[roadrunner]

musicman, on Friday, April 4th, 2008 @ 4:28pm, said:

non-bar growth is what midtown needs. there are quite a few bars that did a great business that are now history. i'm talkin stable nightlife.

Yeah I agree. However, there is currently residential and retail under construction, and even more in proposed development. I don't think Midtown is going away for awhile.

[musicman]

roadrunner, on Friday, April 4th, 2008 @ 4:44pm, said:

Yeah I agree. However, there is currently residential and retail under construction, and even more in proposed development. I don't think Midtown is going away for awhile.

how do you feel about add'l apartments vs individually owned condos/townhomes?

[mhh222]

roadrunner, on Friday, April 4th, 2008 @ 3:44pm, said:

Yeah I agree. However, there is currently residential and retail under construction, and even more in proposed development. I don't think Midtown is going away for awhile.

Y'all, this is a thread about the redevelopment of Washington Ave -- maybe you should take this discussion to the Midtown forum! Back on topic, plenty of goings on along Washington...

• Benji's has finally begun construction. Interesting that the footprint of the building is a relatively small section on the southwest side of the lot. The rest is parking. Anyone seen any renderings of the final product? Based on what's there so far, looks like a lost opportunity to improve the street-scape, but too early to tell for sure.
  
  
• Town-home complex diagonally across Washington from Benji's (the one that had the major fire) approaching completion -- starting a wall to close it off from the street.
  
  
• Soma finally done! Big improvement over the O'Reilly's that was last in that spot. The former Eckerd's/CVS is still empty and the gym in the back appears to be doing pretty well. Wonder when they're going to take down what's left of the two old and ugly sign posts along Washington?
  
  
• A commercial property, Eye Impact, has broken ground across from El Tiempo. Takes up about 1/3 of the site, the rest of which is El Tiempo's valet/overflow parking. The eye impact sign I think used to say "coming Spring 2006" so good to see some progress!
  
  
• The new apartment complex, called "The Core" at 3990 Washington is nearing completion -- not to bad in that it isn't cookie cutter, but I'm not convinced that I love it yet! Yahoo! Real Estate lists units going from $1,125 to $3,000.
  
  
• The concrete is up on the strip center across from the Core. That baby is tall compared to the other new strip centers on Washington.
  
  
• And for those of us that live in the area, the CVS (which aesthetically speaking, doesn't do us any favors) is now open 24 hours! So you're good if you need some benadryl at 3:00 AM!!!

So, now that we're firmly back on topic, what other Washington St. news is out there?

This post has been edited by mhh222: Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 2:51 PM

[diggity]

Quote

if the number of tow trucks defines a community, doesn't sound too welcoming.

Not my point at all. All i'm saying is that midtown crowds have been stronger than ever and new bars are opening up pretty frequently and doing well. It may not be the crowds you are looking for but to characterize it as "almost has been" is far from correct.

[diggity]

Quote

Benji's has finally begun construction. Interesting that the footprint of the building is a relatively small section on the southwest side of the lot. The rest is parking. Anyone seen any renderings of the final product? Based on what's there so far, looks like a lost opportunity to improve the street-scape, but too early to tell for sure.

Now i'll get back on topic

I would love to see more pedestrian friendly areas, but I don't think this is a realistic place for it. If I'm not mistaken, the city requires a minimum number of spaces per square foot in retail centers. People need to park somewhere. One of the major issues on Washington is going to be parking. There's just not enough pay parking or on street parking to service all the new nightlife/restaurants. Trying to park near Porch Swing Pub on a nice day is next to impossible.

[roadrunner]

musicman, on Friday, April 4th, 2008 @ 5:01pm, said:

how do you feel about add'l apartments vs individually owned condos/townhomes?

Well I think both are vital to establish a strong neighborhood, especially one that is supposed to be for yuppies. And both are under development in Midtown.

[musicman]

roadrunner, on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 6:12pm, said:

Well I think both are vital to establish a strong neighborhood, especially one that is supposed to be for yuppies. And both are under development in Midtown.

not sure if i'd agree long term. someone who has a stake as a property owner is more likely to care about the hood vs one living in an apartment.

[heights_yankee]

diggity, on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 3:31pm, said:

Now i'll get back on topic

I would love to see more pedestrian friendly areas, but I don't think this is a realistic place for it. If I'm not mistaken, the city requires a minimum number of spaces per square foot in retail centers. People need to park somewhere. One of the major issues on Washington is going to be parking. There's just not enough pay parking or on street parking to service all the new nightlife/restaurants. Trying to park near Porch Swing Pub on a nice day is next to impossible.

i can't imagine much pedestrian traffic aroud that area b/c washington is such a main thoroughfare. i mean, you should see the way i drive down that street. i wouldn't want to be walking in front of me

y'all, can we just talk about traffic here for a second (related to washington corridor, of course): the side streets that connect washington to memorial can barely fit one car with all the new townhomes. do you think they are going to make some of those streets one way eventually? for a city this size, i find that houston has very few one way streets.

also, when all the projects go up on yale and studewood, i think i may never leave the heights. studewood is already a short cut for people getting on 10 or 610 after work. when those two areas are developed, it's going to be major traffic and i just don't see how they could widen the road with the bayou and some of the established businesses in the way...

[musicman]

heights_yankee, on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 8:51pm, said:

y'all, can we just talk about traffic here for a second (related to washington corridor, of course

this is a major problem in quite a few areas. infrastructure isn't designed to provide the volume of street parking for businesses without hindering neighborhood access/parking for residents.

[sowanome]

[quote name='mhh222' date='Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 2:49pm' post='240611']
Y'all, this is a thread about the redevelopment of Washington Ave -- maybe you should take this discussion to the Midtown forum! Back on topic, plenty of goings on along Washington...

mmh222, Thanks for regulating and attempting to keep the midtown noise out of here...that was definitely needed, i should've commented sooner.

[jc281]

heights_yankee, on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 10:51pm, said:

i can't imagine much pedestrian traffic aroud that area b/c washington is such a main thoroughfare.

Yeah, but the way development is headed, it will feel like one big "strip" soon. Which could have people walking from place to place......maybe more shopping amongst the wine bars and mexican restaurants? I dont know...Midtown is one big grid and you always see people out and about. Perhaps the strip feel of Washington could be a negative.

[NenaE]

Nice save for the Art Deco fire station. Is it up & running?

Also, speaking of Washington, how is what used to be "Rockefellers", that old bank building doing?

Please tell me it is still there.

[tmariar]

NenaE, on Monday, April 7th, 2008 @ 9:12am, said:

Also, speaking of Washington, how is what used to be "Rockefellers", that old bank building doing?

Please tell me it is still there.

It's an events facility. There are some discussions of the building here and there in other threads.

[swtsig]

jc281, on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 @ 11:38pm, said:

Yeah, but the way development is headed, it will feel like one big "strip" soon. Which could have people walking from place to place......maybe more shopping amongst the wine bars and mexican restaurants? I dont know...Midtown is one big grid and you always see people out and about. Perhaps the strip feel of Washington could be a negative.

south congress in austin is a major thoroughfare but that hasn't impeded pedstrian traffic in the least... no reason to think the same cant occur on washington.

This post has been edited by swtsig: Monday, April 7, 2008 at 4:05 PM

[The Great Hizzy!]

We won't really get a feel for its metamorphosis until more of the planned residential/retail construction ends and the city redoes the street, including the sidewalks. Part of what makes Washington Avenue unattractive/uninviting for pedestrians at the moment is the amount of construction some people have to walk through as well as the fact that most of the sidewalks along Washington simply needs to be redone.

This post has been edited by The Great Hizzy!: Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 9:14 AM

[musicman]

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 @ 8:14am, said:

Part of what makes Washington Avenue unattractive/uninviting for pedestrians at the moment is ...... the fact that most of the sidewalks along Washington simply needs to be redone.

unless this is addressed as part of a capital improvements project, don't look for any changes.

[The Great Hizzy!]

I suppose not. How was the WOW roundabout funded?

[RedScare]

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 @ 1:46pm, said:

I suppose not. How was the WOW roundabout funded?

It was a combination of city funds and private donations. Donations are still being accepted to fund additional beautification projects.

[Tiko]

RedScare, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 @ 1:56pm, said:

It was a combination of city funds and private donations. Donations are still being accepted to fund additional beautification projects.

I was thinking that the Main/Studewood/Cavalcade intersection would be a good candidate for a roundabout.

[tanith27]

I agree, but roundabouts tend to confuse non-Europeans. Thats a busy intersection too....not sure how well the people would adjust to it. Reminds me of a scene from European Vacation where Chevy Chase gets stuck on the inside and keeps going round...and round....and round....

[N Judah]

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 @ 6:14am, said:

We won't really get a feel for its metamorphosis until more of the planned residential/retail construction ends and the city redoes the street, including the sidewalks. Part of what makes Washington Avenue unattractive/uninviting for pedestrians at the moment is the amount of construction some people have to walk through as well as the fact that most of the sidewalks along Washington simply needs to be redone.

Not too far from the roundabout, on the south side of the street (across and down from a pizza place, i think) there is a building or two that sticks right out into the sidewalk. But other than that I think it would be alright to traverse on foot.

[RedScare]

tanith27, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 @ 3:46pm, said:

I agree, but roundabouts tend to confuse non-Europeans.

One would think that a bunch of NASCAR loving rednecks ought to be able to figure out how to drive in a left-handed circle.

[crunchtastic]

RedScare, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 12:41am, said:

One would think that a bunch of NASCAR loving rednecks ought to be able to figure out how to drive in a left-handed circle.

heh. I didn't think they were letting rednecks onto Washington Ave anymore. Maybe we don't have critical mass on sushi and wine bars yet. Uncle Buddy's used car lot is still hanging on, though.

[The Great Hizzy!]

I'm still pondering the viability of a roundabout at Studewood, Main and Cavalcade. In many ways, it would make things simpler, but given the driving pedigree of the average Houstonian (and American, for that matter), I keep seeing a lot of 13 News reports down the line about a rash of freaky accidents there.

This post has been edited by The Great Hizzy!: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:25 AM

[musicman]

crunchtastic, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 9:09am, said:

heh. I didn't think they were letting rednecks onto Washington Ave anymore. Maybe we don't have critical mass on sushi and wine bars yet. Uncle Buddy's used car lot is still hanging on, though.

guadalajara is closing so that should discourage a few.

[Tiko]

The Great Hizzy!, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 8:24am, said:

I'm still pondering the viability of a roundabout at Studewood, Main and Cavalcade. In many ways, it would make things simpler, but given the driving pedigree of the average Houstonian (and American, for that matter), I keep seeing a lot of 13 News reports down the line about a rash of freaky accidents there.

Main Street between 45 and 610 is the next Washington.

[RedScare]

The Great Hizzy!, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 8:24am, said:

I'm still pondering the viability of a roundabout at Studewood, Main and Cavalcade. In many ways, it would make things simpler, but given the driving pedigree of the average Houstonian (and American, for that matter), I keep seeing a lot of 13 News reports down the line about a rash of freaky accidents there.

I would be willing to bet that the traffic count at the WOW roundabout is higher than the N. Main/Cavalcade/Studewood intersection. There certainly is not so much traffic as to cause a roundabout there to be unworkable. If Heights residents or the Association use the blueprint for the WOW roundabout, it could be done.

[tanith27]

Tiko, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 10:22am, said:

Main Street between 45 and 610 is the next Washington.

Interesting thought.... Its certainly being surrounded by ever increasing lot values...
I have noticed the new McStarbucks is coming along quite nicely....

[sowanome]

For what it's worth : http://recenter.tamu.......S&CID=41151

108 Condo owners eyeing vintage complex's sale
(Multifamily : Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown) 4/21/2008 (Houston) - A total of 108 condo owners have joined together to sell the 27-year-old Park Memorial Condominium complex. It is situated on 4.85 acres at 5292 Memorial Dr. Located in the Memorial Heights submarket, the complex totals 166,538 sf in a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. Harris Central Appraisal District assessments range from $103 per sf to $106 per sf per unit. Saul Keeton of Colliers International says the costs of deferred maintenance for the owners of the complex had become burdensome, which is one reason they've agreed to bring the asset to market.
[GlobeSt.com]


And to think, i was under a contract to purchase one of those places at the end of November 2007, what a deal that I missed!!! The places were really rare for the area, they were really large and I dont think there were any units that were less than 875 sq. ft in size....Great Location (Walking distance to Memorial, Spotts, Cleveland Park, Washington Avenue and Regent Square) and everyone knew once the Caceres (http://www.caceresliving.com/) project started that these apartments wouldn't last bc of the superior location, views and mini park area in front of it!! "Memorial drive between downtown and memorial park" is really stepping it up and it's already a somewhat upscale area....Only if the Orion would've made it, and let's not forget that the entire lot that Otto's encompasses will be gone shortly. This should really do wonders for keeping Washington Avenue unique, because Memorial drive will hold the upscale title in that area....Any ideas what they will do with this site(High rise condos, etc)?

[RedScare]

Wow. This was my idea. I used to own one of these units, and sat on the board. Replacing the rotting staircases and the bad stucco was getting very expensive, as there was always more damage than we expected. As I was walking the property one day, I wondered if it was possible to redevelop the entire complex and how it might be accomplished. I sold my unit to a friend when I moved to the Heights, and he ended up on the board as well (no one wanted to sit on the board). I told him about my idea one day that since land values were going up, it might one day be advantageous to sell the entire property en masse.

We never thought it would happen, given the struggle just to get a quorum to conduct business, plus some of the stubborn neighbors (every complex has them). But, we both agreed that the idea of selling a large tract of prime Memorial Drive land was intriguing. This complex sits on some of the better topography inside the loop...gently rolling hills and great tree cover. If Caceres is successful, I could see them looking to expand the concept.

I'll check in with my buddy to see what scoop is available.

[sowanome]

Red, You were right on about the topography of that property. Before I walked around the complex, I had no idea how it was tucked into the hill, esp the pool. Do you think the caceres owners bought this? It would've been a smart idea, but I think someone beat them to it....It seems ideal for residential condo highrise based on the views and location, but due to the upscale highrise apartments it only fair to think they may follow the trend.? Thoughts???

[RedScare]

sowanome, on Sunday, April 27th, 2008 @ 2:15pm, said:

Red, You were right on about the topography of that property. Before I walked around the complex, I had no idea how it was tucked into the hill, esp the pool. Do you think the caceres owners bought this? It would've been a smart idea, but I think someone beat them to it....It seems ideal for residential condo highrise based on the views and location, but due to the upscale highrise apartments it only fair to think they may follow the trend.? Thoughts???

The article did not sound like the property has sold yet, merely that the owners agreed to market the entire complex. To make it worthwhile, the land would need to sell for close to $100 per square foot. That may be attractive enough a price for a highrise or even several midrises. It will be interesting to see what happens. Highrise sales have flattened out, so the market may be tough for that option right now.

EDIT: Just talked to my friend. The property was just listed a few weeks ago. I think they have a year to sell it. During that time, no one can sell an individual unit. There is some minimum price that must be offered for the board to be authorized to accept. I don't know what that price is.

This post has been edited by RedScare: Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 3:12 PM

[sheeats]

Htowngirl, on Friday, April 4th, 2008 @ 12:15pm, said:

Another new restaurant/deli coming to 4500 Washington...

Raia's Italian Market

"Raia's Italian Market in Spring 2008.
Raia's Italian Market will bring the feel of a neighborhood grocery store and deli back to Washington Avenue.

Plan to enjoy our deli full of imported meats and cheeses, the old-fashion pizza oven, and a menu full of one family favorite after another.

If you would like to know if we will carry a specific good, feel free to email us with questions and suggestions. We look forward to meeting everyone and bringing the neighborhood grocery back to the neighborhood.
Email :
raia.italian.market@gmail.com
Address :
4500 Washington Ave
Ste. 200
Houston
TX "

Same shopping center as Blue Label Lounge (they're finishing up the patio), and Joy Yoga (open and doing well, I hear) and
James Craig furnishings looks like it should open soon.

Tried Raia's this weekend and -- to my great surprise (and perhaps chagrin) -- I really liked it.

My review is here at Houstonist, and another good review is here at Great Food Houston.

It's no Nundini's (but nothing ever will be), but I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, the deli counter, the selection in the market and -- most importantly -- the food was actually quite good.

[Shamrock]

I agree. I ate at Raia's last night - food was good.

[woodheightsguy]

We drove by where Benjy's is going to go today, someone has lit a fire, cause there has been a lot of action the past few weeks.

[sheeats]

musicman, on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 @ 9:35am, said:

guadalajara is closing so that should discourage a few.

Two friends who went there for lunch today reported back that they got another year on their lease, but didn't have any additional info. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

It would make my damn day if they were going to stay open at least one more year...

[goavs4]

Anyone on here know what is going in on the corner of Knox and Washington?

Just keeping tabs on the new building around the area and I think we have far surpassed the quota on wine bars, mexican restuarants, cleaners, mattress stores and check cashing places so I was hoping it was none of the above!

[SaintCyr]

Heard a rumor the other day from a good source that there are several new pub/bars going in on Washington around the Heights/Shepard area... I think there were 4 mentioned however the only one I can remember is one the owners of Harp are putting in. Anyone have anymore info on others? This would be an awesome strip type environment especially if its a bunch of bars that don't charge a cover... Anyone been to Bricktown in OKC? I can see something along those lines happening up and down Washington, with bars lining the streets and restuarants filling in behind and around. Will be a neat area when everything gets completed.

[roadrunner]

SaintCyr, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 9:30am, said:

Heard a rumor the other day from a good source that there are several new pub/bars going in on Washington around the Heights/Shepard area... I think there were 4 mentioned however the only one I can remember is one the owners of Harp are putting in. Anyone have anymore info on others? This would be an awesome strip type environment especially if its a bunch of bars that don't charge a cover... Anyone been to Bricktown in OKC? I can see something along those lines happening up and down Washington, with bars lining the streets and restuarants filling in behind and around. Will be a neat area when everything gets completed.

Wouldn't be surprising. This area seems to be passing Midtown. I like both areas, however I wish Washington were more walkable.

[OkieEric]

SaintCyr, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 9:30am, said:

Heard a rumor the other day from a good source that there are several new pub/bars going in on Washington around the Heights/Shepard area... I think there were 4 mentioned however the only one I can remember is one the owners of Harp are putting in. Anyone have anymore info on others? This would be an awesome strip type environment especially if its a bunch of bars that don't charge a cover... Anyone been to Bricktown in OKC? I can see something along those lines happening up and down Washington, with bars lining the streets and restuarants filling in behind and around. Will be a neat area when everything gets completed.

I'm not sure where you connection to Bricktown is coming in - I don't see them being similar at all, quite honestly. I wasn't really all that impressed with Bricktown when I was in OKC back in May...a step in the right direction, but I don't necessarily find it anything to aspire to, anyway.

That said, I was pretty impressed with the happy hour crowds on Washington yesterday. I wonder how long this bar/club boom will last?

[SaintCyr]

I would think that if the businesses start getting put in, it will push the city to look into making it more walkable... I have no problem walking a few blocks while bar hopping/eating out... Nice street lights and big sidewalks arent that hard to fix... Its just the parking you have to figure out. I know in OKC they make a fortune on parking at night for the bars...

Was refering to the long walk/ strip type atmosphere.... Not the whole master plan as a whole. Obviously there wouldnt be a canal, Ford center, etc...

This post has been edited by SaintCyr: Friday, August 8, 2008 at 9:46 AM

[swtsig]

Washington & Silver proposed mixed use:



and small retail proposed on Washington (or maybe Center) and White:



wish i had some info on these, but alas i do not.... perhaps someone here does, though.

[sowanome]

swtsig, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 10:16am, said:

Washington & Silver proposed mixed use:



and small retail proposed on Washington (or maybe Center) and White:



wish i had some info on these, but alas i do not.... perhaps someone here does, though.

This was presented on this forum a while ago and I think it's a few years out, however Lovett has been doing a lot of work on a few buildings that front Washington Avenue.

[ToolMan]

SaintCyr, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 9:30am, said:

Heard a rumor the other day from a good source that there are several new pub/bars going in on Washington around the Heights/Shepard area... I think there were 4 mentioned however the only one I can remember is one the owners of Harp are putting in. Anyone have anymore info on others? This would be an awesome strip type environment especially if its a bunch of bars that don't charge a cover... Anyone been to Bricktown in OKC? I can see something along those lines happening up and down Washington, with bars lining the streets and restuarants filling in behind and around. Will be a neat area when everything gets completed.

The owners of The Harp are opeining an Irish bar across the street from Pearl Bar, where Chaines is (however the hell you spell it). I'm looking forward to this because the area needs a few more laid back bars.

This post has been edited by ToolMan: Friday, August 8, 2008 at 11:28 AM

[sowanome]

roadrunner, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 9:38am, said:

Wouldn't be surprising. This area seems to be passing Midtown. I like both areas, however I wish Washington were more walkable.

I agree on the walkability issue, but I'm sure that it will eventually come to the area due to the amount of retail/mixed use environment that's approaching. It'd be nice if the city fixed the sidewalks and put up a unique "StreetScape" for Washington (or at least a section of the Corridor)...I've seen this work in many cities and it would do wonders for the street (IMO)

[crunchtastic]

There are good neighborhood bars in the area. But I'd just as soon see more people valeting on Washington than slumming in the Cue n Cushion. Someone's gotta keep it real.

Hmmm that gives me an idea for a movie ---- Zombie Hipsters Invade!

[SaintCyr]

Ha... No kidding... What happened to the Pearl? I wonder when the trend will die and I can go back to relaxing on the back deck in peace.

[RedScare]

sowanome, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 11:30am, said:

I agree on the walkability issue, but I'm sure that it will eventually come to the area due to the amount of retail/mixed use environment that's approaching. It'd be nice if the city fixed the sidewalks and put up a unique "StreetScape" for Washington (or at least a section of the Corridor)...I've seen this work in many cities and it would do wonders for the street (IMO)

It wouldn't surprise me a bit if the "streetscape" improvements came with the light rail expansion...which is probably 10 years away or more.

As for valets and walkability, the truly urban hipsters can take the 36 or the 85 all up and down Washington, with stops every 2 blocks. As an added bonus, the 85 goes to Downtown and Midtown, and the 36 heads through Downtown on its way to Eastwood.

Now, THATS urban!

[tanith27]

The motorized pedi-cabs were pretty busy for White Linen this year. I'd bet someone with an entrepreneurial spirit could set up a small transport that does nothing but run from the wow circle to houston ave on weekends and make some decent coin by carting the bar hoppers from one locale to another.

[The Great Hizzy!]

RedScare, on Friday, August 8th, 2008 @ 6:18pm, said:

It wouldn't surprise me a bit if the "streetscape" improvements came with the light rail expansion...which is probably 10 years away or more.

As for valets and walkability, the truly urban hipsters can take the 36 or the 85 all up and down Washington, with stops every 2 blocks. As an added bonus, the 85 goes to Downtown and Midtown, and the 36 heads through Downtown on its way to Eastwood.

Now, THATS urban!

But, but, but... aren't there NON-urban hipsters riding on those.