cloud713 Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Gensler is the architect. Hi-res renderings below. is it just me or does the alley way/pedestrian promenade look way wider in this rendering than it really is? it seems like you couldnt have more than 5 people walking side by side in the current set up. now you could easily have 10. will they really widen it that much? i thought work was supposed to be done in a few months so i didnt figure any more serious structural changes would be made (besides obviously the hotel) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Jonathan Brinsden (CEO of Midway) was walking on Dallas St. today with a group of other people. He was close to House of Blues when I saw him. Didn't take a picture but I probably should have. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Stonian Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Fabulous design. Looks like what I would expect the W Hotel to make a splash with in Houston..., who knows, maybe this thing will get re-branded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arche_757 Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 ^Doubtful. Its being developed by a completely separate hotel company... one that has some of the top hotels in the state. I'd take this from a local company over a W any day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehoustonion Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Not impressed with W Hotel in Dallas. This hotel looks fabulous, when built I may stay there for a weekend. Great design, what a impact it will make. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarface Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 I think this calls for a drink tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 omg alessandra! aren't you a beautiful debutante. welcome to downtown houston. may i have this dance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerNspace Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 love it. great location. gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 hey my pal swtsig, you said just the other day that "it's coming" in reference to my aforementioned query... was this the one that you were referring too? wow! gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Am I blind? Does anybody see the pool? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 haif team mates, may you all just stop for a moment... and just imagine the types of "retail" that this beautiful "hotel alessandra" just may inspire? "greenstreet" shall now become a "gold mine" just like midway corp's "city centre" project. development, as per this magnitude, is just what "greenstreet" needed to overcome being lethargic vs stoic. this area of downtown houston... shall become a "beast". simply magnificent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Got this press release this afternoon. Plus big renderings, which are always nice. Midway in Partnership with Houston-Based Valencia Group to Debut a New Luxury Hotel Brand at Downtown Houston’s GreenStreet Contemporary, 25-story hotel tower to include sleek finishes, a lavish outdoor terrace and sweeping views of the downtown skyline HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 26, 2014) – Houston-based Midway, a fully integrated real estate investment and development firm, in partnership with Valencia Group, an award-winning hospitality management and development company, announced plans today for Hotel Alessandra. The luxury property will anchor downtown Houston’s GreenStreet, a mixed-use destination located just steps from key downtown destinations such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center and Discovery Green park. Slated to debut in late 2016, Hotel Alessandra will be the newest brand in Valencia Group’s acclaimed portfolio. This venture will be the second time Midway and Valencia Group have teamed up to introduce a hotel concept in the greater Houston area. In 2009, the companies unveiled Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE, a Condé Nast Gold List hotel located in the heart of the CITYCENTRE district on Houston’s west side, which also is in close proximity to the Energy Corridor. “As Houston continues to see an influx of business and leisure travel, we recognized an opportunity to provide the downtown area with a more sophisticated, best-of-class hospitality option,” said Midway CEO Jonathan Brinsden. “Through our partnership with Valencia Group, Hotel Alessandra will deliver the ultimate experience for guests and set a new standard for luxury in the city,” he adds. While Hotel Alessandra helps fill the growing need for more hotel accommodations in the area, the hotel also provides an important anchor in the city’s plan for a vibrant, mixed-use retail district in downtown Houston. Additionally, the placement of Hotel Alessandra instills a sense of connectivity for visitors and residents, thanks to its convenient location to popular destinations, sporting complexes, the Texas Medical Center and mass transportation such as the Houston METRO rail. “Midway would also like to thank Houston First and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ) for its financial support of Hotel Alessandra,” adds Brinsden. “Both partners took the time to seriously consider the proposal, ask the right questions and ultimately act in the interest of what is best needed to serve the downtown community. With their contributions, projects such as this will help give convention and leisure travelers luxurious accommodations while resulting in jobs, new tax revenue, and other economic benefits for the city of Houston.” Although Hotel Alessandra’s design is still evolving, the contemporary-designed property is expected to feature approximately 225 elegant rooms and suites with oversized bathrooms, as well as premier meeting and event spaces equipped with the latest technological amenities. Plans also include architectural details that will allow for sweeping views of the city and lavish indoor-outdoor spaces. “Our team is proud to partner with Midway in creating what will be one of the most impactful new additions to the Houston hospitality scene,” said Valencia Group President and CEO Doyle Graham, Jr. “As with all Valencia Group properties, Hotel Alessandra will serve as a bustling destination and gathering place within the community for dining, entertainment, as well as corporate and social events.” GreenStreet is a Class-A mixed-use project, spanning four city blocks, connected via sky bridges and above-ground walkways. The development, located at 1201 Fannin, includes the fully occupied, 11-story regional headquarters for NRG Energy, one of the largest power generating companies in the country, along with restaurants, retailers and venues including the House of Blues, Forever XXI, McCormick & Schmick’s and Lucky Strike. Earlier this year, re-development construction commenced on the 568,294 square foot development, which will include a three block urban linear park, mid-block pedestrian crossings, water features, a central courtyard in the project block between Fannin and San Jacinto, outdoor patios, updated wayfinding signage and lighting – leading to an overall enhanced visitor experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Am I blind? Does anybody see the pool? Enclosed in glass on the top level facing Dallas St. Would be cool if those glass panels could open on a nice day. Where is the parking going to be? It doesn't appear to be enclosed within the hotel tower and while no off-street parking is required downtown, it would be insane not to secure sufficient parking for this hotel. Is the GreenStreet garage sufficient? Even when NRG office workers are using it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Because the Hotel Alessandra is its own tower, I've split it off into its own thread. http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/30012-hotel-alessandra-25-stories-part-of-greenstreet/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 they need to expand the garage, if they can. 8 floors isn't enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Gertner's bar didn't create any noise- I never heard it even when walking outside the thing, and they never completed the outdoor portion- the stairway inside is incomplete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 they need to expand the garage, if they can. 8 floors isn't enough.agreed, expand/rebuild the garage so it can support a future residential high rise component on top of it along Main St to make GreenStreet truly a mixed use destination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 (edited) Gertner's bar didn't create any noise- I never heard it even when walking outside the thing, and they never completed the outdoor portion- the stairway inside is incomplete. I seem to recall a poster on here complaining about the noise. Edit: found the threadhttp://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24138-scott-gertners-new-downtown-venue Edited March 27, 2014 by LarryDierker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Build it! BUILD IT NOW! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArchFan Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Valencia Group has a very good product and I'm especially gratified to be able to say that about a home team (i.e., a Houston company). I think the addition of this hotel will really help Midway in their redevelopment of Green Street, in particular because it will draw a lot more people into its core. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ctaf Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 So guests will have to go up to the top floor to check in? Is that normal now with new hotels? I've never seen it before, although I don't get much fancier than a Courtyard Marriott 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 I don't get much fancier than a Courtyard Marriott I don't get much fancier the the Palace Inn.who stays in these things longer than an hour anyway? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota79 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Well, only the Motel 6 for me. They leave the light on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Gensler is the architect. Hi-res renderings below. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 HOLY!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Does anyone know if the anchor space that used to house books a million is still vacant?Because, just coming back from NYC and being in times square, I think that would be an awesome spot for 2 story H&M flagship store, times square style 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 So guests will have to go up to the top floor to check in? Is that normal now with new hotels? I've never seen it before, although I don't get much fancier than a Courtyard Marriott The only place I have been to that had a similar setup was the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas. Probably the highest end place I've ever stayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Does anyone know if the anchor space that used to house books a million is still vacant?Because, just coming back from NYC and being in times square, I think that would be an awesome spot for 2 story H&M flagship store, times square styleI agree. I'm completely shocked they opened up in the suburbs first. I thought they were supposed to have opened on at BLVD Place? Anyways, If they did open one up It wouldn't be much competition with XXI, as they are essentially the same store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 A few more details, courtesy of Bisnow: The most unique feature of Hotel Alessandra is the lobby, way up on the 24th floor. Jamie tells us it uses Houston’s skyline as an amenity, and checking in surrounded by the city will be an experience of its own. (Assuming you didn't walk up there using the staircase.) On top of that is the 25th-floor pool, event deck, and destination bar/restaurant. Gensler’s design includes a partially retractable glass roof. Down on solid ground, the atrium will have 10k SF of sunny meeting space and a fitness facility, and will provide views of the whole tower. And of course, having the lobby on the 24th floor leaves open prime real estate on the street level. Jamie tells us they’re putting 7,000 SF of retail along Dallas. The team will be very selective in what’ll go there—they want a five-star retailer to complement the five-star hotel—and in an effort to support the City’s initiative to add storefronts, it will not be a restaurant or entertainment tenant. It’s a benefit to GreenStreet, too—most of its existing retail on Dallas is spoken for. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Retractable roof? Sweet. Balls. I hope they don't spend a ton of money building it though just to keep it closed to enhance the atmosphere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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