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TxDave

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  1. TxDave
    I saw a news story (KHOU - Reggie Aqui) on Thursday morning (8/24) about the River Oaks and Alabama Theaters going before some city board that day for preservation protection based on a strong petition. Any news on the outcome of this meeting? The report seemed to indicate that the city board could provide a 90 day reprieve, but ultimately the property owner has the final say in what happens. I think it would be extremely unfortunate for Houston to lose not only these theaters, but any of the original portions of the River Oaks shopping center. The 30's art deco center has survived and thrived for so long, it should be cherished and protected. There are plenty of nearby locations where the proposed development could be built and incorporated into the neighborhood without destroying a significant landmark of the city and its history. (I suspect that my views have probably already been expressed thoroughly, but I could not help but add my two cents to this topic!)
  2. TxDave
    I take issue with the name of this place: Citycentre Town & Country -- it is at least 10 miles from Downtown Houston. I guess when you spell center with an "RE" you do not need to be located in the true middle of a city, but can instead be a "centre" in the "city". I am probably making too much of a small thing, but the Town & Country site is not in the "center city" but instead very suburban.
  3. TxDave
    Just curious, but why are you opposed to apartments or a cinema?
  4. TxDave
    It is a shame that it is still closed. I used to love going up to the sky lobby to check out that view. The only problem was that it was limited to the west only. There was a lot to see out there, but you were prevented from seeing the best views back towards downtown. Hopefully security will improve and 'paranoia' will calm down and it will reopen to the public.
  5. TxDave
    Is this rennovation still underway (or perhaps complete)? Even back in my day I couldn't wait to see this building revived. I truly hope it is still happening/has happened!
  6. TxDave
    Any new updates on the changes in the Galleria? (former Lord & Taylor / Macy's)
  7. TxDave
    Any updates on this one? It is really a shame that this building remains such a blight
  8. TxDave
    What is the latest/current status of the redevelopment of the Town & Country Mall site? I apologize if this is covered in another topic somewhere (if so, please direct me).
  9. TxDave
    There is also an Oceanaire in the Westin at Galleria Dallas - nice seafood restaurant. Does anyone know what else is going into the former Lord & Taylor space? I think the opportunities there are pretty exciting since the location is directly on Westheimer. Also, any word on the current Macy's space and Galleria III?
  10. TxDave
    A queston for consideration: If you were the management at HEB and were opening one (1) new Central market in Houston, where would you locate it? - This site across from HP - The Woodlands - Sugarland - Katy - Somewhere else (where?) And why would you select that location? I think it is a tough question to answer, but interested in what you have to say.
  11. TxDave
    Does anyone have any pics of this area? It would be cool to see before and after images.
  12. TxDave
    Many great pics, but I love this one. It shows the strength of the skyline rising above the trees.
  13. TxDave
    I just read that Federated will be closing the Macy's store at the Galleria and rebrand the new Foley's store as Macy's. What is the status on the Lord & Taylor store there? Has it closed yet, and if so, has anything replaced it or been planned? All of this shakeup in the anchor tenants could allow for some interesting alternatives there.
  14. TxDave
    Any news on this subject? The HISD headquarters site is really a prime location, but given the building's unique architectural design, I think it is a shame to see it go. Oh well, I guess that is progress...
  15. TxDave
    I wouldn't put too high of expectations on a Virgin Megastore. Based on current trends in downloading music (and movies), these stores are struggling. From what I have heard, several real estate people expect that the days are numbered for the exisiting Virgin Megastore in Dallas' successful Mockingbird Station development. Some are already planning for its potential replacement (along with the Tower Records on Lemmon). I am certainly no expert on the subject, but I don't think the future is in "music" stores. Some kind of revolution will have to happen to make these stores really hot again.
  16. TxDave
    I agree. The current "modern" phase needs to be monitored, however I believe anything new and unique is usually better than some rehash (i.e. copy) of historic/classic styles. The concern about sustainablility (will it last 30 years?) is very valid. What if the "modern" style doesn't hold?
  17. TxDave
  18. TxDave
    I am a veteran of Houston and Montrose from the early 90's, when it was kinda run down, but it was also kinda hip and very accessible (as long as you kept a keen eye for your personal security). On my last visit to Houston I was pleased (and kind of surprised and a little heartbroken) to see the changes that have come to the Montrose area. I was particularly impressed with the changes in the areas between the "core" Montrose area and Midtown (e.g. Fairview and Bagby area). Personally, I especially recall the "seediness" and "danger" around Club SOME on Albany (anyone else remember that place? it rocked!). Today the immediate area is filled with high priced townhomes and apartments. When I was there recently, a Doctor friend of mine even showed me the house he had bought a block away from the old club! Very different from my recollection of the area, but so much better. I guess change occurs everywhere, including Montrose. It is usually for the best, but some things are always lost along the way.
  19. TxDave
    I tend to disagree with the general disparagement of this building. I do agree that it is not exactly beautiful, but I think it is unique and interesting. Has anyone seen a similar building (square with small square extracted windows) anywhere else in the country?
  20. TxDave
    Being out of town, I am curious - how does the outside of the old Compaq Center look different now that it is the Lakewood Church?
  21. TxDave
    Wow - these houses look great! It is nice to see some divergence from the standard red brick and/or spanish colonial stucco homes that are all too common for McMansions these days.
  22. TxDave
    A really good architect should start designing buildings that tie all of these elements together - good, bad, and otherwise. Houston was known for great architecture in the 70's and early 80's - it needs to become known for that again.
  23. TxDave
    These sites show great promise. But I fear that KinkaidAlum's prediction may be right -- although, hopefully not. If done right, these properties could be the start to turning Greenway Plaza into a truly urban, mixed use center. Maybe it will happen...
  24. TxDave
    This is an interesting topic (downtown grocery store) - one which I have struggled with a lot recently. The same issue has been plaguing Dallas, although the City Council recently approved TIF funds for the redevelopment of an old Interurban Rail station that are contingent upon an urban grocery opening and continuing to operate - so there may be one here soon. But, regarding the general concept of a downtown grocer, you need people living there who will shop there. Downtown Houston has that, but maybe not the same numbers that the "traditional" suburban stores have. So any downtown stores will have to charge a "convenience" premium. This is fine when you need something, but I would guess that a majority of the downtown dwellers, when given the opportunity, would shop further out to get the better bargain. (it's kinda the American way). This may cause the downtown grocer to raise prices further or give up all together. I feel like I am being 'Debbie Downer', but until downtown has enough people to support a traditional store by itself (even with the inconvenience of reduced parking, etc.), I think downtown grocers will be hard to come by or be very expensive.
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