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barracuda

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Everything posted by barracuda

  1. I'm still baffled by these decisions. The ordinance clearly states that HAHC shall issue a certificate of appropriateness for additions taller than the existing roof structure so long as: a. The addition does not encroach into the front half of the existing structure, measured from the front facade of the existing structure to the farthest point of the rear of the existing structure from the front facade b. The plate height of the addition does not exceed 1.25 times the plate height of the existing structure; and c. The roof of the new addition does not deviate from the roof pitch of the existing structure. There are other requirements regarding materials, etc., but nowhere does it state a 67% or 75% setback from the front. It's as if the HAHC is imagining new rules on the fly rather than following their own rulebook. If they want to change the ordinance, they should put it to a real vote. It's not as if drawing up architectural plans is cheap; people need to know exactly what to expect to ensure a smooth and quick approval process. Otherwise, let's nullify this ordinance and disband the HAHC.
  2. The only problem with that line of argument is that it can be applied across pretty much any establishment. The Heights is in the middle of a large city filled with redundant businesses. No one needs more retailers or restaurants, but many people will be happy to have them close by.
  3. These are great examples of how additions should be done. From my perspective, the exterior physical materials are less relevant to making the house "historic" than the style and proportion of the house. The biggest problem with the historic ordinance is that it forces additions to take on strange and ridiculous camelback proportions that would never have been built when the homes were originally constructed. On the other hand, these additions are far less noticeable and don't stick out like a sore thumb. Even better, they provide a house with better flow and allow the homeowners to preserve more yard space by centering the house rather than pushing most of the addition awkwardly to the back yard.
  4. On the surface, it doesn't look like they are singling out Walmart, but then there is a grandfather period for existing big-box stores whereas the Walmarts would be new. Living wages for larger employers is an interesting idea, particularly if it helps shift the burden for social safety nets from taxpayers back to corporations like Walmart that have plenty of profit to share with their employees. I'm certainly not a fan of subsidizing the tax system so corporations can eke out more profits while putting their employees on food stamps. On the other hand, this kind of law puts the enforcing municipality at a disadvantage to neighbors with no living wage policy.
  5. It may just be an illusion, but the far side of the grove (north-west side) appears to go slightly higher than the other side in the rendering.
  6. It looks like the base levels may also contain the urban campus..."dining facilities, a fitness center, training and conference facilities, and additional parking." I wonder if they will build a tunnel connection to get between this and the other two buildings.
  7. From the Chronicle: Chevron to build downtown tower at 1600 Louisiana. Confirmed 50 stories and 1.7 million sq. ft. HQ will remain in California.
  8. I wouldn't get upset about this. Interfaith Meals-on-Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors over 60 (and their pets), as well as services to refugees setting in America. They provide a valuable service to the community, and as a bonus it looks like they will be cleaning up this vacant overgrown lot.
  9. Apparently I offended a few folks who are insecure about their financial wealth. My point is that retailers like Hermès, Christian Dior, Tom Ford and John Lobb are boutiques catering primarily to a wealthy few trying to impress others. There is no other reason to buy their products, unless perhaps you just happen love high-end fashion. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
  10. I completely agree when it comes to restaurants. Economies of scale and good food are not usually related. There are very few chain restaurants in Houston that I go to since there are so many wonderful local restaurants run by local chefs or families. If I do go to a chain, it's usually out of convenience when I'm traveling. Where I would differentiate this is with commodity products, where you can almost certainly find a better price for the same item at a chain store vs. a local one. The only reason for going local in this case is if there is some added service or convenience provided.
  11. This is great to see. I'm equally excited about the Alliance Residential building in the photo on Main/Leeland. Even though it's not a high-rise and not terribly exciting architecture, it's displacing a surface lot and should be a great location adjacent to a light rail stop. Hopefully it'll encourage more residential buildings in SE downtown.
  12. The other three lots that may be part of the deal include a garden apartment dating back to 1923 appraised at $1.29M (SE corner), a residential duplex from 1923 appraised at half a million, and a converted commercial building from 1919 appraised at $875K. The newer 1996 house in the photo is appraised at $743K. Hines must really see a lot of value in this specific block - maybe it's the proximity to the light rail? It is currently one of the prettier blocks in that part of town...I do kind of wish they could find a vacant lot or demolish a block of town homes instead.
  13. Keep in mind this was built on a brownfield, not a pristine wilderness site. If this were the Katy Prairie instead of a former industrial site, I would agree with you.
  14. Interesting that someone would fight this 6-story building when there's a 35-story condominium a block away.
  15. Walmart's business model is built on being lean and efficient, and eschewing things architecture flourishes makes sense for them in areas where price is the main competitive factor. This doesn't necessarily mean they sell items for less, but they may have more flexibility in pricing out competitors or increasing their profit. But I personally like the idea of businesses building for the long term rather than employing bare-minium strip mall architecture that will be tired in ten years. It would be a depressingly ugly world if everyone built to the lowest-common denominator. In a competitive environment like Houston, and in a generally affluent area like this particular location, putting a little extra effort into attractive architecture (for a strip mall) and accessible sidewalks should help with customer loyalty and attract and maintain more customers over time.
  16. Ok, so I was bored on a long call and I tried to make a list of the stores on 19th using a map search, starting at Yale and ending at Ashland. There are at least 7 stores selling trinkets, 6 thrift stores, and 4 antique stores. I could be off, but that is at least a rough estimate. The vast majority close at 5 or 6pm on weekdays. The lone standouts are Studio Fitness, which closes at 9pm on weekdays, and Shade, which closes at 10 or 10:30 depending on the night. Trinket stores: 7 Elegant notions - jewelry and trinkets Casa Ramirez - trinkets Occasions - trinkets Erica DelGaedo - trinkets, close at 6pm Dramatika Custom Framing, cards, chachkies, close at 6pm Coda - trinkets Grace Hart & Co. Thrift stores/clothing: 6 Sand Dollar - thrift store Retropolis - thrift store Jubilee - thrift store, close at 6pm Thread - close at 5pm Replay - thrift store Langford Market - womens clothes Food/Lounge: 5 Juice in the Sky - juices and smoothies Heights Cigar Lounge Shade restaurant Cricket's Creamery & Caffe - close at 6pm Carter & Cooley Company Deli - close at 3:30pm Antiques and Furniture: 4 Bliss on 19th - random home decor (candles, etc.) Chippendale Antiques Aon Antiques Eclectic Home - home decor, close at 6pm Record store/Studio: 2 226 Recordings - full service recording studio Vinal Edge Records - record shop, open until 7pm Art gallery: 2 18 Hands Gallery - ceramic art gallery Gallery M Squared - art gallery, close at 6pm Services: 7 BBVA Compass - bank Southern Dental Studio Fitness - gym, close at 9pm Edward Jones Venus Hair Ping Pokka Dot - party facility for girls Boot and Shoe Repair
  17. I know it's still getting a paint job, but I've gotta say that garage is really ugly. Too bad it will be the most prominent feature most people will see. I guess there aren't many ways to dress up seven stories of concrete that look like a sloping gash in the side of a building, but perhaps some more trees would eventually help.
  18. I patronize businesses on White Oak regularly, yet I never visit those on 19th. I think 19th looks cool due to the old storefronts, but the businesses mostly cater to women and elderly. I think it would be great to have a few neighborhood bars along the strip to give it some life after 5pm, but I won't hold my breath that it will ever happen.
  19. Has it really only been vacant for 13 years? I thought it'd been much longer.
  20. I just learned of a new requirement. You must present at least a pound of termite frass to the commission in order to get approval for wood window replacement.
  21. I agree with the others....congratulations! I'm really confounded as to why HAHC tried to change the rules mid-game regarding the second-story setback, rather than adhering to the stated ordinance. It's great to have opinions and all, but their ruling seemed to had no basis and defied any common sense. Good luck with your home!
  22. I have to agree, I would think most people are capable of making it through the guided crosswalk at Alabama. There are literally six restaurants, two bars and the Continental Club within a couple blocks. The area is very walkable, and steps away from a light rail station. Also, it's worth noting that plenty of residential buildings in Manhattan also lack ground-level retail...this isn't strictly a Houston phenomenon.
  23. I wonder what all the Walmart employees who had their health insurance canceled last year think of this.
  24. I think the best defense against becoming a "bum hangout" is for the park to be actively and frequently used. I've noticed the occasional bum or two at many inner-loop parks (Baldwin Park, Hermann, Eleanor Tinsley, White Oak/Stude, etc.), but these parks are all fairly active, and I wouldn't consider them bum hangouts. I find bums to be less of an inconvenience than groups of people who walk side-by-side and block 90% of the sidewalk, even when others are trying to get by. I bet there will be more of those people using this park than bums.
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