dbigtex56

The 1920's apartments are across the street. The Printing Museum will be (I assume) in that 50's or 60's office building with the decorative cement blocks. It's about the same size as their former facility, maybe a smidge larger. Seems like a good match.

Their new space is 3121 San Jacinto (NE corner of San Jacinto and Elgin Streets).

I was mistaken in assuming sidewalk construction, but it appears that sidewalk repairs are included in the project.

I'm impressed that the city is undertaking to repave this many blocks (and repair/construct sidewalks as well). Can it really be done in a little over 1 1/2 months? That might be some kind of record for the COH.

I've heard it was pretty good, but now we're left with one fewer historic, sidewalk accessible house, a vacant building, and another treeless heat collecting useless asphalt parking lot. It's a scene tailor made for the masochistic pedestrian. I used to think that Lower Westheimer could be revived as the charming walkable destination it once was, but I'm beginning to think that it's never going to happen. For every step forward, we go three steps back.

Think of it as an investment. Someone could buy it for $540k, make some improvements, and sell for maybe $400k. If they're lucky. To me, it looks like lot value, minus the cost of removing the debris... I mean, house.

I agree. Not too long ago 2401 was an attractive building. It's a shame that someone removed the original black ceramic tiles and replaced them with cheap modern materials. Also, the signage is amateurish and not in keeping with the Streamline Modern architecture. Perhaps someone will put it right again, someday.

According to my dental hygienist (whose office is close by), an employee told her that the store was closing because street people drinking and panhandling on the property were chasing away customers. Considering the doors were posted with a number of signs forbidding alcohol consumption and loitering, this seem plausible.

So is this on the same block as Cle'? Is Cle' going to remain open? Is it true that a portion of Travis Soctt's "Sicko Mode" video was shot at Cle'?

I noticed that the facade of Sacco Company is composed of the same Texas cordova shell limestone as is found on 2401 San Jacinto (formerly Rich's). This material seemed to be popular in the 1930s, Ir may just be coincidence but it makes me wonder if the two buildings were built at about the same time, perhaps even by the same builder.

They may have had no choice. I Googled 'asphalt shortage 2022' and it turns out that asphalt supply chain issues are causing delays throughout the construction industry.

Are they usually parked by the (2003 W Alabama) Hollywood store?

I'm glad that the building will be remodeled and hope it attracts desirable tenants to the neighborhood. But please retain the 1920s-30s exterior. Sometimes the results of 'modernizing' a building can be laughable or tragic.

I've made reports to 3-1-1 on a variety of issues, and their agents have been polite, efficient, and knowledgeable. Problems are resolved quickly; . I hope whoever's responsible for suggesting these changes keeps their mitts off a system that's working just fine.

Many of the OTC drugs sold out quickly, so there's not much selection for pain killers, digestive aids, etc. Expensive personal grooming items such as lotions and hair care products are still expensive. The best deals remaining were in the snack and candy aisle, which for some of us is a mixed blessing.

Pretty sure it's owned by METRO.

I bet the neighbors are overjoyed.

I suspect that security guards for the apartments use "selective enforcement" standards when it comes to who's allowed to use the park. It's a difficult situation. On one hand if it's a public park, the public should be allowed to enjoy it. On the other, the street people who bathe in fountains, openly smoke reefer, and harass passersby for cigarettes and money don't create a welcoming atmosphere, either.

Now you've piqued my curiosity I don't know if I've ever seen (or even heard of) a mysterious parade. Who or what could it be?

Mixed feelings about this. Yes, it's a MCM building with the potential for being attractive - but does Midtown really need another nightclub? A matter of opinion, to be sure. I'm disappointed that the McGowen rail station is still not living up to its potential. Immediately adjacent to the stops there's an abandoned building, parking lots, an underused park, a bar, and the Cadillac dealership (soon to be nightclub). Hardly a destination for those riding the train. Granted, there is an apartment building adjacent to the southbound station, but it could be so much more. I absolutely agree that another high rise on the Cadillac site would be welcome. Here's hoping that someday the plans for restaurants on McGowen between Main and Travis, and the food court in the former Greensheet building become reality. It's been almost 20 years since the rail started operating. I hope it doesn't take another 20 for people-friendly development to become reality.

Glad to see the black mesh coming down, even though it seems like it's taking forever. Like watching the world's slowest strip-tease show.

(never mind)

The guard's imagination may have taken a leap. From mfah.org "Private event rentals" page: Outdoor photography permits are available for formal photography requests intended for personal, noncommercial use only. Examples of formal photography include, but are not limited to, bridal portraits, engagement photos, senior/graduation photos, and holiday family photos. Permits allow for photography in the outdoor areas of the Museum only, and include the Cullen Sculpture Garden; Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza; PNC Roof Garden; Cullen Foundation Promenade; and South Lawn. Formal/professional photography is not permitted inside any Museum buildings.

For some reason, Michael Graves's buildings aren't as popular in Houston as in other places. IIRC, one of the major functions of the Fed building was to provide enough space to process checks. Even before it was completed, laws were changed to allow electronic facsimiles rather than preserving the paper check. The space allocated for the sorting and storage of checks suddenly wasn't needed. Now that checks are almost obsolete, I wonder if the Feds might reexamine the need for all of that unused space, and divest themselves of this building.

The roof tiles have been painted black? That ain't right.