wernicke

Having the stations at airports doesn't make any sense at all, unless you are an airline lobbyist.

Rational or not, I'm kind of disappointed in losing the floor count... my Sim city side wishes it was in the 50s, not 20s.

Well, the plot of land they're wanting to build that on can't possibly fit a tower that wide. Just look how massive it looks compared to the other towers. I seriously challenge that photo.

That plot is actually quite large, and with the NE-SW orientation of the curve and the positioning of the building closer to the camera relative to Heritage and Wells Fargo, I think it would be pretty accurate for a 50-story tower.

I uploaded the video to YouTube. Check it out here...

Pretty cool illusionescape... seems very low density. This line will take forever to be successful.

This thing wouldn't happen in years, if ever. Maybe they figure some nice plans will help with the real estate value of the 100 acres.

Was this already confirmed or something? I didn't see one througout the thread. I was thinking that everyone would be excited about confirmation from their own website.

That website description has been there for a long time... it doesn't necessarily imply a confirmed development. I think it is clear by now that no major projects that did not already have financing in place will be getting off the ground for several years. Especially in Houston with oil at $35/barrel.

I will say Midtown is Houston's Motel 6 for the homeless... they camp out all over the place, in plain sight. This is mostly due to the social services in the area... MHMRA (homeless with mental problems), Lord of the Streets, Search, etc. I think there was an official proposal to move many of these services to the far east side a few months back?

I don't think any of this will change until developers start filling in large chunks of land surrounding the Main St corridor and demand the City of Houston enforce loitering laws, or displace the social services institutions (and get rid of the Greyhound station, which is truly a catalyst for crime in the area). And obviously that isn't going to happen any time soon. Until then, we just have to coexist, and watch out for your property.

Overall though, I still think the Baldwin Park area is quite nice...

Texas has the second largest population in the US and needs more than 2 Tier I institutions. To argue otherwise is cheap and stupid.

It's too bad this thing is on hold... ugh/

Is it on hold? The Chronicle article about the developer securing financing in a difficult climate was only about 3 weeks ago...

I personally like the burgers at Lake House... there aren't that many family friendly places near the park. I went today and there was a hot dog stand close though.

I'm in Denver interviewing for residency for the next 3 days... and I must say that the Denver Pavilions is a much better development in comparison to Houston Pavilions. Part of it has to do with the area -- the 16th St Mall where DP is located is an ideal pedestrian friendly, urban corridor. But much of it has to do with the architecture and tenants... much more open and inviting, less sterile concrete and steel.

Kind of disappointing to see what could have been. I will try to post some pictures later.

Downtown Denver is awesome, btw.

I'm just skeptical of the "architectural wonder" statement... I won't hold my breath for a Muslim community center at Allen and Montrose that can be considered an architectural wonder, especially in Houston.

KHOU has a video clip showing the Bridge

Kind of strange... not sure if I like the design.

I ride those trails all the time and frankly I don't see how this is all that necessary. There's a turn-around that puts you back on the other side of the trails at Shepherd, and its not as if its difficult to cross at Montrose, Waugh, or Sabine. ridge on MacGregor (Columbia Tap Rails-to-Trail project).

I've ran the trails along the bayou and I definitely think there is a need for more crossing points. There is a huge stretch from Sabine to Waugh where you can't get from the north bank to the south bank (there is no access at Montrose/Studemont)...

I would definitely hope for something more architecturally interesting for one of the last lots adjacent to DG... the hodge-podge of bland buildings surrounding DG is just begging for something big and modern.

If I decided to remain permanently homeless, I would pick a large southern city like Houston or anywhere in California... you can't blame these folks for setting up shop in H-town. And I would argue very little crime can be attributed to the homeless population, especially violent crime.

What could be done about the Main St corridor is that Metro could start actually making people pay to ride the rail via better enforcement (the rail seems to be the primary mode of transportation for Houston's homeless)... but Metro doesn't seem concerned about rail fares (I have only been checked 3 times in my four years of riding the rail).

But, generally, I think people should lighten up on the homeless. I have met a lot of them and while most have either mental or substance abuse issues, the vast majority are harmless.

Are there going to be any retail developments to accompany this?

Nope... no retail. I have a feeling this project will be boringly similar to Camden Midtown. But still, it will keep adding to Midtown's developing "neighborhood" feel... albeit, judging from the recent spat of break-ins at the Calais, a relatively crime-ridden neighborhood.

Anyone else think this thing is boring? Kind of disappointing.

I personally think 19-stories -- approximately half the size of OPP -- is pretty lame in this location.

This is surely a classic advertisement!

Pretty funny.

Maybe this has already been addressed, but WHY is the crown off-center again? And why is it centered from that angle? i mean, wouldn't most people see it traveling on the I-10 FWY, so, to me, it would stand to reason that it should be positioned to look centered from that perspective. Any ideas?

m.

I'm thinking it has to do with elevator placement.

Wonder what this crane is for?

I have worked at the San Jose Clinic (currently located just east of Minute Maid Park, right next to 59), and it is a great organization that provides good service to a predominately Hispanic population.

I will say, though, that I am not sure if the corner of Fannin and McGowen is the best location for their new clinic...

Obama because he is simply the best man for the job.

Some info about the Ashby in Sarnhoff's article today.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/busine...ff/6089456.html

Still, Kevin Kirton and Matthew Morgan of Houston-based Buckhead Investment Partners, the company that wants to build the contentious high-rise at 1717 Bissonnet, said they have more than one bank on the sidelines waiting to finance the project.