bachanon Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 i understand that the desire for a unique station at this location is what brought about the design competition, but wouldn't something this unique be more interesting outside the CBD? i would rather have stations going through downtown that obstruct views as little as possible. doesn't it seem like the immediate area could end up feeling cluttered or crowded? i like the design immensely. i think i'd rather see it on the edge of a park or around low rise buildings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elecpharm Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 i understand that the desire for a unique station at this location is what brought about the design competition, but wouldn't something this unique be more interesting outside the CBD? i would rather have stations going through downtown that obstruct views as little as possible. doesn't it seem like the immediate area could end up feeling cluttered or crowded? i like the design immensely. i think i'd rather see it on the edge of a park or around low rise buildings. I could easily see this being in the Museum District, Reliant Park, or at the BBVA Stadium stop. With that being said, I would still prefer it to be downtown. Downtown is the signature stop. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 I could easily see this being in the Museum District, Reliant Park, or at the BBVA Stadium stop. With that being said, I would still prefer it to be downtown. Downtown is the signature stop.agreed with everything. it would be neat if they got creative with some of the stations, for example the Montrose station have a cool artsy eclectic station on the new University line. maybe signature stations at the universities? but i think the transfer hubs between multiple rail lines should for sure be distinguished by a a unique design (even if said "unique" design was replicated at all of the transfer stations).. (places like Wheeler Station, UH Cougarwalk, obviously Central Station, and whatever the transfer station will be at Post Oak/uptown and university line). and then i hope when the Uptown line gets built they get stations that are different from the current ones to further distinguish that district, along with all the unique light poles/arches/signage/bus stops/ect. and yes, downtown is the signature stop. right now we are only (soon to be) working with 3 light rail lines, and they all cross at Central Station, so that will probably the most frequently used stop and deserves to be distinguished from the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Snohetta's design proposal is officially dead:http://swamplot.com/snohettas-central-station-canopy-design-is-officially-dead/2013-12-16/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 It would be a fine idea for the Central Station platforms to be connected via the tunnel system. The two block walk between stations wouldn't be nearly adventurous as braving Houston's weather and crossing busy streets while rushing to catch a train. It's great to encourage street level activity and all, but let's be realistic, disconnected platforms blocks apart is not a central station. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 (edited) It would be a fine idea for the Central Station platforms to be connected via the tunnel system. The two block walk between stations wouldn't be nearly adventurous as braving Houston's weather and crossing busy streets while rushing to catch a train. It's great to encourage street level activity and all, but let's be realistic, disconnected platforms blocks apart is not a central station.ive pondered this idea as well.. put escalators down to the tunnel level from the middle of the platforms and have connections underneath to the transfer stations with a big open area in the tunnel level with a type of underground mezzanine/plaza down there to make it feel like a grand underground subway-esque terminal or something. truly a "Central Station" Edited October 8, 2014 by cloud713 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 ive pondered this idea as well.. put escalators down to the tunnel level from the middle of the platforms and have connections underneath to the transfer stations with a big open area in the tunnel level with a type of underground mezzanine/plaza down there to make it feel like a grand underground subway-esque terminal or something. truly a "Central Station"The current leadership at Metro is too incompetent to make this idea a reality. They couldn't even manage putting up a decorative shed structure at this site, even with the Downtown District's financial contribution. A tunnel connection is beyond their handling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 (edited) The current leadership at Metro is too incompetent to make this idea a reality. They couldn't even manage putting up a decorative shed structure at this site, even with the Downtown District's financial contribution. A tunnel connection is beyond their handling.Walking and chewing bubble gum at the same time is beyond their handling. Edited October 13, 2014 by Howard Huge 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 (edited) Light Rail runs after the Tunnel System shuts down every weekday--and on weekends. What would be the point of having a fancy area underground that would be a dead end evenings & weekends? And every Light Rail station is different--with a plaque naming the artists & the source of the design. However, the differences are subtle--amusing to those of us who actually ride Light Rail but not noticeable to those of you just driving by.... Edited October 20, 2014 by MaggieMay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Hopefully METRO's light rail system is not the be-all and end-all of Houston transit and the city will eventually get a heavy rail system. In that case, the grand central station design can be help off for the signature METRO heavy rail. I see light rail become the way people get around locally once the get off of the heavy rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/transportation/article/Metro-considers-how-to-use-39-9-million-in-6033574.php#/0 Well what'd'ya know. Nearly $40M in unspent funds. Perhaps this will get a second look? They could do way, way more than these proposals with $40M. Still think an underground plaza "central station" linking the lines is a better option, but not holding my breath. Let's wait and see what METRO does with their "fun" money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/transportation/article/Metro-considers-how-to-use-39-9-million-in-6033574.php#/0Well what'd'ya know. Nearly $40M in unspent funds. Perhaps this will get a second look? They could do way, way more than these proposals with $40M. Still think an underground plaza "central station" linking the lines is a better option, but not holding my breath. Let's wait and see what METRO does with their "fun" money.Ha, you make me laugh.I could tell you right now what Metros gonna do with that money, but that kind of language isnt allowed here. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigereye Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Ha, you make me laugh.I could tell you right now what Metros gonna do with that money, but that kind of language isnt allowed here.I'll say it for you. I said it in the Swamplot comments. Metro's gonna take that money, put it into one of those shiney new CAF trains, then go screw themselves with it. These effing clowns. My goodness. I'm so mad. A chance to visually improve our Downtown squandered because they mismanaged the budget. And NOW THEY HAVE A SURPLUS? If I met a Metro official on the street, I'd punch him in the face. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moore713 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 So seems metro had a small surplus from the transportation and have to use it or risk it going back to them...ummm how about the station ...duh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moore713 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 We all know metro excuse..if we build the station now we will have to delay opening the new lines..blah blah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 Well what'd'ya know. Nearly $40M in unspent funds. Perhaps this will get a second look? Central Station Main is technically part of the East End line which involved no federal money. The leftovers can only be spent on the line they came from, i.e., North or Southeast and can only be spent on items within the Full Funding Grant Agreement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 Central Station Main is technically part of the East End line which involved no federal money. The leftovers can only be spent on the line they came from, i.e., North or Southeast and can only be spent on items within the Full Funding Grant Agreement. Both the Red Line and the Purple Line would utilize such a station, I would think they have a fairly strong argument that improved transfer station design will increase ridership on both federally funded segments. I mean if they are proposing bus shelters, park and rides, and even an additional Purple Line station, surely a transfer station used by both lines would fall under the same thinking. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 One could hope. Unfortunately I doubt metro is too worried about a "signature station" but I think it would be awesome. Like someone else said, I too would like to eventually see a sunken transfer plaza (via covered escalators) below grade, linking into the tunnel system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) does anyone know how much it cost METRO to build one of the standard stations?and how do you know what track area are designated to what rail line? apparently Central Station is designated as an East End project, though both the green and purple lines run that stretch..? what gives?assuming its less than $40 million (i believe it should definitely be less) per station, i propose they use the money to build a platform at the west end of the green/purple lines where the turn around point will be, as an official "end of the line" stop (like UH-D used to be), with stairs going down from the station to the bayou trail system. and a new western station at Buffalo Bayou would be spaced out about the same distance as the other stations across downtown.aside from UH-D there really is no Buffalo Bayou light rail connection (and i dont even think there are even stairs from the LRT platform at UH-D to the MKT Trail and Buffalo Bayou below. another suggestion i would like to propose). after spending $58 million on Buffalo Bayou Park, millions on renovation of the bayou parks through downtown, and hundreds of $415 on the bayou greenways initiative, you would think they would be interested in trying to implement better connectivity to the sites. especially if they are going to have billion dollar light rail lines literally spanning the main bayou a lot of these park/trail projects involve. Edited February 3, 2015 by cloud713 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 hmm.. no takers on the Buffalo Bayou station idea i guess.is METRO invested/tied into their HQ building in downtown? obviously they have the bus station attatched, but that could be demoed and the land used for a parking garage and/or building expansion.if they moved, METRO could (probably should either way?) move their downtown bus station to the Post Office intermodal transit center redevelopment.just saying all of this because the block of Main/Capitol/Fannin/Rusk is insanely appealing for redevelopment (assuming someone had the authority to come in and buy out the current tenants/owners on the block).everyone knows Capital Tower's renderings where the lobby is open to the tunnel system below, right?well take the same tunnel/lobby concept for that, and build a mixed use tower on top of it (METRO could fill the office portion and be at the crossroads of their LRT system). dig escalators/stairs somewhere in the middle of Central Station and the Texaco Building light rail stations, going underground and trench tunnels below the streets connecting the light rail stations to this new mixed use tower/METRO HQ at Main/Capitol/Fannin/Rusk.the transfer area would feel more like an underground subway station. almost like Houstons version of Grand Central Station or something. i think it would be a great way to keep people out of any nasty weather and direct them more clearly to the other stations, while forming a sort of grand mezzanine for the tunnel system with natural lighting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 The Main/Capitol/Fannin/Rusk block is fully occupied with a mix of historic buildings and serviceable newer (but not new) construction. I would love a more fleshed-out central station, but not at the cost of an entire block of functioning buildings. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 are they historic? im only familiar with the Flying Saucer building. the one on the southeast side looks like it could be historic. but i feel that. its just obviously the most prime block in downtown in terms of transit connectivity.anyways, that was just a late night ramble i had. lol.. the Buffalo Bayou METRO station seems a much more feasible idea that i think they should at least look into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downtownian Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 just saying all of this because the block of Main/Capitol/Fannin/Rusk is insanely appealing for redevelopment (assuming someone had the authority to come in and buy out the current tenants/owners on the block). That would destroy my loft! Seriously though, the block is extremely mixed use with residential, office and lodging and good ground floor retail (Flying Saucer, Bayou City Theatrics, Springbok, Tabe 7 Bistro). I think it's a great block. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 haha.. it is a great block. i really dig it. forgive me for being slightly under the influence last night and getting a little over exuberant with my fantasies.so no Buffalo Bayou station at the west end of the green/purple lines with the 40 mil left over? i figured it would be a great access point to Buffalo Bayou Park from the METRO rail lines since they just spent all that money on improving the bayou parks system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Cloud's end of line station idea makes a lot of sense. Not to mention just a short extension northwestward onto Lubbock would provide superior access to the city's property as well (which would bode well no matter what happens with that property long term). At the same time though, there are likely many interests in play for this area be it the future 45 construction/tunnel/realignment question, westward LRT extension routing, and future of the city's property here. Too many questions perhaps to invest any significant amount of funding yet. As far as the underground Central station connection goes, just because there are buildings above doesn't mean an underground station can't be built below without disturbing the surface. Of course it's not the cheap way to go, or perhaps the concourse would need to be deeper than our typical tunnel, but if connected via escalator it doesn't really matter how deep the station is. It would be pure gold to have a station connection directly with the tunnel system--no argument of having to compete with the weather if you ride mass transit (at least not on the Downtown side of things if your building is on the tunnel system--can't speak to the other end of your LRT journey). Frankly, if not initiated by METRO directly to guide the development of an underground connection here between stations, it's rather likely eventually some sort of connection will be created because of so many developments in the area and the high desire to be connected to the tunnel system--it just won't be a memorable space, but rather just another part of the tunnel system. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Yeah I was thinking about the city justice complex just beyond my proposed station about to be up for grabs. Interesting about digging below existing buildings. I figured they had deep pilings or something.Or I guess they could just trench a tunnel system/connection under the streets and make a big sideways U around the Main/Capitol/Fannin/Rusk block. Not nearly as grand as a large open underground station with natural lighting, but the connection is what's important here. Not the riders visual impressions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Otto Mation) Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 THIRD EXPOSURE has added a photo to the pool: Metro Houston Click here to view this photo at the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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