banking214 Posted January 13, 2008 Share Posted January 13, 2008 Which is worse, the DMN, or the Chron?I prefer the DMN over the Chron. I think the Houston Press is better than the Chron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worldlyman Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 According to whom? Please tell me you have a source (study) other than yourself. The Los Angeles Times did an article called "Flocking from SoCal to Houston" (December 21, 2007) that discussed why Asians are moving in droves to Bellaire Blvd. Google it up. The Miami newspaper also discussed Bellaire Blvd and environs a couple years ago as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worldlyman Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 (edited) Interesting, because the non-Asian tourists (from the north and south) that I've taken there have absolutely hated it (I think they were expecting something more along the lines of NY or SF style Chinatowns though). I've never thought of it as a tourist mecca before. I always thought of SF's chinatown as tourist mecca while I think of Houston's chinatown as more of a place for the local Asian population.On a regular or daily PRACTICAL basis, I definitely prefer Houston's sprawling convenience than trying to find virtually non-existent good and free parking in the old style of NY or SF. It's pretty neat to drive through Bellaire at night also with the neon and then pick where we want to eat. It feels just as cool to get a meal at Xiang's or snow ice at May's...regardless of urban form. And there's plenty enough interesting pedestrian activity as it is on the weekends in the Sin Chao and Diho Plaza centers. Edited February 1, 2008 by worldlyman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Victory's W Hotel makes the news....W HotelThe stylish W hotel in downtown Dallas is among the places where the alleged thefts began. Authorities said the women knew what were looking for; several of the victims wore Rolex watches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 One man was hurt after possibly being beaten with a high-heeled shoe LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Another lost his wallet while in his car with his pants around his ankles.Bet that's not all he lost. The police report probably reads like a Harlequin romance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Bet that's not all he lost. The police report probably reads like a Harlequin romance.yep and well enough for it to be on the national news this morning. they were saying there were most likely many more cases but the victims are married so they go unreported. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 I've been hearing Victory has been having some problems lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dallascaper Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 I've been hearing Victory has been having some problems lately. Yes, and I got a shot of the problem a few months ago... But hope springs eternal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 No, I was just looking at your home forum, and saw this post earlier today by some guy named "skylife":I had a meeting in Victory this morning and stopped by the site to talk with the crew. They are going to finish a "garage" on the site, without retail while they wait on the "Mandarin." So, while there has been a lot of speculation regarding progress on this project, it seems it has filtered down to the workers. They said the Garage should be open by April. They were very specific to indicate that parts of the original plan were temporarily "left out because parking will be replacing retail" on the side across from the W.I've also heard that the DMN is working on a story about Victory slowing down development and questioning how risky (for the branding of Victory) it is to stop developing. It seems it's a big risk for Perot to have a 1/3 finished Master Plan. I'm sure the thought of a retreat (or delay) at Victory will spur a great deal of conversation - all the way back to Laura Miller's stance and the TIF deal.Like everything else, I am only sharing what I have been told. Maybe others have heard more and are wiling to share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C2H Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 (edited) I just noticed something by looking at c4smok's map. All the projects and surrounding developments around the park and Pavilions on this part of downtown to me definitely looks to almost rival the Victory developement. I know its not larger but could it be almost close to the same size as Victory? Look at the map. Seeing how the developments tie in to eachother, It's becoming more clear now how the topic starter thought to make the comparison. BTW:I'll try to find a pic of Victory overlook. Or If someone has one already please post it. Edited February 16, 2008 by C2H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I just noticed something by looking at c4smok's map. All the projects and surrounding developments around the park and Pavilions on this part of downtown to me definitely looks to almost rival the Victory developement. I know its not larger but could it be almost close to the same size as Victory? Look at the map. Seeing how the developments tie in to eachother, It's becoming more clear now how the topic starter thought to make the comparison. BTW:I'll try to find a pic of Victory overlook. Or If someone has one already please post it. I would rather have the projects we are getting DOWNTOWN then something like Victory that's not Downtown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C2H Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) dallasboiI thought so, just making sure.But yeah Dallasboi just look at the picture map of all the projects that are supposed to follow Houston Pavilions and The Park in the next couple of years. What we're going through now is probably a Phase II or III just like Victory is being done in phases. I guess one could say Phase 1 of downtown eastside development probably started around the Toyota Center and Hilton Americas. Very similar to Victory. Edited February 18, 2008 by C2H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dallascaper Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Victory is a very nice development, but it is very inward looking; in other words, fortress Victory seems somewhat disconnected from the rest of the immediate area, which is a fundamental flaw in its design, IMHO. Is HP designed to be integrated with the surrounding area, or are its retail storefronts inward facing as well? Is HP designed to generate foot traffic along its parameter, or is all of the activity "inside" the development? The reason I ask is that to me good development should integrate with its surrounding area; otherwise, all we have a little islands of urbanity in a sea of parking lots and office buildings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Victory is a very nice development, but it is very inward looking; in other words, fortress Victory seems somewhat disconnected from the rest of the immediate area, which is a fundamental flaw in its design, IMHO. Is HP designed to be integrated with the surrounding area, or are its retail storefronts inward facing as well? Is HP designed to generate foot traffic along its parameter, or is all of the activity "inside" the development? The reason I ask is that to me good development should integrate with its surrounding area; otherwise, all we have a little islands of urbanity in a sea of parking lots and office buildings.Leasing Plan.For the most part, entrances will be along the three-block-long internal corridor, although entrances to the lobby and elevator banks are available from the street. Additionally, the big end-cap spaces look to be at least partially facing the street.I'm conflicted as to whether this is the most integrative leasing plan available to them. On the one hand, I would've preferred that storefronts be more visible to those driving by. On the other, that also exposes shoppers to the elements, and from an aesthetic perspective, the buildings on both sides of Pavilions already act like gigantic blank walls that aren't going to go away, so I'm not quite sure what is there that's worth integrating with.But at least in the sense that HP is geographically integrated into downtown whereas Victory stands apart, HP does have that going for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) The curved endcaps also expose the interior promenade to the streetscape at either end. Given that it is only 3 blocks long...and smack in the middle of downtown...I wouldn't expect it to feel too disconnected. If the ground floor tenants have windows to the sidewalk, that would also help (don't know if that is planned, though).EDIT: The artists renderings show ground level tenant space facing the street, at least at the corners. Edited February 18, 2008 by RedScare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Hizzy! Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Another big plus is that its western-most entrance point almost directly faces the southbound Main Street Square rail station so the two should be able to create a sense of cynergy from a pedestrian standpoint, even if accidental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 (edited) the inner corridor provides easier access (and sheltered access) for the pedestrians plus it is better for the businesses since the pedestrians will walk by storefronts on each level with one pass. looks like the house of blues will have access away from the inner corridor which would probably be better. Edited February 18, 2008 by musicman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dallasboi Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I thought so, just making sure.But yeah Dallasboi just look at the picture map of all the projects that are supposed to follow Houston Pavilions and The Park in the next couple of years. What we're going through now is probably a Phase II or III just like Victory is being done in phases. I guess one could say Phase 1 of downtown eastside development probably started around the Toyota Center and Hilton Americas. Very similar to Victory. Ok.....Now I see what you meant........I don't know why my post was mysteriously deleted....All I said was one word......."How"..............but you were so kind as to explain and I greatly appreciate it. P.S.Could one of the mods be so kind as to pm me and explain to me why this happened? ...thanks again C2H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 The latest word over at DallasMetropolis is that the Victory Tower construction cranes are coming down. Apparently, they will not be proceeding any time soon with the tower structure. Not only that, they are not even completing the full height of the parking structure, and as reported earlier, they have eliminated the retail portion of the garage structure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 The latest word over at DallasMetropolis is that the Victory Tower construction cranes are coming down. Apparently, they will not be proceeding any time soon with the tower structure. Not only that, they are not even completing the full height of the parking structure, and as reported earlier, they have eliminated the retail portion of the garage structure.Wow that sux. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister X Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 (edited) It was going to be an ugly building anyway. No great loss. In fact, I don't think it makes much difference if it ever gets built or not. Victory Fort will still be boring and sterile. IMO. I have serious doubts that Victory will ever be built out according to the original plans. It doesn't look very good when they have to stop building a structure before it's even finished or scale something down while it's still under construction. Too bad. Edited February 29, 2008 by Mister X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayshoota Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 (edited) The latest word over at DallasMetropolis is that the Victory Tower construction cranes are coming down. Apparently, they will not be proceeding any time soon with the tower structure. Not only that, they are not even completing the full height of the parking structure, and as reported earlier, they have eliminated the retail portion of the garage structure.Just to clarify, Victory Tower was what the Mandarin was supposed to be in correct? I looked at the postings over on DallasMetropolis and that is what I took from it. Edited February 29, 2008 by jayshoota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banking214 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Just to clarify, Victory Tower was what the Mandarin was supposed to be in correct? I looked at the postings over on DallasMetropolis and that is what I took from it.Yes, I believe you are correct. While I would have liked this to get built, given the current market conditions, it makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spades Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 It was going to be an ugly building anyway. No great loss. In fact, I don't think it makes much difference if it ever gets built or not. Victory Fort will still be boring and sterile. IMO. I have serious doubts that Victory will ever be built out according to the original plans. It doesn't look very good when they have to stop building a structure before it's even finished or scale something down while it's still under construction. Too bad.I think it will get built out. It just won't be built out in the time they would have liked. This is basically a reality check for Ross Perot and Dallas. You cannot build a successful and vibrant neighborhood overnight and it would be idiotic to try to do so and not thing about hitting a roadblock somewhere. I don't know of any great neighborhood in the country that built a neighborhood in a very short amount of time. It's going to take time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tierwestah Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 (edited) Bein' a Texas team player i have to honestly say, i'm sorry to hear this. It kind of reminds me of when the residential was scrapped from the Houston Pavilions. I agree with Spades though, Victory can't shoot out of the ground into a full grown neighborhood overnight. It's kind of like a plant. A plant can't just grow and become a success without the nourishment, time and care that it would take to fully blossom. Victory is the same. It may look cool with the flashy Video screens and all there's no feel yet. Right now Victory serves the same purpose as a Museum, It's just something to look at! Edited March 2, 2008 by tierwestah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I flew back from dallas earlier this evening and i went by victory prior to going to love. it makes me wonder why this thread was started at all. my friend who is a native dallasite was surprised i mentioned it at all. what really surprised me was the state of the freeways there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonDFW Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I flew back from dallas earlier this evening and i went by victory prior to going to love. it makes me wonder why this thread was started at all. my friend who is a native dallasite was surprised i mentioned it at all. what really surprised me was the state of the freeways there.Which freeways specifically? They've doubled the HOV network in the past year and that has clearly shown some lack of foresight on some of those highways, but I bet they'll get that cleaned up in time. Hindsight is 20/20.Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Which freeways specifically? They've doubled the HOV network in the past year and that has clearly shown some lack of foresight on some of those highways, but I bet they'll get that cleaned up in time. Hindsight is 20/20.Jason35. so expanding the HOV network shows a lack of foresight? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tierwestah Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 it makes me wonder why this thread was started at all.Why ? I'd say the two areas share similarites. They both are close to downtown. They both are new. They both will eventually make an impact on the downtowns of each city from their current state. It might help if people read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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