kbates2 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 It would be awesome. The city needs to start taxing Aga Khan. They built a "park" so that they could stay off of the property tax records. That "park" is a "joke". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skwatra Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Here is the original thread on the subject: Warning: lots of "fun" discussion on Islam, no rendering of the originally proposed Islamic Center. But gives a timeline of when they acquired and when the decision was made to build in Toronto. Last real news in that thread is from May 2013 when Aga Khan stated that the center was a few years out and the land would be turned in to a "sports complex". I remember they put a fence up and did a little bit of work to clear things up, have a half-ass volleyball court that is in ruins and I never saw used. Really no change there in almost 3 years. they do mow the grass on occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 They lost their property tax exemption, and currently owe 3.5 million dollars in back taxes. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADCS Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 (edited) How long until the land is condemned then? Edited May 12, 2016 by ADCS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNathoo Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 The museum that was built in Toronto is beautiful, but these guys will move at a snails pace. I think the end-result will be much better than a stick-built apartment complex, even if it takes considerably longer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 7 hours ago, ADCS said: How long until the land is condemned then? The Aga Khan Foundation sued HCAD last year claiming that they were erroneously denied an exemption because the land is a youth athletic facility. Really, that's their argument - a volleyball net and some alleged soccer fields make it a youth athletic facility. No telling when it will be resolved. I've never seen anyone using it for youth athletics, and we drive by there on a regular basis. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 That's hilarious. Setting aside my personal belief that all religious organizations should be taxed (seriously, Lakewood and Second Baptist don't pay taxes?), how is one supposed to use those fields. Is there an unlocked gate in the fence that I am unaware of? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iah77 Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 The comments on here are a bit shocking, it seems no one knows how important and prestigious the Aga Khan foundation is.... Most of their projects are done by Pitzker Prize winners, including their huge project in Toronto by Fumihiko Maki and the water gardens are by an amazing guy based out of Beirut. People should google but their collections rotate among museums such as The Hermitage in St.Petersburg and the like of the Louvre and it would be amazing for Houston. It would be a MAJOR gift to have a project of theirs here and the monkeys who probably went to HCC at HCAD probably don't understand that but whatever : ) We'll see what mess this new administration gets us into anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 Whatever. Non-profits don't get to hold vacant land for long periods without paying taxes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmac Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Monkeys? Really? I wish I had known apes attended classes at those two institutions. Would have made for some great photos! Good ol' Karim loves (and leaves) the ladies and the ponies. I don't know what he does with the ponies when they are past it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Star Architect chosen. Something beautiful and Iconic will be amazing here. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ismaili-Muslims-hire-rising-architect-Farshid-13592178.php 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 A look at her work, will definitely be something special https://www.farshidmoussavi.com/ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 14 minutes ago, Naviguessor said: Star Architect chosen. Something beautiful and Iconic will be amazing here. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ismaili-Muslims-hire-rising-architect-Farshid-13592178.php The only thing I hate about this article is the "several years" part. I mean it's already been several years lol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Might be worth the wait - impressive stuff she's done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 1 hour ago, Urbannizer said: A look at her work, will definitely be something special https://www.farshidmoussavi.com/ Could you imagine something like this when driving down Montrose? I'm excited now. ..or this... 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 This is great news. I really thought this had just faded into space. I'm happy to see this moving forward and can't wait to see what she comes up with. Something that the article mentioned and Ive been working onfor the past twenty years, is connecting the Museum district with Montrose Blvd. down to the Bayou. I have proposed a special Calatrava bridge at Montrose and an observation tower(Claus Oldenberg Flashlight) with its beam of light shining into space, to tie Houston to the space exploration. You have to have a flashlight to find your way in the dark, and the energy connection with the beam of light. It would be a great place for an observation tower and restaurant. At Westheimer and Montrose I'd place a roundabout with more art and fountains, and at every major intersection there would be unifying art and lights to bring attention to the great art collections and institutions that find their homes along Montrose. At the other end of the Montrose axis in Hermann park, where Sam's statue and the obelisk and spire of the zoo building all line up with Montrose, I'd have a sculpture in the middle of Lake McGovern of the space capsule landing in the water with its parachutes dropping it gently into the lake. That would just tie into the space city theme, and the flashlight at the other end. This would not only make Montrose the signature Boulevard it once was, and should be, and bring recognition to this cities great art institutes. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terra002 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 So what exactly is this building? Im not familiar with these centers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 24 minutes ago, terra002 said: So what exactly is this building? Im not familiar with these centers. TIL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismaili_Centre The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Nizari Ismailis in the countries and regions in which they are established, characterised by the Aga Khan IV as 'ambassadorial buildings'. Each building is architecturally unique and functions as a jamatkhana (place of worship), but also incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation. They facilitate mutual exchange and seek to foster understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. Collectively and individually, the Centres represent the Nizari Ismaili community’s intellectual and spiritual understanding of Islam, as well as the community’s social conscience, outlook and attitude towards the societies in which it lives. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 11 minutes ago, wilcal said: TIL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismaili_Centre The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Nizari Ismailis in the countries and regions in which they are established, characterised by the Aga Khan IV as 'ambassadorial buildings'. Each building is architecturally unique and functions as a jamatkhana (place of worship), but also incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation. They facilitate mutual exchange and seek to foster understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. Collectively and individually, the Centres represent the Nizari Ismaili community’s intellectual and spiritual understanding of Islam, as well as the community’s social conscience, outlook and attitude towards the societies in which it lives. In other words, for no apparent reason, expect protests against construction of this building. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Just now, Triton said: In other words, for no apparent reason, expect protests against construction of this building. Hopefully, they'll be limited to the suburbs? But yeah, definitely my initial thoughts 😕 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmac Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Why would anyone in the suburbs protest a building in Montrose? Does it not have GFR? 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 So this is that empty patch on Allen Parkway at Montrose, correct? If so, that's a great spot for something impressive looking. Hope they build it way up above Harvey depth. People will clutch pearls over anything and broadcast their anxieties for the Kabuki Theater of outrage and counter outrage for everyone to feel good about themselves. I doubt this particular act lasts more than one cycle should the project progress. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highrise Tower Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Already a rant on SSP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Will be nice if the fill the block w/ good street presence. This thing still seems over 3-4 years away though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennyc05 Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 2 hours ago, ekdrm2d1 said: Already a rant on SSP. Yep I saw it 😭😭😭 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 And these are just random internet forums discussing architecture and development. Wait until this gets on the local news. I'm calling it now. (again, unfortunately). It doesn't matter for some folks that this isn't in the suburbs... as soon as they see the words "Shia", some will think this is an invasion and I am speaking from personal experience... I admittedly have people within my own family **distant that is** that will no doubt in my mind be absolutely appalled that something this close will be built near downtown, especially since they already complain about the Islamic Da'wah Center of Houston in downtown. And I'm not saying all of this to stir controversy on this forum, I just really worry that something architecturally and culturally significant might be prevented from being built because of a few loud ignorant voices in an ever growing diverse city. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 8 hours ago, wilcal said: Hopefully, they'll be limited to the suburbs? But yeah, definitely my initial thoughts 😕 lol no way. If this was in Katy the yeah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 7 minutes ago, Triton said: And these are just random internet forums discussing architecture and development. Wait until this gets on the local news. I'm calling it now. (again, unfortunately). It doesn't matter for some folks that this isn't in the suburbs... as soon as they see the words "Shia", some will think this is an invasion and I am speaking from personal experience... I admittedly have people within my own family **distant that is** that will no doubt in my mind be absolutely appalled that something this close will be built near downtown, especially since they already complain about the Islamic Da'wah Center of Houston in downtown. And I'm not saying all of this to stir controversy on this forum, I just really worry that something architecturally and culturally significant might be prevented from being built because of a few loud ignorant voices in an ever growing diverse city. There may be some outcry but i don’t think protesters will have any substantial ground to stop this. At most neighboring residents may sue and hold it up in court by arguing traffic will be an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Okay, I give. What is SSP? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 (edited) I think a cemetery lies across the street, and I doubt they'll be making any noise. Edited February 7, 2019 by bobruss 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 The answer to your question, SSP is "SkyscraperPage.com"check it out, it's a pretty good forum. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 1 hour ago, bobruss said: Okay, I give. What is SSP? https://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=114123&page=550 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 20 hours ago, Triton said: Could you imagine something like this when driving down Montrose? I'm excited now. ..or this... I will readily admit that I don’t have any creative vision. that said, both of these buildings are, to me, ugly. And, the one with the yellow “cranes” on the top is beyond ugly, it’s hideous. Between the Fed Reserve building and this, Allen Parkway with be quite “interesting”. others mileage will vary. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatguysly Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 36 minutes ago, UtterlyUrban said: I will readily admit that I don’t have any creative vision. that said, both of these buildings are, to me, ugly. And, the one with the yellow “cranes” on the top is beyond ugly, it’s hideous. Between the Fed Reserve building and this, Allen Parkway with be quite “interesting”. others mileage will vary. I may be wrong but the "yellow cranes" in the back of the second picture is a separate building. I think that is a football (soccer) stadium). The angle makes them look like one structure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstontexasjack Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 47 minutes ago, thatguysly said: I may be wrong but the "yellow cranes" in the back of the second picture is a separate building. I think that is a football (soccer) stadium). The angle makes them look like one structure. Correct. The “yellow cranes” are part of the O2 Arena, which is used as a concert venue, among other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 (edited) I just can't believe the shortlist for this project: Rem Koolhaas Studio Gang David Chipperfield Farshid Moussavi The selection was for Farshid Moussavi. Don't actually know this persons work, though I have heard the name before. I do know this person is an up and comer. Essentially they went with a more daring unproven choice which is interesting, but then again this organization really likes their buildings to pop. Even if they went with the "safe choice" it would have been stellar. I mean Rem is Rem. Studio Gang is one of the best firms working in the US. David Chipperfield is one of the biggest in London and Berlin. He also did the Menil Master Plan. Was originally going to do the Drawing Institute. Now we wait for the first visuals. Edited February 7, 2019 by Luminare 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 21 hours ago, bobruss said: I have proposed a special Calatrava bridge at Montrose and an observation tower(Claus Oldenberg Flashlight) with its beam of light shining into space, to tie Houston to the space exploration. Fantastic idea on the tower! Let's find someone besides Calatrava . . . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 1 hour ago, Luminare said: I just can't believe the shortlist for this project: Rem Koolhaas Studio Gang David Chipperfield Farshid Moussavi The selection was for Farshid Moussavi. Don't actually know this persons work, though I have heard the name before. I do know this person is an up and comer. Essentially they went with a more daring unproven choice which is interesting, but then again this organization really likes their buildings to pop. Even if they went with the "safe choice" it would have been stellar. I mean Rem is Rem. Studio Gang is one of the best firms working in the US. David Chipperfield is one of the biggest in London and Berlin. He also did the Menil Master Plan. Was originally going to do the Drawing Institute. Now we wait for the first visuals. Studio Gang's proposal for Tour Montparnasse is an extremely interesting proposal and a beautiful tower. They have done some really exciting new work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarathonMan Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 5 hours ago, CrockpotandGravel said: This will be another masterpiece for Houston. Do we already have a “masterpiece” in Houston? It’s a subjective question, I know, but I would argue No. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Menil...Is a masterpiece. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBooze Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Williams Tower may not fit your definition of a "masterpiece", but does fit mine. It is easily one of the most recognizable buildings in the Houston landscape, as it clearly defines the part of town that it resides in. It also sets Houston apart from other major cities, allowing us to boast of its dominance in the category of 'Largest Building outside of a CBD in the US', and makes the city easily distinguishable from other cities from a photo. I could also add the Bank of America building as it also makes the Houston skyline easily recognizable. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenOlenska Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Frank Lloyd Wright would agree with TBooze on the Williams Tower. The Gulf Building is awesome. The Esperson complex is my personal favorite. But if I were going to vote for a "masterpiece" ("masterpiece" being one of those words that invites skepticism) I'd say the Penzoil Place. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 (edited) - Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmitch94 Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Houston is still missing our Eiffel tower, Big Ben, Statue of Liberty, Burj al Arab, Space Needle. We have some amazing works here in Houston but nothing in my opinion that is truly globally recognizable like the structures I previously mentioned. I'm not saying this building will be that but it definitely has potential. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 (edited) - Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 We don’t need or have a specific structure. We have the space shuttle or an old school oil rig as our identity. I’m sure something nice will end up here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 On 2/7/2019 at 8:06 AM, houstontexasjack said: Correct. The “yellow cranes” are part of the O2 Arena, which is used as a concert venue, among other things. The towers and dome are the external features of the Millennium Dome, built as part of the Y2K celebrations. It's 1200 feet in diameter and 160 feet high. The arena is a part of the internal use of the structure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 (edited) Heres a good article on the project over at Architects Newspaper (a pretty good site overall btw): https://archpaper.com/2019/02/farshid-moussavi-design-first-ismaili-cultural-center-united-states/ Link from the same publication which shows more info about Nelson Byrd Woltz, the landscape architect involved who is also another big time architect, and connections to other high profile projects: https://archpaper.com/tag/nelson-byrd-woltz-landscape-architect/ The architect of record will be DLR Group which is pretty big firm, and the partner firm for this project. They are pretty competent. This will be Farshid's second project in the US and the first project for Aga Khan in the US. In particular I really like this snippet "While preliminary renderings for the center have not been released, a spokesperson for the Ismaili Council told the Houston Chronicle that the Center “should be distinctly American and Texan in its approach, but expressive of Houston’s diverse cultures.” This in combination with Islamic geometric motifs should be really interesting! Example projects they give in the article: Yokohama International Port Terminal Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Firms website: https://www.farshidmoussavi.com/ Edited February 12, 2019 by Luminare 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Visitor Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 I'm not getting my hopes up considering this thread started in 2008... 😁 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Highrise Tower Posted April 27, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 27, 2019 Soil testing today. This is a huge area! Can't wait to see what happens. 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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