Montrose1100 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 (edited) I also dislike the interaction with the bayou, but I guess wandering children and drifters should be separated by fence. I can agree with that, just stinks those amazing views of 700 Louisiana, best angle, are being utilized for something so cheesy. I guess we are lucky Houston doesn't allow gambling. This would be a casino. All of his big properties would. Edited August 30, 2015 by Montrose1100 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonIsHome Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 I agree with Montrose on those views of 700 Louisiana. You are at the aquarium, you turn around and boom. I wonder what I did with those photos? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 I guess we are lucky Houston doesn't allow gambling. This would be a casino.Are we really "lucky" this property is what it is/is proposed to become, instead of a casino? I'm not so sure?I agree with Lockmat and the others that want family friendly/diversified demographics downtown, but is having a few kids and families on the other side of the bayou really benefitting the rest of downtown? Besides, would a real aquarium not be an even bigger family friendly attraction? One could argue an aquarium would be better off in Hermann Park next to the zoo, or down towards/in Galveston, but this already exists/could be redeveloped into more of an aquarium, less of a theme park. Just saying.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 The rendering threw me off, as they look like identical rides to what they already have. I don't expect them to build anything other than kiddie rides, but hopefully something different from what they already have. It's a shame the aquarium is mostly restaurant space. It gives it more of a carnival feel, like a money vacuum, rather then something educational. A money vacuum is a very good description of the Fertitta business plan. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 A money vacuum is a very good description of the Fertitta business plan. Most of the carnival games are like gambling for adults, except kids win stuffed animals, dollar store toys, and candy. I guess the amount of money you spend has a similar ratio to how much you "win". 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bransocial Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I don't have an issue with expanding aquarium downtown but what Houston really needs is a major downtown tourist attraction like Space Needle in Seattle or Willis Tower in Chicago or Effiel tower in Paris. Also, Market Square/ historic region can be build to the level of the Strand in Galveston and area around Toyota Center can be entertainment region like LA live in Los Angeles (by Staples Center). Walkable, pedestrian destinations. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) I don't have an issue with expanding aquarium downtown but what Houston really needs is a major downtown tourist attraction like Space Needle in Seattle or Willis Tower in Chicago or Effiel tower in Paris. Also, Market Square/ historic region can be build to the level of the Strand in Galveston and area around Toyota Center can be entertainment region like LA live in Los Angeles (by Staples Center). Walkable, pedestrian destinations.These areas aren't as clustered together for walk-ability but at least they're connected by Green/Purple train for now. But with development sprouting up on Texas Ave (along with a potential Dallas St shopping corridor), all of these districts could be well connected in the future. Exciting possibilities to think about, especially if Houston First achieves all of its plans for the Theater District.As for your Space Needle attraction, maybe you should email that to Lovett. They have plenty of land available with no set plans. Who knows, maybe you'll get your wish lolEDIT: Now that I think about it, it probably wouldn't happen. I could only see Fertitta building something like an observation tower and I'm not sure Id want that. Could end up looking extremely tacky... Edited August 31, 2015 by tigereye 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) - Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 These areas aren't as clustered together for walk-ability but at least they're connected by Green/Purple train for now. But with development sprouting up on Texas Ave (along with a potential Dallas St shopping corridor), all of these districts could be well connected in the future. Exciting possibilities to think about, especially if Houston First achieves all of its plans for the Theater District.As for your Space Needle attraction, maybe you should email that to Lovett. They have plenty of land available with no set plans. Who knows, maybe you'll get your wish lolEDIT: Now that I think about it, it probably wouldn't happen. I could only see Fertitta building something like an observation tower and I'm not sure Id want that. Could end up looking extremely tacky... He tried to build an observation tower when he built the aquarium but the city denied him. Or am I remembering incorrectly? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangledwoods Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 How will this project be affected by the I-45 realignment? Isn't that section of the freeway being demolished and brought to surface level streets? I know it is still a few years away, but it seems odd that Fertita would move forward on an expansion with so much change coming his way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 I think Houston needs to add some goofy outdoor sport like Bocce Ball in one of these areas like this. Its kind of fun.Or a Top Golf on the roof of the George R. Brown.... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 He tried to build an observation tower when he built the aquarium but the city denied him. Or am I remembering incorrectly?If that's true we dodged a bullet the size of the Spirit of Houston. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 The GRB TopGolf idea lives on!! Heh, I still think it would be a great draw for the corporate workers on extended lunch breaks or after hours, and something fun for conventioneers to do while staying nearby. Not to mention an additional entertainment attraction for the inner city residents. If only they could work out the economics to make all of that financially feasible. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) He tried to build an observation tower when he built the aquarium but the city denied him. Or am I remembering incorrectly? A brief search shows you are correct ...back in 2002, a 200 ft observation tower was planned as part of the Aquarium. http://m.chron.com/business/article/City-developer-Fertitta-bank-on-Kemah-theme-2122523.php EDIT: I guess he never dropped the idea lol Edited September 1, 2015 by tigereye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Well, I guess this is trying to fill a void in Houston. Agree that we could use a real aquarium--a draw like that could be an anchor to revitalize and develop the KBR site. Hate to break to all you knee-jerk Landry haters, but the Downtown Aquarium is a "real" aquarium, accredited and everything. It may not be the world's largest aquarium, but it is indeed real and not insignificant. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 A brief search shows you are correct ...back in 2002, a 200 ft observation tower was planned as part of the Aquarium.http://m.chron.com/business/article/City-developer-Fertitta-bank-on-Kemah-theme-2122523.phpEDIT: I guess he never dropped the idea lol The design for the observation tower was widely criticized, so I guess they thought better of it. I have a rendering I can post later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) Hate to break to all you knee-jerk Landry haters, but the Downtown Aquarium is a "real" aquarium, accredited and everything. It may not be the world's largest aquarium, but it is indeed real and not insignificant.I'm not one of the described "landrys haters", in fact I'm glad Fertitta has a small piece of downtown to call his own.. But...Of course it's a "real" aquarium.. But that doesn't change the fact that it is first and foremost a restaurant (I won't even get into the carnival rides). It would just be nice to have it be more of a destination that people can go to to learn about and explore the underwater environment.I'm down with the restaurant. I like that it's incorporated with the aquariums. But couldn't this expansion land be less focused on carnival rides and more focused on the learning aspect of an aquarium by building more aquatic environments/aquarium tanks? The Landrys aquarium/restaurant in Denver has twice as much tank space.. (1 million gallons vs 500,000). I know some people don't like Sea World or the idea of training animals to do things for our entertainment, but hell, Fertitta could implement some types of performances/animal shows as part of the expansion to retain his entertainment desires, while still incorporating an aquatic awareness program or something educational. Edited September 1, 2015 by cloud713 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Here's the observation tower that didn't quite happen. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Huh, has a bit of a steampunk flavor to it. Idk, I think that would look really cool 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Huh, has a bit of a steampunk flavor to it. Idk, I think that would look really coolIt would look cool on the Boardwalk or the Pier. Not the northwest corner of Downtown. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillip_white Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Are you sure you attached the correct file? This appears to be the prototype for a new tower crane design that has only been partly installed... Here's the observation tower that didn't quite happen. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I wish we had a real observation tower like other cities at least 700 feet high with restaurants, bars, and a nice views of the whole city. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 "If you look to your right, you'll see urban sprawl, and to your left is...urban sprawl. Follow me to the other side to see...more urban sprawl" 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Dallas has the Reunion Tower with a nice view of downtown and the uptown district. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 In a plane now but I do have pictures of the Tokyo Skytree it's 2,080 feet tall. AMAZING! I will post them soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
por favor gracias Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) phuking grow up already. Well that sure is a very "grown up" thing to say if I must say so myself... Edited September 2, 2015 by por favor gracias 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Nope that's too much like a real aquarium. This is an aquarium with a tiger - never forget i wonder if they will add a "swimming with the tigers" experience? that would be really cool... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 phuking grow up already. The " " denotes a light-hearted joke but I understand if you struggle with reading comprehension. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 It would look cool on the Boardwalk or the Pier. Not the northwest corner of Downtown. Lets remember that there are still people in Paris that don't like the Eiffel Tower Bare steel structure is hard to appreciate to some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 (edited) Lets remember that there are still people in Paris that don't like the Eiffel Tower Bare steel structure is hard to appreciate to some. Edit: I realize you were joking. Edited September 2, 2015 by Montrose1100 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timoric Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 (edited) - Edited July 9, 2019 by Timoric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 That tower collapse is a pretty interesting case study on engineering ethics. I remember discussing it in my structures courses in school. Some more information on it with #'s http://ethics.tamu.edu/Portals/3/Case%20Studies/TVAntennaCollapse.pdf 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/11/exclusive-downtown-aquarium-to-expand.html The Downtown Aquarium is set to expand by the end of 2017. Houston-based Landry's Inc. previously redeveloped Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building into a six-acre restaurant and aquarium with rides and amusements. Now, the company told HBJ its expanding to an adjacent half-acre lot across Preston Street. Cantwell said Landry's is currently in talks to shut down the portion of Preston Street near the project for part of the day. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County runs its Metro buses heavily through Preston in the morning, Cantwell said, and so the company is in talks with the city to shut the street to the public after the morning rush and before the Downtown Aquarium opens. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Shutting down a way into downtown? A way that usually doesn't flood when it rains? NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WITH THAT Ugh Am I the only one who uses Preston? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Shutting down a way into downtown? A way that usually doesn't flood when it rains? NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WITH THATUghAm I the only one who uses Preston?I use Preston all the time. Terrible idea 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Otto Mation) Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 elnina999 has added a photo to the pool: The Houston aquarium is not only a haven for marine life, but it is also an amusement park decked out with classy restaurants and shopping. Click here to view this photo at the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 So, the Ferris wheel is gone. Haven't seen anything about it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I drove that way earlier and didn't even notice... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I must have missed that was happening!!! i will go back and read through unless someone wants to just let me know...is the ferris wheel down for good or just relocating it to the expansion etc? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 (edited) I don't remember reading about it, a quick search turned up nothing. Frame is still there right now, the whole "wheel" and gondolas appear to be gone. EDIT - from the website: The Diving Bell Ferris Wheel will be closed for winter maintenance from January 3rd – March 1st. Edited January 19, 2016 by Nate99 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 That's a nice chunk of time for maintenance. Seems like you could build one from ground up given that much time. Better safe than sorry though ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Ha. Me and my girlfriend rode that just the other week and we commented that this thing felt out of wack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Ha. Me and my girlfriend rode that just the other week and we commented that this thing felt out of wack. They must of heard you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Ha. Me and my girlfriend rode that just the other week and we commented that this thing felt out of wack. ...The wheel or the relationship? 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 ...The wheel or the relationship? Well, she rode, I watched..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astros148 Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 So both 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 (edited) https://abc13.com/aquarium-restaurant-building-collapse-downtown-houston-fire-department/12191762/ Edited September 3, 2022 by hindesky 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEES?! Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Dude wtf…That poor woman. Glad to hear it wasn’t serious 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 I forgot about this expansion plan…I wonder what happened? Reminds me of Tilman’s- yet to be delivered- promise’s to overhaul the Toyota Center and build a new mix-use state of the art practice facility for the Rockets. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 News station said there is some kind of water feature up there and suspect that was a contributing factor. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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