Houston19514 Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 There is a lot of wishful (delusional) thinking on that board about companies moving to OKC and building new skyscrapers in downtown OKC. There have been similarly fact-challenged "rumors" in that same thread about ConocoPhillips moving its HQ to OKC and Phillips 66 moving its HQ to OKC and BHP Billiton movings its North American HQ to OKC and the latest was Linn Energy (which very recently expanded its HQ lease in downtown Houston). Cemex was another one. The thread is fed by a hyper-cheerleading business reporter for the local paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortune Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Ohhhhh ok well that explains a lot, thanks. I guess because Devon built their headquarter tower there they think every company wants to relocate there. It seemed like a few of the posters had a vendetta against Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Yes, and then KLM will start nonstop flights to OKC from Amsterdam! Not. Going. To. Happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 (edited) wow that's a lot of very wishful thinking on their part. practically every major o&g firm in houston is in the midst of significant expansion of their facilities... that doesn't exactly scream "relocation." perhaps a regional office for particualr gas plays would work there but full scale HQ relocations are not happening, the infrastructure and talent base in Houston dwarfs anything okc could dream of matching within the next 50 years (or ever, ie the port). Edited February 25, 2013 by swtsig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 (edited) With regard to Shell specifically, swtsig's point is spot on. The Woodcreek Campus is a good example, as the three buildings completed there in recent years and the two twelve story buildings going up now are actually going to be owned by the company. That's a first for them, and as it was stated previously, it doesn't exactly sound alarm bells for the company moving. Then again, OKC Talk is the site that speculated about Phillips66 relocating it's Houston operations to OKC in the not too distant future !!!111oneoneeleventyone!... ...while failing to note that the company had just cemented it's commitments in the Houston area by opting to build a campus in Westchase. Boosterism is pretty deadly sometimes. Edited March 4, 2013 by ChannelTwoNews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 (edited) to further squash the notion that o&g firms are looking to move out of Houston, it was publicized late last week that two of Hess' largest sharelholders (both large PE groups) have hammered the companys board for substandard performance and openly questioned why the company's HQ are in Manhattan and not Houston.The activist investment firm Relational Investors, which owns 3.4 percent of the company’s shares, has echoed Elliott’s calls for directors with industry experience.Elliott succeeded with a similar strategy last year, when it launched a proxy fight against Houston-based BMC Software and eventually gained two seats on the board.This time, though, it may go a step further. If it succeeds in its proxy fight, it may press the company to move to Houston.“Why is the company headquartered in Manhattan? It doesn’t make sense,” Koffey contends, because the industry’s expertise is concentrated in Houston.Elliott argues that energy expertise is needed to unlock the full value of Hess’ assets. Investors have been unhappy with the company’s stock performance and corporate governance for years. Edited March 4, 2013 by swtsig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Why confine yourself to Houston when Oklahoma City gives you the world? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 (edited) Oh my. This can't be good for the OKCTalk community's fantasies of ConocoPhillips moving its headquarters to downtown OKC: From Nancy Sarnoff's March 10, 2013 article: Phillips 66, the former downstream operations of ConocoPhillips, plans to move after it builds a new facility. At that time, the company [ConocoPhillips] will begin renovating the older space.Steve Moskowitz, who manages the facility for ConocoPhillips, said quality architecture and amenities are key to attracting the best employees."You have to offer a great work environment," he said.Read more: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/The-futuristic-side-of-Houston-4340742.php#ixzz2NFbMgmJq Edited March 11, 2013 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Why confine yourself to Houston when Oklahoma City gives you the world? In defense of OKC, it is very near one of the largest (the largest?) pipeline hubs in the USA in Cushing OK. Other than that? I struggle to find other factors that would endear OKC in the hearts of oil companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 In defense of OKC, it is very near one of the largest (the largest?) pipeline hubs in the USA in Cushing OK. Other than that? I struggle to find other factors that would endear OKC in the hearts of oil companies. Everybody knows I'm the world's biggest fan of Houston, but I also recognize that there is a "sweet spot" in metro sizes from 1 to 3 million that is very popular - cities like Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Denver, Vegas, and, of course, OKC (I'd even throw Ft. Worth in there even if it is part of the DFW metroplex). Those cities are big enough to have most of the amenities people want, but small enough to not have the problems really big cities have, like traffic congestion. In most of those cities, you can live relatively close to the core in a nice affordable house in a good school district. These places also can have a more stable workforce that isn't leaping from company to company because there simply aren't as many job hopping options in town. I still think most energy companies are better off being part of the Houston cluster, but I do understand the appeal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 Everybody knows I'm the world's biggest fan of Houston, but I also recognize that there is a "sweet spot" in metro sizes from 1 to 3 million that is very popular - cities like Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, Charlotte, Portland, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Denver, Vegas, and, of course, OKC (I'd even throw Ft. Worth in there even if it is part of the DFW metroplex). Those cities are big enough to have most of the amenities people want, but small enough to not have the problems really big cities have, like traffic congestion. In most of those cities, you can live relatively close to the core in a nice affordable house in a good school district. These places also can have a more stable workforce that isn't leaping from company to company because there simply aren't as many job hopping options in town. I still think most energy companies are better off being part of the Houston cluster, but I do understand the appeal. I thought about mentioning that, plus taxes (not sure how OK vs TX is though). I'm sure it's cheaper in OKC to hire the non-petrochemical-engineer, or non-geologist, but it's convincing the engineer and geologist to move to OKC (which commute times, amenities, and things like what you mentioned would play into) and looking at expenses involved with sending people to Houston for various technology conferences (OTC, etc) multiple times a year. But then you get into all the companies that offer support, technologies and hardware to these companies that have offices in Houston, or do their manufacturing in/around Houston (NOV, Maverick, Honeywell, etc). It's a lot easier to just drive 30 minutes to a live meeting than to fly, or have a conference call/webex. Now that UH has the energy research park, I imagine it's like a farm system for oil companies to cultivate the student body there to slip into their systems (or could be). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I'm sure it's cheaper in OKC to hire the non-petrochemical-engineer, or non-geologist, but it's convincing the engineer and geologist to move to OKC (which commute times, amenities, and things like what you mentioned would play into) and looking at expenses involved with sending people to Houston for various technology conferences (OTC, etc) multiple times a year. On the flip side, I imagine they have the inside track on OU and OSU's graduates every year. They probably can offer a little less because the graduates would prefer to stay local. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2014/01/27/downtown-landmark-getting-new-address-multimillion.html 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchCity Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 That is 2 Shell Plaza, not 1 Allen Center. I guess they are revamping it after Shell pulls out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Ah, I didn't read the article until now. New thread created for Two Shell Plaza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Just got this press release DOWNTOWN HOUSTON LANDMARK SLATED FOR MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR RENOVATION Two Shell Plaza to be Strategically Repositioned (HOUSTON) - Hines, the international real estate firm, announced today that it will oversee a multi-million-dollar modernization and repositioning of Two Shell Plaza in the epicenter of downtown Houston. The property, which is located on the block bounded by Louisiana, Milam, Rusk, and Walker streets, will move its main entrance to Louisiana from Walker, and will be renamed 811 Louisiana. This classic tower is poised to be re-launched with a new look, a new entrance, lobby and an updated, modern aesthetic that will differentiate it from its taller sister, One Shell Plaza. Originally designed by the legendary Bruce Graham of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 26-story, 565,538-square-foot office building contains 17 office levels (two subterranean) and 12 parking levels. It sits at a prime crossroads of Houston's extensive tunnel system that links the property to other major downtown office buildings as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and amenities. 811 Louisiana offers highly efficient floor plates, a superior parking ratio for downtown buildings, several blocks of contiguous space, as well as naming rights potential. 811 Louisiana has undergone several major modernizations in its four-decade history. The property underwent a complete upgrade of its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in the early 90s and, just last year, Hines completed a $20 million capital upgrade to the building's infrastructure that restored it to current Class A standards for downtown office buildings. Key elements of the work included: a new energy management system; elevator updates; new boilers and chillers; electrical riser replacement; exterior stone replacement; and new energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling dual-pane window and frame replacement on all office levels. 811 Louisiana is extremely energy efficient as is evidenced by consecutive years of ENERGY STAR® labels and its LEED® Gold certification. As part of the building's LEED certification, 70 percent of the materials from the renovation will be recycled. Large 30,000-square-foot floor plates allow for flexible space planning. The building contains ample visitor and tenant parking for 1,000 cars, with a ratio of 2.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet leased. On site security is provided 24-7. Starting in early April, Hines will oversee the expansion and renovation of the building's lobby as well as the first four floors of the building's façade, starting at the street level. The new design envisioned by Page architects, will draw on the structure's classic, modern lines, respecting the building's architectural heritage while projecting a contemporary image. Balfour Beatty is the general contractor and construction is expected to be complete by April of 2015. Page's design calls for the building's lower façade to be re-clad in Virginia Mist granite, an elegant dark natural stone that contrasts with the existing travertine above. Slot windows will complement the existing architecture, and the new exterior will be highlighted by a continuous band of LED light. A recessed glass wall at ground level will draw pedestrians into the newly renovated lobby. Metal louver canopies will provide shading for passersby and signify the new corner entry to 811 Louisiana. The expanded lobby space will include a lounge area for informal tenant meetings. Gray Aquasol quartzite will take the place of the white Travertine-clad walls, with accents of black Concordia to tie in the new exterior cladding and provide a backdrop for tenant identity signage. Wood veneer walls will distinguish the elevator lobbies, and backlit glass doors will brighten the space. The building's 12 elevator cabs will get a fresh new look with fully updated interiors. The lobby's trademark gold-leaf ceilings will revert to Skidmore's original pure white concept and will feature LED lighting. Textured glass feature walls and a light installation above the escalators will draw traffic from the tunnels and mark the arrival to the ultra-modern 811 Louisiana. Hines Senior Property Manager Jon Cogdill said, "We have been committed to downtown Houston since the founding of the firm more than five decades ago. Having managed 811 Louisiana since its inception, we are pleased to be on the team that ownership has assembled to re-launch the property into the upper tier of Class A buildings in the CBD." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 The article and press release seem to be silent about the restaurant that currently occupies that corner... I hope this doesn't result in the loss of ground floor retail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Excellent color choice for the bottom floors. I'm happy its a tiny renovation to the Facade, major updates in the interior, and keeping most of the original look of the building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 The restaurant that was on the southwest corner has been gone for a couple months now, and wasn't any great loss. Somewhat overpriced, relentlessly mediocre Chinese food with truly awful service. It's a wonder it remained around as long as it did. Hines has apparently recently discovered The Lobby Experience. 601 Travis (formerly Chase Center) also had some ground floor retail removed in favor of a significantly enlarged lobby, complete with seating. BG was built that way from the start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Owl Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 The company name sign in the rendering is "Sinnombre Energy" which means "without a name" in Spanish. The overreaction crowd would determine that means Shell's gone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 (edited) The company name sign in the rendering is "Sinnombre Energy" which means "without a name" in Spanish. The overreaction crowd would determine that means Shell's gone We already know (and the change of the name of the building re-confirms) that Shell is essentially gone from this building. But that's pretty funny on the architect's part. Edited January 28, 2014 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Allen Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Although I love glass and metal cladding as an update, I am so glad they are keeping a sense of history with this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Allen Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Although I love glass and metal cladding as an update, I am so glad they are keeping a sense of history with this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 We already know (and the change of the name of the building re-confirms) that Shell is essentially gone from this building. But that's pretty funny on the architect's part.So Shell is indeed following Exxons lead in moving to the middle of nowhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 So Shell is indeed following Exxons lead in moving to the middle of nowhere?Demographic center of houston = middle of nowhereGot it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Ah, I didn't read the article until now. New thread created for Two Shell Plaza. Yea, just give it some time.... the Allen Center facelift announcement is coming soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Demographic center of houston = middle of nowhereGot it.I may be wrong but I was under the impression shell was moving up north. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Yeah, somewhere between Spring and The Woodlands is nowhere near the "demographic center of Houston." And if its Camp Strake then that's actually outside the Houston metro area (I believe.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 (edited) Yeah, somewhere between Spring and The Woodlands is nowhere near the "demographic center of Houston." And if its Camp Strake then that's actually outside the Houston metro area (I believe.) No. Camp Strake is not outside the Houston metro area. I think he (swtsig) was referring to the actual Shell campus in the Energy Corridor, not the imaginary one up north. Edited January 28, 2014 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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