talltexan83

I really like it.  Hopefully worth the wait.

I noticed the esplanade along Montrose?  Do we know if that have plans to add an esplanade on this stretch of Montrose?  That would be a great addition.

Somewhat off topic, but the random clusters of townhomes in these pictures (great pictures, btw) makes we wonder if we'll start seeing some of the older ones being torn down in the next decade for smaller, multifamily projects.  Less emphasis on parking or garage space.  Could be a turning point for the area and begin Houston's shift away from these poorer quality townhome projects.  

On 10/25/2020 at 11:32 PM, cspwal said:

Also, I'm not sure where to put it, but it looks like there is a new trail head being built.

 

Not the most relevant comment, but seeing again that construction costs for the Bayou Greenway Park were about $2 million.........right after I read about the new 59S/610N interchange going for $250+ million.  I know these are entirely different budgets/jurisdictions, but it's wild to think what would be possible if Bayou Greenways had an extra $250 million to spend on construction.  I'd be willing to bet it would have a greater economic impact on the city than a new freeway interchange.

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-01-21-610-loop-ramp-closing-us-59-southwest-freeway-june-3-june-9-txdot/

In theory, could the Burger Joint and Aladdin work out a deal to share parking with the new development as well?  That small shared parking lot off of Montrose is always a cluster.....it would be great to see it repurposed for to-go orders only and/or some expanded patio for both restaurants.

The Hess Tower has a great space on the 1st floor that would be ideal for an all-day cafe......lots of patio space, set off the street, shade trees, etc.......I believe it is has been used exclusively for the building's office workers, but maybe something they would consider as more density comes to the area

1 hour ago, clutchcity94 said:

Can there be a McDonalds next door too?

I know you are trolling, but these jokes were tired 10 years ago.....

As Kinkaid said above, a more practical developer could of found countless profitable uses for this property.  It was essentially affordable grad apartments before for 30+ years........my bet is that Rice buys it up eventually and develops another 5 or 6 story complex for grad students, with a small market or retail along Bissonnet.  

20 minutes ago, wilcal said:

Bagby is getting a redesign that will add a new cycle and pedestrian zone, but it stops at Franklin. Maybe it could be extended by the developers? Only real access point is via George Bush Monument across the street.

A ramp bypassing Franklin would have been great though. 

This should be done by the end of 2021:

 

Thanks! I had forgotten about the Bagby redesign.......that is great news and should offer some nice continuity for those bikers along the bayou looking to access the Post HTX.

I'm still not clear how access will work to this development when using the trails along Buffalo Bayou?  It's a shame they couldn't include some stairs or a ramp that would come up under Franklin St.  Seems like it could be a nice gateway to the project.

It looks like the Rice Management Co. bought the property at 5504 Morningside last year.  Construction fence is up and renovations appear to be underway.  This building had once been slated for a Dat Dog franchise expansion, but I'm guessing the new ownership means that plan is off......anyone know what is happening here?  

If nothing else, it is encouraging that Rice is still expanding their footprint in the Rice Village. Hopefully they can tie this property into the Hopdoddy/Mendocino Farms patio next door.

Any updates on the planned roundabout here?  I think it would be a great addition and a nice gateway to Navigation

Wonderful news!  And I can see how the continuation of the Austin St. dedicated bike plan will tie in well here.  

Apologies if this has been addressed elsewhere, but do we know what the Hay Merchant/Blacksmith folks have planned for that lot?  I'm out of state now, but I seem to recall it being fenced up the last time I was in town.  And perhaps a variance request? 

Thanks.  Just hoping to see more good news along this stretch of Westheimer...

the irony of course is that their is a massive parking garage on the same block (serving the Hess tower).......it's too bad that can't integrate it into this design.  

Went to Phoenicia today for lunch........they were tearing up Austin St. in front.  I'm assuming (hoping) this would be related to the new bike path from Midtown.

Reminds me a lot of a new building on the Yale campus (I believe it is the business school)

My apologies if it is mentioned earlier, but is the new pedestrian bridge over Memorial part of this project?  Or part of the long-term plan for the bayou?  It would be great to have another connection to this park.

1 hour ago, CrockpotandGravel said:

They're not opening until early 2020.

Also it's not part of Rice Village Arcade renovation. Dat Dog is located in another building that's unrelated to the Rice Village development now under management by Edge Realty. And more reason that there needs to be a forum for the area that consists of Boulevard Oaks, Rice Village, and West U, so there can be dedicated threads for buildings, lots, and new developments in those areas.

Ok, thanks.  I just know that Dat Dog first mentioned this location back in early 2018, so I wonder how serious the early 2020 date is now.

I'm fine with everything going on in the Rice Village falling under this thread.....updates from the various projects seem to come in slow drips anyways.  But you keep doing you.....I applaud your very persistent efforts on a lot of these threads.

Has anyone heard any updates on the proposed Dat Dog build out?  On the corner lot right next to Mendocino Farms.  I recall the liquor license being approved a while back, but still no activity on the site.  I think it would be great to see that stretch of outdoor patios on Morningside continue.

So no planned interaction with the bayou or bike path? As is,  I have a hard time seeing a casual visitor to Market Square making the (short) walk to this site.........not a very pedestrian friendly environment.  

I'd be curious to see the car traffic counts on this stretch of Main St.  It would be great to see Main St. turned into a pedestrian/bike promenade from the Ion all the way to McGowan.  i don't think it would effect too many drivers.

I know the Drewery folks had pitched something like this last year......hadn't heard any updates.

For all the new mid and high rises going up in this part of the Museum District, the restaurant/bar/coffee offerings are plenty slim.  With Chelsea Market closing down, it's only gotten slimmer. Hopefully this project can be a catalyst for more dining options to complement the beautiful museums and churches and esplanades in the area.

The current road reconstruction in this area seems to be dragging along very slowly.......I feel bad for these new bars/restaurants opening up.  Sidewalks and roads are a mess right now, but hopefully it will be over before summer.  

Walked around the Glassell building this past weekend......and the greenery/vines on the sloped part of the building does not appear to be thriving. Well, it mostly looks dead.  I'm guessing they may want to re-plant for spring.  

Very exciting news.  I'd love to see them turn 1/2 this block of Times Blvd into some kind of pedestrian mall/green space.  Something like that and boutique hotel will continue to push the Rice Village in an exciting direction.

FWIW, this approach does work in Australia.  In every major city in Australia, it's not uncommon to find Coles and Woolworths within a few hundred feet of each other.