arch-image

Yea, I have felt for a while that something just isnt right about what they have been doing and that there is some overall plan that they just can't quite figure out how to move it forward because of pushback they know they will get. 

Arch-image, that is an interesting thought.  As for historic designations, like in the rest of Downtown, there is a mix of National, State, and City Designations in Sundance.  There is another level in the city below full historic status, and that is Demolition Delay (DD).  To tear down a DD building, a Certificate of Appropriateness has to be applied for to demolish the building, and then the Landmarks Commission can put a 180 Demolition Delay to find a way to save the building.  Only the two designations of Highly Significant Endangered Landmark or Historic & Cultural Landmark give full protection against demolition.  Listing on the National Register of Historic Places and being a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark are more ceremonial and don't offer legal protection against demolition, unless tax credits were used for the restoration.  Once the government puts money into your project, then you have to play by their rules.  As you can see, there is a lot involved here. 

I don't know what buildings that make up the Core Sundance Square are protected but I have thought for a while their long range plan might be to tear down and build new hi-rise buildings. 

I was in Houston not long ago and was talking to a developer and 7th st came up and the problems going on, he mentioned they had a similar issue in an area, I cant remember right now the name of it, but because of all the issues they majorly ramped up the police presence and of course then the people began complaining you couldn't go there without "being Harassed by the Police" and after about 18 months over half the places were closed as people just quit going there and moved on to other places. I could easily see this happening with the 7th St area. 

Can't say I am disappointed because that was one ugly building! I do like the designs of the bar in Loopnet. I always liked this little building, I hope it stays a small cool little building but I can see it coming down for something much larger because of its proximity to the Convention Center. 

I have worked for the guys who did the one in Austin, great guys, sadly we didn't get a chance to be involved as the GC they used wound up being a major equity partner in it. It is a beautiful Hotel on the inside. 

That's is some VERY cool stuff Nixtope!