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astrohip

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Everything posted by astrohip

  1. astrohip
    I was just coming to post the same comment. Not just the risk (enormous, IMHO), but the dust, moisture/humidity, and other external factors. There's a reason buildings are "dried-in" before the interior is started.
  2. astrohip
    Catty-corner from the old Herbert's Ritz, if anyone remembers that.
  3. astrohip
    Agree. If that's the final look of those levels, it just seems odd to have the parking so visible directly behind glass panels.
  4. astrohip
    Article in the Chronicle... https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Randall-Davis-unveils-design-for-Westheimer-tower-14856488.php Randall Davis has finalized plans to build a high-end condominium tower in the River Oaks area, the Houston developer’s newest towering addition to the urban landscape. Davis, whose most recent project was Arabella — a contemporary structure on San Felipe with glass balconies and a spa-like indoor pool — said the design for his new building will have a more classic style. The planned 25-story tower, to be built at the southeast corner of Westheimer and Eastgrove, just east of Weslayan, will be constructed in white limestone with black and gold accents. Davis and his daughter, Natalie Davis, the company’s creative director, said they found inspiration from new homes in Houston’s affluent neighborhoods, many of which showcase white exteriors with contrasting black trim. “I’m trying to do something that I think fits into the neighborhood,” Davis said. Davis has developed or restored more than a dozen buildings, often designed around a central theme. The Renoir project featured a French garden and 16-foot caryatids, carvings of female figures meant to be used as supportive pillars. Downtown’s Marlowe intended to strike a masculine chord, with portraits of Marlon Brando, Sean Connery and Paul Newman hanging in the concrete, metal and glass-clad lobby. His new building will be called The Paramount. It will have 50 units, an indoor and outdoor pool and high-end kitchens with designer appliances. Davis purchased the 17,300 square-foot site at 3723 Westheimer earlier this year. He recently built a sales center from a nearly 10,000-square-foot building on the site that once housed Krispen, a home furnishings store. Davis sought a building variance for the site, hoping to build the tower closer to the street. The reduced building line, he said, would have allowed him to keep the building to 20 stories. The city’s Planning Commission denied the variance. Units will top eight floors of parking and will range from 1,800 square feet to 6,500 square feet for a penthouse. They will start at around $1 million. Maintenance fees initially will be set at approximately $1,240 per month on an average unit. Designed by Powers Brown Architecture, the building will be crowned by an art deco-style fixture that’s lit at night. Davis said he’ll break ground after preselling at least 15 units. He hopes to start in April and anticipates a two-year construction time. He did not disclose the development cost.
  5. astrohip
    Under features... "Low Maintenance Fees (ALWAYS)". How? How "always"? All it takes is a Board vote, and the fees are what they are. Further, let's say they run into a property maintenance issue, or a desire by the residents to change something. Something that costs money. They raise the fees to cover it. "Low fees" still? Maybe someone more versed in Condo HOAs can educate me, but I can't imagine how they can say "ALWAYS". (Their caps, not mine)
  6. astrohip
    Email went out today...
  7. astrohip
    This is right down the street from the McKee City Living project, which was posted here last week.
  8. astrohip
    Don't disagree. Just hard to get a handle on living that close to someone. To be 200 feet up, and be able to wave to someone 25 feet away 🙄. I have a friend that just moved to Market Square condos (I may have the name slightly off). He's on the 40th floor, and even being downtown, he gets some pretty amazing views. BTW, I appreciate all the feedback on buildings to look at if I want an unobstructed view. We already bought a condo. I was commenting on what we discovered during our search last summer. And as a relatively new member, I really enjoy the camaraderie shown by all here.
  9. astrohip
    How close will this be to the Cosmo? I can't tell from this pic. Are they butt-cheek neighbors, or is there a small gap in-between? We sold our home last year, and decided to go condo. In looking at all the choices, we were scared away from the Galleria area by the relative closeness of the buildings. We knew if a building didn't already have a next-door neighbor, it would in the next few years. For example, we looked at the Wilshire, but knew something would be going up before long on the property due south. We looked at Astoria, same thing. It was challenging to find a mid-to-high-rise condo, in an area we liked, that wouldn't soon be smothered.
  10. astrohip
    Interesting spot to put that. That little strip of McKee north of the bayou is all industrial warehouse type stuff. Metro bus barn, warehouses, vacant land. Up on Nance and slightly west, you get to a more artsy area--Last Concert Cafe, Dakota Lofts. I worked right there (McKee & Nance) from 1970s thru 1990s. Used to eat at LCC when Mama Lopez still owned it.
  11. astrohip
    As someone who lived in the only Houston subdivision with COH regulated (and platted) active alleys for 30 years, they are the greatest invention ever. Trash goes out back, no pesky driveways when you walk the dogs, houses designed without having to put garages in front... not a single regret.
  12. astrohip
    Email in full.... ~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Future Client, We are now approaching 120 interested clients on our Preferred Wait List. The current plan in place is to have three or four private showings starting in late October, early November, when the Sales Center is scheduled for completion. Clients will be invited to these private parties in the order in which they registered to give ALL a fair opportunity to purchase one of our 50 new homes. Terms are likely to be 10% of Purchase Price paid at contract execution with another 10% due one year after construction commencement. We are still working diligently on completing the floor plans; however, a City meeting effecting the shape and the positioning of the building is still in the works. Once the final determination is made, we will complete the floor plans and turn our attention to the exterior elements. Right now, the exterior design of the structure is about 75% finished. I am MUCH MORE than pleased with our architectural concept and am confident you will have the same viewpoint. In my last update letter, I noted that the search for a name that fits our New York inspired condominium was still a mystery in progress. Happy to inform you that your new home will be called…………. The PARAMOUNT. For me, the name brings to mind superior or above all others, timeless design, great importance, and compelling value. For you, I trust it means a new home with unparalleled, uncompromising features and standards... which is always my objective. More exciting details to come, please stand by. Sincerely,Randall Davis
  13. astrohip
    Agree. Glass walls don't work everywhere. And probably don't work in anything less than a taller mid-rise. I like how the Westmore uses the vert/horiz accents; otherwise it would look out of place also.
  14. astrohip
    Counterpoint: When you walk into (or live in) a condo with windows, it's like being in a house, or an apartment. The focus of the room turns inward, just as it does in a house. Sure, you get some light, and you get (maybe) a view, but aesthetically, you're in a house. With walls, and a few windows. And a furniture layout that says house. Live in a condo with glass walls, and you're in a CONDO. The focus moves out. Your eyes are drawn to the view. No matter where you are in the room, you can't but help see the view, see the vista, see the horizon. Sure, decorating is a tad more challenging, but not a big deal. I do think it helps to have some sqftage. I've visited smaller glass wall condos, and it does restrict your design options. By putting some vertical & horizontal elements in the Westmore, and not a solid glass curtain, perhaps they've addressed your desire for some finish variety. I like the look. FWIW: I've lived in both. Much prefer glass walls.
  15. astrohip
    Thanks for the update. On a totally unrelated note, I think the Amegy Bank building in your pics is one of the best looking buildings in that area. They did a nice job.
  16. astrohip
    Random thoughts in no order: I like the glass walls. I still see too many high-end condo bldgs being built with windows, as versus glass. I think the glass makes for a *much* nicer look, both from the exterior, and for the resident. Not a bad location, but at that height (6-7 stories?), in that area, not directly on Kirby, I would expect just so-so views, to be blocked as time goes on, and more development surrounds it. Echoing @db650 , Bosch is barely an upgrade on appliances, and no-name cabinets? Surprising! All small to mid-size units, no larger ones (3 bed+). Probably makes sense in that building. From the brochure, I'm getting the impression there won't be any concierge service, or 24/7 doorman. Pool? Any idea what the HOA/condo dues will be? Pricing is mid $650K a sqft. On the high end, for a building that is only upper-middle. If it was me, I'd go The River Oaks, where $700/sqft gets you much more building--pool, concierge, valet parking, etc. Plus better high-rise views. The offset is the monthly nut is probably twice as much, if not more. OTOH, there are no smaller units left at TRO, only the larger ones. It is a good looking building. I like it much more than say, The Revere. my .02
  17. astrohip
    I dl'ed all the floor plans, didn't see anything bigger than 2/2.5. No three bedrooms at all. Plus, with the less expensive build-out, clearly going after a different demo than The River Oaks or Giorgetti. I didn't see prices. What are the sqft prices for this project? How does that compare to TRO or Revere? I would guess the market for a less expensive but nice condo is bigger than the market for the ultra-lux condos. But that's a WAG, not backed by specific knowledge.
  18. astrohip
    Dang, that's gonna block my view of NRG Stadium. ☹️ OTOH, I'll have some great construction pics to post. 🙄
  19. astrohip
    Yes, appreciate the thoughtful reply. I was in construction, development and supply for 40 years, mostly single-family residential. Though retired for several years, once it's in your blood, it's hard to stay away. Hence my daily visit to this site. 😁
  20. astrohip
    I'm somewhat new to this site, so excuse the newbie question: Is there something in this thread, or the links, that tells us WHAT is being built/proposed? I only see where the location is being talked about, not what is being proposed. Thanks. FWIW, I'll be able to photograph this one from our condo balcony. A stone's throw away.
  21. astrohip
    I think the fact the River Oaks Condos are 90% sold already confirmed there is a market for high-end lock & leave in the RO area. The amenities at the River Oaks also show there are buyers (albeit a relatively small group) willing to pay for an ultra-lux level of service.
  22. astrohip
    It appears you're handling the marketing for this project. At least here on HAIF. 🙄
  23. astrohip
    Joke developers? It's Frank Liu, one of the largest and most successful inner-city developers in Houston. And he's committed to redeveloping whenever possible, as versus tearing down. In a city devoted to demolish & build new, one has to admire this philosophy. I vote we wait and see how this develops (pun intended), rather than jump to drama and histrionics.
  24. astrohip
    I'm going to reserve judgment until it's complete. What are the approx selling prices per square foot? One thing that kinda bugs me is the neighbors. I'm not sure I want to spend millions and have 1970s era townhouses breathing down my neck. Having said that, I haven't driven by in a few weeks, I need to take a fresh look and see how it's all coming together, including the neighborhood ambiance.
  25. astrohip
    I'll be able to watch this go up. I'm one block directly north, looking south. About 120 feet in the air.
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