urbanize713

Can anyone explain why there are new utility poles going up here? Did the developer piss off the city?

Could this be the project next to MATCH? Only question would be which is the other block he is referring to?

Wow, that would be awesome!

If this is a real proposal I hope that the curtain wall is raised no less that 80 ft as that would raise the hieght to 1072ft. Exactly 2ft higher than Transbay (Sales Force) Tower 

Although the other side is not as great this is another stunning example as to how parking garages should be covered up. I bet those balconies will see heavy usage during Astros games.

 I wish I had popcorn every time I read this thread. It has become quite comical.

Wow, some units as small as 349 sq ft.. That's almost as small as the smallest units in the Ivy micro apartment proposal.

 Aimed at medical students perhaps? They are at the Hospital most of the time anyway.  

KinkaidAlum I think you've out played your hand. Give it up. No one ever said this was about value. This was about the most prestigious public university in the state setting up a research campus in the biggest city in the state. You've tried to twist and turn it but in the end reality prevails. Just hang it up. Wisdom and money prevails.

Some forms and action shot from Sunday

Some pics of the backside, looks like some glass but all in all not very attractive 

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Midtown can make it work because of midtown.

Correct

Sometimes its more than just the building itself but as I have maintained from the very beginning this building interacts with its surroundings and creates wonderful juxtapositions. I imagine the view from some of the surrounding towers looking down on these beautiful roof gardens will appreciate the thoughtful use of this space. Its not always how tall a building is but what they do with the design to create a public realm that not only fills the block and allows for beauty and nature to interact in a jungle of concrete steel and glass, but breaks up the monotony of square and rectangular spaces. The setbacks and curved walls give way to views of buildings that have not had surfaces to play off of and consequently we are seeing some beautiful reflections and compositions of materials that play off the glass. 

At the architecture forum for Gerald Hines most of the architects on the stage made this very point. When asked what has become the most important design element of a building their responce was the interaction with the public and its surroundings. Buildings could no longer be islands to themselves but rather create community/public relms that could be enjoyed by all. I think another example, if built out, would be the lobby of the Capitol tower were they are trying to bring things together rather then seperate and create a great public space.

I've been thinking this for a while, even said something about that not long ago. It's been clear for some time that more office space isn't needed downtown anytime soon.. Turn it into residential! As for the balconies, someone shot my fin to balcony conversion down saying they arent meant to hold any weight, but if Shorestien was going to expand the floor plates out, why couldn't something be figured out for making the fins support balconies or rebuilding the fins/balconies entirely?

Also use tempered glass for railing on the balconies to give minimal impact to the apperance.

It's really is a sad/angering day when this crap continues to happen in Houston. I hope the tide continues to change and our citizens respond to business' with their wallets. There is no power like the all mighty dollar. I will tell all my friends and family to take their money to any other hotel but the Lancaster and incourage other to do the same.

Midtown is probaly the Whole Foods, residential above Retail. Although you could argue The Mix (24hr Fitness, Jinya, Piola, Artisan's, Holley's, Bakery) is a similar concept.

I know this thread is about the Catalyst but man does this picture make the Great Southwest building look good. I really hope the reno makes it that much better and a coveted residential building.

I think Heritage is probably the closest comparison to 609 as far as floor plates and coverage of the block. Heritage will also probably look bigger because its out in front.

^Chase and Wells Fargo cover almost the entire block where as 609's tower portion is only half. 

If you look at the Chase Tower it actually has a significant set back on Capitol and Milam. I would say its probably only built on half of the block as well. I have actually always thought that the plates of chase Tower were rather small. I imagine as someone metioned earlier they did this to go higher. Wells also has a pretty big setback on Louisiana and and is by no means built to the edge on the other sides.

I do agree with you on the beefier comment thought. For some reason those towers just seem huge. I think its probably just perspective. I was just admiring the dominant presense of Williams Tower in the Galleria yesterday but if you dropped it in downtown it would be ther third tallest and just look like one of the other towers in downtown. By no means am I diminishing Williams either just saying there is something to be said about perspective.

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art

I can understand how you especially are confused, Mr. Pragmatist.

$296.4 million to $68.9 million. 

 

The first number is what UT received in State support in 2014, the second is what UH was given. So, there are 227 MILLION reasons why anyone who supports UH might be wary of UT's encroachment into the City. 

I did not fact check your figure but what I am 100% certain of is that all state funding comprises roughly only 15% of UT's yearly budget. The rest comes from donations and other sources. This speaks to the sheer size and organization. In fact UT just succesfully closed a $3 Billion with B capital raising campaign from its alumni. I am grateful for what funding comes our way from the state but UT is much much larger than that.  

Yep, here is the link to the article discussing the gift.

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/04-23-15-houston-billionaire-couple-pledges-10-million-for-bayou-greenways-project-adding-more-park-space-and-trails/

Also Rich Kinder and his wife gave $50M

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/10/23/kinders-donate-50m-to-houstons-bayou.html