[crunchtastic]

Yay! Mayor's office unveils plan for new bayou bridge at Montrose.

Didn't reallize there was a Memorial Heights TIRZ. New high-rise, new bridge, cool!

http://www.chron.com...nt/6145342.html

[kylejack]

crunchtastic, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 5:20pm, said:

Yay! Mayor's office unveils plan for new bayou bridge at Montrose.

Didn't reallize there was a Memorial Heights TIRZ. New high-rise, new bridge, cool!

http://www.chron.com...nt/6145342.html

I ride those trails all the time and frankly I don't see how this is all that necessary. There's a turn-around that puts you back on the other side of the trails at Shepherd, and its not as if its difficult to cross at Montrose, Waugh, or Sabine. It seems like there are some much better things that this could be spent on, like for example the unfinished bike/pedestrian bridge on MacGregor (Columbia Tap Rails-to-Trail project).

[rsb320]

Oh, I forgot to report that the bridge will have multiple landing points (I think three). It will take the route of the old train tracks that used to go to the grain silo.

[LTAWACS]

crunchtastic, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:20pm, said:

Yay! Mayor's office unveils plan for new bayou bridge at Montrose.

Didn't reallize there was a Memorial Heights TIRZ. New high-rise, new bridge, cool!

http://www.chron.com...nt/6145342.html

That thing looks nice... Interesting rendering of those buildings.

[kylejack]

rsb320, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 5:30pm, said:

Oh, I forgot to report that the bridge will have multiple landing points (I think three). It will take the route of the old train tracks that used to go to the grain silo.

Could you provide some more information on what you mean by that? I have no idea where the grain silo or rails were. Is this just barely east of Montrose?

Also whatever happened to the Asian community center or somesuch that was going to be built around here?

This post has been edited by kylejack: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM

[totheskies]

Wow, I like the sound of this bridge, but uh...

PRIORITIES!!! Dynamo stadium FIRST!

[Zippy]

Quote

Built with public and private funds, the "Tolerance Bridge" will connect trails around Allen Parkway with those on the other side of the bayou on Memorial Drive near Montrose Boulevard.

The "Tolerance Bridge" ?! WTF is that?!

And where are the pics?

This post has been edited by Zippy: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM

[rsb320]

kylejack, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:44pm, said:

Could you provide some more information on what you mean by that? I have no idea where the grain silo or rails were. Is this just barely east of Montrose?

Also whatever happened to the Asian community center or somesuch that was going to be built around here?

The Rice/Grain thing was approximately where the 25 story building is, so I think the rail bridge over Buffalo was east of Montrose. I think there is still some evidence of the remaining pilings, but I'm not sure.

Multiple landing points means that you'll be able to get on/off north of Memorial, south of Memorial/north of Buffalo and north of Allen Pkwy/south of Buffalo.

I think the Asian Center was maybe in the eastside TIRZ.

This post has been edited by rsb320: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 5:57 PM

[OkieEric]

Zippy, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:46pm, said:

The "Tolerance Bridge" ?! WTF is that?!

And where are the pics?

The same exact questions I had... Can you imagine using "Tolerance Bridge" when giving someone directions? Who names these things again?

[RedScare]

kylejack, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:29pm, said:

I ride those trails all the time and frankly I don't see how this is all that necessary. There's a turn-around that puts you back on the other side of the trails at Shepherd, and its not as if its difficult to cross at Montrose, Waugh, or Sabine. It seems like there are some much better things that this could be spent on, like for example the unfinished bike/pedestrian bridge on MacGregor (Columbia Tap Rails-to-Trail project).

Given that the Memorial Heights TIRZ funds can only be used to enhance the area within the Memorial Heights TIRZ, bridges at MacGregor would seem to be an illegal use of TIRZ funds.

[TheNiche]

OkieEric, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 5:00pm, said:

The same exact questions I had... Can you imagine using "Tolerance Bridge" when giving someone directions? Who names these things again?

"Tolerance Bridge" "Discovery Green" ... Elementary school teachers, I would think.

[TheNiche]

kylejack, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:29pm, said:

I ride those trails all the time and frankly I don't see how this is all that necessary. There's a turn-around that puts you back on the other side of the trails at Shepherd, and its not as if its difficult to cross at Montrose, Waugh, or Sabine. It seems like there are some much better things that this could be spent on, like for example the unfinished bike/pedestrian bridge on MacGregor (Columbia Tap Rails-to-Trail project).

Actually, I use the trails often, and IMO one of the two big shortcomings are that there isn't access to Montrose at all from the north side of the Bayou.

The other shortcoming is that trails need to be paved with concrete and raised a little off the ground and with adequate drainage, so that they don't get covered with as thick a layer of silt after any minor flood event.

I can see the need for a pedestrian bridge, and it'll be just that much more as Memorial Heights continues to densify. All those apartments in that area will be made more appealing given better access to parks. In contrast, once you get south of Braes Bayou along Columbia Tap, there's basically a few medical facilities, a little bit of low-density single-family housing, and then lots of warehouses beyond that, before joining up with an active segment of the rail line. And the nearest apartments in that area are already only across the road from Hermann Park.

[wernicke]

kylejack, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 4:29pm, said:

I ride those trails all the time and frankly I don't see how this is all that necessary. There's a turn-around that puts you back on the other side of the trails at Shepherd, and its not as if its difficult to cross at Montrose, Waugh, or Sabine. ridge on MacGregor (Columbia Tap Rails-to-Trail project).

I've ran the trails along the bayou and I definitely think there is a need for more crossing points. There is a huge stretch from Sabine to Waugh where you can't get from the north bank to the south bank (there is no access at Montrose/Studemont)...

[Highway6]

KHOU has a video clip showing the Bridge

[wernicke]

Highway6, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 5:55pm, said:

KHOU has a video clip showing the Bridge

Kind of strange... not sure if I like the design.

[barracuda]

TheNiche, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 7:22pm, said:

Actually, I use the trails often, and IMO one of the two big shortcomings are that there isn't access to Montrose at all from the north side of the Bayou.

The other shortcoming is that trails need to be paved with concrete and raised a little off the ground and with adequate drainage, so that they don't get covered with as thick a layer of silt after any minor flood event.

I can see the need for a pedestrian bridge, and it'll be just that much more as Memorial Heights continues to densify. All those apartments in that area will be made more appealing given better access to parks. In contrast, once you get south of Braes Bayou along Columbia Tap, there's basically a few medical facilities, a little bit of low-density single-family housing, and then lots of warehouses beyond that, before joining up with an active segment of the rail line. And the nearest apartments in that area are already only across the road from Hermann Park.

IMO, raising and repaving the trails should be a priority. A lot of work has been put into the trails near downtown, and the landscaping there is really impressive. But as you go west of the skate park on the north side or the parking lot on the south side, the trail breaks up frequently and the landscaping is a mess. Not that landscaping should be the priority, but the trail itself is begging for a makeover.

[uhlaw09]

Tolerance Bridge:







EDIT: Added new renderings released.

This post has been edited by uhlaw09: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 9:31 PM

[Highway6]

Where did you pull this from... nice find

uhlaw09, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 6:05pm, said:

Tolerance Bridge:

[barracuda]

uhlaw09, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 8:05pm, said:

Tolerance Bridge:

Gotta say, not a big fan of that arch. Maybe it will look better in person.

This post has been edited by barracuda: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 7:10 PM

[uhlaw09]

Highway6, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 6:07pm, said:

Where did you pull this from... nice find

Not sure. It was referenced in some article I read online...

[tanith27]

I love it. The bridge is necessary for those of us north of the bayou, and the arch centers the downtown skyscrapers right in the middle of the view. I think it makes for a very photographic sight. Two thumbs up from me.

[Dan the Man]

Cool!

[TheNiche]

tanith27, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 7:16pm, said:

I love it. The bridge is necessary for those of us north of the bayou, and the arch centers the downtown skyscrapers right in the middle of the view. I think it makes for a very photographic sight. Two thumbs up from me.

You could look at it as centering the skyline (from a very particular angle) or you could look at it as detracting from the juxtaposition of the steel, concrete and glass against the natural riparian setting.

I agree that there needs to be a pedestrian bridge here, but I'm not sure that this is the one I want. I'd almost prefer something remincient of the old railroad bridge, perhaps with steel trusses. I also like the more graceful pedestrian bridges along the Sabine-to-Bagby Trail.

[crunchtastic]

TheNiche, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 8:00pm, said:

You could look at it as centering the skyline (from a very particular angle) or you could look at it as detracting from the juxtaposition of the steel, concrete and glass against the natural riparian setting.

I agree that there needs to be a pedestrian bridge here, but I'm not sure that this is the one I want. I'd almost prefer something remincient of the old railroad bridge, perhaps with steel trusses. I also like the more graceful pedestrian bridges along the Sabine-to-Bagby Trail.

I've got a couple of cool photos of the old railroad trestle and the old silos in the background, late 80s/early 90s. Will try to dig them up. Agree that yes, a ped bridge is needed. Sick of sucking exhaust to cross on barely two-abreast curbs at Waugh and Montrose.

Not so sure on the design. Part of me prefers a more natural style, but part of me is succumbing to this shiny, lights all over downtown Disco Green bling thing.

[UrbaNerd]

They actually went over a "project under wraps" in this vicinity during a lecture a few weeks back. Something involving prefabricated elements and the like. I guess this may be it. Looks pretty cool.

[uhlaw09]

Prior to the release of this design, I had wondered if there was a possible way to have the bridge also extend over Allen Parkway. However, it would likely be logistically more difficult, as it would have to be raised to clear Allen Parkway. Under this thought, the bridge would have 4 landings--and would extend entirely across both Allen Parkway and Memorial. Not gonna happen though...

I wish there was some better way to cross Montrose to get to the parks and to Memorial Heights / Washington than currently exists. A small pedestrian bridge near Montrose would do the trick...

This post has been edited by uhlaw09: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10:45 PM

[ChannelTwoNews]

Some larger snaps from KHOU's newscast this evening...

[uhlaw09]

Thanks ChannelTwo. That last image in particular shows a lot about how the bridge will be laid out.

[plumber2]

rsb320, on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 @ 5:54pm, said:

The Rice/Grain thing was approximately where the 25 story building is, so I think the rail bridge over Buffalo was east of Montrose. I think there is still some evidence of the remaining pilings, but I'm not sure.

Multiple landing points means that you'll be able to get on/off north of Memorial, south of Memorial/north of Buffalo and north of Allen Pkwy/south of Buffalo.

I think the Asian Center was maybe in the eastside TIRZ.

The old rail bridge (Southern Pacific) was removed several years ago. The rail connected north of Washington Ave, south past the old rice elevators across the bayou to the Robinson Public Warehouse (originally a Sears demolished last year). The rail line had earlier continued south through present day Montrose and Mid Town connecting to the rail lines parralelling Almeda Rd.

[OkieEric]

That is one fugly bridge...and it will no doubt become a target for taggers. Maybe it will look better in person?

[LTAWACS]

It just hit me that this thing would not be very "visible" to drivers (might not be intended anyway). It's just like those two "torches" we have on the side of 45 in downtown when approaching the Pierce Elevated. Who can actually see what is it they're observing? Certainly the drivers doing 85MPH can't.

[maceo9903]

^^ Are you Jason Statham from The Transporter?!?!? I have NEVER been able to hit that curve at 85 mph!! LOL!

[crunchtastic]

LTAWACS, on Thursday, December 4th, 2008 @ 12:54pm, said:

It just hit me that this thing would not be very "visible" to drivers (might not be intended anyway). It's just like those two "torches" we have on the side of 45 in downtown when approaching the Pierce Elevated. Who can actually see what is it they're observing? Certainly the drivers doing 85MPH can't.

I think it's probably not intended to be for the benefit of drivers along 45. Especially the way it's oriented to frame the skyline from the right angle.
The whole idea is that art can be part of public green space in ways other than a sculpture plopped down in the grass.

And dude, if you are Jason Statham, please PM me. I have a, uh..... script to show you.

[LTAWACS]

maceo9903, on Thursday, December 4th, 2008 @ 1:10pm, said:

^^ Are you Jason Statham from The Transporter?!?!? I have NEVER been able to hit that curve at 85 mph!! LOL!

I have sticky tires... the fastest I hit it was at 86. Barely.

[H-Town Man]

You guys can laugh all you want, but naming something the "Tolerance Bridge" is certain to make Houstonians more tolerant!

[UrbaNerd]

LTAWACS, on Thursday, December 4th, 2008 @ 1:58pm, said:

I have sticky tires... the fastest I hit it was at 86. Barely.

Nonono, you have to hit it at EXACTLY 88 to get the intended effect!

[LTAWACS]

UrbaNerd, on Friday, December 5th, 2008 @ 1:40pm, said:

Nonono, you have to hit it at EXACTLY 88 to get the intended effect!

crap... last time i tried it there was a lightening storm.

[Hunter]

H-Town Man, on Friday, December 5th, 2008 @ 11:43am, said:

You guys can laugh all you want, but naming something the "Tolerance Bridge" is certain to make Houstonians more tolerant!

Of what? The name??

Interesting design but I am afraid that I am a little more conserative in myy designs.

[ricco67]

Why couldn't they just bname it more along the lines of our
State/city history by naming it after an unsung figure in hstory or someone that made a contribution to the city or something like a former police/fire chief, or politian of distinction? Hell, name it the Zindler bridge or something.

[kylejack]

ricco67, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 6:17pm, said:

Why couldn't they just bname it more along the lines of our
State/city history by naming it after an unsung figure in hstory or someone that made a contribution to the city or something like a former police/fire chief, or politian of distinction? Hell, name it the Zindler bridge or something.

You are demonstrating insufficient tolerance. You will be hung from the Tolerance Bridge at sundown.

[memebag]

ricco67, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 4:17pm, said:

Why couldn't they just bname it more along the lines of our
State/city history by naming it after an unsung figure in hstory or someone that made a contribution to the city or something like a former police/fire chief, or politian of distinction? Hell, name it the Zindler bridge or something.

"The Ray Hill Bridge"!

[crunchtastic]

Hmmm. Buffalo Bayou. Bridge.

What was the name of the guy a couple of cops killed and threw into the bayou, back in the late 70s?

[ricco67]

crunchtastic, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 8:03pm, said:

Hmmm. Buffalo Bayou. Bridge.

What was the name of the guy a couple of cops killed and threw into the bayou, back in the late 70s?

Joe Campos Torres, and maybe. But I don't want any damn militant mexicans to use it at a rally location for any slight they feel that they endure, either real or imagined.

[crunchtastic]

ricco67, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 8:11pm, said:

Joe Campos Torres, and maybe. But I don't want any damn militant mexicans to use it at a rally location for any slight they feel that they endure, either real or imagined.

well, that's why it's going to be the tolerance bridge! Everyone will use it to get camera time while they claim injustice.

[H-Town Man]

Hunter, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 2:48pm, said:

Of what? The name??

In case you didn't notice, my statement was dripping with sarc... never mind.

This post has been edited by H-Town Man: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 8:49 AM

[swtsig]

kylejack, on Monday, December 8th, 2008 @ 4:47pm, said:

You are demonstrating insufficient tolerance. You will be hung from the Tolerance Bridge at sundown.

lulz

[Subdude]

I can't believe people are griping about the name. At least the intentions are good. Jeez, anything other than naming it after some stupid politician.

[kylejack]

Subdude, on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 @ 2:27pm, said:

I can't believe people are griping about the name. At least the intentions are good. Jeez, anything other than naming it after some stupid politician.

Its a horrible name. Nobody has ever thought to himself "Well, I was going to be intolerant of this person...but there is a Tolerance Bridge over the Buffalo Bayou, so I have decided to show some tolerance." You can't encourage an ideal by naming a bridge after the ideal. Now a 7 million dollar community center where people can congregate, that might help foster some tolerance.

[Subdude]

kylejack, on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 @ 1:32pm, said:

Its a horrible name. Nobody has ever thought to himself "Well, I was going to be intolerant of this person...but there is a Tolerance Bridge over the Buffalo Bayou, so I have decided to show some tolerance." You can't encourage an ideal by naming a bridge after the ideal. Now a 7 million dollar community center where people can congregate, that might help foster some tolerance.

Of course it won't foster tolerance, any more than the Peace Bridge fosters peace. But that said, it's silly to take it literally. There's nothing wrong sometimes with naming things after laudable ideals is there?

[kylejack]

Subdude, on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 @ 2:37pm, said:

Of course it won't foster tolerance, any more than the Peace Bridge fosters peace. But that said, it's silly to take it literally. There's nothing wrong sometimes with naming things after laudable ideals is there?

So when you say you admire their intentions, you admire their intention to do what, exactly?

Name it the Bill White Bridge. I love that guy.

Put a quote on a placard.

"You need to move these $*&@ing trucks!"
-Bill White, during Hurricane Ike

This post has been edited by kylejack: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 2:45 PM