feufoma

I really love this building, but I'd like to point out that it's no longer the tallest building outside of a primary CBD. That, I believe, is the Manara Telekom Tower in Kuala Lumpur. And, I'm pretty certain that numerous buildings in Dubai will soon take the honors. However, Transco is the tallest building in the U.S. outside of a CBD.

I wish that were true. Unfortunately, no matter what we attempt, the odds are not great that we will be successful. I've attached a file that illustrates Costco's perspective very well, among other interests. Although it applies most accurately to suburban contexts, I think you can see where I'm going with this.

...and the more I learn about the circumstances, the less hope I have that the issue will be resolved.

Thanks for the laugh. "As seen by the city" is especially funny since this is the exact opposite of what we find in Houston. In fact, that diagram could be instead labeled, "As seen by any city other than Houston, Texas..."

While I think that we have more than enough pharmacies in Houston (is the population really aging that much...or are we just a bunch of wussies that depend on a panacea for every ache?), this is certainly better than just another club moving into the space. I know the location and I agree that it doesn't look very large. But at least something is going to be there. I guess the CVS just a few blocks down the street isn't sufficient??? I'd much prefer a small grocery moving there. You know, fresh produce, flowers, sundries. Like other cities have...

I'm not a clubber (I outgrew that form of entertainment a while back) and my idea of going out generally tends toward dinner with friends, some drinks at a lounge where the average age is 33-40 and perhaps taking in the theater or symphony/ opera. I love other music as well but I don't like to hang with drunk crowds who are just there to be seen.

That being said, I'm certainly not the "going out type." However, I do think that it's evident that the club atmosphere DT is holding back other "traditional" development and an influx of residents (most of which are probably white and able to afford the prices). I live just outside of DT (I usually walk there if I go); and other than Warren's and a couple of other more traditional "bars" I wouldn't be caught dead in the clubs that have sprung up in DT in the last few years.

And, yes, at the expense of sounding racist: the largely-minority crowds that are frequenting the clubs DT are possibly going to negatively impact more serious development if those crowds foster violence (or the perceived threat of violence). I personally wouldn't invest in any property DT until after Pavilions is built (50/50) and we've seen whether HP changes the dynamic for the better.

DT is on very shaky ground... Might it revert back to its former self?

I used to live in that area and was really looking forward to seeing a well planned development take shape. What an utter disgrace this is going to be!!! At the least Costco could develop a store in lines with the new Costco in Vancouver, B.C. (i.e., parking garage or underground parking with more retail and residential where the planned parking lot will be). Why can't this city get some decent "urban" projects?? It amazes me... This is "highest and best use?" BS

Has there been any word on the status of the Astrodome hotel? It seems odd when a project of this scope just drops off the radar for months.

I agree. It's strange not to hear much about this project since its announcement. Normally I would say,"Pffft, just another dead Houston announcement." However, in this case I should say "Pffft, thank God this just might be dead after conscientious thought after all." I'm sure we'll all be surprised...or just let down. Houston, rock!

For the most part, I sure can't. [shrug]

Although, for the record, as we've discussed in several previous threads, clear-cutting is all-too-often caused by overly-strict flood control regulations more than by development, itself.

I know, it's easier to just let it go than to actually care (you don't work for a developer do you?). "Overly strict?" I guess flippancy and a penchant for calling any regulation "Draconian" is what got Houston in the predicament it's been in for the last 15 years or so (e.g., Allison, roadways flooding when it rains an inch or so). That attitude (which seems to be very "Texan") is quite glib don't ya' think?

On another note, developers should be made to re-plant some of what must be clear cut due to flood control. Yes, that's a cost that would be passed on to homeowners. I can just hear it now, "Oh no, Houston's not 'dirt cheap' anymore." Frankly, I'd rather live in a place that is truly functional, moderately inexpensive and conscientiously developed (and with decent aesthetics for God's sake) rather than a place that's just a money-mongerer's paradise with no perceivable value other than an easy outlet for turning a quick buck. The irony of it all: if I didn't love my job...

Also, just because you do not like it or do not want it, doesn't mean nobody else gets to. How much housing do you think there is inside the loop? Definitely not enough to shove all of the suburbanites into it. Plus, just because you live in the Houston area, does not mean you work downtown. And, as others have said many a time, those of us with kids appreciate the value of a good, quality education and are willing to "sacrifice" to give our kids every advantage possible.

I have never understood opponents of sprawl given our countries history of western expansion and free choice/will. Without it, we would all be living 3 miles up on a little island in NYC. No thank you, I like my backyard, my fence, my trees and my freedom to choose to do whatever it is I want.

So where will your kids go? Where is your evidence for detrimental effects on society?

That's fine. To each his own. I realize that people in Houston (and Texas for that matter) are used to having a yard and driving to get anywhere. Moreover, I realize that not everyone works in DT Houston (I don't either). And if one indeed works near one of these sprawled developments then I can understand the preference to live close to work. But, you can't deny that sprawl does have a negative impact on the environment (clear cutting; creation of more ground level ozone; flooding; heat islands). And the biggest issue that I have with sprawl: it creates an incentive for more and more sprawl!

My first child is due in May. He will attend private school.

[sarcasm]Would you rather that they live next door to you? I mean, if these people are as backwards, filthy, dangerous, and careless as you ascribe them to be, don't you think it might be an insurance risk to have them on your apartment block? Oh, and think of what their kids would do to the quality of our top-notch HISD schools! All those poor poor people would have to be subjected to the yuppie redneck brats.[/sarcasm]

Seriously, though, get over yourself. Different people have different preferences.

Your response is funny, actually. No, I wouldn't expect people to want to send their kids to public school (within or outside of Houston for that matter. I know that I won't). I believe that promoting this type of sprawl has a detrimental effect on society (social, environmental, political, etc.).

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyf...ws/4399953.html

...future focal point of Bridgeland will be its 1,000-acre Town Center on both sides of Grand Parkway.

The center will feature retail, multiple-family homes, space for a college satellite, medical facilities and offices.

The center's construction time frame will depend on the completion of Grand Parkway, but Houghton said it probably would begin between 2013 and 2015.

This area is exploding. It already has a greater population than the greater Woodlands area, and now they're going to stick a Woodlands-sized community in, with all of the other new communities planned/underway? I hope they get to work on 290 soon.

My God, that's disgusting!! More banal crap even further from the core of the city. I might understand a decision to live in such mediocrity if one works in that area (within 2-3 miles from home). But, otherwise, why perpetuate this type of sickening sprawl??

I'm sure the type of person that will actually want to live in this will drive their "SUV" (please say with a strong southern drawl to get maximum effect) spitting "chewin 'backy" out of the window as they suck gallon upon gallon of fuel and spew ozone-causing pollutants into the beautiful 290 corridor! I'm gonna go throw up...

Over a year later and here's an update on the project:

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...ml?surround=lfn

February 19, 2007 is the planned re-opening. I hope it meets with great success, although I hate the ZaZa name. And I sure as heck hope that the lights for the Mecom Fountain are operational once again by then.

Yeah, what's up with the lights on the Mecom Fountain? I've passed by a few times just after dark and thought maybe they just come on later. They don't work??

Well, we do have a pro team with pro affiliation [one and the same in the NFL book] and it does actually play in Houston. But I'll agree, the Irving Cowboys are the better team even if Dallas is too emabarrased to host them in their city. GO ARLINGTON!!!

Too funny

I also thought it was cool when the Houston Dynamo beat Frisco, TX (FC Dallas). That's funny... Let's build our new soccer stadium 25 miles (or is it 30?) from DT Dallas but still call the team FC Dallas.

Any info on this? I haven't had a chance to visit the site. It's my understanding that some type of structure is being built near the water wall. Are there any indications of what it's going to be (sales/ construction office)?

It's interesting that the NYT reported this but our local joke of a paper didn't take the time to include it amongst the teen beat and news wire reports. What a city...

This is big news! The renderings look pretty decent.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4270485.html

I pass by this site often and notice that absolutely nothing has taken place in the last couple of months. However, a sign still advises of the construction financing. Anyone know what's going on with this project? Looks dead in the water to me.

Are we talking about the same development here? Isn't this Camden project really the location for the Edge at 300 St Joseph? I do not believe they're apartments either.

I believe so. Yes, this development will be across from The Edge. However, it's my understanding that all units in the Camden development will be rental.

I live in the area and although I'm not especially happy about apartments being developed at least it's further gentrification.

Camden could have at least provided space for a convenience store and/ or small food market. It happens in other cities why not here?

One positive: even though these are just apartments the property could have an impact on taxes in the area. That might force some of the slum lords in the back of the 4th Ward to sell and drive out the bad element.

As a side note to this area: the lack of police presence in this area is unforgivable. The police appear to only be interested in busting those "dangerous speeders," especially if they're white and drive a decent car! It's all about generating revenue rather than actually cracking down on real crime, you know?

I know that deals are complicated and take time and money. But I'm getting a bad feeling about this project. It's been very quiet... My prediction: a project will happen but they're going to scale the scope of the project back to something more manageable (i.e., no residential component).

UT regents OK projects for Houston center, M.D. Anderson

By MATTHEW TRESAUGUE

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

ARLINGTON

The tunnels are very convenient and are a positive to the extent they help people avoid the elements on bad weather days. However, they literally suck the life off of the streets and are really the antithesis to thoughtful urban development. The city should create some incentive so that retailers won't choose the tunnel system for their shop or restaurant. Our city government is actually in a position to do something that would help mitigate this problem. Don't hold your breath!

I've seen Orion advertised in The Wall Street Journal (local insert) and Texas Monthly. The developer is serious and I've heard that a high percentage of reservations have been made. I'll bet that it breaks ground in the first or second quarter of 2005.