The Great Hizzy!

Interestingly enough, I noticed that Hilton Hotels acquired land recently near Reliant Park (on S. Main) to build a new hotel, so if a new hotel and convention center project IS to be the future of the current Astrodome, it will have even more area competition by the time it opens.

It would be nice to see some progress being made on the redevelopment of the former Astroworld site. That would give us a better idea of what that area of town will be like in 5 - 10 years.

I can't wait to read the bickering, condemnations, exhaltations and commendations regarding the design of the complex. With something like this, there's sure to be all kinds of opinions.

47-stories won't be for some chump project either. You could get around 700 feet with that sucker.

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I find it really odd that there's no sign on the construction site saying what the project's going to be. Nevertheless, you are right in that they are coming along like gang busters.

It does seem to be taking forever for them to get that particular project going.

R.I.P.

52 is way too young.

I agree. Let's hope. And those renderings just look like some plain Jane Auto CAD graphics just to give the viewer an idea of the general size and height of the structures.

Anyway, thanks for the update, guys.

There's construction going on right now but I can't remember what's going up first. Someone with a better memory than mine needs to identify it.

Well, speaking of promoting downtown retail... I would imagine that if this is successful, it would be a big step and heating things back up.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...25/daily57.html

It'd be nice if they got crackin' on the Sakowitz Bldg. redevelopment, too.

That's a great tool! Lots of nice views from there.

Heh.

I haven't had a good chopped beef sandwich in years.

Also, did anyone here ever eat at Atchafalaya's? Not the classiest place but they had great cornbread. They also had a Chicken Tchoupitoulas that was great.

I wear long sleeve dress shirts to work most of the time. There is just no way to walk very far in Houston dressed like that in 90+ degree weather and be presentable for work when you get back.

Quite a few people would disagree. You'd be surprised just how much walking (and in a non-walking city at that) some people do during the summer. You may need to take some extra measures (bring a towelette with you, etc) but it can be done.

I'm a fairly big guy and I often walk six to eight blocks downtown during the summer. It's not the most comfortable walk for sure but I've never been in a situation afterwards where I needed to change clothes or shower, so maybe it depends on the person.

Stupid developers! At this rate, no one will be able to see the stars in the sky because of all the cranes going up all over town.

If Wal Mart wants to make a splash in a new market, the area of Little York and the Eastex would seem to fit the bill... a good mix of middle income and lower income folks who don't have any other viable shopping options within five miles or so.

But, yeah, the addition of Wal Mart will certainly inject some life into the Northline area. All that said, even without Wal Mart, Northline is essentially going to be the next in line of redeveloped malls into outdoor shopping districts, like Gulfgate and Meyerland before it. I'd expect Northwest Mall to go that route, too.

Nevetheless, I wouldn't at all be surprised if the tunnels found their way to the Pavilliions, especially if, for example, the Sakowitz Building is finally redeveloped. While I agree with Red that it's not necessary, I often remind myself that this is Houston, and folks don't do things the ordinary, old fashion by-the-book way.

It grates, it astounds and yet it also surprises in some good ways at times.

It's a shame that we can't see any renderings of the clinic at this time. Obviously, design is a big concern with all new projects going up in Midtown. There hasn't been all that much lately to feel good about. Then again, you have to consider the tenants (Wachovia Bank, CVS, Walgreens, etc).

I actually really like the style of the project. Makes me feel like a jet-setter just looking at it. It's so gloriously mod.

That's it exactly! It has a cool and refreshing mod feel to it. Nothing to glitzy or pretentious and yet still clean looking.

I agree with Mister X. The "projects" list is very convenient and helpful.

Maybe eventually we can add a feature for entry that includes a thumbnail of how the project will look, like with the Park Tower or The Cosmopolitan.

We demand answers!!!

I agree with Mister X. The new renderings look awesome. I like the commercial component's design. Kind of an ode to the 70s but with a bit more flare and color. Very clean looking without looking cliche.

And I also like the San Felipe frontage.

Oh, you tease, you!

But yeah, your logic is sound. Always a good sign when it appears that a residential property is up for redevelopment and the previous tenants appear to be gone. It does seem to suggest that they're moving right along.

Keep the fingers crossed!

The Westin Peachtree in Atlanta has an exterior elevator that takes you the top, where the Sundial restaurant also spins and gives panoramic views of the city. I hate that elevator, though. You always feel as if at any time you're going to free fall in HD clarity.

Agreed. I like the lobby in the Hyatt more than the lobby at the Westin Bonaventure in LA, even though both have similar design elements, right down to the bar.

The Pavilions is one of the lone project that have been announced over the past years that has went through and even the Pavilions was scaled back.

BLVD place, The place across from High Street, Orion (and so many other towers). What about these?

ROTFL

"Bowzer-wowzers!"