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.

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.

1 hour ago, richfish said:

RD sent out a new email about the project, basically that they're still working the design, but it will be named The Paramount. 

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

4 minutes ago, db650 said:

 

I was not not a big fan of the exterior design of the Revere, but it’s grown on me. A glass wall building wouldn’t be a good fit for the neighborhood, despite the San Felipe tower around the corner.

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.

7 minutes ago, kbates2 said:

Disagree on the glass walls.  I think normal windows make for a more flexible home and I like some various finishes besides all buildings being curtain walls.

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.

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.

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

11 hours ago, db650 said:

These are still expensive (and more expensive than comparable townhomes in the neighborhood) but less expensive that recent projects in the area. The units are also smaller (most if not all appear to be 2 bedrooms) and have lower-end buildouts (e.g., Bosch versus the more typical Wolf or Gaggenau appliances). So this is a plus as it's a different demographic than buildings such as the Giorgetti and Revere which are very nearby.  Even if land is very expensive, why are less expensive units with lower-end finishes not viable in the neighborhood or is the condo buyer in this part of town only in the luxury market?

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.

21 hours ago, Geoff8201 said:

A couple things I heard through the grapevine...

 

Parcel 1 at the corner of Buffalo and Alabama will be a 37 story luxury residential building for rent.

Dang, that's gonna block my view of NRG Stadium. ☹️

OTOH, I'll have some great construction pics to post. 🙄

22 hours ago, Luminare said:

<snip> Hope that helps.

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. 😁

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.

17 hours ago, hindesky said:

 

“It’s truly a milestone event for Pelican Builders and confirms that there is a market for people looking for a lock-and-leave luxury lifestyle in a River Oaks location,” said Pelican Builders President Derek Darnell, in a statement.

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.

20 hours ago, gclass said:

 

^^^ there were those that often stated the EXACT SAME SENTIMENT regarding the ^^^ above hotel masterpiece as your particular "quote".  however, this particular HOUSTON property is now garnering 5***** very prestigious stars in basically every hospitality category.  trust me, if you DENOUNCE THE NAYSAYERS and actually take the initiative to build/construct within our fair CITY OF HOUSTON... you will very often end up a WINNER! 

It appears you're handling the marketing for this project. At least here on HAIF. 🙄

16 hours ago, gclass said:

^^^ once this ultra luxurious project is completed, it shall probably reign as HOUSTON'S most ^^^ "POSH" edifice.  even the most minute details here are... simply incredible!

 

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.

I'll be able to watch this go up. I'm one block directly north, looking south. About 120 feet in the air.

I heard they have crossed the 90% sold barrier. Only seven units left.

I feel sorry for the people living in that immediate area. The traffic has gotta be killing them. I drive along that stretch of SF all the time, and it's a son of a biscuit trying to get onto San Felipe from the side streets.

And it's only going to get worse.