BLVD Place / Hanover Towers / Apache HQ Developments

[KinkaidAlum 2866]

Bummer. Without a Ritz I feel so emtpy inside.

Maybe I will move to Dallas. They have a Ritz and a W. Dallas is so cool.

[TheNiche 944]

Unless and until you see a press release from the Ritz Carlton, don't hold your breath. It would seem that you guys had learned your lesson about use things, already. Hopeful wishes for hotel/condo projects, illustrated in renderings, will not produce an actual building being the name of that hotel.

You're very probably correct. Good thing I live here rather than visit.

Sucks to be you.

[dbigtex56 1268]

It would seem that you guys had learned your lesson about use things, already. Hopeful wishes for hotel/condo projects, illustrated in renderings, will not produce an actual building being the name of that hotel.

Thank you for your elucidation. Your ideas could not have been more clearly expressed.

[Mister X 227]

One thing that is certain. The Houston Ritz will be much cooler looking than the Dallas Ritz.

713to214 is just jealous that Houston always gets the more impressive buildings, eventually. And unlike Dallas, people actually use them. And he's still bitter about the Victory Park fiasco and the Mandarin pipe dream that never had a chance of materializing.

Here's my advice. Don't take the advice of anyone who has been proven wrong about his assessments of Houston time after time after time for years. This guy said that HP and light rail expansion were never going to happen either. I wouldn't worry too much over anything this guy has to say about anything.

Edited August 6, 2010 by Mister X

[C2H 19]

713/214 may speak some truth, but most of the time he sounds reeall bitter. I guess he got so used used to the buildings that actually do go up in Dallas and sit empty, thus adding to the already extremely high vacancy rate.

713/214, how bout we meet at the NOVE in Victory Park. I'll buy you a drink.

[lockmat 2340]

The plan called for a high-rise residential tower to be developed by Hanover Co., plus office space, retail space...

The 70,000 square-foot phase one of BLVD Place is 100 percent leased with office and retail tenants.

Some additional retail/office buildings are planned for the site and Wulfe will probably get under construction with one of them next year.

http://culturemap.com/newsdetail/08-01-10-mixed-use/

[Highway6 387]

We used to have a Ritz.. Had it for what, 10 years at least?

Why did it leave the Houston market in the first place?

[uhlaw09 46]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7244266.html

[lockmat 2340]

Wulfe also said the residential developer who bought land on the property to build a 37-story tower once slated for the site is looking at the project again.

The beginning of the article makes it seem like the residential and hotel towers were completely scrapped. A little confused.

I don't understand why they don't just delay the high-rises instead of scrapping them all together.

Edited October 13, 2010 by lockmat

[citykid09 225]

The beginning of the article makes it seem like the residential and hotel towers were completely scrapped. A little confused.

I don't understand why they don't just delay the high-rises instead of scrapping them all together.

Same thoughts. At the end of the article he said that the residential development is now interest again. We can only hope that the tall and cool hotel comes around as well.

[TheNiche 944]

Same thoughts. At the end of the article he said that the residential development is now interest again. We can only hope that the tall and cool hotel comes around as well.

I like Nancy because she doesn't burn her sources, meaning that they're more willing to talk to her when they have news. On the other hand, sometimes the sources exaggerates the truth to flagrantly misleading the public.

I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, but I wouldn't hold my breath over it.

[citykid09 225]

I like Nancy because she doesn't burn her sources, meaning that they're more willing to talk to her when they have news. On the other hand, sometimes the sources exaggerates the truth to flagrantly misleading the public.

I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, but I wouldn't hold my breath over it.

Your right! What harm could saying that the builder of the high-rise was "thinking" about building again? She didn't say that they definitely were, so if its not true it won't hurt anyone. It just gives hope to those whom are interest in the project.

[Porchman 123]

Sources: Top developer ponders new Galleria-area tower

From Nancy Sarnoff at the Chron:

Hines would buy one of the unfinished parcels at BLVD Place, but so far no land has changed hands

I speculate that the property for which the hotel was slated (the west side of the new segment of South Post Oak Lane) would be in play for this.

[lockmat 2340]

Awesome news. Hopefully a beaut on the other side of Post Oak to offset Willams tower.

Hoping it's at least 35+

[wxman 893]

I suspect it'll be in the 20-30 story range. I can't imagine anything much taller in such an unstable economy...but then again, it may be 50 stories. Who knows. Does anybody remember how tall the original towers were proposed to be (the 'Ritz' and the condo tower?'

Edited December 3, 2010 by wxman

[LTAWACS 162]

I suspect it'll be in the 20-30 story range. I can't imagine anything much taller in such an unstable economy...but then again, it may be 50 stories. Who knows. Does anybody remember how tall the original towers were proposed to be (the 'Ritz' and the condo tower?'

Good luck. We'll probably end up with a fat, squat, forgettable, building much like that new hotel in downtown. Ugh.

[lockmat 2340]

Good luck. We'll probably end up with a fat, squat, forgettable, building much like that new hotel in downtown. Ugh.

no, that's not Hines' style. It might not be wow, but it'll be nice.

[LTAWACS 162]

You're right. I hope it's a nice building.

[lockmat 2340]

more "details":

The project, however, is by no means a done deal and is likely contingent on a tenant to fill at least a large portion of the space, sources say.

"There is more interest in this market than I have seen over the last five to 10 years," said John Breeding, president of the Uptown Houston District.

The site that would be developed is several acres at the mixed-use project BLVD Place.

Officials from Wulfe & Co., developer of BLVD Place, had no comment on the Hines deal, but said they are talking to developers about the potential for office buildings, a high-rise residential tower and a boutique hotel at the project.

"In the last few months the market has really turned and the level of interest in our project and new development is probably as good as it's been in the last five or 10 years," said developer Ed Wulfe, president of Wulfe & Co.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7321800.html

[Houston19514 4918]

Awesome news. Hopefully a beaut on the other side of Post Oak to offset Willams tower.

Hoping it's at least 35+

One thing is certain. It will not be on the "other" side of Post Oak from Williams Tower. It will be on the West side of Post Oak.

[lockmat 2340]

One thing is certain. It will not be on the "other" side of Post Oak from Williams Tower. It will be on the West side of Post Oak.

I meant on the other end of Post Oak, not the other side of the road. Sorry for the confusion.

[LTAWACS 162]

I have my fingers crossed.

[wxman 893]

38-story tower once again scrapped?

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2010/12/24/high-rise-set-for-blvd-place-never.html

[Houston19514 4918]

38-story tower once again scrapped?

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/print-edition/2010/12/24/high-rise-set-for-blvd-place-never.html

No news here. Just a review of the year's stories.

[wxman 893]

Fair enough. Sorry.

[Houston? 145]

This project is dead too?

[Urbannizer 45228]

From Golyadkin, on SSP:

BLVD Place has had some work going on for the passed few months. They recently installed a stoplight that will service the little road that goes through the middle of the project (which they named BLVD Place Drive. Seriously? Those are all the suffixes of actual road names.) They also put up signs around the site. The ones that go with any construction project: "The building in this picture is going up at this location" and some phone numbers for leasing info. In the passed 3 weeks, there were also surveying crews working on the site and some holes were drilled, although I have no idea what for. I drive by the site about ten times a day (I'm a delivery driver for a shop a block away, and I live across the street from the site), so nothing has escaped me. The project is definitely moving. As soon as the first bit of construction equipment shows up, I will definitely let you guys know.

Link

[LTAWACS 162]

Cool

[lockmat 2340]

And now there was two (down from three) towers:

[Pumapayam 140]

BLVD HISTORY . . .

MAY 2009

JUNE 2010

JANUARY 2011

[lockmat 2340]

the June 2010 building labeled "7" was supposed to be a movie theater. Guess that's gone.

Other than that and the garage changing shapes and the two towers becoming one, not much has changed. Although the rotunda from the original plans would have been awesome.

I wonder how the potential Hines tower would be included in this plan? I'm guessing it would RE-take the place of one of the lost towers, naturally, so maybe they'd revert back to similar plans from last year.

Also, the southern tower is the hotel, which is to include 100 condos. There's a lot of blue space to the south and north of the tower, I wonder if those will be 4-6 stories high to surround the tower and give it a better feel?

[gene 3254]

Its killing me that we have been waiting for this darn Whole Foods FOREVER and now the Waugh location is about to open in a couple of months!

just wanted to vent haha

[Jrnavid 1]

What about the Ritz Carlton?! Is it still on?

[Golyadkin 287]

Cool! I was quoted from another site.

The Ritz Carlton is one of those things that we probably won't know for sure until the building is done and the signs go up. Initially, it was going to be a 50+ story Ritz, then two 30+ story towers, then one 30+ story tower, then it was cancelled entirely, then they said it was going to happen, then they cancelled again. Now all we have is that there is a planned "luxury hotel" on the site.

One thing I like to see from all of the site plans is that the Hanover Residential Tower has not changed at all. That tells me those plans are pretty set, regardless of what the press releases say.

As for progress on the site, I can keep you guys updated daily as soon as something starts happening. Even more so in about a month. Right now, I'm in a unit in my building that on the first floor looking away from the site, but by the end of February, I should be moved into a unit on the 6th floor with a pretty good view over the entire site. Right now it's a giant field of grass, but, as I told SSP, the minute something interesting happens, I'll let you know.

[lockmat 2340]

I have what I think is a reliable source that says they are supposed to break ground on the resi tower in June or July. They said this Hanover tower is their "baby" project and they really want to get it off the ground. It'll be under "close watch to make sure it turns out better than ever expected."

[fatesdisastr 534]

I have what I think is a reliable source that says they are supposed to break ground on the resi tower in June or July. They said this Hanover tower is their "baby" project and they really want to get it off the ground. It'll be under "close watch to make sure it turns out better than ever expected."

My fingers are crossed on that source.

[TheNiche 944]

I have what I think is a reliable source that says they are supposed to break ground on the resi tower in June or July. They said this Hanover tower is their "baby" project and they really want to get it off the ground. It'll be under "close watch to make sure it turns out better than ever expected."

Hanover sold the site as part of a national portfolio. It seems unlikely that Hanover would be involved again. You're probably confusing the news about the tower with news about the summer groundbreaking on the second phase of BLVD Place. And my source is Ed Wulfe, as of last month.

[bachanon 449]

I have what I think is a reliable source that says they are supposed to break ground on the resi tower in June or July. They said this Hanover tower is their "baby" project and they really want to get it off the ground. It'll be under "close watch to make sure it turns out better than ever expected."

in the recent issue of 002, a rendering (seen earlier in this thread, i think) of a tower for this development was included.....ed wulfe notes...."We are talking to one high rise rental developer about a site on the property. I am also excited about talks with a hotelier about a boutique property as well." 002 article

.........this is exactly what niche is talking about.

Edited April 22, 2011 by bachanon

[swtsig 2960]

i've been under the impression that a residential highrise was back on the drawing board but niche is correct, hanover did sell the BLVD property in a portfolio dump. i was fairy confident that we would see the announcement of a major office development at BLVD Place in the near future but very recently heard that those plans may have been scrapped.... who knows at this point.

and what's the word with Whole Foods?

[TheNiche 944]

i've been under the impression that a residential highrise was back on the drawing board but niche is correct, hanover did sell the BLVD property in a portfolio dump. i was fairy confident that we would see the announcement of a major office development at BLVD Place in the near future but very recently heard that those plans may have been scrapped.... who knows at this point.

and what's the word with Whole Foods?

Phase II will include a limited quantity of office space and the Whole Foods. No highrises, though.

[Golyadkin 287]

According to the BLVD Place website, Phase II will be done in 2012. It doesn't say what part of 2012 though. I just hope they get going on something soon. I just moved into my new place about a month and a half ago, and it overlooks the site, and however nice a big field is out your window, I'd rather have a Whole Foods, or at least some construction to watch.

Currently this is my view off of my balcony:

Hopefully, once they get working, I'll have some photos of it that are actually interesting (and don't necessitate me getting dressed to take them ).

[bachanon 449]

According to the BLVD Place website, Phase II will be done in 2012. It doesn't say what part of 2012 though. I just hope they get going on something soon. I just moved into my new place about a month and a half ago, and it overlooks the site, and however nice a big field is out your window, I'd rather have a Whole Foods, or at least some construction to watch.

Currently this is my view off of my balcony:

Hopefully, once they get working, I'll have some photos of it that are actually interesting (and don't necessitate me getting dressed to take them ).

nice view. i look forward to your construction pics!

[asubrt 758]

What are they planning on doing with the building housing the America's (and seemingly nothing else these days)? I ate there a couple weeks ago and it was pretty empty, and it's between Phase I and Phase II of BLVD place as far as I can tell. Are they going to demolish it or remodel it or just leave it?

[Golyadkin 287]

Judging by the map on their website, it looks like they are going to demolish the pavilion and use the space for a traffic circle for drop offs/pick ups and part of the walkway between section 6 (the already built one) and sections 4 and 5:

Edited April 24, 2011 by Golyadkin

[Golyadkin 287]

Ok. I just had probably the 10 most enlightening minutes about this project.

As I mentioned before, I live across the street from the development. I noticed on blvdplace.com that the address for the leasing office is in the only structure currently built, and I was bored, so I decided to walk over and see if I could get any information about the project. I have no idea why I didn't do this sooner.

They were really happy to hear that this project actually has people following it and excited about seeing it go up.

Here's what I got from them (the big important things are in bold):

-In the next few weeks, they will be moving the temporary power supply for the Pavilion closer to the building, opening up the area for construction.

-Groundbreaking for Phase 1 (the Whole Foods and the little shops around it) WILL be in June.

-The residential tower (in the small block formed by Skylark and Post Oak Lane) will begin construction at approx. the same time as Phase 1.

-They are a little concerned about both projects starting at the same time, as there isn't really a lot of room their for trucks to coming and going.

-The Pavilion will be demolished in September.

-Construction on Phase 2 will begin before then end of this year.

-Construction on Phases 3 and 4 MAY being before then end of this year, and if not, than early next year.

-The project WILL contain a total of 3 towers: the residential tower, a hotel in the back, and the 10-story tower at the corner of BLVD Place Dr. and Post Oak Blvd. seen on the left in this rendering:

-Also, that rendering is apparently new. They told me that the render of final design for the exterior of the Whole Foods (that picture) was only completed last week. There was another view they had posted on their wall, but it isn't on their site, apparently.

For comparison, here's the old rendering of that angle:

-The parking garage will being construction by the end of this year. It will be 7 stories tall, and MAY have an additional 2 stories for a gym at the top.

-The person I was talking to also made mention of one of the towers being 60+ stories tall, and quickly back tracked from it. He was probably thinking of the old plans, but I like to think that they are going to build something massive and just don't want to let anyone know.

Edited May 19, 2011 by Golyadkin

[citykid09 225]

Ok. I just had probably the 10 most enlightening minutes about this project.

As I mentioned before, I live across the street from the development. I noticed on blvdplace.com that the address for the leasing office is in the only structure currently built, and I was bored, so I decided to walk over and see if I could get any information about the project. I have no idea why I didn't do this sooner.

They were really happy to hear that this project actually has people following it and excited about seeing it go up.

Here's what I got from them (the big important things are in bold):

-In the next few weeks, they will be moving the temporary power supply for the Pavilion closer to the building, opening up the area for construction.

-Groundbreaking for Phase 1 (the Whole Foods and the little shops around it) WILL be in June.

-The residential tower (in the small block formed by Skylark and Post Oak Lane) will begin construction at approx. the same time as Phase 1.

-They are a little concerned about both projects starting at the same time, as there isn't really a lot of room their for trucks to coming and going.

-The Pavilion will be demolished in September.

-Construction on Phase 2 will begin before then end of this year.

-Construction on Phases 3 and 4 MAY being before then end of this year, and if not, than early next year.

-The project WILL contain a total of 3 towers: the residential tower, a hotel in the back, and the 10-story tower at the corner of BLVD Place Dr. and Post Oak Blvd. seen on the left in this rendering:

-Also, that rendering is apparently new. They told me that the render of final design for the exterior of the Whole Foods (that picture) was only completed last week. There was another view they had posted on their wall, but it isn't on their site, apparently.

For comparison, here's the old rendering of that angle:

-The parking garage will being construction by the end of this year. It will be 7 stories tall, and MAY have an additional 2 stories for a gym at the top.

-The person I was talking to also made mention of one of the towers being 60+ stories tall, and quickly back tracked from it. He was probably thinking of the old plans, but I like to think that they are going to build something massive and just don't want to let anyone know.

+1 for you. Thanks for the information! Very informative! Will it be a 2 story Whole Foods? Have they gone back to the Flagship Plan or is it still a smaller one? It looks pretty big from the rendering. The should have just eliminated the few parking spots they have at the front and bring the building up to the street.

[Golyadkin 287]

As far as I know, it's still going to be the smaller Whole Foods.

I suspect the whole project is recessed from the street a bit because of the light rail proposals. Also, from what I read on the variance request from 2200 Post Oak, there is a city code that prohibits buildings from being within 15 feet of the property line alone a major road.

If anyone has any other specific questions on this project, I can go back in the next few weeks and I can ask them then.

[bachanon 449]

excellent update!! thank you!

[lockmat 2340]

This sounds awfully aggressive, does it to anyone else?

Plus, River Oaks District may be starting up soon, too. Hopefully we'll hear something from Nancy on this.

[citykid09 225]

This sounds awfully aggressive, does it to anyone else?

Plus, River Oaks District may be starting up soon, too. Hopefully we'll hear something from Nancy on this.

Aggressive, but I hope its true. Hopefully Golyadkin didn't talk to someone that really didn't know what they were talking about. He did mention that the guy said a 60+?? story building was going in and then the guy said it wasn't. We will all know very soon if it is true and we know that we have a source here that can keep us updated. Thanks Golyadkin! You should work for swamplot or the Chronicle or something, LOL!