feufoma 10 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 IMO the atlanta project is nothing special either.Really? I think the Aquarius Tower planned in Atlanta is miles ahead of the banal design of Turnberry Galleria! The Atlanta tower would fit in perfectly with Transco, etc. I'm envious. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheNiche 945 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 [Phillip Johnson attempts to kick some sense into niche's head from the grave...but to no avail] The same building can mean different things to different people. To me, Williams Tower is about scale and dominance. It is a projection of ego and power. ...hence the over phallic nature. Otherwise, it borrowed from NYC architecture, and that would annoy me to no end if the scale didn't keep me constantly in awe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Really? I think the Aquarius Tower planned in Atlanta is miles ahead of the banal design of Turnberry Galleria! The Atlanta tower would fit in perfectly with Transco, etc. I'm envious.ABSOLUTELY!!! Atlanta is taking up now where Houston left off in the early eighties. There highrise designs for the most part, leave our uninspired earth tone boxes in the dust. Yes I'm glad that Uptown continues to grow, but this is a good waste of prime land imo.Quite frankly, I'm pissed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister X 224 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 (edited) That Atlanta tower looks like one of those cartoon buildings in New New York in Futurama. It looks almost "Dallas grade" over the top tacky. I wonder if the big light will blink or change colors or something so that the tower will STAND OUT more.I agree that there is nothing really spectacular about the Turnberry, but I'm glad. Williams tower commands enough attention in that spot. Building some weird-looking competing tower too close could lessen the impact of Williams. The Turnberry as is might make a nice enough compliement in the area. It's another backdrop tower, but that just fine for that particular spot. It's size and proximity to Williams will give it enough of its own presence that it doesn't need any more bells or whistles than what they are already giving it. Edited March 9, 2007 by Mister X Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3710 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Nah, I'm just being petty. I'll always prefer the view I have now, but more than that, I prefer the unimpeded dynamism and as-yet-unknown potentials to be discovered many years and decades into Houston's future.I understand what you mean... It would be hard for me to imagine (say) a 40-50 story skyscraper going up where Jones Plaza is now... completely blocking Pennzoil Place and taking away some sky from the BofA, leaving a competition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bachanon 442 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 i had hopes that turnberry would turn out something complementary to williams tower. too bad. i agree with all of the other descriptives; banal, bland, beige, blah, uninspired. it is tall. i like that part.turnberry takes trivial turn with unoriginal high-rise in houston's uptown district. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 It would be hard for me to imagine (say) a 40-50 story skyscraper going up where Jones Plaza is now... completely blocking Pennzoil Place and taking away some sky from the BofA, leaving a competition.You don't have to imagine: Johnson did it with his BoA building to block the view of his Pennzoil building. He was such a kidder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sanman 0 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 This pic only appears to show the building at 33 floors. What's the deal? I want my 5 other floors!As per the Director of Sales for the project, the building will actually be 36 stories...4 of which are parking. I'm not sure whether the penthouse units are duplex. If so, that's where you would get the 33 stories from.There is a preliminary website at: www.turnberrytowerhouston.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pumapayam 133 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 As per the Director of Sales for the project, the building will actually be 36 stories...4 of which are parking. I'm not sure whether the penthouse units are duplex. If so, that's where you would get the 33 stories from.There is a preliminary website at: www.turnberrytowerhouston.comThe main websitehttp://www.swedroe.comsays 38www.turnberrytowerhouston.comso it magically lost another 2 stories in 2 weeks?!?!? bummer.By the time this gets built, it may only be 10 stories tall! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 (edited) That Atlanta tower looks like one of those cartoon buildings in New New York in Futurama. It looks almost "Dallas grade" over the top tacky. I wonder if the big light will blink or change colors or something so that the tower will STAND OUT more.So are you saying that "cookie cutter" designs are welcome in a city that once was a trend setter? That's confusing to me. I've also never considered Dallas' architecture to be "over the top tacky". Not my favorite city, but it's not Dubai. Edited March 13, 2007 by Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister X 224 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Where did you read that I said I like cookie cutter buildings? I love fresh architectural designs as much as the next guy, but get it right. Just because a design isn't run of the mill doesn't make it great. Furthermore, location and proximity is as much as part of the mix as style.I just don't think it does a skyline any good to have too many buildings that scream out for attention in close proximity. Some buildings should be the star, others should be the support. Just like any other artistic medium, in a perfect world, some things should dominate and be the focus and some things should receed and lend support. Judging by the size and shape of it, that Aquarius building in Atlanta would be hideous right next to Williams. It's probably fine right where it is.I don't want to cause a Houston/Dallas flame war so I won't go into whats wrong with the downtown Dallas skyline, but lets just say there is an awful lot of competition, clashing styles, and unnecessary ornimentation going on there. Some think that all that superficial flash makes it look interesting, I think that it just looks junky and forced. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3710 Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 You don't have to imagine: Johnson did it with his BoA building to block the view of his Pennzoil building. He was such a kidder.Not from the views coming down I-45, Pennzoil Place is fully visable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstonfella 85 Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 Not from the views coming down I-45, Pennzoil Place is fully visable.You bet. And people who travel to our offices worldwide love Pennzoil... it is quite unique. Besides, it is cool. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4611 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Not from the views coming down I-45, Pennzoil Place is fully visable.Yeah, ol' Phil's supposed claim to have blocked the view of Pennzoil Place marks him as either delusional or senile. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstonmacbro 27 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 From Turnberry's website:check page eightLink didn't work for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
guess 15 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Link didn't work for me.the link is 2 years old Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Where did you read that I said I like cookie cutter buildings? I love fresh architectural designs as much as the next guy, but get it right. Just because a design isn't run of the mill doesn't make it great. Furthermore, location and proximity is as much as part of the mix as style.I never mentioned you refered to the design as "cookie cutter", I did. I also understand symmetry, and location, and that it means allot when smart design is being applied. That being said, I dissagree that a more inspired design would add competition to something as massive, and and awe inspiring as the Williams tower.Again, imo this is a cookie cutter design that adds nothing but density to Uptown. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 I just don't think it does a skyline any good to have too many buildings that scream out for attention in close proximity. Some buildings should be the star, others should be the support. Just like any other artistic medium, in a perfect world, some things should dominate and be the focus and some things should receed and lend support. Judging by the size and shape of it, that Aquarius building in Atlanta would be hideous right next to Williams. It's probably fine right where it is.Again, I understand symmetry, but to place artisic merit on this building as a good design for the area is a stretch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister X 224 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 I wish people would stop putting words in my mouth. I never said the Turnberry was a good design. It's not that bad. It's not that good. It will slip into the background and allow Williams to continue to dominate. At best, it will add density and it won't compete with Williams, which I'm happy about. Clear enough?The Aquarius, for better or worse, will command it's own space, and building right next to another building that commands it's own space would be unfortunate. But it's not happening anyway so I suggest either making peace with the Turnberry, move to Atlanta so you can be near Aquarius, or just learn to enjoy life. The Turnberry could be a lot worse. It is not the best or most original design I've ever seen but at least it probably won't do any visual harm to the uptown skyline. That, in itself, is worth being happy about.But if you would rather sit in the humidity and complain about nothing, knock yourself out. Trust me, no one's listening and it will get you nowhere. If it will make you happy, you can always try to stop the Turnberry before they build it. I'm sure everyone would be happier with the dazzling structure that exist on the Turnberry site today.Bye. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Great Hizzy! 18 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 LOL.That's actually a hell of a post, Mister X. I mean that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4611 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Well said, Mister X. Bravo! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 (edited) I wish people would stop putting words in my mouth. I never said the Turnberry was a good design. It's not that bad. It's not that good. It will slip into the background and allow Williams to continue to dominate. At best, it will add density and it won't compete with Williams, which I'm happy about. Clear enough?Whoa there boy's, I didn't mean this to get this heated, I was simply offering my opinion. Without coming across the wrong way, I suggest re-reading the previous posts before shooting me down in flames. You might find that I have at least a little credibility to my argument.Now, I explained in my previous post that I never inserted words in your mouth, and clarified (or proved) that, or so I thought. Secondly, I (once again) never said that you were claiming Turnberry to be a great design, that wasn't even part of the discussion. I simply asked you if you were in favor of cookie cutter designs, and you jumped down my throat.As we went further into the discussion, I was commenting on your post that refered to the design of the tower as good for the area, as it wouldn't compete for Williams' dominance. Here is your quote: "I just don't think it does a skyline any good to have too many buildings that scream out for attention in close proximity. Some buildings should be the star, others should be the support. Just like any other artistic medium, in a perfect world, some things should dominate and be the focus and some things should receed and lend support. Judging by the size and shape of it, that Aquarius building in Atlanta would be hideous right next to Williams. It's probably fine right where it is". That in my book is an artistic judgement. Wouldn't you agree? In fact, your the one that mentioned "artistic medium", not me. So apparently we are getting our lines crossed, and your getting upset about it.Again, my opinion is that the Turnberry is very "cookie cutter" in both design and color, and I certainly don't agree that a 38 story building, almost regardless of design, would come close to competing with the 64 story Williams. I simply want Houston to get back on the cutting edge during this boom we are having, and the Turberry doesn't fulfill that desire for me.Edit:The picture provided below, imo sheds some light on how unobtrusive a building of this size is compared to the Williams. I once again cast my vote for a more cutting edge design, unfortunately that's not going to happen. Edited March 13, 2007 by Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstonfella 85 Posted March 12, 2007 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Let's give Uptown a year or two. Developments on the horizon promise to be pretty impressive. Don't give up on Downtown either as half a dozen projects are on the drawing boards. Remember, Houston's skyline is impressive now. What it will be like in five years remain to be seen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Highway6 379 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 (edited) ... Edited March 13, 2007 by Highway6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WesternGulf 19 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 Good job. I can picture that although the skinny view would show except for the face of the building. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
feufoma 10 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 ...Great shot! Transco would still dominate. But, my God, why couldn't Turnberry have more glass and color??? The design is still very, very safe. So much for adding to Houston's architectural heritage.... Banal but expensive. I guess in ignorant circles a certain address is all that matters. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 The design is still very, very safe. So much for adding to Houston's architectural heritage....My thoughts exactly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister X 224 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 (edited) Maybe more whining and wimpering will make Houston the place it ought to be. Ouch! That must have hurt - as someone decided to delete it the first time I posted it. But lighten up everybody. It's just a little jab. I mean no disrespect.I don't have a problem with the Turnberry or Gary's opinion. And no one is getting over heated. I'm the one who's glad this building is going up, remember? What have I got to be heated up about? I'm happy, happy, happy! I see where the guys who wish this building was going to make more of an impact are coming from and I respect their opinion. There is no harm in wishing that this building was less safe and and more cutting edge. But is it a crime to just be content with this building - and happy that they are not buiding some cutting edge building that just comes out looking goofy and ruining the impact of Williams? If it is then sue me. It's out of us HAIFer's hands anyway, so what's the point of crying about it. I say, just make the best of it. Or not, I don't think anyone really cares if we like it or not.BTW the term 'artistic medium' in the previous post refers to the art of architecture in general, specifically placement and relation. Maybe 'artistic medium' was a poor choice of words. I never meant to suggest that the Turnberry had any special artistic merrit. I was speaking in hypothetical terms of all forms of design in general. Whether it be architecture, sculpture, painting, photography or graphic design, the same basic "rules" apply regarding placement and hierarchy. And in that regard the Turnberry doesn't do any harm to the area as a whole. In other words, when people take photos of the uptown skyline it will still look pretty good after the Turnberry is built - maybe even a little better, certainly more dense. As an entity upon itself the Turnberry is o.k. that's all, I would not call it "art".P.S. - please don't delete this, it's completely harmless opinion. Just like everyone else's.xxxooo Edited March 13, 2007 by Mister X Quote Link to post Share on other sites
houstonfella 85 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 You can't judge a book by its cover. Shouldn't we wait until after it is built to critique? That would be fair. P.S. If you owned one of the Penthouses and had the view from there, well, you're probably not on HAIF anyhow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 252 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 BTW the term 'artistic medium' in the previous post refers to the art of architecture in general, specifically placement and relation. Maybe 'artistic medium' was a poor choice of words. I never meant to suggest that the Turnberry had any special artistic merrit. I was speaking in hypothetical terms of all forms of design in general. Whether it be architecture, sculpture, painting, photography or graphic design, the same basic "rules" apply regarding placement and hierarchy. And in that regard the Turnberry doesn't do any harm to the area as a whole. In other words, when people take photos of the uptown skyline it will still look pretty good after the Turnberry is built - maybe even a little better, certainly more dense. As an entity upon itself the Turnberry is o.k. that's all, I would not call it "art".P.S. - please don't delete this, it's completely harmless opinion. Just like everyone else's.xxxooo I understand the definition of the word, in fact I was addressing specifically that definition.I certainly respect your opinion, and we can agree to dissagree, however i still believe this building is run of the mill and uninspiring for such a great piece of land. Let me also clarify that I don't think it's horrid, just bland. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pumapayam 133 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 P.S. If you owned one of the Penthouses and had the view from there, well, you're probably not on HAIF anyhow. I have a Penthouse and still go on HAIF. . . .not! (A little BORAT humor) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dbigtex56 1209 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 You can't judge a book by its cover. Shouldn't we wait until after it is built to critique? That would be fair. P.S. If you owned one of the Penthouses and had the view from there, well, you're probably not on HAIF anyhow. That seems entirely possible. I imagine that the architect and developer have done some research into what sort of architecture would appeal to someone who could afford to buy a unit in this building. One person's 'bland' is another's 'understated'. Perhaps something glitzy would scare off customers who don't want to live in the architectural equivalent of a 1959 Cadillac. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheNiche 945 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 I imagine that the architect and developer have done some research into what sort of architecture would appeal to someone who could afford to buy a unit in this building.I sincerely wish they would perform architectural consumer research, but it is pretty rare. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MyEvilTwin 4 Posted March 13, 2007 Share Posted March 13, 2007 I sincerely wish they would perform architectural consumer research, but it is pretty rare.Judging by the reception the recently-published AIA 150 list got on this board -- architectural consumer research wouldn't produce any designs that would get rave reviews around here anyhow... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joshuajbp 1 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 You can't judge a book by its cover. Shouldn't we wait until after it is built to critique? That would be fair.there's a model of the building located in the Galleria in front of Dior & Houston Trunk Co... so you kinda can critique how boring it is... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3710 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 there's a model of the building located in the Galleria in front of Dior & Houston Trunk Co... so you kinda can critique how boring it is... So they have 3 models now? The one in Galveston & the Royalton @ River Oaks, and now this? neato. BTW that rendering makes the tower look like a beast! Imagine if they built two, they're huge!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
citykid09 220 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Whats new on this? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ricco67 446 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Whats new on this?Looks like the majority of the cars that are in there has changed since the last time I looked a few weeks ago, but I could be wrong and those might be just the JW Marriott employee's vehicles. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
citykid09 220 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Looks like the majority of the cars that are in there has changed since the last time I looked a few weeks ago, but I could be wrong and those might be just the JW Marriott employee's vehicles.What cars?Do you have any pictures of the finished sales building? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ProHouston 19 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Looks like the majority of the cars that are in there has changed since the last time I looked a few weeks ago, but I could be wrong and those might be just the JW Marriott employee's vehicles.What does the JW Marriott have to do with this project on Hidalgo? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pumapayam 133 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 What does the JW Marriott have to do with this project on Hidalgo?I think he is getting confused with this project. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ricco67 446 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 I think he is getting confused with this project.Well, for goodness sake! you're right!darn it all, a good smart alec smark wasted! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3710 Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 (edited) I like how it slopes, goes nicely with the Williams Tower. Edited May 18, 2007 by Montrose1100 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sanman 0 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 (edited) As to the question "what's new on this?"...As of yesterday, the Sales Center is about 4 - 5 weeks from officially opening. Edited May 31, 2007 by sanman Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pumapayam 133 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 As to the question "what's new on this?"...As of yesterday, the Sales Center is about 4 - 5 weeks from officially opening.Looking at the sale center and it's location with respect to the final plans, are they going to tear it down. I don't see it in the final design anywhere.I am guessing that it will remain, but the conceptual drawings reveal otherwise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
editor 988 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Added Turnberry Tower to the actually now surprisingly substantial list of Houston projects.I'm still keeping it in "proposed" unless someone can give an update to make me think otherwise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mister X 224 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 (edited) That's such a great list. Thanks for making it, editor. It's so handy to have a quick reference to all the cool stuff going up in the Houston area. It eliminates the need for new people (and regulars) at the forum to have to struggle to familiarize or remember the details (such as floor count and location) of the ever growing list of projects. Any chance that the list could be a 'sticky' at the top of the 'view new posts' or 'going up' page? I noticed that they do something like that over on dallasmetropolis.com on their 'Urban Development' page. That would really be handy at HAIF when topics cools off for a while and then become popular again. Everybody can easily stay up to date on everything.For example: I forgot the updated floor count of the Turnberry and was all prepared to go back and re-read this thread, when I clicked the 'Houston Projects List' and there is was in a nice easy to read grid.Thanks again for creating and updating the list.X Edited June 18, 2007 by Mister X Quote Link to post Share on other sites
editor 988 Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 That's such a great list. Thanks for making it, editor. It's so handy to have a quick reference to all the cool stuff going up in the Houston area. It eliminates the need for new people (and regulars) at the forum to have to struggle to familiarize or remember the details (such as floor count and location) of the ever growing list of projects. Any chance that the list could be a 'sticky' at the top of the 'view new posts' or 'going up' page? I noticed that they do something like that over on dallasmetropolis.com on their 'Urban Development' page. That would really be handy at HAIF when topics cools off for a while and then become popular again. Everybody can easily stay up to date on everything.For example: I forgot the updated floor count of the Turnberry and was all prepared to go back and re-read this thread, when I clicked the 'Houston Projects List' and there is was in a nice easy to read grid.Thanks again for creating and updating the list.XSure, I can make a sticky post. And don't forget -- it's a wiki, so if you spot updates here or on any other web site, you can update the list yourself! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2287 Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Sure, I can make a sticky post. And don't forget -- it's a wiki, so if you spot updates here or on any other web site, you can update the list yourself!I tried to put in an official link but don't know html well enough. Oh well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Great Hizzy! 18 Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I agree with Mister X. The "projects" list is very convenient and helpful.Maybe eventually we can add a feature for entry that includes a thumbnail of how the project will look, like with the Park Tower or The Cosmopolitan. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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