TheSirDingle Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 (edited) If this renovation is truly underway, then there would be an astounding 1684 units under construction in Downtown during this time. With potential additional population being anywhere in the range of 2021 (1.2/unit) - 2863 (1.7/unit) extra people. Current Downtown residential projects under construction: The Preston: 373 units Fairfield Residential: 291 units Block 98: 309 units Sovereign at the Ballpark: 229 units Potentially This: 482 units Talk about a surprising residential boom. You can honestly take this further and include the 2nd Camden tower and the block 114 tower, easily blasting this to 2259 additional units, but I would say that is wishful thinking for now... or is it. Edited August 23, 2020 by TheSirDingle 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iah77 Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 On 8/20/2020 at 8:22 AM, Specwriter said: Is anyone familiar with the Torre de David in Caracas, Venezuela? It is never finished residential tower that was "colonized" by some homeless in the city. The government was either powerless or indifferent to prevent it though the residents were relocated in 2014, some 20 years after some had first move in. There was book published about the building available on Amazon of course. https://www.amazon.com/Torre-David-Informal-Vertical-Communities/dp/3037782986 Actually the government encouraged the invasion as well as the invasion of the SAMBIL mall they expropriated a few blocks away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNathoo Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 Here is a recent article on another project the developer is working on in Chicago. They seem equipped to handle the challenge. https://www.bisnow.com/chicago/news/construction-development/how-a-historic-west-loop-office-tower-became-a-luxury-hotel-105475?utm_source=outbound_pub_13&utm_campaign=outbound_issue_41323&utm_content=outbound_link_6&utm_medium=email 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brooklyn173 Posted September 4, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 4, 2020 This is a picture from today of a maintenance crew buttoning up the outside of the building. When I took the picture I ran into a sort of supervisor who shared some of what is going on (at least as much as he knows). According to this guy, "everything is on the table" as for the next use of the building. Even some major hotel chains are showing interest. Or possibly turning it into condos such as those across the street at 2016 Main Street. Or maybe a plan more similar, smaller rental units, to what was shown to the City. The major problem with the building wasn't the homeless as "No one really cares about them. They get in, one or two at a time, and do what they wanted but didn't impact anyone else." The problem is what, when I was a kid, were called juvenile delinquents. They get in with groups of a dozen or more and party and break things and then got into the habit of throwing rocks from the top floors. One projectile hit a HPD cruiser and the City quickly became very involved. The guy talking to me said that's why things are happening quickly now. "Either take care of it or the City will take it." The company behind the recent activity is not the Chicago company but a company that has developed hotels in Houston. I don't know if they are working with the Chicago company or on their own or something in between. I don't even knows who really owns the building. The guy says that a decision on what to do has been slowed by the COVID world but a final decision is likely before the end of the year. The long strange history of this building continues. 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 19 minutes ago, Brooklyn173 said: This is a picture from today of a maintenance crew buttoning up the outside of the building. When I took the picture I ran into a sort of supervisor who shared some of what is going on (at least as much as he knows). According to this guy, "everything is on the table" as for the next use of the building. Even some major hotel chains are showing interest. Or possibly turning it into condos such as those across the street at 2016 Main Street. Or maybe a plan more similar, smaller rental units, to what was shown to the City. The major problem with the building wasn't the homeless as "No one really cares about them. They get in, one or two at a time, and do what they wanted but didn't impact anyone else." The problem is what, when I was a kid, were called juvenile delinquents. They get in with groups of a dozen or more and party and break things and then got into the habit of throwing rocks from the top floors. One projectile hit a HPD cruiser and the City quickly became very involved. The guy talking to me said that's why things are happening quickly now. "Either take care of it or the City will take it." The company behind the recent activity is not the Chicago company but a company that has developed hotels in Houston. I don't know if they are working with the Chicago company or on their own or something in between. I don't even knows who really owns the building. The guy says that a decision on what to do has been slowed by the COVID world but a final decision is likely before the end of the year. The long strange history of this building continues. So... nothing. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eastdwntwn Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 37 minutes ago, Brooklyn173 said: This is a picture from today of a maintenance crew buttoning up the outside of the building. When I took the picture I ran into a sort of supervisor who shared some of what is going on (at least as much as he knows). According to this guy, "everything is on the table" as for the next use of the building. Even some major hotel chains are showing interest. Or possibly turning it into condos such as those across the street at 2016 Main Street. Or maybe a plan more similar, smaller rental units, to what was shown to the City. The major problem with the building wasn't the homeless as "No one really cares about them. They get in, one or two at a time, and do what they wanted but didn't impact anyone else." The problem is what, when I was a kid, were called juvenile delinquents. They get in with groups of a dozen or more and party and break things and then got into the habit of throwing rocks from the top floors. One projectile hit a HPD cruiser and the City quickly became very involved. The guy talking to me said that's why things are happening quickly now. "Either take care of it or the City will take it." The company behind the recent activity is not the Chicago company but a company that has developed hotels in Houston. I don't know if they are working with the Chicago company or on their own or something in between. I don't even knows who really owns the building. The guy says that a decision on what to do has been slowed by the COVID world but a final decision is likely before the end of the year. The long strange history of this building continues. Thanks for the update! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Houston19514 Posted October 18, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 18, 2020 (edited) Just to fill in a little additional information gleaned from the Downtown TIRZ meeting: It sounds like Phoenix has the building under contract, but has not yet closed on it (as of mid-August). They are working with consultants etc to try to come up with best mix of units/pricing. The initial plan as shown above was mostly micro and studio units and a mix of affordable and market rate. They are looking at increasing the number of 1 bedroom units and also possibly increasing the percentage of affordable units. They are aiming to minimize the amount of "ask" from public bodies, hoping to not ask for any (other than HUD financing based on affordable housing and Oppportuniy Zone tax benefits). Yes, it is an Opportunity Zone project. (Contrary to the implication above, just being in an Opportunity Zone does not make a project an Opportunity Zone project; but this one is.) They are definitely addressing the student housing market. They specifically talked about it being an ideal location to provide housing for students at multiple area universities (UH-D, UH, Rice, TSU, St Thomas), Medical Center employees, downtown employees, including hotel employees... Edited October 18, 2020 by Houston19514 14 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 Holy bananas how did I miss all of the updates to this thread over the last 3 months. I always thought that the small room sizes in this property may be a challenge, but it would be fantastic to add some pricing variation to downtown (and even Midtown). Based on room size, a hotel makes the most sense, but this area needs residents and not temporary guests imho. People that can take advantage of the YMCA next door and if the NHHIP and the city develops the land the Pierce Elevated land into parks or whatever, that there are more residents that are nearby. You have to think that the new BRT lines connect with the downtown transit center, so this might be one of the best transit-connected blocks in the city. Could be direct BRT to the Galleria/HSR/IAH, direct LRT to NRG/Med Center/UHD and LRT->BRT/LRT connection to TSU, UH, the other sports stadiums, etc. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 It will be very well connected, but I think the BRT will connect at Central Station (for Inner Katy) and Wheeler (for University line) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 3 hours ago, cspwal said: It will be very well connected, but I think the BRT will connect at Central Station (for Inner Katy) and Wheeler (for University line) Wheeler is a no-brainer for University, but Central Station is so annoying for Inner Katy/IAH. I really think that they should integrate 2 stations. Preston and Convention would be a nice combo imho and would allow easy connections while also offering super easy Discovery Green/Convention center access for IAH BRT. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 I didn't even consider that - BRT could go extend to the convention center Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 14 hours ago, wilcal said: Wheeler is a no-brainer for University, but Central Station is so annoying for Inner Katy/IAH. I really think that they should integrate 2 stations. Preston and Convention would be a nice combo imho and would allow easy connections while also offering super easy Discovery Green/Convention center access for IAH BRT. I think they are a long ways from having made any decisions about the end-point, stops, and connecting points for the IAH BRT. From the MetroNext website: "NOTE: During the course of the implementation of METRONext, exact routes of the METRORapid and METRORail connections shown will only be decided and finalized after an extensive community involvement process." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 11 minutes ago, Houston19514 said: I think they are a long ways from having made any decisions about the end-point, stops, and connecting points for the IAH BRT. From the MetroNext website: "NOTE: During the course of the implementation of METRONext, exact routes of the METRORapid and METRORail connections shown will only be decided and finalized after an extensive community involvement process." It can't be too much longer! Inner Katy BRT/elevated HOV funding from HGAC is set for 2021 fiscal year. Even if two-way HOV on 45 won't be done for a decade due to NHHIP, the cost to implement BRT to IAH is relatively low. Just skip the planned red line extension station until that's finished and build the BRT stations at Greenspoint and IAH. Not much community involvement needed on where to plan these specific items. Also, maybe they'll finally close Main St to cars and they can make a cool BRT station. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HouTXRanger Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 26 minutes ago, wilcal said: It can't be too much longer! Inner Katy BRT/elevated HOV funding from HGAC is set for 2021 fiscal year. Even if two-way HOV on 45 won't be done for a decade due to NHHIP, the cost to implement BRT to IAH is relatively low. Just skip the planned red line extension station until that's finished and build the BRT stations at Greenspoint and IAH. Not much community involvement needed on where to plan these specific items. Also, maybe they'll finally close Main St to cars and they can make a cool BRT station. Honestly, I'm more excited that the BRT sharing stations with the green/purple lines might finally get the city to make those lanes dedicated transit instead of turn-only. Anything to improve the slog through all those lights for the train . . . 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 12 minutes ago, HouTXRanger said: Honestly, I'm more excited that the BRT sharing stations with the green/purple lines might finally get the city to make those lanes dedicated transit instead of turn-only. Anything to improve the slog through all those lights for the train . . . It would really be incredible. However, I remember reading about how someone, maybe downtown district(?) made them promise to keep the lanes accessible to cars. It's been awhile, and clearly downtown tirz is acting progressively (bagby st rebuild) so who knows! I wish Metro would be more forthcoming with their potential plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Houston19514 Posted February 23, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2021 This proposal is still alive. Downtown TIRZ had a LOI on their agenda (presumably approved) stating its intent to provide some TIF for the project. The developer also has gotten an LOI from the Houston Housing Finance Corporation. The developer will use these LOI to help them put together the whole financing package for the project. (86 affordable and 342 market-rate units). The affordable units are a mix of 64 studio, 17 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units that will be affordable to tenants at 50% of area median income. 14 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post downtownian Posted October 2, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted October 2, 2021 I think it’s strangely beautiful 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specwriter Posted October 4, 2021 Share Posted October 4, 2021 On 10/1/2021 at 7:23 PM, downtownian said: I think it’s strangely beautiful In that lighting I agree. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 16, 2022 Share Posted October 16, 2022 That metal chimney is waiting for the right amount wind to rain down on somebody. 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post zaphod Posted October 17, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted October 17, 2022 A thread about this building was the first thing I ever posted on this forum, which was the second-ever internet thing I ever signed up for, in 2005, when I was in 11th grade. Now I am 34 and on the same forum I am still seeing pictures of this POS. When are they going to blow it up. 3 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEES?! Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 (edited) I just wanna know how it could be structurally sound after all this time. Also there’s a forest springing up on the roof. New rooftop vertical park when?😎 Edited October 17, 2022 by BEES?! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenOlenska Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 I like this rectangle filled up with little rectangles and will be cheering for it until it falls into the sea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted November 27, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 27, 2022 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 11, 2022 Share Posted December 11, 2022 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 26, 2022 Share Posted December 26, 2022 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEES?! Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 (edited) It sounds like someone may have purchased this building and intends to do a conversion on it. From the Downtown TIRZ board of directors meeting on Jan 10th 2023 (Page 148) Highlight: Within the month of December, CHI was approached by a local developer to help inform an investment & development group from NYC regarding the potential acquisition and conversion of a major Downtown Houston asset which has sat vacant for years. CHI's research lead and executive team spent approximately 20 hours responding to their research requests, including items such as the residential pipeline, historical population trends, and projected tax liabilities, and forecasts for potential development support tools. CHI management understands that the group closed on the property on Dec 31 and intends to advance the project. I can’t think of another “major downtown asset” that’s sat vacant for years that would be suitable for conversion. Am I missing any? Edited January 12, 2023 by BEES?! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattyt36 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 17 minutes ago, BEES?! said: It sounds like someone may have purchased this building and intends to do a conversion on it. From the Downtown TIRZ board of directors meeting on Jan 10th 2023 (Page 148) Highlight: Within the month of December, CHI was approached by a local developer to help inform an investment & development group from NYC regarding the potential acquisition and conversion of a major Downtown Houston asset which has sat vacant for years. CHI's research lead and executive team spent approximately 20 hours responding to their research requests, including items such as the residential pipeline, historical population trends, and projected tax liabilities, and forecasts for potential development support tools. CHI management understands that the group closed on the property on Dec 31 and intends to advance the project. I can’t think of another “major downtown asset” that’s sat vacant for years that would be suitable for conversion. Am I missing any? 800 Bell may fit that bill, going on 8 years now, and certainly would be better described as a "major downtown asset" than this. But I hope you're right! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Shorenstein sold 800 Bell and the associated parking garage to Bell Business Investments, llc. Warranty Deed was recorded on January 3, 2023. Tax notices are to be sent to CMI Developers, llc https://www.cmidevelopers.com/ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avossos Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 2 hours ago, BEES?! said: It sounds like someone may have purchased this building and intends to do a conversion on it. From the Downtown TIRZ board of directors meeting on Jan 10th 2023 (Page 148) Highlight: Within the month of December, CHI was approached by a local developer to help inform an investment & development group from NYC regarding the potential acquisition and conversion of a major Downtown Houston asset which has sat vacant for years. CHI's research lead and executive team spent approximately 20 hours responding to their research requests, including items such as the residential pipeline, historical population trends, and projected tax liabilities, and forecasts for potential development support tools. CHI management understands that the group closed on the property on Dec 31 and intends to advance the project. I can’t think of another “major downtown asset” that’s sat vacant for years that would be suitable for conversion. Am I missing any? Conversion to residential? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEES?! Posted January 13, 2023 Share Posted January 13, 2023 27 minutes ago, Ross said: Shorenstein sold 800 Bell and the associated parking garage to Bell Business Investments, llc. Warranty Deed was recorded on January 3, 2023. Tax notices are to be sent to CMI Developers, llc https://www.cmidevelopers.com/ This must be it, then. Maybe we can get these posts moved over to 800 Bell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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