Are you content with the skyscraper boom of this decade? (Houston: how much, construction)

[philopower]

Since the city of Houston will likely not have a skyscraper boom anytime soon to the extent that we had this decade, are you content with how our skyline has developed? I think the most impressive improvement was uptown, driving from bellaire to the galleria on 610north is seriously breathtaking.

[westhou]

Skyscrapers don't really impress me. What I am impressed by are all the bars and restaurants that have popped up over the past decade. Those I can actually enjoy.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by philopower

Since the city of Houston will likely not have a skyscraper boom anytime soon to the extent that we had this decade, are you content with how our skyline has developed? I think the most impressive improvement was uptown, driving from bellaire to the galleria on 610north is seriously breathtaking.

You don't think Chevron will build it's new tower downtown, eventually ?


SkyriseCities

[979Texan]

I literally have zero fs to give about the skyscraper situation in Houston. Crime, terrible highway construction plans, rampant illegal immigration... yeah those all impact Houston way more than some buildings.

[LocalPlanner]

Originally Posted by 979Texan

I literally have zero fs to give about the skyscraper situation in Houston. Crime, terrible highway construction plans, rampant illegal immigration... yeah those all impact Houston way more than some buildings.

Are you complaining about the plans for the downtown highway ring? Not taking sides, but asking you to elaborate.

[LocalPlanner]

Given construction costs and the desired efficiency of office floorplates these days, most office buildings over 40 stories aren't going to make economic sense. So those who think urban prestige should be based on "supertalls" need to readjust their metrics.

Houston's office rents - and residential rents for that matter - aren't as high as in some other cities like NYC and London. This is a definitely a good thing in my opinion (I know some disagree with that). So the architectural extras and excessive height you see in these other expensive cities are simply not justified here. I think Houston has done just fine despite the lack of new distinctive tall buildings.

Frankly I'm more interested in how our city is experienced on the ground level. We're getting better, in my opinion, but still have a ways to improve. Of course, there are those who think our urban qualities are measured by how much surface parking is available and easily seen from our city streets, and such folks are getting more pessimistic these days as that kind of development becomes rarer in the middle of town.

[predatorprey]

Originally Posted by LocalPlanner

Given construction costs and the desired efficiency of office floorplates these days, most office buildings over 40 stories aren't going to make economic sense. So those who think urban prestige should be based on "supertalls" need to readjust their metrics.

Houston's office rents - and residential rents for that matter - aren't as high as in some other cities like NYC and London. This is a definitely a good thing in my opinion (I know some disagree with that). So the architectural extras and excessive height you see in these other expensive cities are simply not justified here. I think Houston has done just fine despite the lack of new distinctive tall buildings.

Frankly I'm more interested in how our city is experienced on the ground level. We're getting better, in my opinion, but still have a ways to improve. Of course, there are those who think our urban qualities are measured by how much surface parking is available and easily seen from our city streets, and such folks are getting more pessimistic these days as that kind of development becomes rarer in the middle of town.

We're probably at the tail end of the sky scraper growth for a generation (20yrs).

[Spade]

I think Houston will continue to build scrapers but you won't see many over 800 feet. Maybe one or two proposals every 10 years or so. But those that are in the 400-600 feet range I think will continue to get built in Houston.

Originally Posted by LocalPlanner

Given construction costs and the desired efficiency of office floorplates these days, most office buildings over 40 stories aren't going to make economic sense. So those who think urban prestige should be based on "supertalls" need to readjust their metrics.

Houston's office rents - and residential rents for that matter - aren't as high as in some other cities like NYC and London. This is a definitely a good thing in my opinion (I know some disagree with that). So the architectural extras and excessive height you see in these other expensive cities are simply not justified here. I think Houston has done just fine despite the lack of new distinctive tall buildings.

Frankly I'm more interested in how our city is experienced on the ground level. We're getting better, in my opinion, but still have a ways to improve. Of course, there are those who think our urban qualities are measured by how much surface parking is available and easily seen from our city streets, and such folks are getting more pessimistic these days as that kind of development becomes rarer in the middle of town.

good

[groovamos]

Originally Posted by westhou

Skyscrapers don't really impress me. What I am impressed by are all the bars and restaurants that have popped up over the past decade. Those I can actually enjoy.

Now we know contributor either disdains architecture and cityscapes or is not noticing of them. So what. Why should we care that bars are one of contributor's preferred art forms. This thread is architecture and major construction related.

Originally Posted by 979Texan

I literally have zero fs to give about the skyscraper situation in Houston. Crime, terrible highway construction plans, rampant illegal immigration... yeah those all impact Houston way more than some buildings.

Oh OK maybe you can define "skyscraper situation" for us. I can agree on your illegal immigration point, but I've got news for you, the Houston highway planning/building historically was considered in the trade magazines to be a benchmark for the rest of the country. Except now with the 7 year and counting 290 construction, that may have changed. That said about 290 I am pleased that they are getting expansion done at all given the small right of way and minimal eminent domain employment.

[Sunderpig2]

Skyscraper boom? Skyscrapers have been a part of the Houston skyline for decades. Also, I don't see any boom or noticeable increase in them in this decade. The title and content of the original post seem to be at odds with each other.