talltexan83

I was surprised that its been so long since there have been any updates posted on the Asia House. I happened to drive by yesterday and was amazed by the progress. I've heard of a spring 2012 opening, but much of the structure is already complete. If anyone in the area can upload a few current photos (I did not have a camera on me), I think HAIFers would be excited to see an update.

This building will become an architectural landmark in the city. And in a great location that continues to get better.

Now if only we could build a few new restaurants in the museum district.....

I walked out of the Cru Wine bar last night around 11:30 (across the street from the new WF) and noticed at least a dozen workers busy inside. Still no official word on the opening date, but its comforting to know they are putting it long hours to finish it up.

I am looking forward to this development and the adjacent garage as some good infill for Midtown, but doesn't the old Scout building retro-fit look a little strange? Maybe even tacky? Judging by the renderings, the old and new components of this building don't mesh.

Maybe some architecture buffs out there can help explain otherwise, but I just don't get it.

I walked around the new Whole Foods this weekend. It is getting close. They are putting in pavers for the sidewalk and front deck. I'm guessing landscaping will start this week as well.

Has there been any official word on a grand opening date? The end of April still seems realistic.

It would have been nice to unveil it during the Houston Marathon weekend. oh well. It will be a great addition for the runners/bikers/dog walkers in the area.

This will be a great fit for the area. We are really starting to see a critical mass of residential, retail and commercial buildings that will make this part of Midtown truly sustainable. And while many of us still dream of a pedestrian/mass-transit oriented infrastructure (jncluding myself), a public parking garage is a lot more practical. I consider it a welcome compromise.

When can we start the official CVS boycott? We need a "do over" on that block!

I had a chance to walk by the Whole Foods project this morning and it appears the loading dock will placed on the corner of Waugh and W. Dallas. The bays will be facing Waugh. I am sure they will find a way to pretty it up a bit, but I find this to be a real missed opportunity to interact with the existing street grid. Between the Walgreens, a Jack in the Box and a loading dock, this corner is showing real potential.

But I will try to remain optimistic, because frankly, a new Whole Foods on that corner is a real upgrade from an empty lot.

I just moved close to this proposed development and am selfishly posting in hopes of stirring up some more information on Regent Square.

The chic Regent Square office on Dunlavy has been empty (no cars, not sure if it is even open) every time I've driven by, but the construction office around the corner has been busy, although I'm not sure if it is related to the development.

Crossing my fingers. I really think this development can set the standard for inner loop mixed-use.

Did any HAIF'ers get to attend the grand opening party?

I'm living out of state now, and I trust they did a great job on the renovations..........I'm most curious about what impact the brewery will have on the surrounding blocks. I really hope it spurs some additional investments in the area.

Did any HAIF'ers get to attend the grand opening party?

I'm living out of state now, and I trust they did a great job on the renovations..........I'm most curious about what impact the brewery will have on the surrounding blocks. I really hope it spurs some additional investments in the area.

From a construction management perspective, is today's demolition a really good sign of this project taking off?.............or are we just as likely to see a vacant lot for a few more years?

Latest news from the City of Houston; plans returned to the applicant without approval on 6/3/2008:

Plan Check Inquiry Details Project Number: 07042588Address: 1717 BISSONNET STDescription: SITEWORK AND FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE 23 STORY HIGH RISE APARTMENTSApplicant Name: MINER-DEDERICK CONSTRUCTIONSubmittal(s): .These plans were originally submitted on: 07/30/2007

.To date, the plans have been submitted four times

.The last submittal was: 05/21/2008

Approval Date: These plans have NOT been approved for permittingPlan Location: Plans were returned to applicant on 06/03/2008Today is : 6/10/2008 11:33:22 AM Central TimeDEPARTMENT REVIEW SUMMARY Added Department/Section Review Status Review Date 07/30/2007 PLANNING

140 - PLANNING Passed department/section review 07/30/2007 08/01/2007 PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING

220 - WATER/SEWER Passed department/section review 10/26/2007 08/01/2007 PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING

120 - TRAFFIC Did not pass dept/section review 06/03/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT

360 - STORM DRAIN Passed department/section review 03/26/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT

330 - STRUCTURAL P Did not pass dept/section review 06/02/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT

310 - ELECTRICAL Passed department/section review 03/26/2008 08/01/2007 CODE ENFORCEMENT

320 - PLUMBING Passed department/section review 03/26/2008

Buckhead is clearly winning the web design battle. They have come along way in the last few months. I hope it has cost them a fortune

These "residential highrise" comparisons don't really help their argument. All of these properties are bordered by wide 4+ lane streets (Montrose, Kirby, Westheimer, etc.) and bordered more by parks, schools and churches than single family homes. If anything, this comparison proves that their really is no precedent in Houston for putting a 23-story structure in the middle of a residential area.

I rode by this project on the train this morning and noticed a lot of activity. No foundation yet, but a couple of giant holes in the ground. Maybe 20 feet deep?

Anyways, signs of progress like this are always a good way to start my commute.

I drove by this project yesterday and it is coming along quickly. It even appears that they will using brick for the entire facade............a welcome change from the usual stucco or plank siding.

Oddly enough, I think the biggest impact of the Fairmont development is the looming chaos of the adjoining dog park. The dog park was packed yesterday and it is going to be crazy when residents of the development move in.

Ok so the NIMBYs have their support group with website and all. What about the people who SUPPORT the building of this structure?

Please take the time to read through this thread before dropping another one line response. It offers nothing productive to the discussion.

As for the Ashby High rise, it is clear that most of us have have our opinions on the ideal outcome. Many of us (myself included), have strong opinions. But I think the recent developments are encouraging for all parties involved. We could reach a compromise between Buckhead and the nieghborhood........all while serving as a catalyst for the city to overhaul its approach to neighborhood developments.

I found this on the "Stop Ashby High Rise" website. It looks like the two sides are working towards a compromise without the city's help.

Kevin Kirton and Matthew Morgan requested a meeting with representatives of the Stop Ashby High Rise Task Force to discuss alternatives to the construction of the 23-story commercial/residential building at 1717 Ashby that they originally proposed. The meeting was held on Tuesday, February 5 at Buckhead Investments

I was eating outside at Berryhill's a few nights ago (~ Westheimer @ Revere) and noticed a very active crane at the West Ave. site. There were still going strong when I left around 9 pm. It's good to see this project moving along quickly.

It might be more appropriate for another thread, but the development directly behind 2727 Kirby (along Revere) has also broken gorund. This entire area is going to look completely different in a few years.

Walking by this yesterday, I was really struck by the height of the office portion of this complex. 11 stories (8 of office space) will keep the retailers busy until the dinner/basketball/baseball/convention crowd arrives at night. From this perspective, it is an entirely different project than Bayou Place. I really hope it becomes a catalyst for a continued development boom in the downtown area.

I walked by again today and noticed some new postings. They are advertising the space as the "Grand Louvre" (you know......kind of like Paris), encompassing 10 individually leased booths for everything from "sunglasses, perfumes, to souvenirs."

I don't think this is the ideal kind of development to augment the Pavillions.

In lieu of greater restrictions, the 1717 Bissonnet issue represents market forces acting as we would expect. In this case, the neighborhood residents appear to have greater pull with the city government than the developers. In my experience in Houston, this successful anti-development campaign (so far.......I would say the Southampton residents are winning) is a welcome change from the norm. There are already countless examples in our city of developers building without respect to their surroundings.

Regardless of the outcome, the push back from these wealthy residents will result in a deterrent for the better. Our inner city is already in a construction boom, but most of the projects lack an urban continuity. With the recent announcement of expanded light rail construction, and this ordinance from city call, I look forward to development with a more long-term focus.

It appears that the health clinic on the corner of Dunstan and Morningside is staying put. I guess they refused to sell. That 2-story brick building is going to look pretty out of place as this project goes up.

Ok......it is not going to be an AT&T store. I am relieved.

Les Grivals would make sense in this space. It is indeed right next to the convienance store (which needs to be gone by the time the Pavillions open.....it is an eyesore).

Slightly off topic......... but I was walking around the Sakotwitz Building this morning, and noticed a lot of activity in the space directly next to the American Apparel location on Main St. I am sure it has already been mentioned somewhere, but does anyone know what this space will be? Is this where the new AT&T store is headed?

No. It is actually taking place on the Central Bank property. Perhaps they could be setting up a work site for the Central Square building. I had not even considered that.

I've seen some activity in their parking lot. It looks like they have fenced off part of the parking lot and have a bulldozer ready for some action.

Any news on this?