Avabamse

Added bonus of security helicopter flybys for Super Bowl LI. This guy tilted his prop when he flew between the Mickey Leeland building the adjacent one to its south.

Updated photo of the mound / entrance to Midtown. View looking north.

Does this leave HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) at the original campus on 249?

I know what you mean regarding equipment staging or storage. There's definite site development working occurring here.

That dirt mound in the middle is all fresh dirt brought to the site & piled about 12-15 high. The tractors are turning soil all the way to the north side of the property where the entrance ramp at I-45 from St. Joseph Pkwy. It's a misleadingly large parcel.

(Random aside ... looks like Lorenzo's is coming to either where The Republic or Mr Peeples were located. Signs announcing "Now Hiring" at both locations. Too bad Black Finn couldn't come back.)

Construction started on this little wedge of Houston terra firma right after the new year. The location is adjacent to the Houston Technology Center & the old Boy Scout office (most recently Mr Peeples).

Location is between Pierce / St. Joseph Pkwy (or 45 Pierce Elevated) & Heiner / Brazos. https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7527004,-95.3748876,132m/data=!3m1!1e3

There also appears to be a bit of site work occurring on the even smaller triangular piece across Heiner from this & directly north of the old Boy Scout office. That 2nd piece of land nearly shares the parking lot of that Boy Scout office.

Anybody with information regarding the new mixed use development east of Gleannloch Farms (between Champion Forest & Stuebner Airline on northside of Spring-Cypress).  I believe this land is part of what was once proposed as a landfill site in the late-90s, adjacent to Valka Rd & across from FINS.

Google search has only turned up title references & recent ownership changes.

In driving past, the sign reference Betz Development, but nothing on their site.  Nothing on Commgate either.  Unfortunately, the sign on site is too small to be readable if driving.  Yet, there appears to be plating that references mixed use.

Hopefully there is some insights on here ... especially if relates to improved retail & restaurants.  For example, we really don't need a FOURTH car wash between 249 & Steubner on Spring-Cypress.  

TIA

Here's the latest information that I have - credible source:

• Property is owned by single individual now as he bought out his other investors.
  
• Property is paid off by current individual owner.
  
• Local known developer with a significant adjacent development has been negotiating a joint venture with the remaining property owner.
  
• Hang-up regarding JV relates to viewpoint towards recoverability of existing construction.
  
• Current owner believes that current construction can be recovered and built upon.
  
• Local developer for JV believes tilt-walls have sunk and the lot will need to be scraped. Fresh start necessary - redesign & construction.
  
• Additionally, local developer believes current layout will not be successful, but essentially a glorified strip center, unless anchor store is secured. High-density, upper-end residential may be necessary component as well.
  
• No projection in getting differing viewpoints resolved, but local developer is hopeful that a JV will be reached in time.
  
• Key for future commercial development: replacing stop signs with stop lights on Champion Forest between Louetta & Spring-Cypress. Otherwise, developmentally-speaking, intersection is a bit of a dead zone for the time-being. Lots of East-West drive-by traffic, reduced North-South. Look at Jones Rd near Cypresswood for positive reference point.
  

Let's hope for traction on redevelopment because this is hurting all commercial corners of this intersection.

Last note - I've heard that Kroger's may eventually expand physical size of store through use (inclusion for build-out) of open adjacent lot to the east of current store.

East side of 249 will be 6 lanes with a death lane in the middle. In front of Windwood Presbyterian, the soon-to-be new high school, and beyond. I'm just wondering if they're going to attempt to have it completed before the new high school is built.

Slash -

Where did you get the info on Spring-Cypress going to 6 lanes east of 249? I'm curious because I really doubt this to be the case.

This section of Spring Cypress was just widened from 2 lanes to 5 lanes (including the "death lane") about 4 or 5 years ago, if not more recently. I suppose that the section in front of the new high school could be widened to accomodate the new traffic to / from the HS, but it would most likely be from 249 to Old Louetta at most. The developers of Gleannloch Farms spent quite a bit of their own money to aid the precinct's road widening planning process because the ROW is narrow east of the train tracks due to the one neighborhood to the south and the large grove of pine trees to the north. (For those who have not driven this section of road, these 50' pines were planted several decades back to line the property's south boundary and are of high value to the community.)

I really hate to say it again but that is what you get living close to the tracks. I don't like it either but this is the neighborhood we chose to live in. People complaing about the train, andf the airport which were here long before any of these neighborhoods were even thought of is just crazy. You all knew they were there.

You are all going to be real unhappy when the Grand Parkway goes through, and the potential toll road that goes ontop of those trcks and intersects with the parkway right at the back of Gleannloch. Those things were not planned when I moved in so I can complain, but to complain about something that was there years before me and that I knew was there is useless.

What I have learned in fight the GP is that no matter what you do, or how many people are against it the gov't and its investors are going to do what they want regardless.

I'm assuming that you live in GLF. If so, then you must have missed the information about the Grand Parkway as it has been planned in these parts since, oh, the 1980s, or earlier I believe. More precisely, when my wife and I moved here in summer 1999 as well as when we signed our earnest money contract in December 1998, we were completely aware of the Grand Parkway development plans. Humorously, I remember speaking with one of the developers (Cannon) about the timeframe on the Grand Parkway at an HOA meeting in April 2000 and he said that the expectation is that we will be driving on it in 7-8 years - not that he was counting on this happening.

If anything the developers ensured that the Grand Parkway was to run along the far northside of the property as the original designation was that the Grand Parkway would cross through GLF right down Northpointe Blvd. Wow! Wouldn't that have been something!

My point is that any long term capital project is planned decades in advance. For example, the beltway / Sam Houston tollway was originally conceived in the 1960s. I know that MaxConcrete can better attest to the accuracy of this.

Anywhere you intend to live, you have to be completely mindful of the range of possibilties for potential future development near you. If you buy a homesite with a beautiful wooded lot behind (but is owned by you or not part of your neighborhood), you have to be prepared that the owner of that lot will sell it or develop something on that lot that will adversely affect your home.

These are all things that I considered when I was choosing my home location because no place is perfect, including my own, unless you have unlimited funds to spend.

I've never understood people who move into a home next to the airport or a rail line and complain about the noise. It's like moving next to a pig farm and complaining about the smell. Or buying a small car and complaining there isn't enough room in the trunk. No one did this to you.

Editor - Thanks for summing it up here. This is same old argument and one that can be made throughout town. I remember growing up in Spring Branch east of Hammerly and Gessner, and on occasion late at night, I could hear the train that ran parallel to I-10 and Old Katy. I would guess that I lived more than 3 miles away with plenty of natural sound barriers (homes, trees, etc) between my home and the train, but sometimes the noise just carries for whatever reason.

*~*~*~*

In any case, I live in Gleannloch Farms and have been here for over 8 years. My street runs as a cul-de-sac in to the traintracks and I rarely hear it. My guess is that I am less than 1 mile, perhaps 1/2 mile away. As one of the early residents and someone who visited the community when the first buckets of dirt were being turned over, I have always found it mind boggling that people who move anywhere near railroad tracks (you couldn't miss them when driving to the neighborhood) or near an airport are surprised about NOISE.

It was almost comically during the first few homeowners' association meetings when people would ask the DEVELOPER to do something about the train or the airport. Um, yup - those were here first... so no dice there. Random people would figuratively cry about how their salesman promised they couldn't hear the noise, particularly at night. Well guess what? The salemen DON'T live in the homes at night. Ha!

In reality, the noise abatement has improved because the train company (can't remember which one) stopped idling their trains on the track section between Spring-Cypress and Boudreaux. Also, they were able to get approval to stop sounding their horn at Old Lacey Road since the road had been closed.

So, I say to those who don't like the trains or planes - FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT. It will give you something entertaining to do. Just remember that those on the other side of the debate will do the same. I personally know of flight school owners at Hooks that live in the neighborhood and they aren't interested in having their rights as a business impinged. And if you can get the trains to do something that you want, well, you might as well run for president because you just got an Act of God to occur.

Oh, and for those that want to move, there will inevitably be some other misery that you will have to deal with (noise, natural disaster, cost of living, lack of shopping, crazy neighbors - something else). That's what makes life interesting.

Since I'm the person who posted this thread originally, I will say that I have not heard anything new as I have not spoken to my contact to this information. While I am not familiar with the Hanover 55-story tower, this could be the same deal.

The person who told me about this 66-story tower is in charge of the Galleria Area Chamber of Commerce and he was specific with his information. Also, he was not trying to overly sell the area as his statement was rather matter-of-fact (in the context of BLVD Place). Unfortunately, when I was told this info, it was not an opportunity to dig deeper with questions and I have not had the opportunity to talk with him since.

So let the killing, speculating or ignoring begin.

I've lived in that area for 13 years now. They had no choice but cut down the trees. The North side of the intersection was like a lake when it rained. Also, it was mainly pastures with a row of trees at the fence line. I would have like to see a little more planning go into the New Quest property to the South. The parking lots do not even line up - it seems like a bunch of smaller developments stuck together. BUT, the New Quest property doesn't bother me as much as the crap across the street. What's up with that place? It's been sitting there for over a year and nothing has been done. Originally it was supposed to have a Jump Party Houston. I emailed that company but they haven't responded. Something needs to be done with that place. Overall there has been too many small strip centers built along 2920 with more going up every week. There must be a be tax advantage to un-leased retail property as most are not 50% occupied. The Windrose center is completly empty. They destroyed our soccer fields for nothing.

Sorry for my long rant, but I've been waiting for this subject to come up. There was also originally a Home Depot planned for land behind Wal-Mart, but that seems to have been scraped a while ago.

Rackne - in regards to your question on the stopped development, I addressed what I know of it in this thread (look at post #8). I don't have a more recent update other than the developer was going through bankruptcy proceedings, which can be very complicated and time consuming. Since they are sitting on a marketable asset, it was my understanding that they would be able to raise the necessary funds to restart their projects.

But, alas, who knows!

They already built 5+ houses there.

The houses are to the west of where they are cutting some trees in the Memorial Lakes subdivision (this maybe the wrong name) at Spring-Cypress and Huffsmith-Kohrville.

The James family owned / owns property near the gully on both the northside (tree cutting side) and the southside of Spring-Cypress. The southside has Mr. James' vet clinic and is the side that I think will have the HS.

I just find it interesting that the tree cutting looks selective since there is no bulldozing yet. Also, I don't see the cows that usually roam this property although their hay is out there in an adjoining pasture.

My 2 cents.

HD - just to understand if this development has any connection / relation to the post that I had about a possible 66-story tower in the Uptown area. I was told by the new chamber of commerce director about this, which I would assume would be a highly credible source.

Yet, I have not seen any additional info on this board or elsewhere. You obviously are in the know / inside - any comments or thoughts?

Thanks!

Isn't that where the new KISD high school is going?

I believe from what I read in the paper that the new HS is slated for the south side of Spring-Cypress.

This would be the land wedge between Windwood Presbyterian Church to the west and the strip center to the east. You would have look on Google Maps to see how far south this drops. Actually, I believe that you can tell on the map site that the property south of Spring-Cypress and the north property, which did have common ownership, was originally a squarish shape. Look for the outline of the trees and easements. Kinda interesting.

Nonetheless, I too am wondering why they are doing small scale, selective tree cutting.

Anyone?

Man, would you make for a good fiction writer.

I agree with Jeebus.

Can you be more specific about where you drove on Gessner?

I would imagine certain neighborhoods / sections would not share your viewpoint. For example, the section between Hammerly and Clay, which is right in the center of North Gessner in Spring Branch has seen quite a bit of value maintained over the years as well as new value appreciation from recent developments (commercial, residential). Likewise, if you take Hammerly east past Gessner, you will find many homes that have good valuations. These neighborhoods collectively reference themselves as Spring Shadows, but they are in the Spring Branch area.

Lastly, with MetroNational's multi-billion dollar project looming on the southside of the freeway from Gessner and newer high-end commercial and residential development drifting west from the Memorial Villages on the northside of the freeway, there is great upside in the area. As I understand, MetroNational has been cobbling large land tracts in this area for years at below market values so that it can make the proper massive redevelopment once the Katy Freeway expansion is completed. Think of all of the people who work in Downtown, the Galleria, Westchase, Greenway Plaza, the Energy Corridor, but they live 20-25+ miles further west in Katy. Memorial is too expensive, but just to the north of there is a great school district (of which Memorial and Stratford are a part) with lots of land to be redeveloped as well as still existing quality neighborhoods... and, hey, best of all, you just shaved 30-45 minutes off of your commute each way!

How does the Rolling Stones song go? "Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiime ... is on my side. Yes, it is."

But go ahead and perpetuate the myth as it makes the land cheaper for those of us buyers out there. Thanks!

What's going to happen to the property now that the developer has went bankrupt?

I have no idea. There are too many contingencies here. Yet, being that this was discussed openly at the HOA, the impression that was given is that some relief to the community through clean-up of the site is on its way. Additionally, the refinancing possibly could occur sooner than later too, but this is my speculation.

I would be encouraged by the value of this lot so another developer may want it. I hope that Camco does not hold up whatever improvement is coming next.

~*~*~*~*~

By the way, on a separate note, Gleannloch Farms Golf Club is now Gleannloch Pines. The original developers of Tour 18, who now own Augusta Pines, purchased Gleannloch and they are on a 12-18 month major renovation. This will include considerable play improvements to the course, aethestic enhancements, and a new ballroom at the clubhouse (amongst other enhancements to this facility). Stay tuned here for more.

Is Satya the developer on that project?

No, it's Camco Development.

My friend who owns My Le is getting hosed because he completed build-out on his new restaurant at south of 2920 and Kuykendahl, but he can't open because Camco is not finished with the building. Totally sucks!

By the way, My Le is absolutely the best Vietnamese in the Great Northwest. I encourage everyone to support Sam's current restaurant at Spring-Cypress & 249 as that shopping center is under redevelopment (discussed in this other thread).

I look forward to this thread becoming ground zero for all kinds of battles. I also expect insults, accusations and flat out chaos.

As for the rumored tower itself... well.

Since I personally have not seen a post from AftonAg in a while, I am whimsically hoping that Afton Oaks will start a protest movement for visual pollution of all large edifices other than their egos.

Poke, poke on the lion in the cage. Ha!

Duplicate entry from #1 above due to new thread cut-over.

that's what I was thinking. Did anyone else attend?

Just to be clear - the 66 story tower was brought up during a private conversation and not as part of the economic forum.

I did not start a new topic on this because I wanted to see if any of the true insiders had feedback on it (and whether it was tied to the BLVD Place project). Yet, I will kick one off and hope it does not go careening out of control based on a small statement.

The tower convo wedged between discussion of the 2 story Whole Foods at BLVD and Randall Davis... all a bit of a blur. HA!

At the HOA last night, we were told that the developer is in bankruptcy presently. Thus, the HOA is hoping at best to receive some relief from the courts by cleaning up the mess of a job site and extending the sidewalk along Champion Forest to the north.

Additionally, the developer is attempting to close on financing for its restructuring. This baby is fustercluck for the community because everyone's hands are tied with the court's / trustee's involvement deciding everything.

Tops in what? In general?

Tell us more. What other significant things were said? Heck, I'll take the less significant too.

My apologies for being less than clear here...

Kotkin was saying that we are the best American City in a general / broad sense, but also he wove this directly in to the sense of entrepreneurialism. Additionally, he linked back to Mayor White's (opening speaker before his budget meeting) comments on the city being a place of opportunity. The World Class city comment was the much more significant point. He noted that Chicago, Dallas and other comparable cities have fundamental problems (partly relative to their lack of inclusiveness) that will hinder them in relation to Houston. He expects explosive growth out of Houston, which validates much of the H-GAC projection. (And you cannot question his knowledge of Houston as his comment about how you can find the best Indian food in the southwest part of town / Fort Bend Co rather than typically in the urban core like most American cities. )

Otherwise, let me try to get back to you on more details when I have a bit more time. Since I did not take notes and he flew through probably 35-50 powerpoint slides (charts, commentaries, etc) in about 30 minutes, I am hopeful that the video will be online soon for everyone to see and make their own impression.

Actually, I am really hoping that Tory from Houston Strategies was there and will blog on this.

My guess will be that the Houston Chronicle will be wise enough to write something about this morning's forum. Oh wait, the HBJ is the originator of the event so you will have to wait until the HBJ article next week.

One other note ~ there is the Houston Energy Forum tomorrow morning, which will have more great info (KBR CEO is keynote). Additionally, the Best CFO of the Year is Friday morning (Fastow is still banned from being nominated ).

Post copied over from BLVD Place thread.

Please kill this thread if someone truly in the know says that this tower is untrue. Yet, be mindful that my source is highly credible.

I just don't want another crazy topic full of random speculation, hyperbole, depression, hope, disappointment, resent, resignation, anger and surprise (with a dash of joy sprinkled in). This is what I like to refer to as the 9 steps of HAIF-life.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok, ok. I'm going to ask for patience on this post here because I just have a nugget of information, yet I am uncertain where to place it.

I attended the Houston Economic Development Forum this morning and spoke with a very trust-worthy area development executive about Uptown and BLVD Place. In the context of this conversation discussing BLVD Place, I was told that there is a 66 story tower being planned / developed in the Uptown submarket.

Now I am uncertain if this is part of BLVD Place or an adjacent property as we started to discuss Randall Davis' impact in the Uptown area at about the time that I was told about the tower. (I do not think this is a Randall Davis property necessarily and I have also looked at the BLVD Place renderings as well so unsure there too.) I have scrolled through this subtopic looking for comparable comments on this tower because I haven't been watching all of the minutae in this discussion. Yet, I did not notice anyone else mentioning this tower. Additionally, you can't search in the forum for '66 story' tower so I am uncertain if this has been covered elsewhere.

So, I am asking for patience on this kernel of valid info because it is such little to state here and I am uncertain of more details. Oh, last bit of related details... apparently the Uptown / Galleria commercial market is really, really tight (5% vacancy) so perhaps this tower will be a needed answer just like how downtown is getting a couple of towers.

~*~*~*~*~*~

In regards to the Houston Economic Development Forum, Joel Kotkin was the keynote speaker and his presentation was a fascinating look at Houston and the rest of the country. For those Houston nay-sayers out there, Kotkin believes that (1) Houston is the next to develop as a World-Class city in the US [NY & LA already are considered so by his standards] and (2) he was asked by American Enterprise which city is tops in the US with his answer being Houston. Finally, for those suburb / exburb apologists who dislike the City of Houston itself - Kotkin says that the outlying regions of the metro are important to Houston's success, but the absolute true key to this is to have a strong core city for growth (economic ~ residential & commericial // social ~ upward mobility & entrepreneurship).

These presentations will be posted on the GHP website. Look for more info in the HBJ and Celebrate Enterprise websites.

I'm fine with combining the threads - I just didn't see it the first time. Sorry.

It's cool ... stuff happens.