Downtown Dallas: Tower Petroleum - The Saint Elm Hotel (1907 Elm) & Corrigan Tower (1900 Pacific)

[CTroyMathis]

Hey, if anyone online right now or very soon has a landscape picture of Tower Petroleum from any date, that is decent quality and does not mind letting Teresa Gubbins use for an article (w/credit) at Culture Map Dallas, can you jump on facebook (or twitter) and send one to her? I don't have the time right now to walk over and take one myself.

[dukemeredith]

Here's Ms. Gubbins's article:

http://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city- ... wn-dining/

This project has gone rather quick, once the financing was in place. Somewhere I thought I had read that the hotel (Tower Petrolium) was to come after the residences (Corrigan Tower), but it seems they are now slated to open contemporaneously.

[mdg109]

Good to see the ground floor of 1907 Elm lit up.

[jovan_gonzales]

Crappy iPhone nighttime shots, but you can get an idea of the lighting on the crown. The 2nd floor upward is also lighted along the vertical brick areas. The crown has a really interesting dotted "V" pattern on it if you look closely. Cycles between lots of colors, but so far has tended to be either dark blue or violet.

[cowboyeagle05]

I love the lighting so far on both buildings. Supposedly someone has signed a lease for the retail space next to the Majestic. This hotel and residences will make that a more popular lease for sure. In addition to the coming park. My next question will be who owns the giant surface parking at Elm and Harwood? That will be much more attractive with the new park and this development.

[Jay9398]

My next question will be who owns the giant surface parking at Elm and Harwood? That will be much more attractive with the new park and this development.

http://dallascad.org/AcctDetailCom.aspx?ID=00000102389000000

[cowboyeagle05]

Yeah I saw its part of something called the Cain Foundation which I can not track.

[mdg109]

Which retail space next to the Majestic has been leased?

[lakewoodhobo]

Which retail space next to the Majestic has been leased?

The vacant space at the Hart Furniture building is rumored to be leased, but nothing has been announced yet to my knowledge.

So glad they decided to light the buildings.

[lakewoodhobo]

Cambria hotel lobby (restaurant?) looking close to finished.

45546769-889A-4AB7-864D-8D35338D535A.jpeg

[exelone31]

Cambria hotel lobby (restaurant?) looking close to finished.

45546769-889A-4AB7-864D-8D35338D535A.jpeg

Wow! That looks very sharp

[Jasimm]

Cambria hotel lobby (restaurant?) looking close to finished.

45546769-889A-4AB7-864D-8D35338D535A.jpeg

Wow! That looks very sharp

Agreed. Very excited to see the finished look.

[jrd1964]

https://www.facebook.com/cambriadallas/

The Cambria Suites' Facebook page has a few pics posted of their finished areas (bar, lounge, front desk, rooms).

[tamtagon]

Cambria hotel lobby (restaurant?) looking close to finished.

45546769-889A-4AB7-864D-8D35338D535A.jpeg

I've seen pictures of 1980s worker cubicles with a similar color green, and mauve.

[jrd1964]

Here's the Choice Hotels site:
https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/dall ... tels/txi93

[lakewoodhobo]

Walked by the Cambria hotel this morning and noticed that it is open for business. Still no liquor license for the bar but the lobby looks really nice.

[jrd1964]

Found this hotel-level site through their Facebook page:
http://www.cambriadallas.com
No menu yet listed for their bistro. A few of the hotel amenities are listed; there are 177 rooms on 23 floors.

Tried their phone # (214/220-2900) and no answer... busy? not by the phone?

The hotel's Choice Hotels site is taking reservations (most rates around $117) but on-site pictures don't seem to have been updated there.

There is a TripAdvisor site for the Cambria, but no one has posted any stay opinions or green buttons (like stars on other sites) yet.

[dallaz]

Downtown Dallas' landmark Tower Petroleum Building is reopening as a hotel

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... ning-hotel

Developers redoing an art deco downtown Dallas landmark are just two weeks away from a grand opening. The 23-story Tower Petroleum Building on Elm Street is being converted into a Cambria Hotel.

The hotel adjoins the 18-story Corrigan Tower, which Kirtland has renovated into 150 apartments with ground floor retail space.

The Cambria Downtown Dallas hotel in the Tower Petroleum Building will have 177 rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar plus meeting space.

[jrd1964]

I drove by there a few nights ago, and there's no 'Cambria' or 'Cambria Hotel' outdoor sign yet. The only way to see its branding at a glance are flat-screen monitors placed at several of the front windows.

[Tivo_Kenevil]

I drove by there a few nights ago, and there's no 'Cambria' or 'Cambria Hotel' outdoor sign yet. The only way to see its branding at a glance are flat-screen monitors placed at several of the front windows.

They do advertising on the on court Ad panels for Dallas Mavericks home games.

[dukemeredith]

I drove by there a few nights ago, and there's no 'Cambria' or 'Cambria Hotel' outdoor sign yet. The only way to see its branding at a glance are flat-screen monitors placed at several of the front windows.

They do advertising on the on court Ad panels for Dallas Mavericks home games.

Perhaps they’re saving the exterior Cambria sign for the grand opening in 2 weeks.


*edit: spelling

[eddieg1]

Downtown Cambria Hotel Project Gives Tower Petroleum its Blade Back

E87D8C8C-B61C-4BAF-BE81-41140825B5C7.jpeg

https://dallas.towers.net/2018/02/26/do ... lade-back/

[lakewoodhobo]

The neon blade sign is being installed today.

[exelone31]

I don't think this will happen, but it would be so cool if this kick-started a trend of other businesses along Elm to put blade signs back up to match this and the Majestic.

[lakewoodhobo]

I don't think this will happen, but it would be so cool if this kick-started a trend of other businesses along Elm to put blade signs back up to match this and the Majestic.

That really would be great but my concern would be that the businesses won't be there long enough to justify the expense. I have the same concern with "Cambria" and wish the sign said "Tower" instead, the building's permanent name.

Here's a close-up view of the sign from this afternoon.

IMG_5843.jpeg

[cowboyeagle05]

A unique special purpose district had to be created just to get this sign to happen inside of an existing historic district you would think would allow it in some form. It sounded like a process the city won't be repeating.

[exelone31]

A unique special purpose district had to be created just to get this sign to happen inside of an existing historic district you would think would allow it in some form. It sounded like a process the city won't be repeating.

It's so ironic, because it seems like it's easier to throw a wrecking ball at an old building than it is to try to restore some of the historical look/feel with a sign.

[Hannibal Lecter]

Few things kills creativity, distinctiveness and value as when the government tries to regulate aesthetics as opposed to function.

I recall reading years ago about a beautiful Victorian house in Santa Fe. It's one of the most beloved buildings in the city. And for decades it has been illegal to build anything similar because Victorian style houses don't meet the city's very specific design standards.

[Tivo_Kenevil]

Why again would they not allow this type of thing. Utterly ridiculous.

[dukemeredith]

From the TOWERS article linked above, it seems the difficulty with this particular blade sign was because Tower Petroleum is within the Harwood Historic District — which only covers a block or so of Elm Street. Presumably, buildings further down Elm not within the historic district wouldn’t have nearly as much trouble erecting similar blade signs.

[dfwcre8tive]

A unique special purpose district had to be created just to get this sign to happen inside of an existing historic district you would think would allow it in some form. It sounded like a process the city won't be repeating.

It's so ironic, because it seems like it's easier to throw a wrecking ball at an old building than it is to try to restore some of the historical look/feel with a sign.

Agree that it should be easier to recreate signs if they were historically on the site. While the framework for this one matches the historic design, the name change makes it a new sign and not a replica of the past. Most of the modern neon downtown recreates in some form or fashion previous signs that were on the site (and all have required special approval). This one being in a historic district adds extra regulations.

The city's sign ordinances were created to "clean up" the visual clutter downtown (especially as neon became associated with crime), but it ended up removing a lot of character. That's not to say ordinances cannot be changed -- as seen with the new wave of supergraphics and mid-level building signage appearing around downtown.

I'd like to see the Hertz sign reinstalled in Dealey Plaza; it's currently sitting in storage.

[dfwcre8tive]

From the TOWERS article linked above, it seems the difficulty with this particular blade sign was because Tower Petroleum is within the Harwood Historic District — which only covers a block or so of Elm Street. Presumably, buildings further down Elm not within the historic district wouldn’t have nearly as much trouble erecting similar blade signs.

Correct; they would still need to follow the city's downtown sign ordinance (or be granted an exception), but the historic district adds extra complexity. Even signs from modern buildings in the district need special approval for any exterior changes. From the ordinance for Tract A:

"Signs must be compatible with the significant architectural qualities of the district. All signs must comply with Article VII of the Dallas Development Code, as amended, and are subject to the certificate of appropriateness review process."

Tract B was created to allow new signs at Main Street Garden (the restored neon "PARK" sign for example): "Illuminated signs, pylons, and posts with banners that will add interest and color to the public park are encouraged."

Carving out a new Tract C for this property allowed for a variance for this sign.

Here's the agenda from Landmark Commission with details: http://dallascityhall.com/government/me ... -06-17.pdf

[Tivo_Kenevil]

If Hertz set up a rental place at the Bullet Train station; it would be cool if they added it to the Development.

[lakewoodhobo]

They had some technical difficulties on Tuesday, maybe weather related, but the blade sign is now in place. Hope it looks good lit up at night.

29694933_10157732778868312_6901180440787288064_n.jpg

[Tivo_Kenevil]

I don't like "i". A capital letter would look better imo.

Did this building used to awnings? It looks like it is missing something..

[DPatel304]

I don't like "i". A capital letter would look better imo.

I didn't even notice this until you pointed it out. Now it's going to forever bother me..haha.

[dfwcre8tive]

I don't like "i". A capital letter would look better imo.

Did this building used to awnings? It looks like it is missing something..

Yes; it's designed to have retractable awnings at each window bay (similar to the Titche-Goettinger Building across Elm Street). The awnings kept the sidewalks shaded in summer.

titchewebfa0.jpeg

PA2001-7-422-1.jpg

[jrd1964]

I don't like "i". A capital letter would look better imo.

I didn't even notice this until you pointed it out. Now it's going to forever bother me..haha.

Looks like Choice likes the small "i" for the logo:

[cowboyeagle05]

The sad thing is when Cambria is no longer the flag for this hotel will the next owner update the sign or remove it? Should have gone with TOWER. Also, I believe they got approval for taking the bus lane away with plans for a patio on Elm with wider sidewalks with trees. The key seems to be 1700 Pacific isn't doing too hot on its leases and isn't planned for any remodeling anytime soon and we kinda need them to extend the curb as well. Thanksgiving Tower did because the city used it as a bargaining chip in incentives for their remodel. I imagine they would also need the Majestic to extend their curb and that would be a city-funded project there. I am hoping the Drever extends theirs.

[tamtagon]

The sad thing is when Cambria is no longer the flag for this hotel will the next owner update the sign or remove it? Should have gone with TOWER. Also, I believe they got approval for taking the bus lane away with plans for a patio on Elm with wider sidewalks with trees. The key seems to be 1700 Pacific isn't doing too hot on its leases and isn't planned for any remodeling anytime soon and we kinda need them to extend the curb as well. Thanksgiving Tower did because the city used it as a bargaining chip in incentives for their remodel. I imagine they would also need the Majestic to extend their curb and that would be a city-funded project there. I am hoping the Drever extends theirs.

word

[lakewoodhobo]

The sad thing is when Cambria is no longer the flag for this hotel will the next owner update the sign or remove it? Should have gone with TOWER.

I suppose it's possible, likely even, that given the amount of sorcery it took to approve this sign, the owner was made to make the lettering panels interchangeable. Hopefully there's a plan to make it "Tower" in the event that Cambria leaves.

[tanzoak]

Also, I believe they got approval for taking the bus lane away with plans for a patio on Elm with wider sidewalks with trees.

Taking out the bus lane? Wth..

God forbid we take out the 7 metered parking spaces on the other side instead. Dedicated transit lanes? Nahhhhh, all hail the parking god! The idea that out of 1 bus lane, 3 travel lanes, and 1 parking lane, the bus lane is the one that needs to go is pathetic.

[cowboyeagle05]

Also, I believe they got approval for taking the bus lane away with plans for a patio on Elm with wider sidewalks with trees.

Taking out the bus lane? Wth..

God forbid we take out the 7 metered parking spaces on the other side instead. Dedicated transit lanes? Nahhhhh, all hail the parking god! The idea that out of 1 bus lane, 3 travel lanes, and 1 parking lane, the bus lane is the one that needs to go is pathetic.

Girl, they just move it over one lane and build a wider sidewalk like Thanksgiving Tower did. The city removed that lane months ago from the thoroughfare plan with the goal of making the street safer and allowing developers to create better pedestrian environments. Also allows hotels to build in valet lanes that don't interfere with the main lanes of traffic. They did it on Commerce as well. The question is does DART need the dedicated lane when everyone already uses it as a regular lane anyways.

[tanzoak]

Oh thank god. When you wrote “taking the bus lane away” I thought you meant remove rather than move. Do you know if they’re taking out a travel lane or the parking lane, or just narrowing all the remaining lanes?

Just because DART/the City is bad about enforcement, that doesn’t mean the dedicated transit lane should be removed. All they have to do is put cameras on the front of the buses and have it take a picture of the license if there’s someone in front of them in the lane. If people start getting fined for violations, that’ll clear it right up.

[Tivo_Kenevil]

Oh thank god. When you wrote “taking the bus lane away” I thought you meant remove rather than move. Do you know if they’re taking out a travel lane or the parking lane, or just narrowing all the remaining lanes?

Just because DART/the City is bad about enforcement, that doesn’t mean the dedicated transit lane should be removed. All they have to do is put cameras on the front of the buses and have it take a picture of the license if there’s someone in front of them in the lane. If people start getting fined for violations, that’ll clear it right up.

I see police who habitually park their cars wherever the hell they want. On the sidewalks, on the bus lanes. I once saw a cop park on the sidewalk and walk out with a pizza in hand from Tutta's.

How can we enforce the law when when it's not even obeyed by those who are supposed to uphold it?

[cowboyeagle05]

My question is dedicated lanes, in this case, the right solution? We see dedicated lanes for buses in other cities where the lane is better marked so I am simply asking should DART and the City maintain the concept here in this iteration along Elm? Is it appropriate to have a dedicated bus lane in a three travel lane format for example? Should it have colored paint like the city seems to refuse to want to do all over the city etc? I am just calling into question whether the design of the road previously should be maintained when we are narrowing and evolving it towards new functions.

[tanzoak]

My question is dedicated lanes, in this case, the right solution? We see dedicated lanes for buses in other cities where the lane is better marked so I am simply asking should DART and the City maintain the concept here in this iteration along Elm? Is it appropriate to have a dedicated bus lane in a three travel lane format for example? Should it have colored paint like the city seems to refuse to want to do all over the city etc? I am just calling into question whether the design of the road previously should be maintained when we are narrowing and evolving it towards new functions.

Considering that Elm in downtown is the busiest bus corridor in the entire system (20 bus lines go down it), it absolutely needs a dedicated transit lane. The fact that it's only been done half-heartedly in the past isn't a reason why it shouldn't be done going forward.

It appears that the travel lanes on Elm are actually only 10 feet wide, so changes will have to come from lane reductions.

Here is the current condition:


If you want to retain three travel lanes:


If you want to retain a parking lane:


If you want a two-way cycle track:


If you want a two-way street:


If you want center-running transit:

[joshua.dodd]

I like the center transit idea. That looks like it could work.

[DPatel304]

I really want to see some more dedicated bike lanes, but since Elm is the busiest bus corridor in the entire system, I also think the center transit idea is the best.

Commerce may be a better fit for dedicated bike lanes, especially since, on the Deep Ellum side, Commerce has a lot more space for bikes lanes than Elm.

[sterling]

Am glad to see "revival" coming at last to Tower Petroleum and Child. Happy to see the nearby future park talked about as "a given for a healthy neighborhood" instead of "a place only the drug industry and homeless will enjoy". Happy to see that the future of old buildings in Dallas doesn't have to be demolition, formerly the preferred method of dealing with obsolete properties. Dallas has learned a lot about parks and old buildings in the last ten years, and it's thrilling to watch them both being embraced and used to their fullest. Don't stop now.