rapturematt

I love the fact there are currently 18 pages of contributions on this topic. It may the be the biggest thread ever on HAIF. To me, it means that there is still enough interest in this iconic structure that we want to follow it's journey, still have questions, and willing to share our ideas. On November 20, 2014, we are having a screening of my 15 minute short subject documentary, Last Seat At The Dome, and will be followed by a 1 hour Q&A with myself, Judge Emmett, and other historians and preservationist to allow the public to ask questions about the past, present, and future of the Astrodome. I really hope all of you an join us. You can get your FREE ticket by going to the event ticket page: CLICK HERE

Looks like we are going to have a good turnout. I hope all can make it.

Let me know about any research that you come up with. I have hopes of collecting all of the historical information to eventually go into a museum exhibit or the mini historical gallery in the community center we are trying to build.

Of course I have plans for action. I plan on introducing plans for our efforts in Riverside at the movie.

Well, I understand that, but I don't look at this as a chance to only see the movie. I also see it as a chance to get to meet others who are wanting to make a change in the Riverside neighborhood. I really think this is the launch of something larger for the future of Riverside. Awareness first, then action.

I am really suprised that I have not heard from more people interested in seeing this movie. Is it old news?

Now I am curious! Just say it!

I guess there might be, but it is not a advertising event. It is just a chance to see the movie about Riverside.

Philosopher George Santayana once wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Two years ago my wife and I moved to the Riverside neighborhood of Houston, TX ignorant to the colorful history that some of my neighbors have witnessed over the years. Since then I have been researching the historical events that surround the Riverside neighborhood and have uncovered countless stories of racism, blockbusting, integration, "white flight", and regentrification. Riverside is a neighborhood in transition. Several of my neighbors are elderly widows who struggle to maintain the exquisite homes of our neighborhood, while other vacant homes are surrounded by drug deals and prostitution. I have been blessed to be able to help those immediately around me, but see the need larger than one man. This is my plea: Let's bring back the Riverside Neighborhood. Let us continue the legacy of community pride that others before us pioneered. Let us learn from our history to avoid repeating the same mistakes. My wife and I are hosting a private viewing of "This Is Our Home, It Is Not For Sale" directed and produced by Jon Schwartz in our back yard on Saturday, May 30th at 6:30pm. This documentary composes of several interviews that tell the history of my/our Riverside neighborhood. This is a story that you don't want to miss. For more information about the movie, please go to www.thisisourhomeitisnotforsale.com. We will be serving popcorn to all that can come, and having a 15 minute intermission for discussion during the movie. Please join us with your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and blankets for a great movie under the stars. Space is limited, so please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible by sending me a message to matthewshawnmurphy@yahoo.com.

I don't think you can judge a whole neighborhood on one incident. It was drug dealer killing a drug dealer. All is takes is one savvy investor to come in and purchase those apartments and cleaning them up. It is like the one house that brings the whole neighborhood down. As soon as it is fixed up and cleaned up, the whole neighborhood gains from it. I still say buy now before you can't afford it next year.

Do you know a lot about Riverside? I really think is a diamond in the rough. I can't believe people are not taking advantage of the close proximity to downtown, the universities, medical center, and low property values. Whoever buys this place will watch their property value skyrocket over the next couple of years.

Is this your listing?

I just don't understand. I grew up in Dallas and my grandmother was from Houston. I fell in love with all sports. I am a huge Cowboy fan, but I am also a huge Astro's fan at the same time. My ultimate would be to see the Texans and Cowboys in a Super Bowl or Rangers and Astros in a World Series. I really would not care who wins, just because it looks good for the best state in the nation, TEXAS.

Okay, now I am on the right page with the style. I have always admired that style of home because it feel so open. I all about open spaces.

I am aware that a historic significance does not really prevent people from tearing down homes, but it does help with federal funding when it come to organization of the civic groups and some improvements for common areas and such. I have even seen some historic groups who are able to get tax breaks and improvement funding for homes being restored. Either way, an collective organization needs to be established. I know there are a lot of people here that would love to see something started and I would hope some of those people will chime in and give their opinions as well.

Sounds like a research project in the making. Who is going to be up for the challenge?

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest websites I have every been on.

Does anyone know who was in charge of the historic movement in the Heights?

Well, I am used to that. I was in charge of a neighborhood association in Dallas that grew 100 fold during my tenure. As I see it that, a true leader is measured by how they delegate authority. I was good about that when I was there, and now there are a lot of people involved in that association. I would love to use that experience and my corporate sponsorship to help with the Riverside Terrace effort.

I am very shocked and suprised that Riverside Terrace does not have a historic organization and/or protection established to prevent people from tearing down the homes. I have decided that I am going to try to get something organized. Does anyone have any experience in this. I figured people in the heights would know something about it, but I just don't know where to start. Advice?

Does anyone have any pictures of this architecture? I think I am getting confused with the 60s moderns.

So was that Mrs. Sakowitz that said she was glad to see the house torn down on the movie?

All in all I think something like this has to happen to continue the urban growth.

The Weingarten house was demolished by the family. One of the family members said on the movie, "This is My House it is not For Sale" said that she was happy to see it was torn down because she did not feel it would have been taken care of properly. She said that it would have been like watching a beautiful old lady deteriorate before your eyes. I also know that Jack Ceasar's house was saved and moved somewhere else. Does anyone know where that house is?

Alan, Welcome to the forum. My wife and I are finishing up a house right now in riverside terrace and we simply love the neighborhood. I truly think it is one of the hidden gems in Houston. Sure there is crime, but there is crime everywhere. If you are ever see yourself in the area again feel free to contact me and stop by. We would love to show you around our great neighborhood. Matthew