Blade Runner-esque, the design was informed by Liu’s time in Asia. Stainless steel cages top the kiosks where food vendors will be stationed, delivering an assortment of global and fusion cuisines. Neon signs will be attached to these cages adding to the electric, night-market vibes. Outdoor seating along the former loading dock will feature canvases reserved for street artists. Liu rattles off a handful of confirmed vendors, bringing flavors from all over the world with them. Many hail from Houston, while others will make their Texas or American debut in this space. There’s an intentional blend of familiar and unfamiliar, comfort and cutting edge, some of what’s expected and some of what’s meant to be explored. An atrium away—one that feels like yet another universe—the blue skies above the plastic-sheet ceiling once again welcome us. Two ascending X-shaped staircases mark the spot, as if we’re in a real-life treasure map. They provide a backdrop to the mix of retail and experiential art that will blend here. “Virtual reality,” “human experience storytelling,” and “immersion” are a few descriptors used to hint at the options soon to be unveiled. “In 2015, when we bought this site, it was an empty, cavernous nothing and then the oil crash came and we thought, what do we do with
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this space?” says Liu. “So we had the [Day for Night] music festivals there. We sort of built this identity as a cult art and music space. That still remains the DNA of our project.” Two final pieces of this multiverse remain, and now we’re on our way up to the roof. As we ascend, we learn that staircases are design centerpieces in each section intended to pay homage to POST’s hallmark, the Skylawn. Aside from the symbolic nod to the top, they also serve additional purposes. “If you’d seen it before, it was an infinite field of black columns,” says Liu. “No one knew where you were in the building because you’d get lost so easily. So the three rooms are giant halls with giant staircases that make it easy to navigate. Obviously [they help with] circulation [of the building] as well as giving that sculptural placemaking to each of those spaces.” A big reveal awaits as we crest the building, sharply inhaling at the view on the top as well as the view from the top. There are trees. Mature trees. On top of a building. A five-acre park featuring seven different gardens. Space for two restaurants. An event space for 300 guests with a giant projector wall. A panoramic view of Downtown’s skyline. A winding trail through it all. Skylights. Quiet