midtown_resident

it's too bad that this project doesn't include some ground level retail - even a couple corner shops would contribute to a corridor which has proven to be an excellent pedestrian area.

I'm rosey-eyed like you on this matter...however, only time will tell. Just recently, a hand detail shop set up across the street from us with the used-car dealership flags all over it - pretty ugly stuff. This is less than one block from the park. Though time will likely flush out such entities - it's not terribly encouraging. Meanwhile, however, the park really is coming along very nicely and looks like it will be a great central focus. I was chatting with a surveyor from the civil engineering group working with the Collective, last wkd. All signs point to a groundbreak at the very tail end of the year - i.e. december, as late as january...

i like the way the magnolia looks... i also like the lancaster at texas/louisiana... the club quarters is not bad - i do like those awnings...

they didn't cut down any of the trees - and the new irrigationo system should help preserve these beautiful trees. the park is coming along quite nicely and looks impressive. i look forward to the finished product!

Don't be so quick to judge the advent of good or bad times based on the potential moves of corporations and super bowl awards. I think it's a bit short sighted. I think we often lose site of long-term objectives on this board and see short-term 'setbacks' as major negatives. I think Houston is headed for great times. Our industries are well diversified now, no longer just energy. We've embarked on a mission to develop a more cosmopolitan urban core, and despite some bumps in the road, it looks like it will happen. Houston will attract large corporations in due time simply because of the low cost of living and the large base of competent and capable hard working people. Burger King, Flour and the Super Bowl could never be indicators of the absolute right or wrong direction - imho.

the facade is terrible - agreed. there is no signficant change from the out. however, has anyone visited any of these units yet? i believe they are open to visit now. EDIT - My mistake, they are not open as earlier thought. I guess it's the Kirby that is now open.

Just a thought - as long as you're compiling information about hotspots...why not also gather/provide information for the business traveller on WIFI hotspots? When i'm travelling, this is the most frustrating search - perhaps someone knows how this information might be already readily available?

I noticed that on the site of where the Collective is building their mixed-use bldg, that there is a big sign that says "Notice for Variance Request" or comparable. I've noticed that these signs go up before any project takes root - can someone explain exactly what this means?

If you are looking for offroad - check out the trails at Memorial Park - i haven't found better in houston yet.

a few weeks ago i walked by the fountains and there was a sign that said 'warranty repair work being done' or something to that effect...

Montrose...could you post a link?

Where did you read this?

I don't understand how this is the smart solution - i.e. structures with surface parking attached. It would seem to me that there must be much more logical solutions with long-term objectives in mind for the area. If this is the reason that developers keep building business structure with surface parking attached, then I can't help but conclude that these developers are short-sighted.

Does anyone know about a website for "party on the plaza"?

it's after reading postings like this, that i wish our city 'leadership' were actively participating on this board. if we want our downtown area to truly revitalize, then the city needs to take an active role - this is sad. deb, i hope your message is read by many - and i would urge you to email all council members and the mayor's office with this data.

How about these questions: How do you feel about Houston being America's largest city w/o zoning? How do you feel about Sugar Land being the most zoning restricted city in the state of Texas? I find it interesting when I speak to folks living in Sugarland who are 'anti-zoning' for Houston...

i stand corrected - give us the scoop!

Your scoop is very much appreciated! If you could find out the details on groundbreak it would truly be exciting - i'm looking forward to it! Thanks for the data!

Lowbrow, from my conversations with the folks at the collective, much of that artwork WILL be incorporated into the new bldg. It's also my understanding that the elevations on the web are very native, and not neccessarily completely accurate. Let's see I'm very excited about this project.

I've heard from sources close to this deal that it's pretty much dead in the water. I wish I could disclose the source, but I can't.

kjb434... what's your source on this? taco milagro would be an unbelievable addition to the area given the popularity of it. Although, i'm not a huge fan of the food...it's great that such a venue would have confidence in the location...this is great news. Tell us more as you learn!!! -mr

For renderings: see http://www.thecollective.org and you'll see the links to the elevations renderings. Also see thread: http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...p?showtopic=285 This is indeed a HOT project!

doors have been locked for well over a month now - sucks, i love the place.

Apples/Oranges - no way could you compare the two.

I think it's called Josephine's? It's on Caroline. Next to that there is some trendy looking bar that I gather is a sushi place?