cloud713 Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 That dead link is for the pichardchilton design. I was under the impression HOK was doing this (fantasy or no)? Quote
LTAWACS Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 I dont know. It does remind of me HOK's style. Quote
OkieEric Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 It's HOK.  The Pickard Chilton design was for another conceptual development shown in the same HOK brochure (also broken link), not 7200 Main That said, I'm not holding my breath for 7200 Main at this point 2 Quote
toxtethogrady Posted February 11, 2015 Posted February 11, 2015 This is one of those projects that really needs a few EB-5 investors to get it off the ground. 1 Quote
Popular Post Urbannizer Posted April 2, 2015 Author Popular Post Posted April 2, 2015 This is what the LinkedIn profile says for 7200 Main:  Project 3: 7200 MAIN MIX-USE DISTRICT, Houston, TX, U.S. - 3D print modeling and programming comparisons http://www.linkedin.com/in/xilingweng  So Gensler has a 3D Model for the site. Maybe a design competition was held?  Gensler's concept:   13 Quote
monarch Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 these illustrations, remind me somewhat of RIVER OAKS DISTRICT, before it was scaled back enormously. Â shall houston's current economy support such an ultra ambitious development? Â upon my most honest opinion, it's quite groovy. Â however, an enormous / glamorous fantasy...... 2 Quote
Urbannizer Posted April 2, 2015 Author Posted April 2, 2015 these illustrations, remind me somewhat of RIVER OAKS DISTRICT, before it was scaled back enormously.  shall houston's current economy support such an ultra ambitious development?  upon my most honest opinion, it's quite groovy.  however, an enormous / glamorous fantasy...... Of course this is most likely on-hold/cancelled, but I believe at some point this was an actual proposal in-development. Quote
cloud713 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 It's the company behind CityPlace, right? Maybe they'll revisit the project in the next cycle 1 Quote
brian0123 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I'm not sure why a development like this in this area would be considered a risk. It's near the med center... so no worries about oil prices, there is nothing like this around, and you have a huge swath of young med professionals with money to spend that want housing nearby. Plus, the connection to the bike trail would be a big selling point. 2 Quote
j_cuevas713 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Damn I love the original renderings though 2 Quote
nate4l1f3 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I sure hope Brays bayou is next up after Buffalo. It wouldn't have to be on a major scale like buffalo, but at least get rid of the concrete and maybe make it more open park-like with a trail with less thrills than buffalo. 5 Quote
OkieEric Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Ditto, Nate.  I do not have realistic expectations for removal of any of the concrete, but steps can be made to improve functionality and aesthetics.  Hopefully someday there is an initiative from the medical center - makes sense given its potential as a bike route for the area.  In its current state its certainly usable but the stretch through the med center itself is pretty unappealing.  I've taken a stroller on the lower path a few times but given the homeless under the bridges and the tendency towards sloping into the bayou (particularly under the bridges) it's not that great.  The upper trail is poorly paved in some areas and has awkward crossings @ both points along N Braeswood West of Kirby or so (well, past the water treatment plant) there is more of a park-like element given the trees along the banks, and I know towards Hermann Park the trails are quite nice 1 Quote
Houston19514 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I sure hope Brays bayou is next up after Buffalo. It wouldn't have to be on a major scale like buffalo, but at least get rid of the concrete and maybe make it more open park-like with a trail with less thrills than buffalo. Unfortunately, I don't think the concrete is going anywhere any time soon. Where on Brays Bayou are you referring to? Trails have already been installed from at least from Gessner to MacGregor Park. Project Brays Bayou Greenways - Brays Bayou 1 Quote
H-TownChris2 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 Wait, I'm confused....at the beginning of the topic, it was by HOK, now it's Genser? Confused.... Quote
Alec Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 I sure hope Brays bayou is next up after Buffalo. It wouldn't have to be on a major scale like buffalo, but at least get rid of the concrete and maybe make it more open park-like with a trail with less thrills than buffalo.Even with the concrete, something like this would be incredible at the edge of the water:http://www.citylab.com/design/2014/11/cleaning-up-urban-waterways-with-manmade-islands/382820/ 2 Quote
Montrose1100 Posted April 3, 2015 Posted April 3, 2015 Wait, I'm confused....at the beginning of the topic, it was by HOK, now it's Genser? Confused....I think the other renderings are surfacing because this project is probably dead... Quote
OkieEric Posted April 3, 2015 Posted April 3, 2015 These guys have held this land for decades at this point, while adding some parcels over the years.  They appear to be in no rush...  If I recall correctly they held the land for Springwoods Village for nearly 50 years though the situation isn't completely comparable.  I was just hoping for some activity by the Super Bowl in 2017 but it appears that's not in the cards I'm still betting on an awesome development here someday until I see a for sale sign 2 Quote
toxtethogrady Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 Gensler's concept: Â Â Â Â It's certainly...colorful. The water features on those roofs are certainly novel, but they're probably the first thing to get value-engineered out of the project. 2 Quote
OkieEric Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 I sure hope Brays bayou is next up after Buffalo. It wouldn't have to be on a major scale like buffalo, but at least get rid of the concrete and maybe make it more open park-like with a trail with less thrills than buffalo. I did some more digging on "Project Brays" today and finally realized that they are widening the channel one segment at a time heading west...  Lidstone to Calhoun is apparently about to start, followed by Bertner to Buffalo Speedway which is going to start early next year (Project Brays website is outdated).  I found a document from 2004 stating that retaining walls would probably be used nearly Main & Kirby (can't find link now) Here's an excerpt from the Braeswood Place newsletter from earlier this year: Project Brays: At the January meeting of the Brays Bayou Association, I talked to Gary Zika, Project Brays Program Manager, with regard to the widening of the Brays Bayou channel through Braeswood Place. He said that originally the plan was to widen the channel from Bertner Street in the Texas Medical Center to Buffalo Speedway. The plan now is to extend the widening a distance of 2200 feet west of Buffalo Speedway to the outfall on the south bank at the foot (north end) of Bevlyn Street. The Bevlyn outfall is a natural break point and is a good location to end of this phase of the project. Gary estimated start of construction will begin in about a year and will then take a year to complete. There are some obstacles to overcome, particularly with regard to loss of a number of trees due to widening the top of the bank by 25 feet. There are several "memorial" trees that will have to be dealt with as well as the small park on the north bank east of the West University waste treatment facility at Kirby. However, HCFCD will utilize its tree program following this phase of the project and replace any trees lost during construction. Bridge replacement is not part of this phase of the project. So the good news is this will almost assuredly mean new, cleaner trails.  Bad news is loss of some mature trees and...we'll still have the concrete.  No fancy dog parks just yet 3 Quote
OkieEric Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 FWIW, "7200 Main Corporation" is listed as a client on PDR's website http://www.pdrcorp.com/client-list/ 1 Quote
brian0123 Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 @Okie,I've heard from a super neighborhood member that the bridges will be rebuilt as a second initiative and that funding was just secured. They were very excited because we should be getting much nicer trails and bridges that don't have columns underneath to allow faster flow of water and no debris to get caught. Bike trails will also go under the bridges to keep us bikers from having to get in traffic. Apparently it has been funded to Stella Link. Should we get another thread going for it? I'd love to find more official information about it. As you said, project brays website is unfortunately out of date. 6 Quote
OkieEric Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 @Okie,I've heard from a super neighborhood member that the bridges will be rebuilt as a second initiative and that funding was just secured. They were very excited because we should be getting much nicer trails and bridges that don't have columns underneath to allow faster flow of water and no debris to get caught. Bike trails will also go under the bridges to keep us bikers from having to get in traffic. Apparently it has been funded to Stella Link. Should we get another thread going for it? I'd love to find more official information about it. As you said, project brays website is unfortunately out of date. If the bridges wind up like the new Cambridge St bridge that would be awesome.  Unfortunately, in their current state bridges like Kirby/Buffalo Speedway/etc have extremely narrow sidewalks - OK (but probably a bit harrowing) for a single runner, but that's about it Hopefully the new bridge design would be somewhat less attractive to the homeless.  I swear one dude under the Greenbriar bridge (I think) has a full set of furniture down there. I'm all for a new thread, surely someone on here is more in the know than we are I did find the link to that more detailed study on Project Brays here 2 Quote
LarryDierker Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 Hopefully construction will not shut the trail down for too long. I depend on the trail for most of the places I bike to. Â Â Â Â Hopefully the new bridge design would be somewhat less attractive to the homeless. Â I swear one dude under the Greenbriar bridge (I think) has a full set of furniture down there. Â I seen the guy with a couch, end tables, and a radio. His neighbour from a few bridges down has a grill. IMG_1430 by Not.Larry.Dierker, on Flickr Quote
toxtethogrady Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 Interesting that they have no home but all the touches of home. Perhaps they used an exterior decorator? 1 Quote
monarch Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 how truly sad and most unfortunate, the plight of the homeless. Â one can only pray, that these often resourceful individuals can stay safe from danger / harm. Â may god bless them..... 2 Quote
lockmat Posted April 9, 2015 Posted April 9, 2015 Interesting that they have no home but all the touches of home. Perhaps they used an exterior decorator?  Dude, rent is expensive!  I did some more digging on "Project Brays" today and finally realized that they are widening the channel one segment at a time heading west...  Lidstone to Calhoun is apparently about to start, followed by Bertner to Buffalo Speedway which is going to start early next year (Project Brays website is outdated).  I found a document from 2004 stating that retaining walls would probably be used nearly Main & Kirby (can't find link now)  Here's an excerpt from the Braeswood Place newsletter from earlier this year:  Project Brays: At the January meeting of the Brays Bayou Association, I talked to Gary Zika, Project Brays Program Manager, with regard to the widening of the Brays Bayou channel through Braeswood Place. He said that originally the plan was to widen the channel from Bertner Street in the Texas Medical Center to Buffalo Speedway. The plan now is to extend the widening a distance of 2200 feet west of Buffalo Speedway to the outfall on the south bank at the foot (north end) of Bevlyn Street. The Bevlyn outfall is a natural break point and is a good location to end of this phase of the project. Gary estimated start of construction will begin in about a year and will then take a year to complete. There are some obstacles to overcome, particularly with regard to loss of a number of trees due to widening the top of the bank by 25 feet. There are several "memorial" trees that will have to be dealt with as well as the small park on the north bank east of the West University waste treatment facility at Kirby. However, HCFCD will utilize its tree program following this phase of the project and replace any trees lost during construction. Bridge replacement is not part of this phase of the project.  So the good news is this will almost assuredly mean new, cleaner trails.  Bad news is loss of some mature trees and...we'll still have the concrete.  No fancy dog parks just yet  What is the point of the widening? Same reasons they did it for Buffalo Bayou? Quote
OkieEric Posted April 9, 2015 Posted April 9, 2015 Dude, rent is expensive!  What is the point of the widening? Same reasons they did it for Buffalo Bayou? From what I've read Project Brays as a whole (including the widening and some new detention basins upstream) is supposed to remove most of the 100 year (1%) floodplain from homes and businesses along Brays Bayou.  Large areas of pricey real estate (including portions of West U) and the Med Center are currently in the floodplain, and based on the timing of this I would guess there was a push for something after TS Allison 2 Quote
Kinglyam Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 From what I've read Project Brays as a whole (including the widening and some new detention basins upstream) is supposed to remove most of the 100 year (1%) floodplain from homes and businesses along Brays Bayou.  Large areas of pricey real estate (including portions of West U) and the Med Center are currently in the floodplain, and based on the timing of this I would guess there was a push for something after TS Allison Not just that, but all our drainage bayous are undersized for the increased flow we're getting from all the development out west, Katy and beyond. Add to that a ground surface that's sinking due to subsidence. Plus, there's a drive now to reintroduce habitat and naturalize bayou flow paths. There's always going to be concrete in the lowest portion of the floodway (like Buffalo and White Oak Bayous near Heights), but they may bench above that with just dirt. Widening is going to depend a lot on the surrounding development, though, and they may have to concrete-line more of the bayou in areas where they can't widen it as much. 1 Quote
Popular Post OkieEric Posted January 24, 2016 Popular Post Posted January 24, 2016 Hmmm, my random internet sleuthing may have turned up something on this... Â It looks like 7200 Main Corporation purchased the Saint Nicholas School land in late December - I believe this was the last remaining parcel that would give them the full area as depicted in the renderings. Â I'm not great at understanding the various documents but a search on the county clerk website yielded the following: Â Â I took the following screen cap from the "Main Place at Greenbriar" plat map from the 1/23/2014 planning commission meeting which shows the land in question: Â Â I've recently noticed a lot of survey markings and some holes dug up on the side of Main along this stretch - I assume it is just coincidental since they continue up Main towards Holcombe, but who knows 14 Quote
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