Daniepwils

Retail in DTD follows the same patterns as Houston... most businesses close after business hours.

Again, I don't think you guys are actually visiting downtown after business hours. There are more people there than ever thanks to Discovery Green, and the interest it has spurred. More retail options would be welcome in downtown now. The 2010 census is going to reveal significant changes in Houston's central core, most noticeably a population increase. Now that more people live close to downtown, it is warranted that downtown needs more surface level retail, and can extend its operating hours.

Um where? I live and work downtown. There is not a significant amount of more people downtown after business hours (excluding the weekend). I would even say there are less people downtown now than 3-4 years ago. Main street is very empty with the exception of Sambuca/Flying Saucer area. HP might change this, but as of now it really isn't a "destination mall". As for the park itself, after hours on a regular day there are not many people at the park. Right now due to the ice rink there are more people.

Not according to this thread. What are you talking about?

Well Downtown Dallas retail is worse then Houston, has been for years. When I first went to work for my firm I worked in Dallas a bit. I remember a coworker telling me how they were trying to force the tunnel business to the street. The tunnels in Dallas for the most part are empty compared to Houston.

I remember watching the shuttle launch a few times there if I remember correctly. It was a big deal back then.

I can't recall the name of anyone else other than Monica and Ms. Daniel's, (as it is my first name) one of the sweetest ladies I have ever meet. She introduced me to "Where the Sidewalk Ends". One of my favorite books growing up (along with "Where the Wild Things Are")

At the end of the year she gave me her copy of "Where the Sidewalk Ends". I still have it to this day.

Does anyone know if that neighborhood is still nice?

Dallas did somehow. Trying to force more businesses to the street. It ruined the tunnels there.

I went there in 85-88 (k through 3 grade). We walked to school. Live on Lamonte (where it deadends into a culd-a-sac, our backyard was behind that pool company on 43th Street). That was my parents first house. I loved that neighborhood, not sure if it has kept up well though.

I remember in my first grade class, that every week someone got to take home and care for the class pet (guinea pig). My last week in school was my week to take care of it as we were moving to the West U area. I still remember my mom bitching about the pig pooping pellets everywhere.

I remember on St. Patrick's day we were all allowed to go outside for most of the day to search for four-leafed clovers. -- One teacher, Mrs. Daniel's said that there were leprechauns near four-leaf clovers.

I remember being chased by the girls at recess and falling off the jungle gym.

I remember my first girlfriend at that school, Monica Hill

I remember my parents finding a note (written in crayola) that Monica had left me in my weekly folder that went home with me so my parents could see what we did that week in class -- to this day my mom still has that note with all my other school stuff.

I remember kindergarten graduation (lol)

I saw get rid of them.

Why would you say that? I don't think you can get rid of them now. Most people downtown would be pissed. I know I would. Have you ever had to walk in a suit in 100+ weather and humidity? -- It isn't fun.

I think those ordinances are only enforced when someone calls ands complains.

Just don't give them anything. I have worked downtown for about 10 years now. I can honestly say that about 80% of the bums in downtown have been here for years. I see the same ones all the time in "their" spots. I have never really had a problem with any of them. Other than the one guy who curses at parking signs. Or the guy who tried to steal my orange.

I'd rather we do something about these harassing thugs who whistle and use vulgar advances to passing women. First time this happened I was in shock. The only thing I could do was stare down the punk and apologize to the young lady.

6 Houston Center is officially "on hold indefinitely" i.e. dead! (not like anyone didn't see that coming)

Tunnels are a good thing for downtown! The weather can change in an instant, and most of the rain in Houston is usually in the afternoons (around the 5 o'clock rush). For some reason this year most of the afternoon showers have occured on Thursdays.

Here are some from today:

One of the park:

Forever 21 as the flagship store for HP is kind of odd in my opinion. What is the demographic for that store? teens?

I can probably almost guarantee you that the people living downtown and midtown won't really fit that demographic.

Granted I don't know much about that store as I have never been in one. The female friends I have told me that it was "a bunch of cheaply made crap". My boss basically said the same thing in a nicer way.

I don't think there will be jumbo-trons. I thought another thread had posted that. They are going to be regular flat screens somewhere all together (or something to that nature).

I have a feeling this grocery mart won't cater to the types of people that the other two crack shacks draw.

LOL, that was funny. The one with the chicken place inside always smells really bad. I have never been inside just because the smell outside is so horrid.

3 times my neighbors garbage disposal would empty into my bathroom

(Pardon my post, but I am a Germaphob)

What! That is disgusting and the fact that it happened three times? After the second time I would have demanded some sort of compensation, third time I would have broken my lease contract.

I don't even see how it is possible though, they shouldn't even be on the same line in a high-rise building.

What is the parking contract like? 24/7 access to the garage?

Downtown is pretty safe. Main street in particular is safe as well, I see police roaming around all the time too so that helps I'd imagine. If you look at the crime stats in downtown the biggest crime is vehicular burglary.

They are looking to sell some, if not all of Greenway. I think 6 Houston is on hold as there is no work active right now on the project.

The refinancing of 5 Houston Center has been approved. (GlobeSt.com) I wonder if this will affect the securing of financing for 6 HC.

Crescent needs to lower their rent at this place as well. It is sad that many of the "store fronts" are empty.

Is there a HAIF'er Discount?

This is so awesome for Midtown, I can't wait!

Do you think most of tenants in HP will be open on the weekends (with the exception of HOB) ?

Where is the closest grocery store in that area? I'm considering moving into an area along the light rail as I might be working at the TMC and was just trying to get an idea of what day-to-day life might be living in the downtown area. Thanks.

Also, Spec's (a block away from Randall's). There is a Fiesta further down towards the museums. The Randall's went down hill awhile ago, but they have since redone it, and it is nice again. I usually shop Spec's and Whole Foods on Kirby (Randall's when I don't want to go far.

You will still need a vehicle living downtown (if that is what you mean by day-to-day life).

It is pretty noisy in downtown as well, especially right now with all the construction. You don't really notice it during the day, but at night when you are trying to sleep you will hear the traffic (buses are loud as hell, as are the firetrucks that you will hear nightly, the train you will barely hear). Don't worry though, you will get use to it fast (buy soft ear plugs though, just incase).

My only real complaint about downtown would be the bums... you will find out soon enough if you move here.

Well that didn't get rid of them, they placed them back up. Right now they look fine.

I give the YMCA props for at least looking into restoring and renovating the building, but in the end it just wasn't cost efficient for them I suppose.

Holiday Inn Across from HP? There isn't a Holiday Inn across HP. There is one behind the Toyota Center, are you talking about that one? The only hotel right off of HP is The Marriott and The Hilton is a block away.