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dbigtex56

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Everything posted by dbigtex56

  1. At one time there was such a thing as civic pride. Look at the courthouses, city halls, schools, libraries, even the jails built in the 19th and early 20th century. Some resemble palaces, with fine masonry, marble, ironwork, woodwork and stained glass. For some reason, that all changed sometime after World War II. Suddenly civic pride was replaced by government resentment. Anything built by the government that wasn't pig ugly was viewed as a waste of tax dollars ("What are they trying to do, build the Taj Mahal?"). Yes, we could probably build something attractive just as cheaply as something ugly, but people would complain. They want ugly. They expect it.
  2. Someone correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure they will...) Houston's claim is that we have the second greatest number of seats in a designated theater district outside of NYC. This is not to say that other cities don't have as many (or more) seats in an equivalent area, or more theaters, or more performances, or greater attendance; it's just not designated as a Theater District.
  3. "has acquired"...the two sweetest words in the English language (and wonder how you say it in French? ) So happy to hear the Plaza has been rescued from those ninnies. Wonder how they'll address the parking issue?
  4. I agree about access to the Main site being better served by entrances off the Travis exit from Spur 527, and perhaps Alabama. There's a bit of that "you can't get there from here" confusion in surrounding streets, due to one-way streets and left turn restrictions. I'm sure they'll work it out. Here's hoping that plaza shown in the rendering will face on the corner of Main & Alabama - it will be a welcome addition in an area that could use that amenity. Wonder when groundbreaking is scheduled?
  5. Good point, ssullivan. Is it just me, or is everyone unsure as to the fate of the printed page and brick-and-mortar stores? Will we dinosaurs still have those options in a few years, or will everything come into our homes through this little cable? amazon.com seems to be doing a booming business, and many newspapers and periodicals are available online. I hope the next generation will have the pleasure of browsing through books and finding new interests of which they were perhaps unaware. The efficiency of computers is sometimes a disadvantage.
  6. Worked admirably for the old Woolworth's. I used to drop by and coo at the parakeets on my way to lunch in the tunnel.
  7. Another problem with Main Street Square is its proximity to a couple of very cruddy little convenience stores, which seem to be magnets for drunks and panhandlers. I doubt if they would do much to enhance an outdoor dining experience. This is a rare example where maybe CVS isn't such a bad thing. With any luck the competition will force those stores out of business. And I doubt if CVS will put up with loiterers.
  8. Renu's, a Thai restaurant on Westheimer near Commonwealth. They had a dish called "Tiger Cries", and I'm drooling just thinking about it.
  9. And this is why Houston is such a wacky town... On the previous board, I related how Channel 2 news reported that (approximate quote) "And now that we're building a new courthouse, the old one will be torn down." This was about a year or so ago. well, no. No. I called some people who I don't even know, and they gave courteous replies. People at the National Register of Historic Places; and they assured me that Channel 2 was wrong. They're not going to tear down this building. Forgive me if I keep mentioning Channel 2 as a source of bad news; it's because I have personal experience. This - our- Harris County courthouse building is only one of which we Texans should be proud. Even the most humble Texas county usually has a substantial courthouse. Many of them are even nicer than our own. Whatever your particular fondness for architecture, you must admit; Texas has built some great courthouses. The building that currently houses family courts is part of our history. More importantly it's part of our present. This is an example of tax dollars going to the right place.
  10. I too took the view (if you'll excuse the expression) that there's no guarantee that the view which may have been a deciding factor in buying a townhome would always exist. The only thing that's constant is change, let the buyer beware, etc. However, WGG mentioned that the developers of Parker Lofts indicated to buyers that they held some sort of control over the property across the street. If so, I'd be pissed, too. As Max Fabian said in All About Eve: "This is for lawyers to talk about."
  11. I used to help my Dad refill oxygen tanks at the volunteer ambulance hall, and I promise, after 20 minutes or so we'd both feel a bit perkier (there's bound to be a bit of leakage). For the same price as one session at an oxygen bar, you could go to a welding supply shop and buy more oxygen than you'd need for a year. Not being a medical expert, I'm not sure if concentrated oxygen is beneficial. Oxygen is oxygen, whether scented, medicinal, or industrial. Probably jogging is a better option.
  12. Probably so. Also south to the Med Center, west to Neartown/Montrose, and the Near Northside This morning I encountered some pathetic tattered creature sleeping behind the bushes on Bagby, just south of Westheimer. Didn't even look at him, but he was still screaming unintelligible gibberish as I rounded the corner. Perhaps he was annoyed at having to move his bedroom over a couple of blocks?
  13. "City council today passed a civility ordinance that makes it illegal for anyone to sleep on public sidewalks or panhandle. Property owners in Midtown filed the petition because they say they're tired of seeing people sleeping on their front door steps. " Link to abc 13 story
  14. I agree. It reminds me of Palisade Parkway, which seems to wind through an unspoiled wilderness until BOOM! you're in NYC.
  15. And here's a picture (sorry, Ricco...couldn't find one of her in a thong)
  16. Wish I could cite a source, but it's my understanding that the Museum District extends all the way to Hawthorne St. on the north. The district was established sometime after I got uppity and moved to Westmoreland in '85 , and I remember the newspaper article - was surprised that it encompassed such a large area.
  17. It's two blocks north of Minute Maid Park, and two blocks west of I-59
  18. Just a few months ago I would have unhesitatingly said "Crater!". But after some of the comments made on this board (especially in the Houston Mod section) I've gained a new appreciation for this building. The mosaic-like stonework on the south facade is especially pleasing. The parking garage on the southwest corner does not relate to the building at all; if Central Bank was to be renovated, I'd hope a more sympathetic garage would replace it. Someone once mentioned the name of the architect who designed this building - if anyone knows, please refresh my memory. Aside from the asbestos abatement, another issue might be noise from the Pierce Elevated. I've heard that lower units on the north side of 2016 Main are plagued with that problem. I also wonder about the mechanical systems (heating-a/c, elevators, wiring, plumbing...) Aesthetics aside, the economics look pretty daunting.
  19. There's an awful lot of apartment dwellers within easy walking distance. If it becomes a neighborhood hang-out, the question of parking would become moot.
  20. The statue was sited in a tiny park called Peggy's Point, I believe. Did you know the sculptor was Gutzon Borglum, who also was responsible for the design of Mount Rushmore? I believe it was being moved to a park somewhere near TSU, after doing some repairs (as you may recall, she was missing a hand). ah, here's a link: Peggy
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