PeopleAreStrange

Union Pacific doesn't like commuter trains running on their freight lines. For commuter rail service to Galveston, you would probably have to build a new set of tracks parallel to the existing tracks, and build a new causeway bridge. You're looking at billions of dollars.

It's worth noting that Galveston doesn't have a dedicated source of funding for transit, and is struggling to run three buses a day to Bay Area park and ride. There isn't even good bus service between the cities. Until recently, there was no bus service between the cities.

It's unfortunate, because I think commuter rail between Houston and Galveston would be great. Not only would you be able to travel between the cities, those who live between the cities can travel to either city.

Apparently, when you create an account, it's only good for one city. If you want to purchase a membership in a different city, you have to create a new account with a different email address (though there's a little work-around to that).

My previous 24-hour Fort Worth memberships have long since expired, so the above link doesn't apply to me.

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Anyway, I rode B-Cycles around Buffalo Bayou Park this morning. It's a very nice park!

I'll be sure to try it again this December when it's much cooler outside.

I'm trying to purchase a one-month Houston membership online, but can't seem to do so.

When I try to log into Houston's system, it tells me to log into Fort Worth's system instead (where I purchased a previous membership). The problem is, I can't purchase a Houston membership there.

When I try to create a new account on Houston's site, it won't let me because I already have a B-cycle account.

What gives?

Looks great! Hopefully, I'll be there later this summer.

Well, at least we can't see those hallways from outside of the building.

Wait a minute- what is all of that green stuff on the lawn to the right? Is that grass?! What happened to all of the brown dirt that used to be there?

On a more serious note, the convention center area is starting to look really good.

Last time I went to Discovery Green (several months ago), there was hardly anyone there.

The time I visited before that, Discovery Green was full of people and seemed much more interesting.

Apparently, someone really wanted a new window.

In more seriousness, does anyone else notice the lighter concrete square immediately around the hole? It looks like there may have been a previous repair in that exact same spot.

EDIT: I can't find the lighter square box in the picture before the hole appeared, so maybe not.

The problem last time was I only had about $12 dollars on me. I ended up getting an inexpensive cheesecake at a full-service restaurant near Discovery Green so I wouldn't stiff my waiter on a tip. 

I should've had Subway when I was on Main St, but I didn't realize everything else would be closed. I know to eat there or bring more money next time.

When I was downtown for the Green/Purple line opening a few months ago (Saturday around 7pm), almost every fast food (order-at-counder) restaurant I came across was closed for the evening/weekend.

watch out for all the nerds at comicpalooza.

When I first read this a few days ago, I didn't realize there was actually a convention called "comicpalooza" in town.

I thought you were referring to people like me attending the opening of the new lines. 

Here's a timelapse I made of the Green Line:

I rode the Red line to the very narrow N/S Central Station (bad decision), then walked to the Theater District Station while the massive crowd of people flocked to the Eastbound Central Station. I rode the Green first, then the Purple.

While retuning to downtown on the Green Line, I disembarked at Convention Center Station to switch to the Purple Line (EaDo was too crowded). The speakers at WB Convention Center Station are way too loud!

When the Purple Line reached Palm Center, we were all asked to get off and wait for another train to reverse direction. Shortly after our previous empty train took off for the train garage, a new empty train arrived for us.

The Green Line had some riders and the Purple Line was pretty full, but the most crowded train I rode was the already existing Red Line while travelling towards downtown and the Green/Purple lines.

I made it to Houston this afternoon and rode both new lines.

2. Market Square Tower

 

Developer: Woodbranch Investments

Landscape Architect: Kudela & Weinheimer

Building Architect: Jackson & Ryan

Delivered: Under construction now, with estimated completion in early 2017

One of Market Square Tower’s two pools will be a heart-stopper—40 floors up, it cantilevers over the edge of the tower. Three sides are glass enclosures, and there will be three window panes so bold swimmers can peer down to the street from the bottom of the pool. The deck will be top-quality, all granite on pedestal pavers. Kudela & Weinheimer (which released this new rendering for us) tells us it’s been particularly challenging meeting hurricane requirements on the 40th floor.

 

https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/multifamily/10-sexiest-pool-decks-in-houston-44975

 

Yikes! That's a long fall if you're in the pool and the glass breaks below you.

I'm thinking most of the opposition doesn't realize this is supposed to be a rail line in the future, although there are probably some people who would oppose a rail line as well.

How convenient - I was already planning to be in town this Memorial Day weekend. I plan on riding both lines the day they open.

Looks like a nice park based on the earlier rendering. I would much rather see it next to the rail station, but I guess they have to encourage pedestrian activity along the project.

What a horrible location for such a massive building. I can understand why so many people are concerned about traffic.

I hope there are plans for left turn lanes on Ashby and Bissonnet if this project moves forward.

Didn't visit the Wells Fargo Skylobby since I only had a few hours to spend downtown yesterday and spent an hour in the Chase tower.

I might try the Wells Fargo tower when I return to Houston in a few months.

Does the Wells Fargo skylobby have an advantage over the Chase tower skylobby?

I'm planning on visiting the Chase tower skylobby since it's open to the public.

I wouldn't mind seeing two identical Skyhouses next to each other, but any more Houston Skyhouses built after this should be elsewhere in the city.

I wonder why ADLA was built so excessively wide to begin with.

I'm sure money is the main reason, but why design this line without extending it to Hobby? Harrisburg turns into Broadway, which leads to the airport.

The Green line doesn't seem to go anywhere compared to the Purple and proposed Richmond/Uptown lines.