j_cuevas713 Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Does anyone know the plan to redevelop the stretch in Midtown along Fannin and San Jacinto? Those two streets need serious help! There are old shopping centers and abandoned lots everywhere for a good 3x5 block area. Anyone have info of possible renovations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Does anyone know the plan to redevelop the stretch in Midtown along Fannin and San Jacinto? Those two streets need serious help! There are old shopping centers and abandoned lots everywhere for a good 3x5 block area. Anyone have info of possible renovations? Why mess with what's worked for almost 20 years? We moved into that area in 1998, and nohting's really chnged since, other than the Vietnamese shops and restaurants closing as they moved out to the West side of town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 17, 2015 Author Share Posted April 17, 2015 Was that a serious question? The problem is nothing is working in this area right now. That was 1998 and as for now, 2015 and beyond, there has to be some sort of plan to redevelop these main streets. They look horrible. And what makes it worse is the fact that there are some nice businesses within the area but for some reason this small gap is terrible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Vik Posted April 17, 2015 Share Posted April 17, 2015 Why mess with what's worked for almost 20 years? We moved into that area in 1998, and nohting's really chnged since, other than the Vietnamese shops and restaurants closing as they moved out to the West side of town.That same justification was used by the confederacy to keep slavery before the civil war. Open your mind to new ideas. Times change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted April 18, 2015 Share Posted April 18, 2015 I guess the humor attempt failed. That area will improve as soon as someone thinks they can make a profit there. Midtown is a very long term project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Was that a serious question? The problem is nothing is working in this area right now. That was 1998 and as for now, 2015 and beyond, there has to be some sort of plan to redevelop these main streets. They look horrible. And what makes it worse is the fact that there are some nice businesses within the area but for some reason this small gap is terrible. The problem is people own that land. They choose to sit on it. If they could make $10 per spot for parking 7 days a week it would be surface parking lots with an attendant in a high visibility jacket and a flag. As it is, someone is sitting on those buildings doing nothing (and nothing is a relative term, they're doing something, maybe not what you want/like, but something is being done). 5 years ago it was worse, 10 years ago it was worse than it was 5 years ago. In 5 years time it may be demo'd for townhomes, or condos. maybe more strip malls. there are only 3 starbucks in the midtown area, and no mattress stores, so maybe that will happen. It seems like a good opportunity for Cracker Barrel to infiltrate the inner city market. Maybe someone will open another poorly designed club, those seem to last for a good 6 months in that area before disappearing. In all seriousness, I suspect once that superblock apartment gets built and tenants move in, you'll see some action in that area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Aren't those vacant lots costing the landowners property tax? there are only 3 starbucks in the midtown area, and no mattress stores, so maybe that will happen. The mattress firm on McGowen and Milam would like to have a word Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 I guess my question is what kind of infrastructure plan does the Midtown Redevelopment Authority have? Is there a plan in place much like the development map for downtown? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I guess my question is what kind of infrastructure plan does the Midtown Redevelopment Authority have? Is there a plan in place much like the development map for downtown? One of the most significant projects that Midtown has planned for the east side is the reconstruction of Caroline street. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 and as far as street conditions go. La Branch and Austin are in far worse shape. There are potholes that are more appropriately named retention ponds. Caroline, San Jacinto, and Fannin are all in tip top shape comparatively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 21, 2015 Author Share Posted April 21, 2015 One of the most significant projects that Midtown has planned for the east side is the reconstruction of Caroline street.Ahh yes I remember hearing about this, thank you! and as far as street conditions go. La Branch and Austin are in far worse shape. There are potholes that are more appropriately named retention ponds. Caroline, San Jacinto, and Fannin are all in tip top shape comparatively.That's true. I guess I was looking more at the lack of development in this section. I'm hoping the new superblock park sparks some great stuff within at least a 3 block radius. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 It's less the park, and more the huge people aquarium that is going to transform the central part of midtown from a sleepy rail stop with plenty of horizontal view to a bustling corner with more vertical views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 did slick vik just make a midtown redevelopment / SLAVERY analogy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 I guess my question is what kind of infrastructure plan does the Midtown Redevelopment Authority have? Is there a plan in place much like the development map for downtown? http://www.houstonmidtown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Caroline-Street.pdf Caroline Street is one of the roadways most relied upon by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists travelling to Houston Community College. With this in mind, the Caroline Street Reconstruction Project allowed for the redesign of the area to add enhancements for safety and convenience. The Caroline Street Reconstruction project includes complete roadway reconstruction with new concrete pavement and public utility upgrades from Pierce Street to Holman Street. In addition, the project includes sidewalk improvements with landscape and pedestrian amenity enhancements as well as improvements to the city’s designated bicycle route along Caroline Street. New design elements for Caroline Street include rain gardens filled with cypress trees and irises that create a stunning seasonal display, a dedicated bicycle lane, signage and way finding, and custom furnishings. http://www.houstonmidtown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Holman-Streetscape.pdf Holman Street is a major roadway for access to the main campus of Houston Community College and to the METRORail station and other nearby transit services. Holman Street distinguishes itself from other streets within Midtown by featuring streetscape that builds on connections to the light rail line and other nearby amenities, and sets a precedent for future streetscape redevelopments within the community. With the improvement of Holman Street also comes private development including Mid Main projects such as apartments, restaurants, retail shops and parking, and the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), which will serve as a venue for various exhibits and performances. The new structure, located at 3400 Main St., will include a main theater, three black-box theaters, two small performance areas, a large gallery space, office space and a coffee and wine bar. http://www.houstonmidtown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Main-Street.pdf The Main Street Enhancement Project focuses on safety, aesthetics, environmental considerations and connectivity. Residents, business owners, visitors and tourists will benefit from the upgrades made to area, which is an important site for transit between NRG Stadium and downtown. More lighting and widened sidewalks are just a couple of enhancements on this project. From an aesthetics standpoint, new landscaping and street furniture will accentuate the modern look and feel of the area, encouraging merchants to set up businesses in the area, and welcoming residents to look to Midtown for their new home. The project will also encourage nearby private development. http://www.houstonmidtown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Brazos-Street.pdf An important route commuters use from Midtown to downtown is by way of Brazos Street, so it’s imperative that this roadway is as safe and accommodating to motorists, pedestrians and others in transit as possible. The Brazos Street Reconstruction Project includes reconstruction from Elgin to St. Joseph and will complement the award winning Bagby Street Greenroads Project. The Brazos Street Reconstruction Project includes concrete pavement, public utility upgrades (water, storm, sanitary), enhanced intersections, wider sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, brick pavers, accessibility ramps, and other pedestrian-related infrastructure. The project provides an enhanced pedestrian environment and an improved vehicular connection for northbound traffic through Midtown. The objective behind making these enhancements is to improve the standard of living for people who work and live in the area and make for a more pleasant commute for those in transit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 24, 2015 Author Share Posted April 24, 2015 Awesome DrLan! Anyone have a timeframe for the improvements? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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