Subdude

So cool.  Thanks for posting those!

5 hours ago, BigFootsSocks said:

Usually followed by, "but it's the cheapest option" which is unfortunate. 

Yeah, I'm sure that in this case no one will ever question that this was the cheapest option.

On 10/28/2016 at 1:28 PM, Montrose1100 said:

I mean it's really nice, but the black stone, green couch, and wood remind me of Champions Forest in the 90's.

 

edit: and to call it the finest in the state is a bit of a stretch...

That's hilarious, but I totally see the point.  It does have that 1980s vibe going. 

The block between Toyota Center and 59 is slated for an eventual expansion of the GRB.

To my eyes Alfa has consistently had nicer designs than any other manufacturer.  Too bad they never quite got the quality thing down.

It is just so bad on so many levels.  I sometimes wonder how a horrible design like this even makes it through the approval process without someone putting up their hand and saying "But it's really ugly!"  

I was dubious about the convention center redevelopment at first, but I have to say it came out looking a lot better than anticipated.  

I often wonder the same thing.  There always seems to be demand for million dollar plus housing.  I suppose the really wealthy are clustered in large cities. 

I do think it is a good city in which to retire.  The climate is generally good, the cost of living is low, medical care is world-class, and there is a lot to do.  Whether it beats out Florida or Arizona is a matter of preference, but I sure wouldn't like either one of those.

I'm usually OK with Windows 10, but two minor gripes:  it updates frequently so constant rebooting is necessary, and the little notification feature goes off frequently enough to get really annoying.

Here is a link to a SkyscraperPage topic on the Houston Tower.  Scroll down for a sketch.  

Houston Tower

I think a thorough renovation could work for Jones Hall, just like how NYC is going to gut and refurbish Avery Fisher/Geffen Hall (NY Philharmonic).  I would love to see a splashy new building, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards.  The Houston Symphony certainly deserves to have a world-class hall, but Jones Hall doesn't seem to be that fundamentally flawed.

Unfortunately Houston doesn't seem to have a very good track record when it comes to performing arts venues.  The Wortham and Hobby Centers are both pretty sad imo, the former in particular showing the effects of scrimping on the budget when it was built in the 1980s. 

Power to Choose is the best source for basic information.  The problem is that some of the plans are very complex and advertised prices rely on very specific usage levels.  There are services out there that will find the optimal plan for you based on your own usage, and even terminate the contract when better deals are available.  One that has been recommended to me by colleagues who use it is energyogre.  

Well Houston has been working on that a while.  

I'm kind of torn on the Series.  I have friends in both Cleveland and Chicago, but I'm kind of leaning towards Cleveland myself.  

6 hours ago, SirJac said:

My bad corbs, you used the word eerie. And compared to what Hillary was doing back then, the article just accentuates how much more involved and transparent Trump has been in business affairs

 

It all kind of makes you sit back and wonder about how much Trump really knows.

Please keep the politics in the Politics subforum. 

Note dupe topics merged.

It's not really clear to me what the modifications entail.  Will they be ripping out the seating?  It did say they want to retain the outer concourse.

G.T. Leach Construction located at 1210 W Clay St # 11, Houston, TX 77019.

https://gtleach.com/

GT LEACH is a dynamic and well respected business since 1998. Led by Gary T. Leach, GT Leach Constructors has become a recognized leader by building projects that are consistently completed on time and on budget. Much of our growth can be attributed to repeat and referral business from satisfied clients.

I can see both sides of the argument for using the bland 1960s facade or not.  As with 806 Main the original facade is probably in very bad shape.  So what would be interesting would be to remove some sections of the current facade to show the original.  Make it look like strips of the new facade have been peeled off, like peeling the top layer of wallpaper.  It would make an interesting effect.

So with 800 Bell and the Shell buildings vacated, this will leave a lot of vacant office space downtown.  It could take years to absorb. 

I have a copy somewhere.  It has a series of walking tours.  I'll see if I can dig it out. 

This is a perfect example of  how eye-opening a well-done restoration can be, especially of overlooked MCM structures.  *cough* *cough* I'm looking at you, 800 Bell.

Perhaps I lack full understanding of these things, but this design, from the beige color scheme to the annoyingly alternating offset windows, just doesn't scream "luxury" to me.  I suppose it's what's inside that counts.

Wasn't this idea first mooted about a decade ago, back before the financial crisis?

On 5/6/2016 at 10:32 PM, lockmat said:

 

I like the new plan better. I hope they still plan on making changes to three allen center, too.

Third rendering down - to the left of the bluish-gray Doubletree Hotel - is that the mythical 5 Allen Center we see?