MarathonMan

Caydon is using glass on its balconies just up the street.  More expensive, maybe, but sooooooooo much nicer!

56 minutes ago, ekdrm2d1 said:

 

I think this building could look very nice. . . But I have to say the white metal railings on the balconies really cheapen the look, and they’ll disrupt the views from the units.

With the exception of Marlowe downtown, every RD project had been a complete departure from the initial rendering.  The Allen is a beautiful mixed-use development In the marketing material. . . I fear it will end up a half-stucco disappointment like Arabella and Astoria before all is said and done.  But who knows, maybe Mr Davis has turned a corner.  We’ll see.

Based on Lovett’s development experience, I’d say they’re a JV team trying to play in a Varsity league, and they’re sputtering.  Post HTX is more than a strip mall, neighborhood warehouse revamp, or suburban Walmart shopping center.  It is a16+ acre piece of real estate in downtown Houston.  A very rare thing.  Their portfolio would suggest the scope of work far beneath what that sight deserves.  I’m not expecting a $20 billion development anchored by a mega-sculpture like NYC’s Hudson Yards (which is 26-28 acres, btw), but I’d wish for something more than a few skylights, a roof garden, a fresh coat of paint and some pretty landscaping on and around an obsolete post office building.

40 minutes ago, pablog said:

Lovett is working with similar companies that Midway is with East River. I have hopes that this will be a great development because this project will be a statement from Lovett if they do it to right. They need this to be a success as it is a huge gamble for them, which could be the driving force for something amazing. It could also be the reason why they’re taking so long, because they want to make sure they’re doing it right. 

 

I won’t judge until the plans come to life. 

Did not mean to quote you, Marathon Man. My post was intended in general for the conversation. 

I appreciate your perspective.  And I hope you’re right.  This parcel is a very strategic gateway to downtown from the Washington corridor.  Fingers crossed!

This project is so strange to me.  I have no idea what the developer is actually striving for.  I worry that this project will be underwhelming when complete.  A missed opportunity, if you will.

On 3/19/2019 at 5:21 PM, Urbannizer said:

https://storage.pardot.com/73342/154052/HOUS058_Laneways_Overview_Brochure_8_12pp_DIGITAL_FA.pdf

 

The buildings along McGowen (The Greensheet, Leon’s Lounge, Kim Tai) aren’t on this layout.  Is Caydon planning to commandeer the rest of this block or is the diagram deceiving?  I notice it says “TO McGowen St.” on the right side).

On 3/19/2019 at 5:21 PM, Urbannizer said:

https://storage.pardot.com/73342/154052/HOUS058_Laneways_Overview_Brochure_8_12pp_DIGITAL_FA.pdf

 

The buildings along McGowen (The Greensheet, Leon’s Lounge, Kim Tai) aren’t on this layout.  Is Caydon planning to commandeer the rest of this block or is the diagram deceiving?  I notice it says “TO McGowen St.” on the right side).

Props to Caydon for adding a new perspective to urban development in Houston.  I hope it spreads like wildfire.

11 hours ago, lockmat said:

 

 

Look at that design, so would I. Ripped off Anadarko's tower, but worse.

I actually like it.  My first thought was that it looks like The Wilshire on Westcreek.  Modestly sleek.  Lots of glass and, hopefully, no stucco.  Discrete parking podium, too.

I have thought the same thing.  The exposed upper portion of the parking garage looks bad.

59 minutes ago, Subdude said:

I’m holding out hope.  The look they are shooting for seems similar to Union Station / Minute Maid Park.

I admire your optimism, Subdude!  In my mind, if they’re going for a Minute Maid Park look, they may fail miserably.  It’s taking a decidedly Mediterranean Country turn.  It might work in the burbs, but not in the city.

They’re putting up a rough-hewn white brick on the face of the ground level parking podium.  It’s kind of hard to tell from the picture, but it looks light years from anything urban that you’d expect in Midtown.  More like Texas Hill Country or Tuscan countryside.  I hope it turns out better than I’m imagining.

How did this thread about a TMC Transit Center development turn into a discussion about the Greyhound bus station in Midtown???  They’re about four miles apart.

3 minutes ago, TexasGeneral said:

It’s walking distance to lots of retail, including West Ave. 

I get that this is within walking distance from retail, but Westheimer is a retail/commercial corridor and, in my opinion, any time a developer chooses not to embrace and enhance that fact is a loss.  For example:  Compare AMLI River Oaks at Waugh & West Gray (no GFR) to the new Mid Main development and the already-established Post Midtown Square, both in Midtown and both with GFR.  The AMLI has zero character and creates a “dead zone” along the West Gray corridor, whereas the two Midtown developments really add life and energy to their neighborhood.  The comparison is stark.

Too bad no GFR.  That’s a long-term detriment to the neighborhood.

The gridwork of rebar to that goes into the mats for high-rise towers is pretty amazing!

Really nice!  I hope it’s a stone facade and not stucco. . . 

6 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

 

Yes, but I'm pretty sure that is separate from the apartment complex. I think the plaza is being developed/built by the Midtown Management District

That would explain a lot.  Midtown Management District is anything but efficient at project management.  The Caroline St. re-do is moving along at a snail’s pace.

On 7/4/2015 at 1:00 PM, hindesky said:

Tower Crane base.

 

 

Out of curiosity, I went back to see when Camden started construction.  FOUR YEARS AGO!!!  I think Caydon (which started November, 2017) will finish before Camden.

19 hours ago, cspwal said:

The plaza on McGowen is taking forever.  They finished the park 2 years ago now

I agree.  Honestly, it’s astounding how slowly Camden is finishing this project (maybe with the exception of the Dolce Living development on W Gray, but it’s close!).  Portions of the sidewalk have been closed on Travis, McGowen and Main forever!  Question for you experts on this topic:  Is there a financial strategy to drawing out construction soooooooo long?