Not that I travel all that much, but it was a pretty big deal when Austin built their new one, wasn't it? It seems like new skyscrapers are like new airports. New ones rarely come around.
They aren't going to build anything until a major tenant can take up space in it. The vacancy rates probably were sky-high following the 80's oil/chemical crash in the Houston area. I think the other issue, from reading various links after this thread was posted, may be the FAA and downotown. Apparently there has to be FAA approval to build a building over X feet high because there are Hobby flightpaths that take you over downtown. Personally, I'd just like to see some new architectural designs that aren't bizarre, but... cool. I like the Enron buildings and even the "old school" Wiliams Tower, for example. Some of these newer ones they're building in other countries are borderline nasty. Towers like the Burj Tower in Dubai are a definite exception - that thing is beautiful.
you can't just go building skyscrapers all willy nilly. you eventually have to rent them out. the downtown real estate market was already oversaturated with space when enron collasped.
Currently it's quite the contrary. There is very little space available in DT and this will continue as more firms/companies decide to relocate to Houston. IMO, Houston in the next 20 years is going to explode. Call it what you will, "energy crisis/boom". Especially when LNG starts to move... TOday and in the near future (50+ years), there is no better industry to be THE capital of than energy.
They are finally starting to put up some real buildings in downtown Austin ~ of course old school Austin is up in arms, but since it reduces sprawl i'm all for it. Also, tall buildings look cool - which of course is the most important thing.
