Popular Post Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted June 13, 2019 17 hours ago, gclass said: @iah77 perhaps the REAL QUERY that you should be presenting is... WHY DOESN'T HOUSTON, THE 4th LARGEST CITY IN THE USA... HAVE ONE YET? (dallas has one, atlanta has two, austin has one, and so on) please feast your eyes upon the above illustrations that i have showcased. i have harbored the utmost pleasure of vacationing at both of these W HOTEL pleasure palaces in dubai, uae, while i was working abroad in afghanistan. high-end style, sophistication, supreme service, foremost amenities, spectacular design, location, ultra-posh, and comfort, are just a few of the primary reasons that i often opt to vacay/stay at a W HOTEL brand. it very often makes me sick to my stomach that our fair city of houston has to jump through all forms bullshit hoops just to try and land a W brand. we have very recently tried DESPERATELY to land one downtown at the GEORGE R. BROWN (and even this one fell through). JUST WHAT ON EARTH IS THE HUGE PROBLEM WITH HOUSTON ACQUIRING A W BRAND HOTEL... all the while, all of the other major cities across the globe are getting them (or already have them)? WHY ON EARTH DO THEY JUST KEEP SNUBBING HOUSTON? it is highly embarrassing when my good friends from out of town ask me about our W HOTEL... and i have to state to them that "we do not have one yet" and then hear them gasp and say "WHAT? YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING"! 12 If your good friends are causing you this much embarrassment over not having a W Hotel, you need to find yourself some better friends. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, MarathonMan said: This is THE most random place for a “destination” hotel. The obvious place to put a Hard Rock Hotel would be near Discovery Green/Toyota Center/Minute Maid/GRB. The fact that they are seeking cheap land rather than a higher value location on Post Oak or downtown suggests to me that the design will not be spectacular. These things usually work in proportion with one another. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Response Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Building on 'cheap land' is what Houston's all about. How many landmark developments in this city were originally built on 'cheap land'? Not that I'm expecting a 'landmark' development from Hard Rock. 1. GRB 2. Galleria 3. Astrodome 4. TMC 5. IAH 6. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 3 minutes ago, Response said: Building on 'cheap land' is what Houston's all about. How many landmark developments in this city were originally built on 'cheap land'? Not that I'm expecting a 'landmark' development from Hard Rock. 1. GRB 2. Galleria 3. Astrodome 4. TMC 5. IAH 6. ? Houston 6 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 I don't mind discourse but when it gets this childish and petty it serves no purpose or good, so I think both should take a time out in your rooms. I'm the first to not always agree or dislike something but I don't try and disparage the other members. We don't need this kind of dialog. Maybe click2 news comments is where this should take place.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 (edited) 59 minutes ago, Response said: Building on 'cheap land' is what Houston's all about. How many landmark developments in this city were originally built on 'cheap land'? Not that I'm expecting a 'landmark' development from Hard Rock. 1. GRB 2. Galleria 3. Astrodome 4. TMC 5. IAH 6. ? Only one of those is a private development, the rest took place outside of the normal laws of economics. And that private development, the Galleria, was built on fairly expensive land for its era. They actually had to buy out an office building and tear it down. Land cost is typically a certain percentage of total development cost, the percentage fluctuating based on the market. A developer does not build a cheap building on expensive land because the cheap building will not bring enough profit for a return on the land investment. Likewise, a developer does not build an expensive building on cheap land because the fact that the land was so cheap suggests that it is not in a location with sufficient demographics/site linkages/surrounding uses that will support the building and allow it to make a profit. Sometimes a developer finds a hidden gem in land that nobody else saw and can build something amazing and make a huge profit, but this is rare and requires substantial vision as well as experience. Or a developer might throw economics out the window and build an incredible building on relatively cheap land due to reasons of ego, civic pride, etc., but in these situations the building usually has trouble making a profit, especially if the conditions that led to its development disappear. Examples of this include the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center, and most of the highrises built in places like Houston, Dallas, and Midland in the 70's-80's. Edited June 13, 2019 by H-Town Man 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 47 minutes ago, bobruss said: I don't mind discourse but when it gets this childish and petty it serves no purpose or good, so I think both should take a time out in your rooms. I'm the first to not always agree or dislike something but I don't try and disparage the other members. We don't need this kind of dialog. Maybe click2 news comments is where this should take place.. This. Posts removed @mattyt36, @HOUCAJUN 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 (edited) But let's not get carried away with the "cheap land" theory. It's not as if the subject property is really that cheap of land. (It's valued at about $80/ square foot on HCAD.) Having said that, I'm also a little perplexed by this site choice. Visibility is about the only thing it has to offer. It does not offer easy freeway access or easy pedestrian (or for that matter, vehicle) access to the rest of Uptown. Edited June 13, 2019 by Houston19514 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Actually for many people this is the gateway to the Galleria Uptown area so this would be up front and center. I would prefer to see this in the Convention Center Discovery Green area or perhaps on top of the Hard Rock club downtown. Theres several nice vacant lots in the east side of downtown. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 minute ago, bobruss said: Actually for many people this is the gateway to the Galleria Uptown area so this would be up front and center. I would prefer to see this in the Convention Center Discovery Green area or perhaps on top of the Hard Rock club downtown. Theres several nice vacant lots in the east side of downtown. It might be a gateway to Uptown for a number of locals, but it's hard to imagine it serves as a gateway for any significant number of tourists/hotel patrons. Agreed that downtown in the Convention Center/Discovery Green area would be a much better location for Hard Rock Hotel. They could even direct patrons to their Hard Rock Cafe on the other side of downtown. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 36 minutes ago, Houston19514 said: But let's not get carried away with the "cheap land" theory. It's not as if the subject property is really that cheap of land. (It's valued at about $80/ square foot on HCAD.) Ok, cheap is a relative term. The other locations we are talking about (Post Oak, Discovery Green) would probably cost triple that. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
htownproud Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 I think this is a ridiculous location and can't imagine it gets built. That said, some other nice hotels in the area aren't in exactly prime locations either--e.g., Houstonian, St. Regis, Omni. Granted these hotels are very different than a Hard Rock hotel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 (edited) I have completely changed my mind on this... the reason is obvious... If they build a Hard Rock Hotel this close to the Galleria then the likely next step is that Planet Hollywood Restaurant would reopen inside the Galleria (*not affiliated with Hard Rock but they would just want a piece of the pie in Uptown...) and that means i would get to have their Cap'n Crunch Chicken Crunch Tenders whenever i wanted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i don't know how to cook so don't point out the fact that i am linking a recipe...) 😵 https://topsecretrecipes.com/planet-hollywood-chicken-crunch-copycat-recipe.html (yes none of this post makes sense but the CCCT's are THAT good that i can dream at least haha!) Edited June 13, 2019 by gene 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 (edited) - Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, H-Town Man said: Ok, cheap is a relative term. The other locations we are talking about (Post Oak, Discovery Green) would probably cost triple that. Agreed; cheap is a relative term. FWIW, HCAD has the McNair site on Post Oak also at $80/square foot. The vacant parcel at Post Oak and the Loop is $125/square foot. HCAD values vacant land near Discovery Green in the $150 - $200/square foot range. 54 minutes ago, Timoric said: I like this one in Baltimore if it is the same brand. That is a Cafe and we're talking about a hotel and condos, but, yes, that is the same brand. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Definitely an interesting location. I'm guessing this is a resort style place, right? Looks like nearly of their properties are either near/on beaches or casinos, but they do have a New Orleans and NYC location "coming soon". The mega-block just north of the Marriott Marquis downtown would be perfect. It could be the interesting downtown hotel pool scene district. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, Houston19514 said: Agreed; cheap is a relative term. FWIW, HCAD has the McNair site on Post Oak also at $80/square foot. The vacant parcel at Post Oak and the Loop is $125/square foot. HCAD values vacant land near Discovery Green in the $150 - $200/square foot range. That is a Cafe and we're talking about a hotel and condos, but, yes, that is the same brand. Actual costs are more reliable; the site for the 40 story high-rise at Post Oak and San Felipe was over $300/SF, as was the site for the Marriott Marquis on DG. The McNair site valuation seems low to me, possibly because it's a large tract, possibly because they couldn't get good recent sale data in that area, or if someone protested using sale data along Richmond. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZRFkris Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 10 hours ago, htownproud said: I think this is a ridiculous location and can't imagine it gets built. That said, some other nice hotels in the area aren't in exactly prime locations either--e.g., Houstonian, St. Regis, Omni. Granted these hotels are very different than a Hard Rock hotel. I think for luxury hotel developments, being a little of the main drag is not necessarily a bad thing. I think St. Regis is nicely tucked away as is the Houstonian. For a Hard Rock though I don’t see how it could ever work out. If a “failing” W brand can’t land in Houston in a good location, then how does a mediocre brand like Hard Rock land in a silly location on the backside of Uptown. A significant development here would help to obscure the view of the Mercer. Worst building in Houston. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUCAJUN Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 I agree it's a weird site now but this will be a prime spot in the future after Mcnair development. Sometimes it takes developments to long to come to fruition here. Frustrating. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarathonMan Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) 6 hours ago, HOUCAJUN said: I agree it's a weird site now but this will be a prime spot in the future after Mcnair development. Sometimes it takes developments to long to come to fruition here. Frustrating. I keep seeing comments about the McNair development and how the two together will transform this area. Question #1: Will the McNair development really have enough presence to make a Hard Rock Hotel not seem out-of-place? Question #2: Are they really in close enough proximity to complement each other? Edited June 14, 2019 by MarathonMan 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) 19 hours ago, Urbannizer said: This. Posts removed @mattyt36, @HOUCAJUN That. @Urbannizer @bobruss, you could also take a deep breath and have a good chuckle. The world won’t end. Edited June 14, 2019 by mattyt36 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 10 hours ago, ZRFkris said: I think for luxury hotel developments, being a little of the main drag is not necessarily a bad thing. I think St. Regis is nicely tucked away as is the Houstonian. For a Hard Rock though I don’t see how it could ever work out. If a “failing” W brand can’t land in Houston in a good location, then how does a mediocre brand like Hard Rock land in a silly location on the backside of Uptown. A significant development here would help to obscure the view of the Mercer. Worst building in Houston. HAHA OMG yes that darn Mercer condo building...what in the world were they thinking?! and I cannot believe the lack of windows....it resembles more a storage tower than a condo building... #kooky 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 23 hours ago, H-Town Man said: Actual costs are more reliable; the site for the 40 story high-rise at Post Oak and San Felipe was over $300/SF, as was the site for the Marriott Marquis on DG. The McNair site valuation seems low to me, possibly because it's a large tract, possibly because they couldn't get good recent sale data in that area, or if someone protested using sale data along Richmond. What's the actual cost of the subject site? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Urbannizer Posted June 14, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted June 14, 2019 5 hours ago, gene said: HAHA OMG yes that darn Mercer condo building...what in the world were they thinking?! and I cannot believe the lack of windows....it resembles more a storage tower than a condo building... #kooky I believe The Mercer was originally planned as 4 high-rises with their backsides facing each other, hence the lack of windows. The idea was cut down to 2 high-rises but only one came to be. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 Oh wow! Interesting and makes sense...but yikes...! Thank you for that info...i have never heard that before!!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 1 hour ago, Houston19514 said: What's the actual cost of the subject site? It sold in 2015 for about $98/SF. Add a little for demolition and your effective cost is right at $100/SF. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted June 29, 2019 Author Share Posted June 29, 2019 In planning and design phase. Will take two years to build. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intencity77 Posted June 29, 2019 Share Posted June 29, 2019 So I wonder if the Hard Rock Cafe downtown at Bayou Place will stay put or move to this thing when/if completed? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted June 29, 2019 Share Posted June 29, 2019 (edited) On 6/28/2019 at 7:37 PM, Urbannizer said: In planning and design phase. Will take two years to build. They need to plan to relocate it Edited November 9, 2020 by nate4l1f3 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutchcity94 Posted June 29, 2019 Share Posted June 29, 2019 (edited) On 6/13/2019 at 1:55 PM, gene said: I have completely changed my mind on this... the reason is obvious... If they build a Hard Rock Hotel this close to the Galleria then the likely next step is that Planet Hollywood Restaurant would reopen inside the Galleria (*not affiliated with Hard Rock but they would just want a piece of the pie in Uptown...) and that means i would get to have their Cap'n Crunch Chicken Crunch Tenders whenever i wanted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i don't know how to cook so don't point out the fact that i am linking a recipe...) 😵 https://topsecretrecipes.com/planet-hollywood-chicken-crunch-copycat-recipe.html (yes none of this post makes sense but the CCCT's are THAT good that i can dream at least haha!) You do know there was a Planet Hollywood inside the Galleria from 1997-2000ish, right? Edited June 29, 2019 by clutchcity94 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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