monarch

...quite boring for the galleria area.  surely these are the initial renderings.  uninspiring!

...updated version of the "leaning tower of piza" houston style.

that's a photoshop.. i know because I have seen a few in my days, and can tell by the pixels  

 

...oh my, success at last!

...quite ambitious.  Uptown, is going to become quite the destination.

I'll double check tomorrow.

Triton, love the pics...  the more the merrier.

Ok, you don't like this building, we get it. But do you have to use quotes in every single sentence with those bold italics? Just type normally, your posts are coming across as really obnoxious and maybe people aren't taking you as seriously as you'd like.

 

Personally I don't mind the building. Of course I'd like for it to be taller, but Hillcorp is building it for their HQ and this is how much space they need. If it was being built without a tenant it would be competing with several of the other buildings that we all want to see built, and probably wouldn't ever get off the ground. Or worse, would prevent some of the other towers that people tend to like more (i.e. Stream/Essex) from going up.

Some posters warrant a bit more expressive articulation method than others.  The "quotes" / BOLD modes are here to serve a purpose...  am I correct?

....I do not care at all about others taking me seriously.  I just care about them having a voice....  just like yours....

ENOUGH Already!

Personally, I feel that H-TOWN MAN is above all correct upon his assessments / critiques, as per the proposed "Hilcorp" boondoggle of a building....  slated as per the most "prime" real estate in all of Texas.  

Upon whether or not we are ready to admit it....  aren't we all a bit "shocked" as per the actual "underwhelming" aspects of such a building being promoted as per such a "high octane" site of Downtown Houston.  As I have casually stated beforehand.....  "this green glassed building look's as though it just involuntarily stood up, turned it's "ass" upon Main Street....  and just let out a big "garage".  Just downright insulting....

Jackwood, you should never proposed to anyone to "quit" posting upon this open forum.  Your insight is just as "valuable" as anyone else's.  For whenever I venture upon HAIF, I am seeking to reference the insight upon "all" posters....  not just those that are inclined to agree with my own views.  

Somehow, over the past several months, I have been getting the feeling that "posters" have been a bit reluctant to "post" simply due to the simple fact that they are "intimidated" by others that they think are a bit more "well versed" than they are.....  isn't this a bit "elementary" to say the least.  Upon my own personal view, (to run the risk of patronizing anyone in lieu this great site) HAIF posters seem to be some of the most intelligent patrons around.....  not to mention, they seem to harbor an undying love as per the City of Houston.....  which in spite of itself....  is it's strength.

Look HAIF, just as the old saying goes....  "if it look's and quack's like a duck....  at some point, the duck shall be revealed".  This is the same way that I feel in regards to the proposed "garage" aspect of the newly proposed "Hilcorp" building.  There is just to much "history / memories" dedicated as per this particular site upon Main Street.....  to allow for such an non inspiring, non entertaining, complete bore of an edifice, to be constructed upon such an "holistic" site....  and not allow yourselves to be completely honest about it...    

100% underwhelming. We lose Foley's and gain a suburban-looking office tower with a garage facing Main Street Square. When I heard it was going to be 23 floors, I was hoping it would be some sort of architectural marvel but this thing is a total "moo."

I absolutely concur KinkaidAlum.  It's almost as if this big green glassed amateur just stood up.....  and turned it's ass upon Main Street.

If it wasn't so shocking / sad.....  if would be hilarious!

i agree, but at least it doesnt look like a garage. the ground floor retail needed to face Main, and you cant blame them for not wanting the corporate entrance being on the same side as the pedestrian activity along Main. it would be weird if retail was in front of a corporate building next to the entrance. besides, it has already been pointed out how inaccessible places along Main Street are. i doubt Hilcorp wants a bunch of pedestrians/bums hanging out in their out door space in front of the building, which would happen if it faced Main with all the pedestrian activity. the main entrance facing another street kind of makes sense.. 

cloud713, I love you guy....  but sometimes your "fixation" as per retail, seems to be a bit over the top.

I once lived downtown Houston, and I simply loved the place.  During the short time that I lived there (3+years) I systematically witnessed a broad amount of retail just basically disappear....  right before my eyes.  It broke my heart that last time I visited Macy's downtown upon one of my return visits from Afghanistan.  I walked in, only to view a strange array of basically cheap looking clothing / accessories.  I felt that I had ventured into K-mart (not that there is anything wrong with K-mart).  But I'm sure that you may catch my drift....

As I have stated as per my aforementioned post "this particular site upon Main Street, is probably the best / hottest site within the state".  And if a new edifice is going to be positioned as per this site, then it should with out a doubt.... be first class in every category.  Upon this particular site, we should never be fixated upon the garage.... no matter where it's located.  The office aspect as per this edifice should stand out completely.  Just as "BG Place" as well as the now proposed "609 Main".  In my view, the garage aspects of these particular edifices, are positioned as they should be.....

Should any retail be proposed, then the retail aspect should definitely be highlighted in the broadest terms.  Especially upon this particular site, in lieu of the  "Downtown Management's" newest plans  centering upon Dallas Street becoming Downtown's signature retail avenue.  I think that this particular initiative can be a reality for Downtown Houston.  But it needs to be done upon a thoughtful as we as a consistent basis, or it shall end up just like "Houston Pavilions" disaster....

This particular site on Main Street, has got to be one of (if not the) hottest site (s) in the State of Texas.  I was a bit leery that they were anticipating a 23 story building upon this site, but to think of placing a another garage upon this site facing Main Street, is simply ASININE at best.

Surely Mayor Parker, and the Downtown Management officials can do better than this....  you've got to be kidding!

Senior Operations Specialist  Fluor Daniel Corporation (Theater of Afghanistan) (Houston)

Ritz Carlton L.A., located a couple of blocks away from the Staples Center...and yes, it is Gorgeous!  Maybe this could by chance be the strategy behind Houston's prospective Ritz Carlton.  

....locate it right in the center of all the action downtown...basketball, baseball, conventioneers, house of blues, etc..etc..

pretty sure you're confusing med center with greenway plaza, lockmat. pretty obvious that this is the westcreek site due to the vantage point in the 2nd rendering showing 1900 and 2000 WLS with Post Oak Central peeking out behind.

 

regardless, this definitely does NOT look like anything more than a conceptual design. agree with whoever said it looks like it belongs in memorial city - the architecture is very cheesy and leaves a lot to be desired.

 

that said, i think we'll be hearing of at least a few as of now unannounced hotel/resi developments in the not too distant future.

swtsig, 

In an effort to not patronize you my good pal, I must say that over the last few years... I have come to look forward to your very subtle and yet intriguing pronouncements....

It has become quite evident to all that patronize the formidable site, that you may not be permitted to arbitrarily reveal too much upon proprietary information. However, what about sharing a few clues in regards to the forthcoming prospectives to all of your pals here.  After all...aren't we family?

• could one of them be the Ritz / residential that we are all awaiting
• could one of them be the actual W Hotel / residential that we are all awaiting
• what about Le Meridien....these do not normally carry residential...not any that I have frequented in many countries...would love to welcome them back to Houston
• what about Fairmont / residential...would love to have one of these
• what about a new and yet improved Hotel Intercontinental...we would love to welcome them back to Houston

...come on swtsig, share a few clues....

Does anyone know the significance of EPSILON?  Could this by chance be a W brand?  This profound edifice looks like something derived from the "Jetsons".....

My GOD Urbannizer....where on earth is this doll located?

uh, maybe b/c this is an 8-block development in an area that hardly has any single or 2-block developments outside of UH? an 8-block development in any part of town would be demmed "ambitious" - proposing one in an area not known for any major developments makes it moreso. and just b/c you have taken it upon yourself to speak for all the residents in 3rd ward doesn't make your opinion any more valid.

 

and why are you putting 3rd ward in quotes?

uh, well maybe you are now in position to enlighten me upon just how many developments were in place around the Holly Hall / South Main area pre Astrodome.....I'm waiting?

Thank God for "out of the box" thinking visionaries such as Judge Roy Hofheinz and his minions.  I am not at all naive or gullible swtsig, for I know that prospectives such as this aforementioned concept, as well as direct planning vs financing can be hard to come by.  However, I would like to think that this is the way that density begins.  Wayward / forward thinking with an added ounce of gamble.

Additionally, this is not to patronize you my good pal, but as I have mentioned beforehand as per a few of my prior post, "I have been trolling this great site for a few years now, as I was out of the country.  Personally, I think that you are brilliant.  I am always looking forward to your post...as they have taught me a great deal as to what is being planned / implemented upon our fair City of Houston.  However, please pardon my quotes around the 3rd Ward....for I do know just how these small details can easily get on your nerves.  Please keep up your great and yet informative post.  monarch.

seems like a nice development, but too ambitious for 3rd ward.

oh really?  Why is this prospective development too ambitious as per the "3rd Ward"?  May you please explain upon your rhetoric...

I am most certain, that if I could speak upon behalf of the residents of this historic as well as highly adverse area of Houston, that most residents would be inclined to agree that this is the sort of ambitious / anticipated / as well as prospective development that is sorely needed as per this particular region of of the "3rd Ward".

"Ambitious" projects of this nature, are of the sort that normally can bring about badly needed jobs...as well as "gentrification" to this particular region.  Not to mention...a bit of pride.  monarch

I think that Iron Tiger's original point though is about the type of retail that is desired.  I agree with his point that high end retail is not particularly desirable downtown.

 

I agree with most posters that downtown retail should not be destination retail.

...oh really?  Just whom are your "most posters"?  I moved to Houston from Beaumont, TX during the early 80's right out of high school.  As a means to help support myself through college, I worked contractual jobs throughout the downtown region.  I for one, can openly assure anyone...that downtown retail was a dire need then....and most definitely is today.

If I could not find any needed items within the downtown district, then I would head over to the Galleria.  

Anyone remember the old, magnificent, and very different from today's Abercrombie and Fitch?  This boutique was located within the then newly built Park Shops?  That place was perfect....and hands on service was incredible...albeit a bit expensive.  Downtown Houston retail establishment's have dried up considerably.  I now thank God for new and incredible establishment's like "Phoenicia".  This  place is fast becoming a major player.  Anyone and everyone should try one of their delicious meals that they serve within their hot deli....upon any given day or night.  

You are a great Haif poster my good pal "livincinco".  But I think that maybe you have been "livinincinco" a bit to long....

The time for Downtown Houston is NOW!  Just build it... and I can assure you that they will come.  Trust me, I shall be the first in line....Monarch  

What kind of travelers stay in the high end hotels everyone is craving? Business people?

lockmat,

Well, I think that I may have a bit of an answer as per your aforementioned query.  I am not a wealthy person by any means.  However thanks to my great position with my firm "Fluor Daniel Government Projects" within the confines of the Theater of Afghanistan.  My position allows for me to accept a substantial compensation...for which in turn, allows for me to patronize establishments such as the W Qatar, Hotel Kempinski, Mall of Emirates, St. Regis Bali, Indonesia, Victoria & Albert Hotel, South Africa....to name a few.

I patronize these reputable and yet highly notable establishments due to the sheer quality, service, and attention to any and every detail as per their many clientele.....as per any race, creed, lifestyle, religion imaginable....

I work extremely hard upon my job as a top level administrative contractor as per the US Military.  This shall include extremely long hours....enduring extremely difficult elements.....all of the while based in extreme and yet highly austere environments.  Trust me my good pal....when it is time for a vacation....I am purely exhausted.

Therefore, these are the reasons.....as stated above....for which people like myself (in my line of business) choose to patronize such luxury establishments.  

These particular luxury establishments.....tend to bring back the HUMAN in humankind.....trust me on this one......

As a government contractor, for whom has had the privilege of working within the confines of Afghanistan as per several years, I have had the opportunity to patronize the H&M within the Mall of the Emirates, as well as the Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE, respectively.  I for one, just could never understand the "allure" of this particular brand other than maybe it is just quite trendy as per some of it's growing list of patrons.

The very youthful merchandise within H&M is really nothing to write home about...as per my taste.....and trust me, I have visited some really nice and high end stores and boutiques during my worldly travels.

Additionally, in regards to the concepts of Houston acquiring the ultra trendy W Hotel vs a new and very luxurious Ritz Carlton Houston, I for one, am just like all of you....knowing full well that a power house city like Houston, surely will someday witness the revealing of one if not a few of these hotels patronizing our fair city.  Just how on earth can they continue to patronize both Austin as well as Dallas....and totally just ignore the fourth largest....as well as most dynamic city in the United States......talk about compelling. Lastly, I just wanted to finally send a BIG HELLO to all of the mighty HAIFERS!  I have been dutifully "trolling" basically every night....upon whether I am at my office on my base within the Theater of Afghanistan, vs traveling upon one of my vacations due to being exhausted as per some seriously hard work....working and taking good care of our magnificent military.  I just wanted to say please....group / friends.....continue to love our great and fair City of Houston the way that all of you seem to do.  It has become quite evident to myself throughout the few years of "trolling" that a good many of you Haifers really do indeed love our fair City of Houston, and you certainly do not mind defending it ....no matter what.  Therefore, please know, that no matter what you decide to comment upon....how you decide to comment upon it......whenever you decide to comment upon it......as well as the length for which you decide to reveal your comment.......please bare in mind, that we are looking and learning, and taking it all in......thanks to the sheer generosity your post.  

I go by the user name "Monarch".  And I am more than proud to call myself a HAIFER.  WM