Jump to content

The Shops At Arrive: Retail And Residential Complex In Upper Kirby


Recommended Posts

OOPS, yes Herman Park.

The trees on main street were planted in the late 20s.

That's 90s. But it only take about 20 for good growth to occur.

And how are the new Kirby trees to be planted any different than all the new trees in downtown after much of the street reconstruction?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Got this in an email...

Meet Steven and Katie Alaniz, future residents and part of the Gables West Ave CARES Team. Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston happenings and are already making plans for 2009. Residents can expect anything from sushi classes and wine tastings to book clubs, movie and game nights. At Gables West Ave, your only problem will be which event to choose!

Scratch the new stereo off your wish list! Each apartment home at Gables West Ave will feature a built-in, state-of-the art docking station for iPods. Relax with soothing music after a long day or set the stage for entertaining with friends. No matter your preference, you can hear your favorite compilations to match any mood at the touch of a button. Learn more and stay in tune today at www.gables.com/westave.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got this in an email...

Meet Steven and Katie Alaniz, future residents and part of the Gables West Ave CARES Team. Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston happenings and are already making plans for 2009. Residents can expect anything from sushi classes and wine tastings to book clubs, movie and game nights. At Gables West Ave, your only problem will be which event to choose!

That sounds like a retirement community.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As for the Ipod docking stations and such, they really need to leave all that out. People who have Ipods will have docking stations. People whom like big musical sound, will already have speakers. People into home theater will already have equipment and just have to make one choice, and that is location in their unit as to where to put it, etc, etc...

West Ave. has potential, but a lot of it depends on the people who move in. I have no doubt the residential side can affect the retail side. So far these people sound like the type of folks whom get their kicks organizing events and dictating their little ideas upon people. If its simply going to be a residents thing, participate if you want and they don't affect the retail side, then they can go ahead and get their kicks as far as I'm concerned.

And Why is CARES in all caps? Does it stand for something?

Edited by Geoff8201
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't understand why the new Gables West Ave retirement community is scheduling activities. Isn't the whole point that they're to enjoy the short pedestrian- friendly walk to amenities like the wine bar, martini bar, gastropub and gourmet pizza bar?

they will be too busy to enjoy these.

Steven and Katie have their pulse on Houston
sounds like they will be taking pulses. LOL Edited by musicman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My mom moved into one of the last single story ranches back in that Upper Kirby area off of Virginia and Ferndale between Westheimer and W Bama. We can see both the West Ave and 2727 from her front lawn. For what it's worth, the rental center next to the Beck's Prime was BOOMING last weekend when I came down to help my mom move... and to eat some burgers. Lots of yuppie looking 20 somethings walking across the Beck's property in hard hats to get the walking tour.

Her neighbors are all hyped up about it too. They relish the idea of walking over there for dinner, drinks, and shopping. I also noticed that the other apt. project on Westheimer @ Ferndale (I think but maybe it was Virginia) looks like it's coming along nicely too. And, the New Orleansy themed place behind the 2727 is topped out too. Considering the density that already exists around there in the condos/ranches/mcmansions as well as the hi-rise across from Chuy's that just lost its downtown views, there are going to be a TON of units that need to be filled...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My mom moved into one of the last single story ranches back in that Upper Kirby area off of Virginia and Ferndale between Westheimer and W Bama. We can see both the West Ave and 2727 from her front lawn. For what it's worth, the rental center next to the Beck's Prime was BOOMING last weekend when I came down to help my mom move... and to eat some burgers. Lots of yuppie looking 20 somethings walking across the Beck's property in hard hats to get the walking tour.

Her neighbors are all hyped up about it too. They relish the idea of walking over there for dinner, drinks, and shopping. I also noticed that the other apt. project on Westheimer @ Ferndale (I think but maybe it was Virginia) looks like it's coming along nicely too. And, the New Orleansy themed place behind the 2727 is topped out too. Considering the density that already exists around there in the condos/ranches/mcmansions as well as the hi-rise across from Chuy's that just lost its downtown views, there are going to be a TON of units that need to be filled...

Nice news. I wonder if developers are waiting to see how this will do and if it's a hit, maybe they'll consider building similar structures next to or near it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

In addition to that rendering, here is what it says on Ziegler Cooper's website regarding Phase II:

West Ave Phase II

Phase II of West Ave at River Oaks will be a five acre development at the southwest corner of Kirby and Westheimer and will have 130,000 square feet of office space and 365 apartments, 85,000 square feet of retail, 182,000 square feet of hotel and 1,780 car parking garage when it opens in 2010.

The complex will have five stories of apartments atop two levels of retail space and a small section of office space, where one of the developers, Urban Partners of Dallas, will have offices.

West Ave will have an "organic" feel with primarily local and regional tenants, including clothing stores and restaurants. Restaurants will take up about 45,000 square feet of the retail space. The apartments will average more than 1,000 square feet and rent will go for about $1.75 per square foot. Retail rents are in the $40 to $50 range.

Urban Partners is owned by Atlanta-based apartment developer Gables Residential, but operates independently. West Ave is being developed by both companies.

STRIVING FOR SILVER CERTIFICATION

From: http://www.zieglercooper.com/projects.asp?...&projid=101

Now, I'm trying to get my bearings and figure out where Phase II is going to sit in relation to Phase I. Is this the Beck's Prime site?

Edited by Geoff8201
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it has to be the Beck's site along with the one story white brick bldg they are using for their rental office right now just to the South of Beck's. However, they must control a lot more than the public is currently aware of in order to cram an office tower, apartments, retail, and a hotel onto that site... I hope we don't lose Mark's Barber Shop (in the old train car).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it has to be the Beck's site along with the one story white brick bldg they are using for their rental office right now just to the South of Beck's. However, they must control a lot more than the public is currently aware of in order to cram an office tower, apartments, retail, and a hotel onto that site... I hope we don't lose Mark's Barber Shop (in the old train car).

Again, from what I heard from the company doing the roofing on West Ave. was that the later phases of it would stretch all the way to the Corner of Kirby and West Alabama. At least for now it looks like it is going to expand to nothing short of Steel Street.

Currently there is some dead space on the Phase I footprint. The Corner near the intersection of Kipling and Virginia Street specifically. Last time I drove by there there was some tiny little building near that corner, with its exterior done in the same style as the rest of that south end of West Ave Building 1. I'll probably have to get a photo of it so everyone knows what I'm speaking of...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Again, from what I heard from the company doing the roofing on West Ave. was that the later phases of it would stretch all the way to the Corner of Kirby and West Alabama. At least for now it looks like it is going to expand to nothing short of Steel Street.

Currently there is some dead space on the Phase I footprint. The Corner near the intersection of Kipling and Virginia Street specifically. Last time I drove by there there was some tiny little building near that corner, with its exterior done in the same style as the rest of that south end of West Ave Building 1. I'll probably have to get a photo of it so everyone knows what I'm speaking of...

How many acres is Phase I?

Interesting how Phase II's location is still described as being at the southwest corner of Kirby/Westhimer if it indeed will go all the way to W. Alabama.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How many acres is Phase I?

Interesting how Phase II's location is still described as being at the southwest corner of Kirby/Westheimer if it indeed will go all the way to W. Alabama.

Good question... From reading news articles I keep seeing Phase I is 5 acres, and doing some rough math, the actual area that the 3 current buildings sit on is indeed a little over 5 acres. Add in the space they're not currently using and it totals around 7. Does that mean Phase II will also be another 5? Or are they flubbing the numbers, or getting the space of the two confused?

And I'm sure they meant the call it Kirby/Westheimer... Westheimer is much more well known and the location familiar than saying West Alabama.

A 2010 opening date seems a bit soon for a Phase that may require demolition of existing structures, and new ground breaking, but we'll see. After all just a year ago West Ave. was just Buildings 1 and 2 still bare concrete, 3 wasn't even started yet... and now look...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought there was just a single store on that corner? Isn't that Meredith O'Donnell Furniture or something like that?

its more than just the o'donnell store. totals 5.774 acres: 2.562 A on the north side of steel and 3.182 A that fronts w alabama. brokers are advertising that there is a possibility of abandoning steel and make the site contiguous.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would hate to lose those apartments on Steele near Virginia. Those are great and the live oak canopie is beautiful on that block. Oh well...

on the bright side, i seriously doubt anything will happen in the near future. if someone did buy the land, it would be a safe assumption they would keep the current structures for cash flow until things turn around. on the flip side, the dickey estate is not in a position where they have to sell. if someone pays their price, no problem. if not, they know over time it will continue to appreciate.

edited to add: since someone asked, see the attached marketing flyer. c&w emailed it to me back in nov 08.

Kirby__W_Alabama.pdf

Edited by houston-development
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Hello, I just went there because I am considering moving there. The hallways have this retro-chic look and cold lighting, but other than that the lobby and apartments looked so cool and they already have residents! They did not cut corners with the flooring, very nice wood floors. In my opinion. The person said all the shops will be ready in October!! So soon!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello, I just went there because I am considering moving there. The hallways have this retro-chic look and cold lighting, but other than that the lobby and apartments looked so cool and they already have residents! They did not cut corners with the flooring, very nice wood floors. In my opinion. The person said all the shops will be ready in October!! So soon!!

That probably means the storefronts may be ready by October...but it could be like the Pavilions for a little while...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Nice shot despite being a cell camera. I'm guessing you took that from atop building 1 (the one along Kirby, but not in the Kirby/Westheimer corner). I had no idea it was going to have a pool from initial views, the rooftop pool definitely gives it some edge and some competition with 2727's Aqua Level.

Myself or anyone with some time should take some shots of Building 3. Exterior brick is going on and its making progress. It's getting there pretty quickly now considering building 3 was an empty concrete shell for so long.

I too would love to live here... in fact I'm taking donations starting immediately :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice shot despite being a cell camera. I'm guessing you took that from atop building 1 (the one along Kirby, but not in the Kirby/Westheimer corner). I had no idea it was going to have a pool from initial views, the rooftop pool definitely gives it some edge and some competition with 2727's Aqua Level.

Myself or anyone with some time should take some shots of Building 3. Exterior brick is going on and its making progress. It's getting there pretty quickly now considering building 3 was an empty concrete shell for so long.

I too would love to live here... in fact I'm taking donations starting immediately :D

Yes you are correct, it was taken from the 7th floor of building 1. You can't really tell but the pool is an infinity edge pool. There is actually alot more to the pool but i don't have pictures of it. I'll try to snap a few more next time i'm there. They have some pretty good deals going on right now for those looking for a new apartment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope this project is successful. If it is, I hope it spurs further high quality growth. The inner loop needs more live/work/play spaces. My only complaint about West Ave is how awful the current garage looks from the existing neighborhood (Virginia, Kipling, Ferndale) but I am assuming phase II will cover it up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
on the bright side, i seriously doubt anything will happen in the near future. if someone did buy the land, it would be a safe assumption they would keep the current structures for cash flow until things turn around. on the flip side, the dickey estate is not in a position where they have to sell. if someone pays their price, no problem. if not, they know over time it will continue to appreciate.

edited to add: since someone asked, see the attached marketing flier. c&w emailed it to me back in nov 08.

I have seen the site plans as well as the architecturals for this project. If Phase II ever gets built it will most likely be directly behind the current Gables West Ave. at what is now the construction offices off of Kipling. As far as I know, that C&W map has nothing to do with Gables West Ave plans.

Last I was told Phase II has always been in the plans, but with the economic downturn it was halted. Gables happens to be one of our bigger customers, so I would imagine I'll see plans for Phase II if it ever comes back up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I took a walk down to Kirby and got a few current shots of whats going on with the progress on building 3. Most of it has the protective netting on there so I got what I could. Its been a while since we've had an exterior update. They are what they are.

And walking by it was nice to see people chillin on their balconies and another resident walking their dog. Signs of life! I'm anxious for the opening of the retail sections... just a few more months to go.

DSC00954.jpg

DSC00955.jpg

DSC00956.jpg

DSC00959.jpg

DSC00960.jpg

DSC00961.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
According to this video, it's pronounced, West Ave, not West Avenue.

http://www.westaveriveroaks.com/video/west...-video-NEW.html

Unless she was reading it Verbatim from a teleprompter? She is blonde... :wacko:

I would hate to say it wrong while there and get weird looks.

So one more month to go, yes? I wanna check this place out when the retail section opens.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Man this thing should have gone downtown...

That's a coin toss on that one.

I think it would have gotten lost in downtown, especially considering HP, here it stands out, and caters to the RO crowd.

The architecture on this thing far exceeded my early expectations. At night the exterior lighting is amazing.

When does the first retail portions open? I'm anxious to check some of the restaurants out when they come to be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a coin toss on that one.

I think it would have gotten lost in downtown, especially considering HP, here it stands out, and caters to the RO crowd.

The architecture on this thing far exceeded my early expectations. At night the exterior lighting is amazing.

When does the first retail portions open? I'm anxious to check some of the restaurants out when they come to be.

7 Restaurants/Stores will be opening March next year. I believe the majority of which are restaurants.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to The Shops At Arrive: Retail And Residential Complex In Upper Kirby

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...