j_cuevas713

Seriously? You like 2016 Main better than 800 Bell?

Yeah actually I do... 800 Bell isn't nice from a distance but up close it's nicer. Either way the redevelopment is needed for that building.

Oh my, I'm gushing over here.

You're what? lol

For anyone who believes the rail isn't creating a lot of this development, read the part about how it's being built strategically next to the Metro rail line. 

It's crazy how the only two things that stick out like sore thumbs in that first pic are the old Holiday Inn and the needed redevelopment of the 800 Bell site. Other than that, things are looking very nice.

I've said it in other threads, but give it another 10 years, maybe it won't even take that long.

 

For the past few years, and even currently, we're seeing a surge of density being build around the red line, others think this growth is circumstantial. I don't agree, but whatever. 

 

When this same density starts growing around the green/purple line, then developers will come around to see that there is significant money to be made around the rail lines. As land values go up around the rail lines, so taxes will go up too, this is when politicians will come around pretty substantially. Especially considering no one wants tax rates to go up, the only way to increase the amount of money collected via tax is to make land value higher.

 

So once this happens, then we'll start seeing more activity, and at a more aggressive rate, and for more than just light rail.

EXACTLY! 

Culberson is symptomatic of a pervasive attitude in Houston - that the government exists solely to serve one's own interests, and anything it does that either does not serve those interests, or run counter to them, must be opposed with all available resources. There's no sense of common good or sacrifice.

You know, I completely agree. That seems to be the attitude of the majority of Houstonians. The good thing is I see that slowly changing but still distant.

Man Culberson is a total waste of life. Sorry to be so cruel but the guy is a total *&^%$#^&* for a lack of better words. How do you prevent a transportation agency from operating in the 4th major city in America because a small stretch of where your district lies doesn't want light rail running through their neighborhood? Why not just work with the agency to plan a better route? But to go to the lengths he has to prevent progress in this city is beyond words for me. I wish I could meet this guy and give him my two cents.

Is this even something going on the ballot? Construction is scheduled beginning of the year

On the sidewalks front, I'm pretty sure they are the responsibility of the property owner, so that would explain why most are narrow - cheaper to have a small sidewalk and grass than a large sidewalk.

Yeah and I don't get that. Why can't the city at least force developers to build to wide sidewalks. Like at least that.

Seems to be paint... looks good though... glad this building is getting some love

I don't get why this city doesn't just focus on better sidewalks. I mean I like how the TIRZ designated neighborhoods get funds for these improvements, but I mean if Houston just had great sidewalks everywhere to everywhere, we would have so many more people willing to walk in this city. Better crosswalks, etc. 

If all sidewalks in Houston were this wide, that'd be great!

I live in Midtown and work near Hobby.

Note: I'm responding to this as though it's a serious question. With this board, anything can be thinly veiled sarcasm.

Oh no I work with a Phillip White. Just wondering.

I really like how the sidewalk extends all the way to the curb. Looks inviting and spacious.

This city is slowly starting to brace wider sidewalks... but all along Greenway Plaza and through some areas of the Galleria need some nice wide sidewalks to encourage pedestrian traffic

Think if this single residential tower sparks another Uptown style area next to Downtown. Like it would seriously connect the East End with Downtown.

This complex is like an earth tone rainbow...

Hey do you work in Midtown?

^^^ grew up / raised in beaumont, tx.  i currently reside in houston, tx.  however, working abroad.... middle east...

Ahh ok cool, just curious. Thanks.

^^^ much obliged skwatra, as per your very generous iPic Theater insight.  i have had the opportunity to experience these types of theaters in dubai, uae.  this concept is something that shall take a bit of time to get used to within the houston region.  it is just a VERY different movie concept all the way around. however, it is indeed geared around it's very distinctive price points, as well as ultra amenities.  this is how they strategically maintain their upscale patronage.  

Where are you from?

Are you people really griping about the architecture of a Hampton Inn?

Lol

I'm glad you exist on this forum.

Definitely one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen. 

Why?

I'm not understanding how some of you think this isn't a nice building. It's not just a box of glass but it actually has some character with the brick and nice roof.

Why don't we just focus on light rail connecting to the Galleria from downtown and a possible line to cover the Heights. Anything outside of the Loop should be heavy rail to the burbs. Simple as that. Along with our new bus system we would have a strong transit system. All that's left are nice bike lanes. But I think those rental bikes are doing great in this city.

I'm personally all about balance. I think the design of this building will balance out with the residential building across from Discovery Green. 

Wish we still had this:

 

All I can say right now is WOW! 

Small town businesses are closing ship in downtown, you have a new office tower on capital waiting to be build with the foundation already set in place. On top of this you have 609 main in the mix, you have a prolonged oil slump which forecasters have predicted once the Iranian oil market hits, the saudis will have no intent on playing ball again.

 

This 100 story tower isnt going to get built for years, the houston economy is in the DUMPS right now. Get a gasp of reality some of you guys. Theres a reason why Cheveron shelved their skyscraper and other projects have been put on hold.

 

Small town businesses are closing ship in downtown, you have a new office tower on capital waiting to be build with the foundation already set in place. On top of this you have 609 main in the mix, you have a prolonged oil slump which forecasters have predicted once the Iranian oil market hits, the saudis will have no intent on playing ball again.

 

This 100 story tower isnt going to get built for years, the houston economy is in the DUMPS right now. Get a gasp of reality some of you guys. Theres a reason why Cheveron shelved their skyscraper and other projects have been put on hold.

Talk about a downer