Not sure if this is the best forum to post this in, but I figured it's worth a shot. I remember a while back there was a thread and story about a possible hi-rise residential tower that was going to be built across Crawford from MMP in what is now a parking lot. The first few floors were going to be shops/restaurants/bars/etc. with lofts above those. If anyone has any info on the project, like what is was called or if it is still in the works, please let me know. Thanks.
Its called Ballpark Place. It was on track for construction....then Enron happened and the market plummeted. Since then it was put on hold. The project was recently scaled back form 35 stories to 25 and completely redesigned from the old rendering locals see in the parking that its supposed to be built on. Trammel Crow has a solid rep for getting things done around here. But my belief is the the project, on hold for 4 years now, despite a full redesign last year and with still "luke warm" demand, is a dead project. Others have told me differently, but I wont buy it until I see a dirt dug at the site. But if the Astros continue to pull fans to the area, things will change..... I'll find some renderings....
Blech. Looks like an eyesore to me. It actually blocks the backdrop. Sure would be a cool place to live though, if you lived on the right side of the building. Can you imagine watching every Astro game from your balcony? You sure could save a lot of money on beer...
A trusted source of mine in the real estate industry here says the project....miraculously...is still gonna happen and even on the verge of ground being broken. Apparently the recent World Series run has created a surge in demand. I'm not sure how, they dont have a sales trailer at the site I believe, and last I check, the promotional website they had was down. I guess there must be some sort of contact number on the billboard they have up for those interested in leasing. BTW, Offficially, the tower will be 29 stories in height and incluede retail and eateries on the first two floors facing the ballpark. As for the downtown view being effected, due to the site's location, it will be minimal at best. For those who sit in right field, downtown is visible behind Union Station and the block directly behind that to the southwest. The BallPark Place site sits one block northwest of Union Station. So in effect, it will have virtually no effect on the downtown view...if anything, just add more Manhattan-like density to it. For those behind home plate, you dont have a downtown view period. The only view you have is of the new courthouse with its dome in centerfield. Ballpark Place will sit essentially in left field next to Union Station. If anything, Ball Park Place's lover level's will be blocked by the light tower and Citgo billboard in left. But you'll clearly be able to see it rising over head, unless the roof is closed. So if you like viewing the new courthouse, your view wont be blocked either.
Sheesh, you sound like the Ballpark Place PR guy. Yuck. I hate that location. Nice for the residents of the building. Crappy for the fans actually attending the games. I'd rather have the view we have now than a closeup of an apartment building. I hope this project falls through. The new courthouse is a nice building to look at and the fact that it sits farther away is perfect. This planned development is entirely too close.
I really dont' have a problem with the project. The view of the skyline is from the first base line and out in right and center. This building won't obstruct that view. It will block a view of the courthouse for those down the third base line...but who really cares? This is EXACTLY the sort of development that the area needs. The sort of development we were promised when we went to the polls about 10 years ago to approve funding of the ballpark. I seriously doubt it will happen. I talk to people who should know...and they continually tell me, "no new news...no new news." they're not pre-selling units or even getting commitments. they're not even as far along as the Shamrock Tower was, and it's going nowhere. too bad. because the development around the ballpark has been very disappointing.
Here is a question..... Do you attend Astros game to watch your home team beat some ass, or do you go to admire our lovely downtown?!?! I dont know about you guys, but Im watching the game. I could care less about my view of downtown....
For me, it's both. I want a nice environment in which to watch the game as well as watching the game. There is a lot of downtime during baseball games. Having nice facilities with a nice view is more likely to get me out to the ballpark and spend some money. If we were playing in a dump, I'd stay at home all the time and drink my $6 12-pack of Josef Hoffbauer.
baseball, first. but more than any other sport, the ballpark adds to the game. it comes into play because every ballpark is different. but on something like this, i agree. i don't think this project, as i've seen it, is tacky. it doesn't detract from how beautiful MMP is.
Good point. Didnt think about the atmosphere factor. I guess that probably gets me off my lazy ass as well.
Yeah, If anyone's ever been to PNC park in Pittsburgh, it is incredible! The full Pittsburgh skyline is literally right across the river. Sure, the baseball is the main reason, but having a nice view to take in just adds more to it. Been to 12 baseball fields, and PNC is still #1 in my opinion.
LOL, so I guess when you go to a baseball game, you NEVER look at anything besides the ball, not even for a second? If so, you're really missing out on a LOT of...well, how can I put this gracefully......SWEET POONTANG.
