Developers Kunal Mody (Reimagine Hospitality) and Jordan Haas (Rock Capital Group) are planning to convert the 1926 era Shell Building into a 184 room hotel and ground floor retail space. The developers have acquired the building are have requested the LCRA to blight the property and approve an 87% tax abatement on the property. Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard supports the tax abatement. They’ll review the request at the April 23rd LCRA Meeting.
Many are counting on the redevelopment to being more visitors to a Washington Avenue and spur some retail development there. Others are also saying that despite this hotel pushing the total number of hotel rooms under construction or planned in Downtown over 1600, this will be utilized more. Eitherway, I think it will be a good addition and bring some more life to the evolving Locust Street corridor.
The Shell Building was originally built in 1926.
Developers: Kunal Mody (Reimagine Hospitality) and Jordan Haas (Rock Capital Group)
Architect: TBA
Builder: TBA
Cost: $38 Million
Construction Begin: TBA
Construction End: TBA
Below is a panorama of Lucas Garden Park and the Shell Building. Attached to the building is the Jefferson Arms.
Below is a post card image of Lucas Garden Park back when it was referred to as the Sunken Garden. The post card appears to be from the 1930s.
They better come up with a plan to do something about all the bums that hang out next to the church next to it. I mean they are thick as molasses right there. I would never have an extended stay anywhere where that many people would be begging me for money every night. I mean I am not heartless, but that is pretty annoying and if I was from out of town, it would be fairly unacceptable.
I think that when the Jefferson Arms and this are developed, the boot will be given to the homeless at Christ Church Cathedral and the US Bank parking lot. They (Shell and Jefferson Arms) won’t stand for it. I could be wrong but I see your point being made I know that the developers know that the homeless hang around this area. With Larry Rice gone, the amount of homeless at this intersection and park has went down some.
The redevelopment will consist of a dual brand Tru and Home 2 by Marriott. Tax Credits have yet to be issued by the state but once they are, construction should start. Campo Architects is the firm designing this. JTCampo.com