marc

Well, i have searched for over an hour now. The only thing i could find was a blurb in HoustonArchitecture which stated that the highrise appears to be taller than it really is. They still maintain that it is 25 storeys. How did you get 29?? Also, when it says they incorporated the parking structure into the design, does that mean that Pelli built on top of it or was the 9 storey structure a part of the 25 (29) storeys?? I wonder why articles are so hush-hush regarding the spires' height? That is sort of weird. A collosal oversight or something else? hmmmm.

m.

^^^ Same here. As i have said in past posts, one of the things i find somewhat unique to Houston (in its extent...i know places like Atlanta share a similar setup) is the several business centers or mini- DTs so to speak. LA is sort of like that, but it is SO spread out, that only a view from a high hill captures the urbanity of DT, Century City and the Wilshire District.

i envy our grandchildren 100 yrs from now who get to see all these business centers merge into one vast megapolis. There is a sci-fi novel i read some years ago (and have spent about 15 minutes trying to look for the title to no avail) which takes place in Houston about 1000 years from now. The cover was awesome! It showed continuous highrises from the DT area all the way past UT and MT. It was cool because they incorporated some current buildings so the viewer would know it was Houston.

Anyway, back to topic. Is there a current highrise i can compare with the future MH Tower so i can get a visual height perspective?

m.

OMG! You are desparate. Tape measures? Geometry? Sorry, man (or gal...your profile doesn't specify) i looked at several info. sites yesterday and they only give the height to the roof. I am not sure why they don't include the spires. Both Emporis and Skyscraperpage were not forthcoming on the height of the spires. Very peculiar.

Anyway, i will keep looking for you. I like a challenge, and i am a tenacious little bugger.

m.

Thanks. My mom gave it to me at birth. She said she saw me doing great things. I have to read it to myself sometimes to keep focused.

Way cool. Keep the Faith.

m.

While I agree with the Niche in the sense that it doesn't take an icon to make a place great (Houston is pretty cool as it is), I also think it would be awesome if there were something to make Houston stand out from all the other sprawly big cities. And even if there already is something (as I'm sure some of you would argue), something that would be more visible to the world would be great.

When most people from Canada think of Houston, besides the cowboy stereotypes, they don't think of much besides oil refineries, Enron, and George Bush.

I also agree with the Niche about non-conformity (ie: not another tall observation tower like Dalas, San Antonio, Toronto, Seatle, Moscow, etc), but I don't think no icon is preferable to an icon that is at the same time non-conformant.

Whoa, with all the "non" this and "non" that, i think i am getting confused as to who likes what.

Anyway, an observation tower? I agree. i don't really want that for Houston either. But i do want some sort of global icon.

m.

i definately think the Astrodome needs some revamping in terms of purpose and such. I just wouldn't want to see it torn down.

By the by, interesting name Deut2813. I looked it up. Very interesting to know your interpretation of that verse.

m.

I'm sure they wont mind curious onlookers, its perfectly natural that people are wanting to view once completed. I am sure clergy is expecting a normal than usual crowd for the first year maybe.

I did pass by on Pierce elevated and glanced at yesterday and the bell tower is coming along fine. I could see dare-devil (pardon the pun) construction dudes on the tower working away.

PS, say Hi to N. Hollywood for me,

Will do Vertigo58. If ever in LA, you wouldn't believe the changes made in that area. TWO highrise condos, about 5 blocks of new townhomes and higher end apts., a NOHO Commons with about everything you could imagine, the new Orange Line which stretches the entire Valley, and an up and coming movie theatre complex. i was considering moving from that area (until i move back here), but with all the new development, i am staying put.

m.

I-10 is going to be lined with mid-rise buildings from Memorial City until Fry Road. The next tower of considerable size is the Memorial Hermann hospital at the Grand Parkway.

Yes, i love it. I took a trip down I-10 from The Grand Parkway to the Galleria a couple of days ago. It is awesome to see them getting rid of the cheesy strip malls and such to erect the mid/highrise towers. This, of course, bodes well for that area in offering higher paying jobs, meaning, for the most part, higher income residents. (not to be a snob, but Houston has enough low income neighborhoods) If i am lucky enough to live until say, 2030, it will very interesting to see the highrises lining all freeways for about 30 miles going from DT. It reminds me of the novel, BRAZIL.

m.

Does anyone know if Memorial City is considered part of the Energy Corridor? I have seen the map of the EC, but it seems to stop short of the former Town&Country area and MC. By the by, is the former T&C going to be called City Centre??

Because of the major freeway construction, i have avoided travelling down I-10 for the past year and a half when i visit here in Houston. BUT, my curiosity got the best of me and i took a trip from The Grand Parkway and I-10 all the way to the Galleria area. I was so jazzed at the development, i almost had to change my shorts. (yeah, i am a dork like that....oh well)

Besides the new 35 storey medical/administrative tower, does anyone know if there is to be other highrises built in that area. Maybe some condos etc.? I did look up Houston development, and saw a TON of projects, but did not know in what stages they were.

m.

Maybe they should build it where the Astrodome now stands.

Get rid of the Astrodome? Bite your tongue! I know it is outdated and sort of antiquated these days, but come on!

It is a Houston landmark........... ( said softly) isn't it?

m.

^^^ Hey Governor,

You've been really jaded when it comes to outstanding development in Houston, haven't you?

Me......i keep hoping. I try hard to be optomistic about it. Maybe, just, maybe, some day, we will gain another visionary.

m. keep the faith

^^^ Beautiful. Is the background in the Cathedral or just a background to display the statues??

I cannot wait to view this Cathedral once it is completed.

Does anyone know- Will visitors be able to view the inside even if they are not attending Mass?

Larger cathedrals in NY, Chi-Town and LA (along with the plethora in Europe) allow visitors to quietly and

reverantly walk around the nave and narthex areas even though they are not worshiping.

m.

Did anybody else's heart skip a beat after seeing this?

Yep. I don't care where it is built in the US, just build it!

m.

Glad we're in agreement. I'm sorry, but the "Can-Do" spirit that was as much a Texan characteristic along with cattle, horses, cowboys, oil, and NASA has just about withered away and died. Nowadays, when someone proposes a radical idea, even controversial (Trans-Texas Corridor, Dallas Cowboys stadium, world's tallest building, a subway, and underground freeways in Houston, the Olympics, and so on), the main comments are always "why it won't work" or "what's wrong with it" or something of that vein. It's too bad because the old Texan bravado of "watch us do this no matter what you say" what made other states jealous but to me (as a native non-Texan) was the main draw of the state. I don't care about taxes and cost of living as much. I've lived in other places that were more expensive and would have been used to it. But the Texan can-do spirit and Texan pride ("Don't Mess with Texas"; "It's like a whole other country"; "Deep in the Heart of Texas"; "Everything's Bigger in Texas") is unlike any other state in the Union. There is no other state where you can see the shape of the state on almost everything you can think of--phone book ads, business logos, small-town police departments, rural county logos, restaurant signs, and so on. Whether or not the building happens, I wouldn't mind if this discussion became more about where the "We can get it done like no other because we're Texans" has gone and whether or not it can it come back. Despite its faults, Texas is the best state in the US, IMO. Not because of its size (it's #2) or its population (also #2) but because of the Texan pride that still exists at least in perception around the US. Sorry for the tangential rant!

I agree, I use this route everytime that I am going to downtown from Spring.

Not to nitpick, but I think the best skyline view is from the Gulf Freeway inbound! The western view shows downtowns tallness, but the eastern view shows its fullness.

VelvetJ, thanks!

REALLLLLLy? That is interesting. Growing up in West Houston i am most familiar with the West view toward DT. In fact, many popular pix. of Houston are of that angle. Last summer i had the painful duty of visiting my mother in a hospice during her last few weeks on this Earth. It was located just south of the MC near 288. SO, i got a view of DT from the above mentioned angle many times. Yes, it is more dense looking from that angle, but i must say, i still prefer it from the West side view. Maybe, i am just reacting to a certain past comfort zone. In years to come, if development continues on the East side of DT, then i think the view from that angle will become worth the pix.

By the by, GovernorA, i notice you do some post regarding Austin. Have you been there recently? I meant to get there during my recent trip, but it just didn't work out. How is construction these days? Is the 2010 vision shaping up?

m.

Rendering:

No not really, but wouldn't this be nice. If San Francisco doesn't choose this design for their new Transit Center and Tower development, maybe Houston could buy it.

Well, for one: i hope San Fran gets this one. It really fits in with the present skyline. Although i do like the Rogers' red and black themed scraper.

But, a couple of people who say it doesn't "fit" Houston sort of disappoint me. i feel that is what is lacking in vision for Houston.

I do understand incorporating with the existing skyline, but i am also a big believer in BOLD statements. Look at Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, Big John or more recently, Swiss Re Tower, Shanghai World Financial etc. Architects bold enough to create an iconic tower for a city are, in my book, awesome.

OK, let's make it a bit more local and not so lofty. Those of you who know Austin know this: icons that represented Austin for years were quickly brushed aside the moment Frost Bank Tower was erected.

IMHO cities BEG for iconic images. Houston could use a 21st century icon.

If nothing else, thank YOU, TRAE, for keeping us imagining.

Kudos.

m.

I am a HUGE Gehry fan. I think one either "gets" him or not. No doubt that he is unique and has borrowed a bit from Gaudi.

See "Sketches of Frank Gehry" in which he and Sydney Pollack highlight his works and vision.

My favorite architects seem to be all the popular ones, which, of course, to some of you, might make me seem amateurish.

Calatrava, Meier, Rogers, Foster and Pelli are among the top architects of this age, and i really like them all.

BUT, why i single out Gehry to be a visionary is that he takes our image of architecture and stretches it. Goes outside of the box, so to speak. (and pardon the obvious puns) Calatrava is great, but borrows from more natural elements. Sort of like the Georgia O'Keef of architecture. I love it that Gehry takes a piece of yellow legal pad paper, a piece of aluminum foil, and a piece of red cellophane- crumples it all up- throws in a couple of paper clips- lets it fall to the floor and then gets down on the floor to stare at it up close for hours- and when this process is done- he gets up and says, "This is to be a new Museum of Art in such and such city." Truly a visionary to me. He sort of reminds me of the FOUNTAINHEAD concept of not compromising.

(although, admittedly, he has in some cases when his creations were TOO radical for his clients)

And to answer some of your questions regarding his works seeming more European. I urge you to visit his Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA. It is a work of genius. (and by the by, go to the Getty Museum designed by Meier as well). As many critics have said, when viewing the Concert Hall, it is as if you are viewing sails on a ship, and the interior wood used immediately brings the viewer a sense of calm. It is really quite amazing.

I always thought (in honor of Lady Bird Johnson) Austin should comission Gehry to build a museum where his inspiration is

"The Yellow Rose of TX". Could you imagine?

Anyway, enough of my accolades. i love Frank Gehry's work, and only hope he is able to do something magnificent in TX like he has done (and is doing) in LA (Metropolis phases I and II) and in NY (Brooklyn project)

m.

I'd think that the post office site would be sufficient...but it would terribly mar our best skyline view.

And on that we agree. Completely.

The only thing i would even add to the skyline view coming from the West would be to put an ultra-modern photovoltaic glassed scraper immediately North of One Shell Plaza. Maybe something in the 40-60 storey range. But NOT a supertall there.

m.

...yes, which goes back to the need for an essentially conical design. With less wind resistance at the top, the sway can be mitigated and the building becomes much more structurally sound. But it also needs a large base, which all but precludes a downtown location.

Hey Niche,

What about some of those empty parking lots in the East part of DT? How many blocks do you think it would have to incorporate for a solid base? (That is assuming it is to be a conical design) I mean, i know, talk about standing alone, not only vertically, but then away from the denser part of DT, but it seems to me that there still is a lot of space which can be developed.

m.

Forgive me if this has been brought up before, but whatever became of the plans to build that beautiful hotel near GRB. This is the one surrounded by the bribery scandal of Houston city council members a few years ago.

I recall renderings had a big Texas Star somewhere on top of the tower. The building looked really sleek and modern and would have been a perfect blend in the cityscape. I could not find anything on Google. It is ashamed that due to the scandal it was done away with or so I thought?

Photos anyone???

Hey Veritigo. This may be a moot point but is this the skyscraper you were talking about?

i went to Google and under Images i typed (Ben Reyes Houston skyscraper). It is on the first page and looks like, maybe what you are talking about. I couldn't get it to paste onto this site. Sorry.

Take a look and let me know.

m.

^^^^

YES. As a matter of fact, look at Chicago and Philidelphia. Both cities got various versions of this beautiful building.

Those of you who look at my other posts know i am relentless about wanting a tower in DT with a spire. I think it would add so much to the skyline. I am disapointed the BoSW did not get built. I remember seeing an old magazine from maybe '83-'84, i think it was TIME or it could have been TX Monthly, which featured this building. Anyway, as all know, many grand visions for Houston during that time were tabled due to the oil bust. But i keep praying to the architectural gods that if Houston is once again smart (as it was in the late 80's) and diversifies its interests to focus on "alternative to fossil fuel" energy, i think we will see something we can all be proud of in the next few years.

m.

So, What is your favorite Houston Icon? i.e., Astrodome, special building etc.<<'marc'

I would have to vote for the Astrodome first, but I am also partial to the view of the refineries from the ship channel bridge at night. All those miles of sparkling lights are such a difference from the daytime view. I think it's iconic because despite our diversity, Houston is still very much an engergy city and without all that there might not have been as many great downtown buildings. That view to me, symbolizes where the growth of Houston began.

That's interesting. The movie "Blade Runner" (my all time favorite Sci-Fi movie) used much of Long Beach Harbor's industrial lights mixed in with artists' concepts of futuristic LA. It was quite a sight. The thing about Houston, to me, is that it is so f***ing HUGE in area. From one perspective it looks Atlanta like- just towers jutting up from forests. From another (as you mentioned) an industrial giant (which it is, of course). And another perspective focuses on its sprawling subdivisions and malls. So, i think the debate over a cohesive icon is going to be a lengthy one, because Houston has so many different facets to it.

Looking at Houston from the Ship Channel view at night with DT and other parts in the background gives Houston a different 'feel" than a Houston approached from, say, the West or North.

m.

, but Northwest Mall is probably the ideal site for such a development.

Niche- i tend to agree. I don't know about a supertall, but i have wanted NW Mall torn down for years now. In its place a two/three storey retail center with a 30 storey highrise residential/hotel on top. Personally, i think that area is an ideal location because of how much space there is to demolish and build brand new.

And TheNiche has me thinking now about how skyscrapers should be incorporated into and then enhance existing skylines. OF COURSE, we would all want a world renowned supertall to be built here (if taxpayers do not have to absorb any costs of construction).

BUT, as many of you pointed out- is it feasible? Here is what i would hate to happen. Build an awesome supertall, but then, to fill the floor space, other highrises wouldn't be needed for years or decades. I don't know about you all, but i rather like seeing a highrise or two go up every year. Then there is a matter of aesthetics. Many supertalls being built today (HK, Dubai, Shanghai, NY, and Chi-town) are being built either around other VERY tall scrapers OR are having VERY tall scapers being built along with them. i don't think Houston's market allows for a supertall AND other tall ones to be built within a few years.

(BUT THEN AGAIN, as i am saying this, all we need is for the alternative to fossil fuel market to really take off and once again, Houston is in the economic lead).

Build a supertall? Sure, why not? But personally, i would rather see three 1000 footers. One DT, one UT and maybe one either MT or within the Allen Parkway/Memorial Area. OR go really wild and build one around Westeimer and SH Tollway.

OR, and now i am just dreaming folks- Several 500-800 footers in various business clusters around the city.

Then again, that sort of defeats this developers vision, doesn't it. So sure. Build the darn thing. Just build in Houston!!!!!

m.

I can not respond with an appropriately obscene comment at this time because I am at work, but you can be assured that it'd be funny and a little disgusting.

I had the same thought, BUT i am NOT at work............but i will let you have it since you got to it first!

m.

well, with the brick at the bottom and then an all glass tower on the top... would that standout with the buildings around it or will it just be some other tall building in houston that didnt live up to the hype? the architect on the project has very futuristic desgins with the other buildings he has done. the one on top of my head is the never built AIM Corporate Headquarters that would have been in the galleria. im curious how he can make a postmodern building with a little bit of 1900's houston with it.. it could be a challenge dont you think?...

It can be done, IF, it is done cautiously and carefully. By that, i mean don't sell out and make it look like a dozen other Houston skyscrapers. It is no secret that Houston has her own style. Just look at Sim City 4. One of the architectural choices is Houston 1990s. Which means......many of Houston's scrapers have a similar look to them with a few that stand out as unique.

Like all of us here, i pray to the architectural gods....now that Houston has a market for skyscrapers in DT and UT, that the developers take the opportunity to comission some really outstanding designs. i pray.

m.

PS- QUESTION- Many very popular architects (Calatrava, Rogers, Gehry, Meir, Piano, etc.) have their own unique style, but then seem to market their style where it becomes more of a type. (i don't know if my thought is coherent here) ANYWAY, my question is ....Is it safe to assume that when lesser known architects are hired we can look to their other projects to get a gist of what Houston could get OR are their projects different depending on the purpose of the building?? So, in other words, could i look up the chosen architects' portfolios and get a gist of what Houston could get OR are all bets off until we get official renderings? Does my question make sense?