Trophy Property

Mathis the dumbass, cause he had an motorcycle accident during offseason. Now he's causing the Texans to look at other wide receivers to take his spot.

Texans do know how to pick the dumb ones.

Was he really a threat at wide receiver. I know we will miss him on returns, but it is not like he is Johnson or moulds at WR.

I think that is pretty sharp looking development.

And if anyone goes ---- TAKE a picture and post here. Thanks..

Try not to get shot while snapping pics. Rich people don't like their stuff being photo'd.

Thank you Thank you!

You are right that the security there is overdone. It's too bad people can't get into the complex; the rear lobby of the Wortham building is a great mid-century space. That "Life" building is awful, though.

When was the last time you were in the life building. Back in 2002-2003 the building was completely re-modeled. The difference was night and day. Granted, the building has no charm from the outside and is a cubicle nightmare in the tenant space, but the atrium is kinda cool if you ask me. I thought Riviana and Woodson buildings were horrible all around. I know that AIG was looking to renovate those two buildings before I left, but those cheapies probably half assed it. They seriously spent all the capital dollars on the security of those buildings.

Wortham has a lot of charm, but the lobby is bit bland.

There are 5 office buildings. The Riviana building (~18 stories), the Wortham Tower (25 stories), the Woodson building (~18 stories), the America Tower (~43 stories), and the Life building (~5 stories, behind Wortham Tower). There are also 2 (maybe 3) parking garages.

Very good !! Do you work in the complex. I used to work over there (2 years ago) and you nailed the buildings down.

For DMac - They are all connected to by air conditioned walkways. You can get from the America Tower all the way to the Life Building in 5 minutes or so. I got a lot of exercise when working there.

There is also a Cafeteria / Food Court in the basement level of the Wortham Tower as well as an Alonti in the basement of the America Tower building.

The complex is pretty cool, but AIG has gone overboard with their security in the place. They installed turnstiles at all the entrances and you need a badge to access the buildings. I was once walking in a back entrance when I literally ran smack into Drayton Maclane (sp). He was livid that he could not get into the building (his attorneys were located in the Riviana buildings). At any rate I let him on the condition that he sign Roger Clemens (the first time). He winked at me and told me he would see what he could do. Later that day the deal was announced. I was proud of myself. Still am !!!

There was a nice pharmacy and gift shop at Beltway 8 and Westheimer called KayT Floyd or something similar that I remember going to as a child. It was next to the Jumbo grocery store, kitty-corner to a DQ.

As far as restaurants, does anyone remember Circus? I have faint memories of going there as a child. My mom says she thinks it was on Westheimer near Chimney Rock. Do you remember Strawberry Patch and Toyko Gardens? What about Farrell's in the Galleria?

Soifan, when I read your post I had a moment of deja vu. I have discussed all these places on other HAIF threads. But a brief synopisis:

I worked at that Jumbo grocery store in 1985. In 1987 I worked at Kay Lewis pharmacy which was previously Kay Floy pharmacies. I ate at DQ 3-4 times a week. I loved that place !!!

I also remember Circus Restuarant. It was located where Papadeax is on Westhiemer West of Fondren, but your mom was very close. Strawberry Patch was one of the first Pappas concepts. It is now Pappas Steakhouse. Tokyo Gardens was also awesome. The one I can remember was right at Westhiemer and 610.

not true, not yet at least...

espn story

ok. i take that back.

its a done deal according to astros.com

article

sorry about that.

GREAT NEWS.

Anyway, does anyone know where we could lobby to get a Meyerland type center on our side of town? Who would be the right people to make a plea to?

The fact that the center is for sale is great news. I do not see a lot of interest from investors who plan on buying it to hold as is. It seems to me that those interested in pourchasing the center would have bigger ideas for the place. If Gulgate can be brought back fron the dead then surely Northwest Mall can as well.

It will take sameone with deep pockets and a nice vision. Ed Wulf comes to mind, although he might just have his hands full with the BLVD project.

Sweet, I think he's past his prime but I think he's a good morale booster

A Good win agains the league leading Tards tonight. Lets win another tomorrow. If they can get hot there is still a chance this year. Lets hope Roger is for sure coming back. Apparently it is still not a done deal.

Sweet, I think he's apst his prime but I think he's a good morale booster

It is hard to say he is past his prime after the season he had last year. If the team would of scored for him he would have won the Cy Young award. This is definetely a morale booster. After the last few weeks the Astros have had they need all the help they can get.

I get the weekly Recon report from the Real Estate Center and the following snipet was in there. I think someone was mentioned that Almeda Mall was being torn down.

Maybe a new owner will be able to bring some fresh ideas to Northwest Mall. That place is a dump (granted I have not been there in 10 years - so it might be nicer).

MALLS FOR SALE

HOUSTON (chron.com)

I meant another hotel beyond the one under construction in Dallas (sorry if I was unclear). And when I say "I learned" that there will be no additional Ritz-Carlton's in Texas EVER, I was being sarcastic. That is what we were told in another thread by a certain board member who is a resident of a certain Texas metro area.

Personally, I have no doubt that there will once again be a Ritz-Carlton in Houston, probably within 5 years or less.

Gottcha. Sarcasim never works as well in print as it does live in person. Thanks for the clarification.

I drove by the site last week and was amazed at the size of the tract. I am excited about this development. It is going to be mixed use correct? I would assume some frontage retail and maybe some residential as well ??

I know I've been seeing only half-empty glasses ever since I learned that Ritz-Carlton will never ever open another hotel in the entire state of Texas. ;-)

That is funny since they are developing one in Dallas as we speak. It is being developed in conjunction with Crescent and is being build right across the street from the Crescent Hotel. The Ritz Carlton is very interested in building a new hotel in Houston and I would not be suprised if it is developed as part of the Post Oak Projects. The Glass is half full again !!!

BTW, is this the biggest thread on HAIF. Nearly 1200 replies is crazy !! Good Work to all.

Uggh. The last two games against the Nationals have been brutal. The starting pitching has been great only to have the relievers throw horribly. We need some offense as well. Lets hope they can split with a victory today. I believe we are off to St. Louis next. If they sweep us they will probably run away with the division. Ugggh.

OUCH Pettitte is getting slaughtered. What is up with him. I think his career is definetely on the downside.

Does it really take too much effort to drive a few miles down 59 to get your boobie fixes?

You are missing the point. The closer the boobies the better.

Way to go 'Stros.

Win 2 out of 3 against the Rangers. Let's keep it up

Uggh. The last two games against the Nationals have been brutal. The starting pitching has been great only to have the relievers throw horribly. We need some offense as well. Lets hope they can split with a victory today. I believe we are off to St. Louis next. If they sweep us they will probably run away with the division. Ugggh.

On the strip club thing - I'm not advocating it would go in anywhere close to the theatre district, nor do I think its the thing downtown is really, really missing.

However, I will say I am surprised there is not one downtown because there are so many business travelers that come in, this is Houston, and most cities tend to have at least one in the close in downtown area - I know DC does because I happened to go there once (uh, because someone made me, yeah that's it).

Not a high priority by any means, I'm more saying I'm surprised there isn't one.

Agree, not a high priority by any means. I am sure the Downtown District is not out wooing stip club owners. I guess I too am a little suprised there is not one. When I lived in Midtown and was a swinging single I probably would have hit a downtown strip club instead of heading to the Galleria area.

Better than replacing Jones Hall, replace the Wortham with something world-class.

I think it's a safe bet that the neighbors (Federal Court, Aquarium, Hobby, Wortham, BoA, Jones Hall) wouldn't be terribly happy with a topless joint going in Bayou Place, and would scream bloody murder to prevent it.

Yeah, you are right. Maybe put the topless joint down by the stadiums.

How about tear down the Albert Thomas and replace with a world class symphony hall. In the neighborhood of half a bil.

I am more into Rock n Roll. I will take the boobie bar. Thanks.

but this one would have strippers

WHICH MAKES EVERYONE SMILE.

I don't think you can compare the two. Transco was bought by Williams, where Enron imploded into bankruptcy. Transco didn't hurt thousands of people, nor does it conjure a negative connotation as Enron does.

I was being a little sarcastic, but If Transco is no longer a ongoing concern or is owned by a bigger entity than the name should change.

I am sure your original comment was toungue in cheeck as well.

Oh, ok. I was in downtown Houston in 2003 or 2004 and I seem to remember someting like a Randalls down there. Is it still there or am I insane because people on here keep saying downtown needs a grocery store.

You are not insane. There is a Randall's in Midtown. It is close to downtown, but not walking distance close if you live in the heart of Downtown.

a good bookstore. one with a coffee shop/cafe...open late with lounge area would do really well downtown I think. yes, very yuppy, but I would shop there/ sneak away from work to go there/ go after a movie or dinner. especially if they reimburse parking like angelika.

I have been saying for years that Downtown needs a happening Strip Club. I know they are considered seedy and what not, but a Treasures or Men's Club downtown would be killer.

I am married and do not hit those clubs much any more but I am sticking with my idea. It would bring traffic and would give businessmen a reason to stay downtown after work / Astros / Rockets games.

I am not neccessarily thinking it has to be located in Bayou Place.

I think they should be required to call in Transco forever.....

Then should we also be requried to call Minute Maid Park - Enron Field forever too. I hope not.

It is right up to the street.