LTAWACS Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 The Fed controls the money. They can have anything they want, apparently. I agree it looks garish and I would've preferred our parkway to be more consistently residential. It seems like an obnoxious location. It should be Downtown, but maybe they know something we don't, as in that area WILL be downtown eventually. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Not if humans keep doing what some here advocate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonfella Posted October 29, 2005 Share Posted October 29, 2005 It's a cool building. It will add more density inside the loop. This can only be a good thing.I think it is pretty cool. Different. Do we need another five story box? NOT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted October 29, 2005 Share Posted October 29, 2005 I like it too. It grows on you. After all the complaining I see here about boring designs, when one comes along that is unique, we get complaints on that, as well. The nature of the beast, I suppose. BTW, the Houston inferiority complex reared its ugly head again. The Fed changed the name on the building from its REAL name, "Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch", to some non-Dallas name..."Federal Reserve Bank, Houston Branch", I believe. The official explanation was that the REAL name was confusing. I can understand that. Several times, while driving down Allen Parkway, I thought I was in Dallas and started looking for the School Book Depository! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmainguy Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 Usually Michael Graves' work is OK to excellent. This building-however colorful it may be, [and I'm all for more color in architecture] completely destroys the scale of AP. I wonder if Graves visited the site before design began? Maybe he didn't. I can't find any other reason for it to be so colossaly out of scale for it's surroundings. Anyway, to me it's just a sub-par building erected on an above par site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 (edited) I like it too. It grows on you. After all the complaining I see here about boring designs, when one comes along that is unique, we get complaints on that, as well.The nature of the beast, I suppose. BTW, the Houston inferiority complex reared its ugly head again. The Fed changed the name on the building from its REAL name, "Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch", to some non-Dallas name..."Federal Reserve Bank, Houston Branch", I believe. The official explanation was that the REAL name was confusing. I can understand that. Several times, while driving down Allen Parkway, I thought I was in Dallas and started looking for the School Book Depository! It's not an inferiority complex when you're not the inferior one. What Houston has towards Dallas is a superiority complex. In fact, why don't I just make that a new term? superiority complex - (suh-PEER- ...never mind) noun When one entity is clearly superior to another entity, but nobody outside of that entity ever seems to recognize or acknowledge it. Edited October 30, 2005 by H-Town Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 It's not an inferiority complex when you're not the inferior one. What Houston has towards Dallas is a superiority complex. In fact, why don't I just make that a new term?superiority complex - (suh-PEER- ...never mind) noun When one entity is clearly superior to another entity, but nobody outside of that entity ever seems to recognize or acknowledge it.Let's stay on topic, people. I'm getting tired of the Dallas v. Houston battles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Article on the building from yesterday's Chronicle: Nov. 4, 2005, 2:04PM Graves' new world Paralysis doesn't stop architect Michael Graves. It introduces him to a whole new market. By CLIFFORD PUGH Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Steve Campbell / Chronicle Michael Graves can no longer walk, but he hasn't lost a step. Two years after meningitis left him paralyzed below the waist, the man who is arguably America's most famous architect is still coming to terms with his condition. Yet the 71-year-old architect isn't ready to wheel off into the sunset just yet. Back at work full time, he was in Houston last week to attend the dedication of the new Federal Reserve Bank, which he designed. To soften the gigantic Federal Reserve building, the architect added columns and lots of windows. At the ceremony saluting Graves' new Federal Reserve Bank branch in Houston, the wheelchair-bound architect talks with a well-wisher. Link to the rest of the article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 To soften the gigantic Federal Reserve building, the architect added columns and lots of windows.WTFE!He blew it outright. No doubt about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 The reason that people sneer at Michael Graves is because he's committed an unpardonable sin: he's become recognized and popular.This building has elements both of grandeur and playfulness, much like an elephant in a tutu. I like it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Michael GravesI thought it stunk before I even knew it was a Graves' project. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmainguy Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 The reason that people sneer at Michael Graves is because he's committed an unpardonable sin: he's become recognized and popular.This building has elements both of grandeur and playfulness, much like an elephant in a tutu. I like it. Wright could have designed it and it would still be out of scale at that site. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Ugly or not, its a big bank! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 I agree that it seems out of scale for the site, and the facade is a bit too cartoonish for my taste, but on the other hand it's not a monstrosity. I give the Fed credit for going out on a limb here, rather than building something safe, boring, and ugly. Given the quality of architecture in Houston lately, or lack of the same to be precise, it's good to see something that pushes the limits somewhat. Anything would be better than another "safe" eyesore like the new civil courts building downtown, which to me sets the local benchmark for bad architecture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 The courts looks as they should. Predicatable by design. We don't need any trend setting courts.it's not a monstrosityFrom the 33rd floor of my 1100 Louisana it sure it. Thing basically stretches from AP to W Dallas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 The courts looks as they should. Predicatable by design. We don't need any trend setting courts.From the 33rd floor of my 1100 Louisana it sure it. Thing basically stretches from AP to W Dallas. You work at 1100 Louisiana from the 33rd floor and never provide us with pictures? are you mad? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 I tried, and all I get is fuzzy pictures from the gold window tint.I'll try again on a clear day. Maybe Friday after the "cold front" comes to town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 The courts looks as they should. Predicatable by design. We don't need any trend setting courts.You Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmainguy Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 You Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 No. It looks like a Govt. rubber stamp, which is very fitting. The major problem with this building is they cancelled the plaza and fountain in the existing surface lot across the street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 I initially really didn't like it. Now, I still don't think it's beautiful but I guess I appreciate its quirkiness, which adds something to the city, if nothing else but "character", as opposed to bland and brutal. I still think it looks like the world's largest Chuck E. Cheese's though.I'm curious how the interior looks. Any pics anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 I initially really didn't like it. Now, I still don't think it's beautiful but I guess I appreciate its quirkiness, which adds something to the city, if nothing else but "character", as opposed to bland and brutal. I still think it looks like the world's largest Chuck E. Cheese's though.I'm curious how the interior looks. Any pics anyone?Good luck taking pictures inside a Federal Reserve, before you get thrown out/thrown in jail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 I initially really didn't like it. Now, I still don't think it's beautiful but I guess I appreciate its quirkiness, which adds something to the city, if nothing else but "character", as opposed to bland and brutal. I still think it looks like the world's largest Chuck E. Cheese's though.I'm curious how the interior looks. Any pics anyone?The only interior pictures I've seen are in the current issue of Cite (not online). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtown 4.2 Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 I took pics of the board room, and the cafeteria. . . but understandably, they would not let me photograph inside the vault and the $$$ handling areas. I'll share the pics if someone tell me how to post them online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
infinite_jim Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 I visited the new Fed bldg yesterday & despite the fact that from the outside I felt it was an "eyesore"; the interiors esp. the executive areas are quite nice,professional, & efficent; but not overly ornate (or showy) as to the fact that it's wealth in itself. The art within the building is very modern and i think will continuially look impressive over the years. The balcony dinning area is quite the highlight and the planned ivy growth will add a nice sense of comfort. Obviously it's downtown views are awesome, but what i thought was interesting is that it feels like 3 separate buildings; as if walking on skywalks between massive structures, it's placement of windows is truly optimal and for a totally secure building quite the opposite of what i orginally thought. Thankfully the color pallette tones down on the interior and it's got a distinct texas style untilitarian feel to the furniture detailing, notably the san jacinto room (where many of the public hearings will take place). The board room (located above the signage) impressed me the most, naturally, it's overview of the parkway and inset diguisal of technology. According to my tour guide it's location is based off of the success of other branch banks, specific to the Baltimore branch and it's effect on the surrounding area. It's a semi-public building with a museum like tour set up (still in the works) on the bank vault level showing you how the automated system works and what the Fed does. Publicly it also was mentioned that the steps are opened up on certain holidays like the 4th of july and that certain portions of the 2nd level main building will in fact be leased to private companies in need of security. The vault (seen from Allen Pkwy) is expandable to accomodate future growth. A large portion (roughly 60%) of it's budget went to the overengineering/post911safety/HVAC and that the remainder was for the "architecture" so in a sense i got a feeling the Fed did the most with what they could considering the turbulent times in which this building was being designed/constructed. -We were told that absolutly no cameras could be brought on premises- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Street Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 i don't like that eagle sitting on the allan parkway side... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 (edited) I couldn't wait until completion of this place. I finally was able to attend an event and you wouldn't believe how elegant this place is on the inside. For a while there I thought I was inside a Four Seasons Hotel. Although I don't agree with its curb appeal I have to admit the people that created this place did a fantastic job. I would like to learn more about the functionality of this place but the website should explain. Inquire about tours. Edited May 17, 2007 by Vertigo58 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannomad Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 I have to admit that when I first moved here I thought that building was some kind of huge day-care, youth facility, or community center. I never would have thought it was the Federal Reserve Bank. Glad to hear that it is much nicer on the inside though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 It really is a great building. I wish it was downtown as opposed to on Allen Parkway... I also don't really like it's "curb appeal"... but it's still a great building! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Note merged Federal Reserve Building topics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Impossible Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 if the federal reserve ever needed a new houston facility, they could open a clown college here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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