texasdago

Entry #4 - Bob Casey Federal Courthouse...

This is a shot from the San Jose Hotel in Austin...

Entry #2 - you know this one... you've seen it a thousand times but maybe not quite like this. This kind of signage is quickly disappearing but it still a not-so-subtle reminder of mid-century advertising...

Here is my first entry. To me, what says mid-century more than the atomic automotive designs of the 50s and 60s. This is the detail of a car spotted on the side of the ride on Highway 71 between Houston and Austin.

Framework for foundation in place... establishing an outline for the structure. Well folks, it's too early to tell what this home will look like but early impressions are (no spoiler alert necessary) a flickering lantern, amalgam home (FLAM). Ground floor appears to be approximately 2000 s.f. with a two car garage inclusive. Certainly two stories.

But there exists an odd angle or two in the foundation outline at the rear of the property... something compelling afoot? Or just the usual odd angle thrown-in for good measure?

This site is not about detailing the goings on of a construction project so I will not attempt to set a precedent. I was cautiously optimistic the design for this custom home would integrate into the context of the whole -- that of Memorial Bend. Call me naive but I like to believe... want to believe, that someone building a custom home would look to the left, look to the right (and down the street) and build a home that complements.

Now, I guess one could say: It depends on what you see around you -- one can dismiss original homes and consider only the new. Okay fine, but wouldn't it be something if an attempt was made to acknowledge the inherent modernism throughout Memorial Bend with a home design that embraced modernist tenets to some degree?

I know the answer to that question... but nonetheless I like to state it.

What is frustrating is zero attempt to incorporate modernist elements into new homes. Honestly, given what I see in new modern construction in certain parts of town, I would welcome a modern home with open arms... yes, I could deal with the demolition of a Bend house if it were replaced with something other than the usual McMansion. Is that to much to ask?

Though it's technically not part of City Centre, we're going to check out Fleming's tonight...

There was someone working on that house a couple of days ago... looked like a couple of contractors.

I drive by that house all the time and while I'm a big fan of MCM, I really really like the house, the lot, the way it is set on the lot, etc. Just beautiful. I better get a good picture before someone scrapes the lot and builds a terrible monstrosity.

Al Fairfield got his start in Memorial Bend - William Floyd took him under his wing and had him build a few houses for him before he went out on his own. He's still alive...

331 Electra is going to get torn down for a "Tuscan" style house.

It is the population center of Houston

Very very surprised to see that one on Electra for sale. Really surprising. As for the price, the listings do keep going up - however, $400K+ is no surprise for a ravine house. Mark is very concerned with preservation in the neighborhood (331 Electra) so hopefully they found a like-minded buyer.

I was in it about 2 years ago and it wasn't pretty. Honestly I think it would have to be completely gutted. Hopefully someone could salvage the kitchen cabinets if not have new ones built in the same design.

Personally I think it would be too much money to spend on that particular house due to it's location, nearby busy streets plus the complex that is behind is less than desirable. It's not so much visable as there is a lot of bamboo growing in the back but that doesn't help to cut down on the noise associated with multi-unit housing.

I'm assuming you're not referring to the house on Memorial. The only thing behind the house is more of Memorial Bend.

Drove by yesterday - lots of foundations being poured throughout the property. Looks like things are picking up even more.

...also found out that two of the restaurants going into the expansion in Town & Country Village are McCormick and Schmick's and Fleming's Steakhouse. Also, the old spot once occupied by Woodlake Travel is sporting a banner that says "Japanese/Sushi Restaurant Coming Soon" - sweet!

It's a definite addition... it was slapped on there about 2-3 years ago.

Don't see the value in listing the schools, etc. We're discussing these houses more from an architectural standpoint...

The prefab building is part of the Town & Country Village expansion.

Also, the fence along the City Centre site has banners for restaurants that are coming... Ra Sushi, Z-Tejas and Brio Tuscan Grille are representin'

What's going on with this project? There has not been any activity lately and now they are actually taking some of the fences down. Did it tank or has the freeway construction in the area stauled it?

You mean besides that large building that's starting to go up and all the activity throughout the site?

Doesn't look like a Floyd to me...

What was it like? With a "little modernist" on the way, we had to pass on the cost, as much as we wanted to attend.

I'd say it's probably not a Floyd designed house. That would be my educated guess. Dana Bang, son of architect Lars Bang, lives nearby. He may know something about it but I'm not sure.

The current owners seemed to have spent quite a bit fixing it up - if I remember correctly, they added a modern door, paint, new fixtures, etc. I haven't seen the interior, though. The pictures, from what I recall, show more clerestory windows on the side of the house.

OK... sorry but I have to say something. We're truly talking about architecture, not zoned schools. Anyone can see that on the HAR listing.

The house appeared in a commercial 2 years ago for St. Joseph's - a great MCM.