domus48

"Hey, my house didn't pass your (or anyone else's) test either!" I'm not speaking for "flipper" but I realize the intent of the post is to convey the purely business end of the matter. Conservatively speaking (without any means to conduct a due diligence review other than in a limited empirical manner) I would say that 500K will be needed to properly restore this home -- that is a Conservative number as it said. Is there a buyer willing to spend that much once the purchase price is negotiated? Propably... just have to find that person. Easier said than done. "This house doesn't pass any tests any more. It should have been saved 2 years ago by its previous owner, a man who owns million dollar cars and would have been the perfect person to save it if he cared 1/10th as much about houses as he does cars." A question of priorities I guess. In this case, a misplaced priority. "I don't know what us as preservationists were supposed to do for the 2 years it sat empty." This is an topic in and of itself. "2 years ago when it was empty, RPS and I went there and he left his card just in case. If O'Quinn had called him and hired him as a realtor maybe we wouldn't be having this thread, who knows..." Too bad we can't get a hold of Mr. Peabody with his Way-back Machine, but we are at where we're at. So let's see what can be done now... is it too late? Maybe. But stirring things up on this home and preservation/un-checked development is better than snapping images of a demolished building. This one is calling out to us... question is, can you hear it?

What a terrific quote! Thanks for the Chronicle link. Anything anyone can produce -- documentation wise -- with respect to this house would be greatly appreciated.

"The current owner gives NO value to the structure. Trust me." Agreed... based on information I've received. I" haven't been inside it, but if it's 1/2 as nasty as I'm told, chances are it would cost as much to rehab it as he paid for the "lot". " A-n-d that would qualify for the 100% property tax break if the home was granted landmark status -- should those efforts be made with an agreeable owner. "As far as I know this was the most expensive "lot" ever purchased in Meyerland by a long shot and no one in their right mind would pay even more for it (so the current owner wouldn't have to take a loss), and THEN restore it." Granit Properties is the current owner (correct?) and they certainly possess deep pockets. Perhaps, they could actually do the right thing and save this property -- I know, what are the odds. But, there is a buyer out there for everything -- think ebay -- and real estate is no different... well, except it cost a lot more than used -- but still excellent condition -- Tupperware. "I think the communities' efforts are betted used to track down houses like this one that are in the state this one has been in for the last 5 years and rescue them from the owners before they become so neglected." Agreed... but what are the odds that will happen (probably about the same as efforts to save this one will be). Still, there are few houses as significant as this (as I see it) so it's worth a shot. Or we could spend our time discussing ad nauseum what color to paint our MCM front door. C'mon flipper, how about some support here.

Let's pull together to attempt to sway the owners position to demolish this masterpiece: A few years ago a Houston Chronicle piece was published concerning this house... does anyone on this forum possess a copy? Does anyone know of any period pieces written on this house -- certainly it was published. Gathering as much historical data would serve to bolster any attempt to save this extraordinary architectural work We cannot let this one fall by the wayside and simply vanish -- this home is truly a gem of post-war modern and easily holds it's own in the pantheon of Contemporary masterpieces.

I've secured the plans and will have them digitized and saved onto a disk. Unfortunately the packet of original drawings only contained plans -- no elevations, sections, details, etc. I will check with MCIA to see if they have additional material on this house. Otherwise we'll have to do with this. Plans are quite nicely drawn -- a bonus being the furniture plan.

"I still don't understand how they plan on tearing it down; the stacked stone walls look immovable." All buildings want to come down, we hold them in place forcefully (i.e. structure). Once the key support elements are knocked out... it's over. So it actually will likely not take much. I can't imagine that the current holder of the property will opt to renovate given what it would cost and the potential return. The ideal deal would be for an aficionado of high end mid-century modern to step up to the plate. Most of those folk seem to be in California.

Good news. I've made arrangements to secure the original construction plans for copying and scanning onto a disk. Photo documentation would be of much value as well (historic or contemporary) and hopefully someone will be able to step up to the plate on this.

"Another poster mentioned the existence of construction documents... if these do indeed exist, they should be secured for copying or better yet, submission to a legitimate retainer of historic architectural documents..." The aforementioned item should be the focus of efforts to "record" this property for posterity. Do the construction documents exist? Can they be secured by someone on this panel? Finally, at a minimum the house's exterior should be photo documented.

The focus of the topic is 9602 Moollight Drive, as such perhaps we could remain focused on this item. I previously posted suggesting photo documentation efforts from someone who might be in a position to do such. This house will likely be demolished in the near future so whatever preservation efforts (be it documentation in this case) can be executed such needs to occur without delay. Or once again, we will have a posting of digital images of a demolished property -- what purpose this serves is beyond me -- and no lasting document of what once was. Another poster mentioned the existence of construction documents... if these do indeed exist, they should be secured for copying or better yet, submission to a legitimate retainer of historic architectural documents -- I see no reason whoever holds these documents that they would not be willing to assist in the desired goal. Also, some members have attempted to contact the current owner/developer --those efforts are certainly laudable (kudos to you) -- but we should consider this one a goner. The items noted above are realistic tasks and can be accomplished with a little effort. At least we would be able to say that something was achieved before the house disappeared forever. Who's stepping up to the plate?

I'm not sure how many times the point has to be made with respect to the new home construction types but it accomplishes little. Sure it's fun to lambaste the poor choices for replacements of significant architecture (be it post war or contemporary), but constructive activism toward an objective -- say, documentation of a significant structure, securing of existing plans, etc. -- would be far more beneficial than yet another critique of a "mcmansion". Just a thought.

Perhaps access could be granted for photo documentation. Unlike some of the other demolished structures in Houston, this is a significant piece of architecture -- regardless of period created. Perhaps Ben H would be in the position to preserve the memory of this edifice. It's a real shame this one is a goner.

This one has a somewhat stealth quality as there is no "For Sale" sign posted. The HAR listing possesses no interior images and the property is listed as "Lot Value Only". Built in 1957 -- owner possesses architectural drawings -- this one is a flat roof modified building as is evident on the Memorial Bend Architecture site. Listed at 270K I would venture to guess this is a high price for only lot value -- but it's also a high price for the building as well. There have been at least two offers to date, neither accepted. Chances are, this one is a goner. http://www.har.com/9958541

If somebody wants to do something about this situation -- and I agree something should be done -- then they have to do more than post on this site. It's not all that difficult either. Simply contact Randy Pace (randy.pace@cityofhouston.net) and inquire about a Landmark designation. Even if this is secured, (and I believe with proper documentation HAHC can designate such) it will not protect the structure from being torn down -- which is likely a foregone conclusion -- but at least it will send a message. Or we could continue to whine about noteworthy architectural structures continually being demolished. Anyone want to step up to the plate? Kinda quiet out there...

This is one of the most intriguing and well done posts in some time. Captivating and informative to boot. Kudos to those involved. Hope to see more of this sort of dialog in the future.

With respect to the lecture last night: Nicely done, balanced and well presented. Not overly detailed with a thorough back story as well. What I wasn't anticipating was the original interior design (in this case decorating) by Charles James. While I think it's valid to live how one desires within the confines of ones home -- and in the case of the De Menil's, you can't expect otherwise from this dynamic and progressive couple -- I personally do not care for that type of interior fit-out regardless of the "container". If I were presented with images of the interior of the house independent of knowledge of the occupants I would maintain that the interior is overwrought and garish. And while I recognize the fit-out as tasteful, it's just not my taste. People should live how they want and the Menil's certainly did -- about eight years ago The New Yorker magazine published an incredible article about the couple. They are in my opinion, the type of people to aspire to. This juxtaposition of interior to architecture as well as the courtyard canopy intervention must have the purists incensed. Cool. But the Menil's commissioned a home by a modernist and then lived in it as it suited them. Can't argue with that. The one single aspect that was broached last night -- which is an issue near and dear to anyone who conducts due diligence -- was William Stern's reference to "deferred maintenance" when referring to the somewhat sorry state of portions of the house. There is no such thing as deferred maintenance when it comes a home that is lived in, it's simply neglect.

I was merely making a point as there are often posts here that defy definition. I won

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Site is (nearly) everything. So if there is in fact a pawn shop nearby as well as zooming traffic... well, that does not bode well for the sellers. The house certainly appears staged as it's just too nicely fit out with tasteful trappings. Do the nearby comps support the asking price? Did these folks watch "Flip This House" too many times and say to themselves: "I bet we can do that." Well, that can be a dangerous assumption if you don't do your homework or prevent yourself from becoming emotionally connected to the project. This one really looks fussy with respect to finishes which leads me to speculate they put their energy in "lipstick" and not other significant issues. I mean, (as has been observed) what's up with that kitchen exhaust fan?

Too much "lipstick" on this one... lots of superficial finishes trying to make this property appear high end. Simplicity is something to aspire to. When you layer on too much of anything you deminish the architectural value and increase the all show but no substance quotent. I'm not sure if there is any modernist value in this one as one would not want to back date it nor would one want it as a modern home. Overdone and over priced.

"A lot of the time I've noticed with properties that have been remodeled that a big step is going with high class flooring. That goes a long way toward beautifying an interior." Yes, there is value to be added with quality (and appropiate) flooring. But before anyone begins addressing finishes, there are crucial corrective/perventative measures to be undertaken. Namely a new roof and substrate: One could expect 15 to 25K here depending on the system used and the extent of repair necessary. Regardless of whether or not the existing roof is new or nearly new, thorough investigative efforts should occur with a new home owner. Next would be a review of the exterior building skin and foundation. Finally, comprehensive analysis of infrastructure should be executed -- electrical, HVAC and plumbing. These are fundimental issues requiring attention before addressing backdating and finish-out. If a new home owner wants to have a home that will survive another 50 years, systemic remediation must be undertaken. Probably sounds like I'm on a soap box here... and I guess I am. A building is a machine... it only functions as well as its working parts. A 1957 Chevy will only go so far with original parts. Oh, you can wax it all you want but will it get you to New York? "This house seems very savable!" Yep.

Another 75K (at least) remediation/renovation property. The central issue on this one -- at least for someone interested in preserving the original design intent and integrity -- is eliminating the current "flipper" aspects of this property. Lots of backdating necessary as well as undoing "improvements" and poorly executed repairs and "upgrades". We stopped by one day and found the house has a less than positive vibe due to the aforementioned. Pretty unfortunate as it is a unique structure and in the hands of someone dedicated to bringing this house around it could be a real beauty. Hope that happens.

"Just build a good tall CMU (cinder block) wall and cover it with thick vines on both sides, install a tall and rushing waterfall in the front and back yards, perhaps add some new windows, and it will make a nice architect designed mod home. It has the best public schools in Houston and a very low price for the area." While a CMU wall and water features will assist in mitigating the noise issue of the near-by intersection, this location no doubt suffers from not the best fung shui (you don't have to be a devout follower of this practice to find value in some of it's criteria). And truthfully, the negitive fung shui aspects associated with the adjacent traffic can also be mitigated by water features, etc. At 1995K this could be a steal...

MLS 6848146 What's the skinny on this one? Has it been discussed? I couldn't locate it via the search engine. Given the price, something must be not so cool. I think this is the one directly adjacent to the toll road/Memorial/feeder intersection.