thedistrict84

2 hours ago, HNathoo said:

Most of the crowd being impacted by the expansion are looking for new sites, but don't want to pull the trigger until they have to. TXDOT has put a hold on ROW acquisitions for this project segment until they get their funding renewed for the next fiscal year, putting everyone in a wait and see mode. 

There’s also the Biden administration’s Civil Rights Act investigation that could postpone or derail the project as well.

On 5/28/2021 at 2:30 PM, Kinglyam said:

Here's hoping residents can get together and convince HEB to buy that last 10 acres and do something with a bit of retail in there. Seems like the perfect place for an HEB, given all the units nearby, and the only grocery store within a 1-mile radius is that little Fiesta on Fulton.

Even if you have higher density from these projects and others nearby (the new development on the Bayou, across I-10 off of McKee for instance), the AMI isn't nearly high enough for HEB to consider for a store. If anything, they will be looking at something in East River Phase 2 or across the Bayou in Second Ward (at the old Olshan compound, for instance), and even that is a question mark. 

It's baffling, but HEB has zero stores east of 45 inside the loop, yet three within an approximately two mile radius near Montrose. I know everyone here in Texas seems to love HEB, but their unwillingness to put a store anywhere except nicer neighborhoods is a bit messed up. The new store on 288 might seem like a step in the right direction, but even that was a relocation of an existing store away from a more economically depressed area towards a more affluent area (Museum District and Med Center). 

Based on the building only being three stories and situated only on one side of the lot (towards the Columbia Tap Rail Trail and METRO line), it looks as though they are foregoing a parking garage. That's beyond disappointing. 

The parking lot and front driveway layout in this rendering is less than ideal.

37 minutes ago, ljchou said:

Plan Review Permit in for 19 N York Street (navy building at corner of York and McAshan that was once going to house a BBQ joint) to used the building for offices

Ancorian owns this property.

There was once a thread about this site but I scoured the list and couldn't find it. Please merge if still exists. Thanks!

Victorian BBQ was the place that was slated to open in that location. They had begun doing the buildout but abandoned those efforts. I believe there may have been a break in during construction and possible insurance issue, but I may be mistaken. 

Previous topic on this property is below:

6 minutes ago, Houstonian4Life said:

Is this in the area further east (Phase III I guess) where the Par 3 golf course and icehouse has been proposed?

4 minutes ago, samagon said:

isn't this right next to the low income housing project that's planned?

Yes, the "EaDo 800" development is planned for the end of Middle St., which runs parallel to Velasco. 

21 minutes ago, 77011transplant said:

I'm over in the Second Ward and a lot of it seems to be "why build here when it'll flood/ it's a toxic waste site" or "should use the money on other development/ other parts of town" or "it's going to fail like such-and-such other development" It's really disheartening. But I'm not sure whether it's the new transplants or old time residents that oppose it. 

I am in Second Ward as well, and see those posts pop up sometimes too. I think it's mostly the long term residents who view it as another catalyst for gentrification and further displacement. While this project obviously will not displace anyone directly, it will undoubtedly contribute to further development that might and will put upwards pressure on property taxes for any homes in the general vicinity, which are already a burden on long term residents and their families. 

I'm not exactly gung-ho about gentrification in a general sense, but when the alternative is empty overgrown lots, dilapidated houses, abandoned cars, and dumping grounds full of appliances, tires, building supplies, etc. in the shadows of downtown (as is the case in the East River area of Fifth Ward and Second Ward across the Bayou), it is easy to be a cheerleader for Team Gentrification. 

13 minutes ago, wilcal said:

WTF is this? hahaha

Avant Garde Industrial Chic.^TM

4 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Man the city needs to do a full infrastructure upgrade for 20th. 

Counterpoint: who needs sidewalks, really?

On 5/23/2021 at 10:35 AM, IntheKnowHouston said:

A few of the food stalls within Railway Heights Market at Railway Heights:

Mac & Twist - mac & cheese concept

Heads & Tails - Cajun & Creole concept 

Churrazon - churreria

Jani's Waffles - waffle concept

Pierogi Queen - Polish concept

Sandos - Japanese sandwich concept

Samosa Haus - Southeast Asian concept 

Tablitas - charcuterie cone concept

Peaky Grinders - burger concept 

BOH Slice - Roman pizza concept

Puncheon - wine bar

Wow. It's like each of these restaurants were trying to outdo each other for the cheesiest name. 

This place is turning into a bit of a disappointment. I can't help but think that the lack of access has at least something to do with the "changes to the lineup" mentioned. It looks good on paper, until you realize there isn't any direct walkway or other on-foot access to this place from the hundreds of homes in Cottage Grove. 

Weird spot for a brewery. It is literally right in the middle of a large warehouse/commercial area. Not really walkable from many homes or any apartments. It looks like there is a large townhouse development going in just to the north, but I don't think there is any direct access.

A brewery in the middle of a warehouse complex worked for Saint Arnold for all of those years, so I guess there are worse ideas.

6 hours ago, 77011transplant said:

They could put the HEB AND affordable housing across the street!

I assume you’re being sarcastic, but just in case: there is already a new 180 unit 55+ affordable housing complex directly across Delano, and a 120 unit complex at the northeast corner of Delano and Canal. There are numerous other affordable housing complexes within 1-2 miles.

I think we’re good.

We do need some more market rate stuff to come online, soon. Hopefully that will be a component of this (eventual) development.

24 minutes ago, wilcal said:

For reference, I tried to make a scale representation of what the Montrose HEB would look like on the site:

 

 

DEFINITELY has space.

I live a few blocks away and wholeheartedly endorse your idea of putting an HEB here.

Anybody have Scott McClelland’s email address?

Does anyone know what was built on this site before? The existing roadways seem to suggest some sort of commercial use. I'm really not very familiar with that side of town aside from using the trails near Terry Hershey Park. 

(Edit: were topics merged here? When I made this comment the title was just the Dearwood address, and Paco’s comment was the first.)

1 hour ago, ljchou said:

This was purchased by one of the owners of 1886 Humble Backyard. Any development here would be in the "far future".

*Googles 1886 Humble Backyard*

"Woo boy, we gonna have a honky tonk in the East End!"

40 minutes ago, Paco Jones said:

Project:

Richmond Senior Village

 

Address:

5615 Richmond Ave.

Houston, TX 77057

 

Architect:

Brownstone Architects and Planners

 

Information:

5 level podium construction.  Level one parking with Lounge, Business Center, and Activity Room.  Level 2 has a pool terrace and also a "Quiet" courtyard terrace, along with a Fitness Center and Library/Lounge.  Levels 2-5 contain residential units.  Level 5 has 2 viewing decks.

NUMBER OF UNITS = 124
GROSS SQUARE FOOTAGE = 171,083 SQ FT
LEASING OFFICE = 2,460 SQ FT
OPEN GARAGE = 37,171 SQ FT (104 PARKING SPACES)
RESIDENTIAL= 107,148 SQ FT
AMENITY = 2,304 SQ FT
COURTYARDS = 9,803 SQ FT

 

 

I know this is a senior living facility, but to release the rendering in black and white only is a bit rude.

24 minutes ago, samagon said:

that's being a bit kind, my understanding is that the Midtown TIRZ has purchased a lot of land East of 288.

I guess the way I framed that was a bit too diplomatic. I had that other thread you identified and prior articles on the subject in mind when I made that comment. 

10 minutes ago, clutchcity94 said:

On the east side of 288?

The article doesn't really specify, but there does seem to be concern of rising rents and property values displacing long term, minority residents in the general vicinity. 

Of course, where the Ion is currently was technically Third Ward under the historic definition (everything east of Main and south of Texas). I know the Midtown Management District is active with some projects east of 288 as well. I think the borders between Midtown and Third Ward which are commonly recognized are beginning to blur a bit. 

The Rice Endowment is considering funding for affordable housing in the vicinity of the Ion/Innovation Corridor, and elsewhere in Third Ward.

On 5/17/2021 at 9:17 AM, gene said:

I don't know why but the lower silver clad building reminds me of either The Jetson's tupperware or a building that you can snap on another level as needed

🙃

It reminds me of the building style used in UNSC structures in the Halo universe. 

1 hour ago, EaDolivin said:

Drove by today and they've already cleared out all the lumber.

Wow, that was quick. They usually have a bunch of product on hand, although the supplies have been dwindling slowly over the last few years. 

Oh hey look it's another self storage building. Just what we needed . . .

Equipment has started moving dirt and tearing up the old slab that was near the front of the property. They also took out a section of the sidewalk on the front (Commerce facing) part of the lot, parallel to the warehouse building next door, presumably to add in a drive.

The most logical orientation would be situating the building on the front corner of the lot near the intersection of Commerce and Velasco, with a parking lot at the back with a primary entrance off of Sherman. 

Would really love to see a site plan for this so I know if I need to chain myself to a tree to protest a lackadaisical, anti-pedestrian layout down an important pedestrian and cycling corridor. 

3 hours ago, Houstonian4Life said:

ABC did a segment on East River this morning.  East River posted it on their IG page, not a whole lot of info, just that summer is groundbreaking.  No mention about the golf course / icehouse though.  

The Midway rep I spoke with at the Puppies for Breakfast thing last weekend confirmed that the golf course would be going forward along with the icehouse/restaurant portion, although they have not officially announced it. 

(I sincerely hope that my mention of this will not result in her being drawn and quartered for divulging non-public information prematurely)