private spaces." http://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/article/New-food-hall-set-for-downtown-Houston-11141556.php 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 (edited) Great new! I wait at the light rail stop across from the old Gulf Building four days a week & I've been wondering what will be going in. The MFAH had a walking tour to support Sculpted In Steel & we got to check the building out. The bank lobby is spectacular & will probably remain as it is. The corner being reno'd was originally Foley's. Also liked the frescos mentioned in the article--here's Modern Houston! Edited May 13, 2017 by MaggieMay 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 (edited) Quote The dining and drinking concepts will be located in the grand lobby of the building. Does this mean the food hall is going to be in the banking hall? 20,000 SF is almost half an acre, so that sounds like the banking hall. Hard to believe, but I could understand them deciding that devoting 20,000 SF to in-person banking just isn't the most income-generating use of space in 2017. It would be the Art Deco version of Hogwarts. Edited May 15, 2017 by H-Town Man 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I hope not. I keep my meager funds at Chase for the sole reason of being able to go into that gem and bank. If it goes, so goes my $239.12! 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
largeTEXAS Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 Nah, food hall will be at the corner of Main and Rusk, the original Sakowitz space. It's gonna be gooooorgeous! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 8 hours ago, largeTEXAS said: Nah, food hall will be at the corner of Main and Rusk, the original Sakowitz space. It's gonna be gooooorgeous! Works for me. Have our cake and eat it too. I know the Sakowitz space was converted into offices - wonder what the ceiling heights are like, or if they remove any ceilings they added in and open it up a bit. Very unfamiliar with that part of the building, unfortunately. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Wow the Sakowitz finally gets good use! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
largeTEXAS Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 On 5/16/2017 at 8:40 AM, H-Town Man said: Works for me. Have our cake and eat it too. I know the Sakowitz space was converted into offices - wonder what the ceiling heights are like, or if they remove any ceilings they added in and open it up a bit. Very unfamiliar with that part of the building, unfortunately. The ceilings are enormous. Maybe 25' or more. Can't wait to see it all shined up. The build out is going to be sick! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 12 minutes ago, CrockpotandGravel said: The food hall coming to The Jones on Main at 712 Main may not be named The Food Hall at Main and Rusk after all. According to Downtown Houston 2nd Quarter Market Overview, the food hall will be named Finn Hall. From the market overview:Finn Hall is set to open in early 2018 at 712 Main in The Jones on Main. The 20,000-SF food hall will feature a dozen chef-driven food outlets, a craft beer and curated wine bar, an art deco cocktail lounge, and private spaces. The food hall will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here's the website for Finn Hallhttp://www.finnhallhtx.com/ Named for Alfred C. Finn, the architect, and kind of a play on Jones Hall. I like. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Something a little HAIFy about this article. No sources interviewed, and they know exactly what's been said on here. https://houston.eater.com/2017/8/8/16113468/finn-hall-opening-downtown-houston-early-2018 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 Mala Sichuan in downtown is super clutch. Their dry and aromatic chicken and dry fried green beans are two of my favorite dishes in the city. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted August 12, 2017 Author Share Posted August 12, 2017 man, those green beans... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OjazosNegros Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Just found this article from back in May 2017 from the Houston Chronicle saying that a new food hall is being added in the building. Set to open early next year. Looking forward to going just so I can admire the inside of what used to be Texas Commerce bank. I remember going to Texas Commerce with my mom when I was little and thinking "wow, this must be what a palace looks like", lol. Here is the link: http://www.chron.com/entertainment/restaurants-bars/article/New-food-hall-set-for-downtown-Houston-11141556.php#photo-12890948 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/36767-708-712-main-renovation-the-jones-on-main/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 13 minutes ago, Houston19514 said: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/36767-708-712-main-renovation-the-jones-on-main/ Merged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OjazosNegros Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 21 hours ago, Houston19514 said: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/36767-708-712-main-renovation-the-jones-on-main/ Thanks for re-directing me Houston19514-glad to know I am not the only one who was amazed by the interior of this sweet baby! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Don't forget that WeWork is also setting up shop in the building! Downtown is becoming something special. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanize713 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 I was under the impression this was a restoration project. This looks like they are simply building out a hall. Anyone found renderings of the inside? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 The website does not say “restoration” and they just might be building new but in a certain style. According to their website: A beautiful, open Art Deco space 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post urbanize713 Posted January 10, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted January 10, 2018 Some new paint on The Great Jones Building. Vast improvement and added color to Main. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 1 hour ago, urbanize713 said: Some new paint on The Great Jones Building. Vast improvement and added color to Main. Those are the WeWork offices. Looks awesome! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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