Victory: W Dallas Victory Hotel & Residences (439 FT. / 33 ST.) (& 16 ST.)

[gc]

Approximate project tracker edited in:

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10725;8/st/20060531/e/W+Hotel+%26amp%3B+Residences/dt/-1/k/6062/event.png

^ If you do not see an image above this line, your browser does not support the .png image format. The project tracker is live/dynamic and will count down to May 2006.




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Starwood to build W Hotel, luxury condos in Dallas
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2003/07/21/daily3.html

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it will open a 251-room W Hotel and luxury residence complex in Dallas in late 2005.

The property, to be called W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences, is being developed via a partnership among Gatehouse Capital Corp., Hillwood Development Co. and Southwest Sports Realty. Starwood, the parent company of W Hotels, will manage the hotel and 94 luxury residences.

The project, being dubbed the centerpiece of the next phase in the 72-acre Victory master-planned development, will be built close to the American Airlines Center, where the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL's Dallas Stars play. Phase 1 of the Victory development, completed in July 2001, includes the sports and entertainment venue and a comprehensive road network linking several of the city's major districts.

The mixed-use block across from the American Airlines Center includes the hotel, residences, street-front retail sites and office space.

The W Dallas Victory Hotel will include a 10,000-square-foot spa, pool and fitness facility, 11,000 square feet of meeting space and a "nationally recognized" rooftop bar, according to a statement released by White Plains, N.Y.-based Starwood.

"The building design will be architecturally significant to Dallas' landscape, and the W will have an exciting impact on Dallas' nightscape," said Ross Perot Jr., chairman of Hillwood Development Co.

The 94 luxury condominiums will sit on the hotel's top floors. Owners will have access to 24-hour room service, daily maid service and concierge services.

"The W residential project will be a unique offering in the Dallas market, and we anticipate a strong demand for our serviced residential condominium product from the progressive clientele in Dallas," said Michael Mueller, senior vice president of development for Starwood.

A Starwood spokeswoman said the company had not finalized the cost of the hotel and condominium project.

The W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences will be the first W Hotel to open in Texas. Starwood opened its first W Hotel in New York City in December 1998. There are now five W Hotels in New York City and 17 others in the United States and abroad.

[CTroyMathis]

This sounds pretty great. I certainly hope it really does get built in an architecturally significant manner.

(Lots of hotel action around here... good thing several of them are of a unique nature such as including condos and/or other mixed-use props.)

[Kelley USA]

This is awesome!! I can't wait to see a rendering on this project. I wonder how many stories we're looking at here. It certainly looks like Hillwood is going to do all they can to make Victory the type of project that was promised. I wonder what sort of influence the W will have on attracting retailers and restaurants to the area???

[psukhu]

What block do you guys think they will build this on?

They didn't say anything about being adjacent to the AAC...

[aceplace]

Just as a guess, I woulld think it would be the block immediately south.

This would provide some sense of enclosure between the entrance to the center and the entrance to the hotel.

[JIMPETERSON2000]

With 251 rooms and 94 condos on top how many floors will this thing be? I'm hoping 20+

[psukhu]

Wouldn't it be nice? :)

http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/wm/bu/100391/

[DallasTexan]

I have a feeling this COULD be tall...

For example, the GLG Grand/Four Seasons in Atlanta has 241 guest rooms, and 100 condos. The building is over 600 feet!

http://www.skyscraperpicture.com/atlanta46.JPG

:D

[rantanamo]

any other hotel comparisons with a similar number of rooms and condos?

[JIMPETERSON2000]

W to be 33 stories



http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030721/215432_1.html

[DallasTexan]

Fook :(

[gc]

Good find JimPeterson! I'll go ahead and post the whole article. Sounds very cool.
------------------------------------------
Starwood to Open the W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences in Dallas
Monday July 21, 9:57 am ET
W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences To Feature 94 Condominium Units


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2003--W Hotels -- the world's fastest growing style brand - announced its 21st W and its first W Residences today with the W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences which is expected to open in late 2005. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT - News), W's parent company, has agreed to manage the 251-room Hotel and 94 luxury Residences for a partnership among Gatehouse Capital Corporation, Hillwood Development Company and Southwest Sports Realty.

The W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences will be the centerpiece of the next phase in the 72-acre Victory master development, and will be located immediately across Wichita Street from the American Airlines Center, home of the NBA Dallas Mavericks and NHL Dallas Stars, as well as numerous other entertainment events throughout the year.

"A W experience is truly unforgettable, and one that the people of Dallas are sure to embrace," said Barry S. Sternlicht, Starwood Chairman and CEO. "During the past five years W has continued to grow, across the U.S. and internationally, to a portfolio of more than 20 hotels. Dallas is one of the premier business and leisure destinations in the U.S. and rich in culture, style and diversity -- the ideal location for a W Hotel. We are dedicated to build upon W's ongoing success, and are thrilled to offer residences at what is sure to become the hottest address in Dallas."

The mixed-use block across from the American Airlines Center is being developed by Gatehouse Capital Corporation of Dallas and includes the hotel, residences, street front retail, and boutique office space. Gatehouse has developed two other W Hotels: W San Diego and W Silicon Valley and is in pre-development on several other mixed-use developments involving W Hotel and Residences nationally. For retail leasing information contact David Levine at (214) 303-5535.

"This collection of complimentary uses in Dallas will be thoroughly modern with superior services. We enjoy a very successful relationship with Starwood and are committed along with Hillwood and Southwest Sports to delivering an extraordinary experience of the highest quality. We have assembled a first-rate, nationally recognized team with the W brand at the center," said Marty Collins, President of Gatehouse Capital Corporation. "It will be very different from anything in the marketplace, and is a great addition to the brand, the Victory master plan and the Dallas skyline."

Located adjacent to Dallas' central business district, the W Dallas-Victory Hotel and Residences will offer the energetic ambience for which the W Hotel brand is legendary, including a vibrant Living Room lobby and an upscale signature restaurant. Other distinctive characteristics of the property include a 10,000 square foot spa, pool and fitness facility on the 16th floor overlooking downtown, 11,000 square feet of meeting space and a nationally recognized bar on the roof of the 33rd floor with unbelievable city views.

"The building design will be architecturally significant to Dallas' landscape and the W will have an exciting impact on Dallas' nightscape" said Ross Perot, Jr., Chairman of Hillwood Development Company. "This is an important step in fulfilling our goals for Victory of providing diverse urban events that together create an urban district and lifestyle unlike what Dallas offers today."

"We are excited to make the W hotel the cornerstone of Victory's next phase," said Tom Hicks, owner of Southwest Sports Realty. "W embodies this phase of Victory, it's new to this market, is energetic and has unparalleled quality."

Ninety-four luxurious W Residences will grace the top floors of the property, and give a select group of individuals the opportunity to purchase condominium homes that will have all the benefits of being attached to a W Hotel including all the amenities enjoyed by W guests. The Residences will be on the 17th through 31st floors of the building; each with large balconies providing dramatic views of downtown Dallas. Owners of the Residences will have full use of all the Hotel's facilities, as well as have options of 24-hour room service, daily maid service, and concierge services. A sales center including a model unit will be open near the site later this year. To register your interest in receiving information on the W Residences in Dallas please send your contact information to edithp@personette.net or call Edith Personette at (214) 288-6084.

"The W Residential product will be a unique offering in the Dallas market and we anticipate a strong demand for our serviced residential condominium product from the progressive clientele in Dallas," said Michael Mueller, Starwood SVP of Development.

The W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences will be the first W Hotel to open in Texas. The first W Hotel opened in New York in December 1998 and there are now five W Hotels in New York City and 17 hotels open plus 4 announced brandwide in the U.S. and abroad. Starwood has several additional W Residences projects in the planning stages. To register your interest in receiving information about other W Residence locations please email your contact information to residences@whotels.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 105,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high-quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com.

Victory is a 72-acre master planned development in Dallas comprised of hotel, retail, residential, office and entertainment uses. Phase 1, completed in July of 2001, includes the $420-million American Airlines Center, a comprehensive road network connecting several of the City's major districts and remediation of the former brownfield site. Victory is being developed by Hillwood and Southwest Sports Realty. For more information on Victory go to www.victorydallas.com.

[Columbus Civil]

As a point of reference, the smaller Republic Center tower (the one with the rocket looking thingy on top) is 36 stories.

[jammin]

WOW..Great news...


"architecturally significant" I cannot wait for the reanderings. I wonder which "nationaly recognized" bar they are talking about?

[gc]

High-rise hotel, condos proposed for Victory area
$100 million deal teams Hillwood, Southwest Sports and an investor
07/22/2003 - By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/business/stories/072203dnbusvictoryhotel.11e8b.html

Developers of Dallas' Victory project said Monday that they're teaming up with another local firm to build a 33-story hotel and condo tower.

The proposed $100 million hotel and residential high-rise would be constructed next to the American Airlines Center sports arena.

Gatehouse Capital Corp. of Dallas, a private real estate investor that has built two hotels in California, will be a partner in the Victory project with Hillwood Development Corp. and Southwest Sports Realty. Hillwood said the partnership doesn't plan to seek public-sector incentives for the project.

The hotel and condo tower plus adjoining low- and mid-rise retail and office space are scheduled to open in late 2005 on the block just south of the arena, according to Jonas Woods, president of Hillwood Capital.

"I think we'll start construction by October, and we are talking about a 24-month completion," he said.

Designed by Dallas architects HKS Inc., the high-rise is a radical departure from the nostalgic architecture of the arena.

A wedge-shaped tower will be built of concrete, glass and metal with a cantilevered wing on the rooftop.

"The intention is to have something that is thoroughly modern," said Marty Collins, president of Gatehouse Capital. "It's all about being vertical."

Earlier plans for Victory called for low- and mid-rise buildings. But the project unveiled by Hillwood and Gatehouse is as tall as a downtown skyscraper.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. would manage the 251-room luxury hotel under its boutique W brand.

On top of the hotel, Hillwood and Gatehouse plan to build 94 condominiums that will range in price from less than $500,000 to more than $1.5 million.

"We are trying to deliver an expensive product with expensive services and an expensive view," Mr. Collins said.

The condos and hotel rooms will have access to a spa, swimming pool and fitness center.


Although the hotel industry is in the midst of an international depression, Mr. Collins said, he isn't concerned about the timing of the W Hotel and Residences.

"I don't think anyone believes that Dallas has a critical need for a lot of hotel product," he said. "But this will be something that hasn't been here before.

"Our niche – you can look nationally – is pretty good," he said.

Mr. Woods said that along with the hotel, the block will have about 25,000 square feet of lower-level retail space and 50,000 square feet of office space on top of the garage.

"There are a lot of things that will open with this hotel, predominately retail," he said. "They will take a lot less time to build."

That includes two buildings that will flank the completed plaza on the south side of the arena. Those three-story buildings will have office and retail space.

The W Hotel and condo tower is the first announcement made by Victory's developers since plans fell apart for a shopping center and apartment complex. New York builder Related Urban Development Corp pulled out in March.

"We've tried to assemble as much as we can a Dallas team because we know what works best here," Mr. Collins said.

Also on Monday, Victory investor Tom Hicks said he has reduced his ownership in the project to 33 percent. Mr. Hicks said he sold part of his interest in the property to Hillwood for an undisclosed price.

Along with Dallas' HKS, award-wining local architect Lionel Morrison will design the condominium portion of the building.

Gatehouse Capital has built a W Hotel in San Diego and one near Palo Alto, Calif.

Hillwood and Southwest Sports Group are developing the 72-acre Victory project, which was announced in 1998. American Airlines Center opened in 2001.

[gc]

Designed by Dallas architects HKS Inc., the high-rise is a radical departure from the nostalgic architecture of the arena.

A wedge-shaped tower will be built of concrete, glass and metal with a cantilevered wing on the rooftop.


Sounds interesting...can't wait to see the rendering

[jammin]

Cantilevered wing..is that something like the Burj Al Arab?

http://www.desert-voice.net/Burj_Al_Arab_1.jpg

[CTroyMathis]

At 33 stories, they can play with their height up to somewhere around 450-500 feet in that area I believe. Who knows though, with special zoning districts though. Going on a just a 12 and a box - could be about 400 feet just to start with. Maybe more we see, no? (Sound of, um, Yoda...) ;)

[DallasTexan]

Hell, Nashville has a 33 story tower that is 620 feet tall... We are such cheaters ;)

http://circlek.bizland.com/nashville2002/bellsouth.jpg

:D

[CTroyMathis]

Lol. I know. You dastardly Batman wannabes.

[DallasTexan]

That's right! ;)

[CTroyMathis]

Lionel Morrison typically does the minimalist modern. He is also dubbed one of the 'Five Dallas Modernists.' I wonder what his aspect of the whole scheme will be.

To think, if it wasn't for a parachute in this plane accident in Texas (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2002/2002-10-14-chute-usat.htm), he may not even be alive still.

[Kelley USA]

Did anyone else see the rendering on Channel 5 last night? It's pretty impressive- more so than I thought it would be! There is also a smaller photo of the Victory Plaza on GlobeSt this morning. I wonder how we can get these photos!!

[snooch]

Hey guys, there's a rendering in the DMN. Pick up a copy and check it out. It's pretty cool lookin'. I remember having seen a large-size rendering of it at an architecture and design expo-thingy at Northpark mall about three months ago.

[jammin]

Here is a scan of it...Looks awesome!!!! Thanks snooch!!!

[psukhu]

Will this be the tallest residential building in Dallas?

Also, what was the last tower built in DFW with over 33 floors?

[gc]

Very nice. Thanks for putting that up Jammin. I am curious what type of lighting scheme will be used at night.

psukhu, yes it will be the tallest residential building......and not real sure when the last 33 story tower was built but it has been some time (mid-eigthies I imagine).

[patmns]

That looks great!

[TexasStar]

So, at 33 stories does this mean the skyscraper drought in Downtown Dallas is officially over? Or does it not count because it's going up on the other side of Woodall Rogers?

[aceplace]

Now that new buildings are going up north of Woodall Rogers, nothing will happen south of it. We've reached a "tipping point" of sorts.

[BIMS 01]

I don't really agree with that. Just because towers are being built north of Woodall Rogers, doesn't mean new building won't go up in the heart of the CBD. I just don't think anything new will go up south of Woodall Rogers until a majority of the current vacant buildings have been converted to residential.

[snooch]

With that going up, and a couple of other 20+ story buildings elsewhere in Uptown (ZOM, etc.), our skyline is going to start looking even funkier than it does now. And I do mean "funk" in a good, George Clinton kind of way.

[aceplace]

Bims,

I agree with you that new buildings may go up in the heart of the CBD.

The question is... where is this heart of the CBD?

The local developers apparently think the heart of the CBD is north of Woodall Rogers. That's where the new high rise office space and high rise residential seems to be going up.

A reversal of direction is unlikely. Possible... but unlikely.

[psukhu]

...nothing will happen south of it. We've reached a "tipping point" of sorts.


A reversal of direction is unlikely. Possible... but unlikely.


You have to look at the major projects currently going on downtown. (Davis, Stone Street, etc) Those projects are just a significant as the new construction in Uptown, even though they are redevelopments. Downtown ultimately has the advantage over every neighborhood in the city because it’s the one district the entire city doesn’t mind spending money on. Other advantages are:

-150,000 people currently work downtown.
-All light rail lines run through downtown.
-The courts and government buildings are downtown.
-Easy access coming from any direction on any highway.
-Tax incentives given by the city for developers.
-Future Art District projects
-Support of major firms currently in DT.


I think the chance of new high rise construction in downtown will increase as:

1) Main Street and the DT core develop further
2) Vacant office space is converted to residential
3) Stations are rolled out on the two new light rail lines
4) Uptown runs out of vacant land

[Kelley USA]

And lets not forget about the possible convention center hotel. If it ever comes to fruition- I think it could spark additional development for that section of the CBD. Speaking of the convention center hotel- does anyone think that this current announcment will have any effect on the Marriott proposal? I say no!

[gc]

psukhu, I could not agree with you more. Uptown is just a hot market right now. DTD will get it's share in the years to come.

[jammin]

Originally posted by Kelley USA
And lets not forget about the possible convention center hotel. If it ever comes to fruition- I think it could spark additional development for that section of the CBD. Speaking of the convention center hotel- does anyone think that this current announcment will have any effect on the Marriott proposal? I say no!

I don't think it will either...on the same note, the convention center hotel is supposed to be a thousand rooms, correct? If so, I really hope they think verticle, like this project.

[snooch]

I would think they'd have to, given the amount of space to work with.

[aceplace]

Well, it looks like my viewpoint is in the minority, here.

My view would be that the factors pshkhu mentioned have little if any influence on where office buildings go up. Especially the presence of large institutional buildings like convention centers.

How does a convention center next door improve the rents for an office building? You think office workers need to go to a convention every day?

Likewise, for Main Street. If the emerging restaurant scene on Main street will generate office buildings, then why are there no office buildings next to the West End? It's already had 20 years to generate them, if it's going to.

Maybe the emergence of Main Street as a "fun" destination would improve the chances for a new highrise residential building?

Unfortunately for that theory, the last 2 high rise condos built in Uptown are not in the midst of shopping and restaurants. Neither will the new ZOM building. Even though there are plenty of restaurants and clubs in Uptown already.

I still, though, could see new highrise residential on Main street... sooner or later there will be few if any candidates for conversion. New residential buildings could be the only option for people who want to live there.

Drawing a boundary between Uptown and Downtown at Woodall Rogers is, of course, arbitrary and unscientific. The "Central Business District" has leapfrogged it.

[aceplace]

What is the difference between a Central Business District and the districts beyond it?

That's easy... a CBD has offices, lunchtime restaurants, shops designed to support the needs of daytime workers, etc.

What sort of neighborhoods are on the periphery of a CBD?

Residential, usually dense, lots of clubs and restaurants, entertainment, shopping...

The Main Street neighborhood is a becoming a residential urban neighborhood on the periphery of the CBD. It's just another McKinney Avenue, or another Cedar Springs-Oak Lawn in its urban character. A place where urban workers live, leave to go to work, and return at night to party and relax.

And the density of entertainment available to them, the density, attracts people from the surrounding suburbs.

[psukhu]

...on where office buildings go up

I would think that new buildings going up in downtown would be residential or hotel, not office. At least in the next three years. The majority of the new buildings in Uptown have also been residential.



...How does a convention center next door improve the rents for an office building?

The convention center has attracted plans for a new Marriott. Again, nothing to do with office buildings.



Likewise, for Main Street. If the emerging restaurant scene on Main street will generate office buildings, then why are there no office buildings next to the West End? It's already had 20 years to generate them, if it's going to.

Fram is building urban style apartments adjacent to the West End on Ross. Again, residential, not office.



Maybe the emergence of Main Street as a "fun" destination would improve the chances for a new highrise residential building?

Yes, have you heard about the Davis Lot project?



Unfortunately for that theory, the last 2 high rise condos built in Uptown are not in the midst of shopping and restaurants. Neither will the new ZOM building. Even though there are plenty of restaurants and clubs in Uptown already.

The last two apartments built in Uptown are within walking distance of the West Village. The ZOM on Blackburn will also be within walking distance of the WV.


I agree that Downtown and Uptown can grouped together when talking about the area. But as far as no new stuff for downtown, I'd have to disagree. Uptown has a lot of new buildings going up right now, but downtown is absorbing a lot of empty office space through new leases and conversions. The entire intown seen is pretty hot right now.

[aceplace]

Paul,

You put out a lot of energy to defend your ideas, and I think I see what you mean.

The downtown area south of Woodall Rogers is looking forward to a lot of growth and activity... you do have a point there.

I don't know that the convention center per se is going to generate much activity around itself, other than that new hotel, mostly because of its monumental size and its occasional use pattern. The same could be said for a new Cowboys stadium... it would be empty 355 days of the year, and for the other 10, would have an outpouring of people for only a few houurs. I'd say keep it out of the "urban fabric".

The American Airlines Center is a little better because it's used more often, but I think Victory will only exist because Hillwood chooses to put it there, not because the stadium "generates" it.

For example, Oklahoma City has a minor league ballpark in Bricktown, but I think Bricktown generated the park, not the other way around.

And for the AA Center, it may be thought of as an attraction that may enhance the appeal of Victory, not something that "created" Victory.

Do you think the new W hotel will just cannibalize business out of the other hotels or will it supplement them?

I think that the hotel and Victory represents a new niche of the market, and people who hadn't been to Dallas before will now come, because of Victory and because of the W. It is a distinct brand, like an IKEA store.

Incidentally, I wonder when we'll get one of those?

[psukhu]

I think the new W will be competing more with ZaZa, and less with Hyatt or Westin.

The bars in the NYC W's have always been a hot place to get a drink after work.

The Dallas W will have a bar on the 33rd floor. Imagine the view from 33 floors above Victory! This bar will definitely be a stop for me when I am entertaining friends from out of town.

[rantanamo]

The downtown area south of Woodall Rogers is looking forward to a lot of growth and activity... you do have a point there.

Probably more than any of us can see


I don't know that the convention center per se is going to generate much activity around itself, other than that new hotel, mostly because of its monumental size and its occasional use pattern. The same could be said for a new Cowboys stadium... it would be empty 355 days of the year, and for the other 10, would have an outpouring of people for only a few houurs. I'd say keep it out of the "urban fabric".

convention centers are used pretty much year round. Some shows are just bigger than others. But shows aren't all that happen there. Dallas simply does not take advantage of this because nothing surrounds it.

As for the Cowboys development, no one expects it to be used 365 days of the year. It doesn't have to be, nor is it trying to be. It's also not trying to generate development. It will be the development. Maybe you aren't a football fan (I don't know), but it's the most popular sport in this country, and state. A Cowboys museum would be a year-round attraction. As I recall there are to be residences as well as bars, restaurants etc. as part of the devlopment itself. Not before or after, but with. This would be adjacent to the South Lamar corridor. Couldn't hurt.


The American Airlines Center is a little better because it's used more often, but I think Victory will only exist because Hillwood chooses to put it there, not because the stadium "generates" it

Make no mistake, a downtown Jerry World would take marquis events from the AAC. Especially big concerts, as gate is important for concerts. Domes do these well. The land is merely available because Hillwood made it usable. And the form that Victory will take is because Hillwood chooses it. As Uptown builds out, the value of that land and its location would have caused something to be built there. PRobably in the same form as Hillwood will build it. Again, location, location, location. Great location that no one wanted the duty of cleaning up.


"For example, Oklahoma City has a minor league ballpark in Bricktown, but I think Bricktown generated the park, not the other way around."

The same can be said about most things. Location is always a prime consideration for anything. You can say the AAC and Victory are in Uptown because it's a great location. Doesn't make the other way around wrong though. In a sprawling place like DFW we should know this better than anyone. It's all about developers taking advantage. I think had the AAC been built a couple of years earlier and we wouldn't even be worried about Victory. Simply a victim of a bad economy.


And for the AA Center, it may be thought of as an attraction that may enhance the appeal of Victory, not something that "created" Victory.

No AAC, no Victory. The AAC is a landmark now that appeals to the basketball/hockey/circus/concert viewing public. It has a gloss, appeal, shine, and architectural "coolness" that can draw people to the area. It also has a great location. Companies want to be a part of that if they can afford it. The hotel W wouldn't be going up without an AAC. The AAC made the name Victory. YES, the AAC is that big of a deal. Arena opponents will never admit that. One day your statement will be true though, but not yet. It's still the AAC and surrounding development. Not a neighborhood that has the AAC built there.



I think that the hotel and Victory represents a new niche of the market, and people who hadn't been to Dallas before will now come, because of Victory and because of the W.

I agree with that

[psukhu]

DMN said, "That includes two buildings that will flank the completed plaza on the south side of the arena. Those three-story buildings will have office and retail space. "


Anybody have more details on the plaza on the south side of the arena? Renderings always show two short buildings on either side of the fountains.

Right now there are blue walls blocking off the footprints of these future structures.

[rantanamo]

I would assume they are referring to these:

http://dallasmetropolis.com/photos/dalctm-uc020.JPG

The foundations and support posts complete with exposed-rebar were actually completed when the arena opened. That would make for super quick construction. I do assume they would reinforce this where need. All this is fine, as long as a)MY dream streetcourse is not bricked over, or b.) Boundless is actually built. Then they can brick over all the streets and plazas they like.

[ibryant]

The proposed W Hotel kind of looks like the Dallas Federal Reserve down the street.

[psukhu]

Hillwood moves to reclaim Victory
It's not horizontal, it's vertical; and it's not downtown anymore


07/25/2003

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

The folks at Dallas' Victory project haven't been asleep for the last five years.

When developer Hillwood unveiled plans for the project this week, it was clear that past mistakes lent a guiding hand in deciding Victory's future – and may ultimately determine its success.

The most obvious change is the design.

American Airlines Center arena evokes the early 20th century with its brick walls and arches.

But the hotel and condo tower that will be built across the street is all about the future.

In about 50 yards, you'll be able to go from 1930s retro to 21st-century chic.

Although some may find the transition a bit jarring, it's better than building the same neo-traditional claptrap that's showing up on every suburban street corner from Texas to Florida.

At 33 stories – the size of a downtown office skyscraper – the W Hotel and Residences will be hard to ignore. That's good.

Previous designs had been a jumble of mostly low- and mid-rise buildings, dominated by the arena. The new tower stands out like a concrete and glass exclamation point.

Project partner Marty Collins of Gatehouse Capital Corp. said the team went vertical for a reason. "The rest of these ... [mixed-use developments like Dallas' Mockingbird Station and West Village] tend to be more horizontal."

Hillwood and its partners also went out of their way to emphasize that this will be a Dallas project done by Dallas companies.

Victory's experience with New York developers – who were eager to boast that out-of-towners had all the answers – wound up in failure.

Hillwood and its partners also pulled the new project out of the fire of public sector debate. This time they say they aren't asking for any economic incentives.

Finally, Victory has gone Uptown. In the late 1990s, when the project was getting under way, it was labeled a downtown Dallas deal. It really never was, though. The eight-lane elevated freeway that cuts the project off from the central business district makes sure of that.

Victory is now calling itself "Urban. Uptown." The online project overview says it's a "new urban center" and makes scarce mention of the "old urban center" across highway.

With a redrawn design, a shift in identity and new partners in the deal, all they have to do now is built it.

But that's always the toughest part.

[Columbus Civil]

Victory is now calling itself "Urban. Uptown." The online project overview says it's a "new urban center" and makes scarce mention of the "old urban center" across highway.

Vindication for aceplace?

[rantanamo]

Lots of talk to have only been pushing dirt around, and as cool as uptown is, it's already reaching buildout and has not nearly the potential or amount of office space the cbd has right now. Sorry, just don't like BS talk. But if they want to build tall, and make it a cool urban center, you'll have no complaints here. All it can do is make the skyline bigger and more interesting. BTW, nice rendering of the W in the dmn business section.