woolie

I don't think I've seen this on the forum yet. Not very tall, but another example of how the TMC just keeps adding, and adding, and adding, and adding. TMC infill will be almost completely done in another few years, with zero surface parking lots. Groundbreaking was on Sept 15. They're doing the demolition of the courtyard right now, and should start digging the basement/foundation soon. Since my window overlooks the construction site, I might provide updates as it goes along ----------- Research Tower Facts: 8 stories 5 lab floors 170,000 sq. ft. 60 new faculty Approved: May 18, 2005 Ground Breaking: Sept. 15, 2005 Occupancy: June 2007 On May 18, 2005, the Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees approved the design of a new research building to be constructed on the south side of the main campus between the Jewish Building and Garage 6. The new building is named the Margaret M. Alkek Building for Biomedical Research in honor of generous support recently received from the Alkek Foundation in support of the Research Enterprise. The eight story building will contain five floors of flexible laboratory and office space designed to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research. Exterior Design Includes features of both the Alkek and Cullen Buildings http://valine.org/pics/design.jpg Glass and metal exterior that will resemble the curved side of the Alkek Building, tying together the two sides of the Campus Strong vertical elements that reflect the art deco style of the Cullen Building Glass vertical triangular elements and horizontal sun shades that lower sun glare High glass (13 feet) at window wall in lab to permit light penetration into interior spaces Lab/Office Design http://valine.org/pics/sideview.jpg The Lab Floors will be at the top of building and will have a good view of the Medical Center Offices located on Jewish side Connecting stairwell on lab floors open to floor and glass enclosed Courtyard: http://valine.org/pics/courtyard.jpg Models: http://valine.org/pics/aerial.jpg http://valine.org/pics/model1.jpg

I don't really do architectural photos anymore, but here's a few of my favorites I've taken of downtown Houston. I took these in 2004 and 2005. I haven't watermarked these pics, so please don't repost without credit If you want some to put in public places, I can provide full resolution ones and the proper attribution info free of charge, but, please ask before you use them. All taken with my Nikon D70, except for the last, which I took with an old Sony Cybershot.

I went to the sales office today. Wow! They have an entire 1bd model unit inside the building. This is a real deal; the welcome center is not a trailer; in fact, the salesperson bragged that it cost $1m to build the welcome center. It's a real building (though, obviously, cheaply made -- I watched them build it and thought the quality of construction was very sketchy.) The 2bedroom floorplans are awesome. I might scan one and post it if it doesn't show up on their website soon. The 2bd's start at $327k. A bit too expensive, I guess. I'd rather spend 2/3rds for an older unit in Parklane/IlPalazzo/1400 Hermann. I wish I was finished with my PhD and my girlfriend was finished with her CPA Additionally, the salespeople told me they intend to build both towers immediately, and both will likely be condos (no rentals, as the Chron reported.) Both finished fall '07.

So, I'm not a real estate expert. I own the property and have been contemplating selling for the right price.. I would much rather have a condo than a single family home. How much should this development, if it goes to completion affect my land values? Up, down? What are prices psf in this area? Our lot is 6800sf, in the corner, so it faces both N MacGregor AND the feeder/freeway. As such, I think it's probably more useful as commercial property than (its current use, due to noise) as residential. If I could get ~$30psf plus $50,000 for the structure, It'd be pretty convincing. There is a similar house in the neighborhood (lot size, structure size) listed for $350,000.

I used to follow this forum quite a bit, but hadn't been around in over a year. Anyway, I just happened across this thread, and. Holy ____!!! This is IN my backyard!