Avondale Promenade Park At 424 Westheimer Rd.

[trymahjong]

Saw this in Cohen's enewsletter- 

$25,000. Doesn't seem like much to begin developing a park.The "future Park" is one city lot, covered in black top and surrounded by wrought Iron fence, Cyprus trees in the ROW on Whitney street side.COH/parks is beginning  to hold community meetings to gather residents input. Hopefully a name will be chosen. Seems most residents would like simple, minimalist park because of size--something that might pay tribute to Avondale development in 1907. I took that to mean that everyone is hoping  it won't be a grass lot with many 20 gallon ubiquitous live oaks trees.

Some of the residents were concerned about the "current" trend in developing green spaces after watching the "beautification" MMD is putting in on west side median at Lovett and Montrose? Yep, a n updated green space of concrete and  live oaks. 

The developers of Avondale pooled their money in 1911 to have a box card  load of palm trees delivered brought to Houston.many were planted down the middle of MEDIAN down Montrose  Blvd south towards museum district( all were removed last time MONTROSE Blvd got redone--MONTROSE Blvd conservancy would like to put back the median but won't consider replanting palm trees due to COH restrictions.)  and a few can still be seen within Avondale.So everyone is hoping Live Oaks won't be the tree of choice.

Not sure if there will be access to water at this park, so probably xerescaping should be considered plus keeping the wrought iron fencing might not be a bad idea either. Would using recyclable materials keep costs down? no idea. Still everyone seems to love the idea of recycling so guess that should be considered also.

 

That seems a lot to keep in mind when developing a park, the next open meeting  is Aug. 16 upstairs at The Women's Home 6:30pm.I was hoping the Civic association would offer a money prize  to university architecture students to submit a plan for this park, keeping all those restrictions in mind.  It would be great to see what the young talent of Houston could come up with. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic  but it seems an opportunity is presenting itself why not take advantage of it.

 

 

_________________________

PARK UPGRADES - $355,000

This funding provided for new park design costs, playground equipment replacement, sidewalk repair, and other improvements to parks throughout District C.

$240,000 - TC Jester Park: Playground equipment replacement
$60,000 - Meyerland Park: Playground equipment repair
$25,000 - Future Park at 424 Westheimer: Design costs
$20,000 - Oak Forest Park: Tennis court repair                  
$10,000 - Peggy Shiffick Park: Sidewalk repair

[robinctc]

I would love to see this corner become an actively-engaging public hub for our Montrose community! The best and safest parks include design elements that elicit many uses by many people throughout the day, afternoon, and evening. For a great local example on a similar small-ish scale, consider Bagby Park on Gray at Bagby. 

 

What elements would you enjoy? What will make it a great community gathering spot? What will feel open and invitating to our community members, including oldest and youngest? How can we activate it?
- cafe or snack/drink kiosk
- public bathrooms
- variety of benches, chairs, and tables for eating, reading, games
- multi-purpose greenspace for gathering
- shade structure and/or additional trees for comfort/respite from sun
- stage for performances or events/speaking
- Bcycle station or bike rental
- sprayground or splash pad for kids/adults/dogs
- playscape or climbing structure for kids and/or adults?
- public sculpture or mural 
- interactive art
- dog run
- water feature?

I hope some of you will attend the public meeting Tuesday night (August 16) and share your ideas!

[trymahjong]

From Cohen's enewsletter

Design Phase Underway for Future Westheimer Park

Mayor Pro Tem Cohen hosted a public meeting to discuss community priorities for a future park at 424 Westheimer in District C’s Montrose area. She successfully advocated for the purchase of land for this park in 2014 and to fund the park’s design costs through the Council District Service Fund. Conversation at the meeting centered on the benefits and costs of incorporating spaces such as a tree-lined “promenade” area and a dog run. Those interested in providing suggestions may email lisa.johnson@houstontx.gov or districtc@houstontx.gov by no later than August 31st.

[trymahjong]

http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases... Houston was awarded an urban outdoor grant of $1 million for its Avondale Promenade Park project. Proposed development for the park include a community plaza, pedestrian promenade, pavilion, landscaping with irrigation, interpretive signs, playground, picnic tables, benches, porch swings, dog park.........

Edited March 25, 2017 by trymahjong

[trymahjong]

Ellen Cohen hosted her annual district C update meeting last night. Lisa Johnson, division manager of Parks/CIP related that the pocket Park (424 Westheimer) will go forward as planned with completion in 2019. This was good news as rumors circulated that it would be postponed and used as a staging place for COH machinery used in Lower Westheimer Renovation. Both of these projects were completely funded before Harvey. The lower Westheimer renovation will be pushed back a year.—- Many funds from COH projects were diverted towards Harvey stuff apparently— 

 

[trymahjong]

Finally COH parks dept will give update on this little pocket park.

Tuesday Nov 27—7pm

Cherryhurst Community Center

1700 Missiouri 

[CaptainJilliams]

HBJ posted an article on the park at Westheimer and Whitney:

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/11/28/houston-to-transform-montrose-lot-into.html

 

"The city of Houston bought the quarter-acre tract of land in May 2015, according to county clerk records, and plans to start construction on the project in August 2019, a city official said.

 

Avondale Promenade Park will feature Craftsman-style architecture to blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods, said Lisa Johnson, a division manager in the city’s general services department. Elements will include a brick promenade with trees and light fixtures, a garden area, benches, play and exercise area, dog run and custom-designed Craftsman-style pavilion with a chimney swift tower."

[trymahjong]

Got an email that should give some more background

Brandon Wolf, the author of this article was in attendance at last nights meeting to update his article:

http://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2017/01/neighborhood-park-proposed-the-montrose-remembrance-garden-will-find-a-permanent-home-here/

[trymahjong]

Ellen Cohen is having her annual CIP (capitol Improvements) meeting this Thursday at the Multiservice Center on Gray 6:30

 

I’m hoping she brings her usually cadre of COH people and can shed some light on this Parks process and when construction will start.

Last November the COH parks people gave a status report at Neartown that all things were a  go, fully funded etc but after hearing a Councilman “rebrand” the 100% funded ( from Bagby to Montrose) lower Westheimer improvements to partially funded improvements from Bagby to  Shepherd; the Park project seems stymied.

[trymahjong]

At most of the neighborhood meetings, this park is always spoken about as being “ already have100%money needed” “ready” “green lighted” etc just need to approve  contractor contract by COH—- weeks and months of this talk, no one could figure out the hold up..... but then I heard a few neighbors grumbling and now I might have  a bit of insight into the delay.

TheMayors office sets the agenda. Somehow theMayor is very busy and caught up in campaigning, suddenly it’s difficult to get new items on the agenda. This seems  plausible but it’s hard to believe it would actually be true. If true, I’m sad.

[Luminare]

On 9/14/2019 at 8:21 AM, trymahjong said:

At most of the neighborhood meetings, this park is always spoken about as being “ already have100%money needed” “ready” “green lighted” etc just need to approve  contractor contract by COH—- weeks and months of this talk, no one could figure out the hold up..... but then I heard a few neighbors grumbling and now I might have  a bit of insight into the delay.

TheMayors office sets the agenda. Somehow theMayor is very busy and caught up in campaigning, suddenly it’s difficult to get new items on the agenda. This seems  plausible but it’s hard to believe it would actually be true. If true, I’m sad.

 

Not shocked if true. Election is only a couple months away right? If in his position, that would be my focus as well.

[Houston19514]

On 9/17/2019 at 4:46 PM, Luminare said:

 

Not shocked if true. Election is only a couple months away right? If in his position, that would be my focus as well.

 

Except (1) he has a staff, and (2) the best campaign material for an incumbent is a well-run city, and it also took many months for them to get the market-based parking on to the council's agenda (and that was well before campaign season). If he can't manage to run the Mayor's office (and the City) while campaigning for reelection, that seems like pretty strong evidence he may not be the person for the job.

Edited September 19, 2019 by Houston19514

[gene]

It's a done deal! 

 

https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/government/2019/11/20/houston-city-council-greenlights-montroses-avondale-promenade-park-contract/

A forthcoming public park on Westheimer Road in Montrose, Avondale Promenade Park, reached a new milestone Nov. 19.

Houston City Council approved the acceptance of a $900,000 grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and a $14,000 landscape architecture contract funded by the city of Houston.

 

[j_cuevas713]

9 hours ago, gene said:

It's a done deal! 

 

https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/government/2019/11/20/houston-city-council-greenlights-montroses-avondale-promenade-park-contract/

A forthcoming public park on Westheimer Road in Montrose, Avondale Promenade Park, reached a new milestone Nov. 19.

Houston City Council approved the acceptance of a $900,000 grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and a $14,000 landscape architecture contract funded by the city of Houston.

 

Such a great park for the area and the history of the neighborhood.

[Luminare]

While driving by yesterday I saw a dumpster and equipment on site clearing brush. This might be starting.

[dbigtex56]

8 hours ago, Luminare said:

While driving by yesterday I saw a dumpster and equipment on site clearing brush. This might be starting.

Looks that way.
Today they were busting up and removing old pavement.

[trymahjong]

Just received email from Neartown thatCouncilman Kamin found out most of the crew working on the park haBe  been diagnosed with COVID. All work has been halted.

[dbigtex56]

Work has resumed, and the pavilion is taking shape.

[trymahjong]

Hard to believe but entire crew came down with COVID.

 

BTW

Did you notice the electronic board at the back by dog park part?
That wasn’t in the original plans.......now my fear is that some city muckity-muck has a notion that installing that thing in Montrose will not lead to some sort of  Computer mischief......really that’s not  limited to  suburbanite bored computer pranksters.......there’s plenty gifted mischief devilry  in Montrose.  Who knows what the daily “motto of the day” will end up being on that sign🤪.

Edited September 26, 2020 by trymahjong

[mollusk]

8 hours ago, trymahjong said:

Did you notice the electronic board at the back by dog park part?

 

What could possibly go wrong??

[wilcal]

Gazebo/covered space going up

 

[hindesky]

[Texasota]

High architecture it is not, but it'll be nice to have in the neighborhood.

[dbigtex56]

20 hours ago, Texasota said:

High architecture it is not, but it'll be nice to have in the neighborhood.

I agree. 
It's kind of old-timey cutsie-corny but that does not detract from its usefulness. 

[trymahjong]

I might tip-toe In here and gently remind everyone  of the dozens of community input meeting ( where IMO) all voices seemed to shout “ park should reflect the neighborhood” .
 Hence the “Gazebo like structure” in the smack-dab middle.  😄

A reverie of nostalgia among the shiny new structures along Westheimer, of course when anticipating the “ porch swings” Which will be the last things to be installed lol😇

[Texasota]

Sure, but there are less lame ways to do that. Although I'll hold my final opinion until it's actually complete, it honestly seems like it's more meant to reflect some people's perception of the history neighborhood rather than its actual specific history.

[X.R.]

3 hours ago, Texasota said:

Sure, but there are less lame ways to do that. Although I'll hold my final opinion until it's actually complete, it honestly seems like it's more meant to reflect some people's perception of the history neighborhood rather than its actual specific history.

 

These kind of takes are my favorite on HAIF, discussing the architecture of a park. I love the Lamp posts with the hanging lantern but the brick they are on, not so much. If we're talking taking in motifs from the surrounding homes, then yeah, alot of the houses closer to 59 have older looking brick in them. Is there such a thing as distressed looking bricks? They shoulda used that. If there really are some porch swings, that is v montrose-y based on the surrounding homes lol. 

 

And the gazebo being to the side, and not directly in the middle is a weird, but then if you think of connectivity and allowing people to stroll through the park, it makes sense. It help the gazebo be a little more private. Having the park be well lit is smart because in Montrose you have people walking around at all times of day. I really like it, seems like a lot of thought went into it and it will serve the community well. When do we get to play here? 😁

 

 

[trymahjong]

I guess COH/PWE must have anticipated many people walking around at all hours and having their dogs with them.

We were told those Park visitors with their canine friends Utilizing the dog park would act as a passive safety measure.

 

Alas there was little faith in nearby residents remembering to regularly water plants so COH/PWE nixed the idea of flower planters.........sigh

[gene]

22 hours ago, X.R. said:

 

These kind of takes are my favorite on HAIF, discussing the architecture of a park. I love the Lamp posts with the hanging lantern but the brick they are on, not so much. If we're talking taking in motifs from the surrounding homes, then yeah, alot of the houses closer to 59 have older looking brick in them. Is there such a thing as distressed looking bricks? They shoulda used that. If there really are some porch swings, that is v montrose-y based on the surrounding homes lol. 

 

And the gazebo being to the side, and not directly in the middle is a weird, but then if you think of connectivity and allowing people to stroll through the park, it makes sense. It help the gazebo be a little more private. Having the park be well lit is smart because in Montrose you have people walking around at all times of day. I really like it, seems like a lot of thought went into it and it will serve the community well. When do we get to play here? 😁

 

If i remember correctly from driving by, the gazebo isn't off to the side per say...

the whole park is at an angle facing towards the corner/stop sign! 

 

22 hours ago, X.R. said:

 

 

[Luminare]

On 10/20/2020 at 8:24 AM, Texasota said:

Sure, but there are less lame ways to do that. Although I'll hold my final opinion until it's actually complete, it honestly seems like it's more meant to reflect some people's perception of the history neighborhood rather than its actual specific history.

 

Agree with all of this. The design is pretty pedestrian. If people want to see a great balance between more traditional design with contemporary flare, then check out the Eastern Glades. Love that park. Love the stone, like the path layout, and like the contemporary approach to pavilions etc... This park comes off as something one would find out in Bridgeland or one of those masterplanned communities. Oh well. I'll take a park than no park. Looks great for the area which is already seeing a bunch of activity. The future is bright.

23 hours ago, X.R. said:

 

These kind of takes are my favorite on HAIF, discussing the architecture of a park. I love the Lamp posts with the hanging lantern but the brick they are on, not so much. If we're talking taking in motifs from the surrounding homes, then yeah, alot of the houses closer to 59 have older looking brick in them. Is there such a thing as distressed looking bricks? They shoulda used that. If there really are some porch swings, that is v montrose-y based on the surrounding homes lol. 

 

And the gazebo being to the side, and not directly in the middle is a weird, but then if you think of connectivity and allowing people to stroll through the park, it makes sense. It help the gazebo be a little more private. Having the park be well lit is smart because in Montrose you have people walking around at all times of day. I really like it, seems like a lot of thought went into it and it will serve the community well. When do we get to play here? 😁

 

 

 

Agree with the lamp posts. Looks craftsman inspired. Giant brick podium...a bit fat. Like I said before your quote. I applaud the effort. Just lacks creativity. They were clearly focused on utility.