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Nov. 24, 2004, 4:10AM Creative juices flow with Brays Bayou design Group planning to beautify banks with park, bridges By HEATHER SAUCIER Chronicle Correspondent RESOURCES Preliminary sketches for the proposed project show:

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/2014/11/tmc-outlines-potential-plans-for-new-research.html?ana=twt

FYI, I took the family to Hermann Park Saturday morning. What a gem this park is!! The renovations to the reflection pool and McGovern Lake are fantastic. There have also been a lot of reforestation projects undertaken that will pay dividends in a few years. We should be proud of Hermann. . . it's a great urban park. Do yourself a favor and spend a couple of hours there soon. It is a good stress reliever. . .

i went by the menil and rothko chapel yesterday and the broken obelisk in the reflecting pool in front of rothko is gone. anybody know what's up?

Does anyone know exactly how long the memorial park track is?

Lockmat discovered this development from a link that TheNiche posted in the "Dome over Houston" thread. Europa at Houstonian Lakes, a 500-acre master planned community. LandQuest development group (or L Star, they've recently partnered with Starwood development) is the developer. http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/22.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/23.jpg http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/25.jpg http://www.enzoinv.com/brochure/brochure.htm (pg. 20-23) Edit: TMC BioPort:

I noticed last night and yesterday how peaceful and beautiful the bayou is right now. Emerald and dark green waters sparkling from the lighting .... the people who put this together .... including mother nature .... my congratulations. Houston .... we have a great downtown venue. Let's use it.

Beautify the `superblock' and watch the Midtown area's tax base grow By DAVID CROSSLEY Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle News Services Often we hear in Houston that it's "too late" to do something that would have great positive impact on quality of life. We are approaching one of those moments. Two years ago, I proposed that a new urban park be created on the Midtown "superblock" on Main Street abutting the McGowen rail stop. This four-block long property with no streets crossing it has been the subject of a hunt for the right development project. I felt that no urban development really needed that kind of configuration, and indeed that much space with no pedestrian ways across it so close to a rail station would be terribly counterproductive. The only thing that really makes sense there is a great public park. Many creative people put a lot of energy into the idea, which we tentatively called McGowen Green. The proposal, which was accompanied by exciting drawings from Kevin Shanley and SWA Group, McGowen Green would be urban amenity, tax revenue source seemed to catch fire for a while. But a Chronicle article last week (``Ideas filling vacant block / Some see park, others see urban oasis in Midtown, Aug. 31'') indicated that the board of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) is acting to convey its interest in the property to Camden Property Trust, which already owns about half of it. Camden apparently intends a large apartment project there, probably with some retail or artist space on the ground floor. This is a real shame for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is loss of significant future tax revenue for the city. Parks are the greatest of urban amenities, and properties adjacent to them tend to rise in value faster than other properties. With a lush river garden ambience surrounding a formal boat pond and promenade, McGowen Green would produce the highest value center in the Midtown district, and in time one of the most important in our city. To my knowledge, the MRA board hasn't expended any energy exploring the benefits of a park or the creative means to finance it. A lot of the important work to determine how parks affect real estate has been done by Dr. John L. Crompton, a Texas A&M professor knowledgeable in the economics of park development. Crompton's studies reveal that people will pay more for property close to parks than for property that does not offer this amenity. This means they pay higher property taxes. In effect, Crompton says, this represents a capitalization of park land into increased property values of proximate land owners. Crompton calls this the ``proximate principle.'' If the incremental amount of taxes paid by each property attributable to the presence of a nearby park is aggregated, he argues, it will be sufficient to pay the annual debt charges required to retire the bonds used to acquire and develop the park. As it happens, the board of the MRA is the same board as the Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ. One of the purposes of a TIRZ is to increase property values during its lifetime (in this case 30 years) so that the city receives greater revenues from the district once it begins to pay full taxes. Most people who do projections on land values would say that the increase in taxes coming from the four-block Camden project would be dwarfed by the taxes of developing - at a much higher value - the 14 blocks surrounding a park on that property, not to mention the second tier of properties in the next ring of 22 properties. The public interest clearly will not be reasonably served by encouraging the Camden project, which should be developed on several of the blocks surrounding the park. And why does an apartment project in an urban place need to have continuous land without cross streets? A four-block long apartment project would create a horrible pedestrian environment, and one of the goals for Midtown has been walkability. In his ground-breaking book Cities in Full, Steve Belmont says that neighborhoods deprived of natural features are severely handicapped in the competition for middle-class households. He cites examples showing that a well designed and maintained park can substitute for natural features as the heart of a thriving neighborhood. He also claims that for a neighborhood on the path to revitalization, [a park] represents a prudent investment with the power to attract affluence, and he notes that it takes relatively few affluent newcomers to reverse the negative image of a derelict neighborhood. Last spring, my organization, the Gulf Coast Institute, distributed hundreds of postcards urging Mayor Bill White to pursue the development of McGowen Green. These were signed by nearly 500 people and mailed. Surely, before it is too late, the mayor and City Council (the property is in Councilmember Carol Alvarado's district) should have a look and determine whether the long-term interests of the city are best served by a great urban park or by another apartment project. Midtown needs an important park that people will actually use and that will draw tourists to the area. The park would be a gift to future generations that cannot be given later. Link

I've been meaning to ask this for awhile...but does anyone know whatever became of the statue of a woman that used to hang/stand on Richmond @ Main? I remember a news report about it several years ago, but they never mentioend what exactly was going to happen to it. Ricco

One of the City of Houston Park is called Carter Park and located at 7000 Santa Fe Drive. Named after the infamous Houston family the Carters.

I noticed work was being done here. https://gis.ehrainc.com/portal/apps/storymaps/stories/b8499817945e4c158cd81e4b172ca789 These were from a few days ago.

Here is something recently mentioned on Swamplot. Does anyone know anything about this project? http://www.kirksey.com/project/buffalo_lakes_master_plan Page 10 of this PDF http://www.ridemetro.org/ProjectsPrograms/PDFs/90A_Media_Briefing_020711.pdf shows rail going through the project.

j/k about the homeless being in Midtown... We had a bad problem with them near Sears years ago. They had a little camp with fires, etc. at Peggy Park. I see 100s every day under 59 near the bayou. We need a bum camp down 288. It could be like Woodstock, but without the music. We could just round-em-up like cattle, throw food at them from trucks, and wash them with water cannons. Maybe we could even teach them to farm the land.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metrop...an/5484430.html The Houston Parks Board has purchased a 27.2-acre site on Sims Bayou for a public park that will be a key link in a chain of parks connected by a 14-mile hike-and-bike trail.

Root Memorial was updated into a very useful and attractive setting, and Discovery Green promises to be a major amenity, but Market Square doesn't really jump out at me in the same way despite its prime location. As an open question to everyone, I'd like to ask how you think Market Square might be improved (if you think it needs improvement).

Never knew about this small, local, park in the TMC! Now swallowed-up by the Houston Methodist Research Institute, and the Walter & Centennial Tower. 1129 Wilkins Street Garden Club of Houston Park (1982) Charles Tapley Associates This exquisitely detailed garden court seeks valiantly to compensate for the mean, chaotic, indifferent treatment of public spaces within the Texas Medical Center. The fountain is a rewarding demonstration of what can be accomplished with thoughtfulness and ingenuity. Unfortunately, the garden was conceived as an isolated treatment rather than the model for more amenable public environment within the medical center.

The most infamous green space in the Texas Medical Center. Whoever the landscape architect was did an outstanding job! The small description listed on MD Anderson's parks and gardens webpage: https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/becoming-our-patient/while-youre-here/parks-gardens.html The Prairie Enjoy winding trails, trees, benches and birds. This setting features a 2-acre native prairie and wetland restoration, complete with educational signage. Here are some photos that I took today. Prairie Pothole Wetlands, Oasis and Nursery. Flowers and Flyers, MD Anderson Prairie Wildlife Oasis. Return of the Natives, Prairie Returns to the Texas Medical Center. Photo of the week! The TMC skyline with fresh spring bluebonnets. An aerial photograph that I took a few years ago. It is worth noting that there is two proposed buildings planned for this site. I don't think the green space will last much longer.

Today I stopped by MD Anderson's Healthy Living Garden that is located on the west side of the Dan L. Duncan Building. I agree that it's nice to see park land next to all these hospitals. It really does feel peaceful being amongst the grass and flowers. A lot of the parks have uplifting quotes as well. Keep your spirit up! The small description listed on their parks and gardens webpage: https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/becoming-our-patient/while-youre-here/parks-gardens.html Healthy Living Garden Observe seasonal herbs and vegetables growing in this demonstration garden. Educational signage provides tips for healthy nutrition. Here are two photos that I took today:

Not sure if Fondren Park is located in the City of Houston, or the City of Missouri City? Looks like it's Missouri City, but maps refers to it at Houston. Official website: http://www.fondrenpark.com/default.php It's a smaller "pocket" park that includes a pool and a club house.

There is a park that spans a few blocks called MD Anderson Wortham Linear Park that contains the Levit Family Garden located at 1212 Holcombe Boulevard. The small park actually has 2 separate water fountains! Impressive. I know who Gus Wortham is but I'm not sure who the Levit family would be. I assume the garden is named after Joe Levit, of Grocers Supply Company. The park starts on the outside of the Lowry and Peggy Mays Clinic.

I never looked hard enough at this beautiful garden and fountain. I don't know who Dorothy Hudson is, but LeRoy Melcher is a commercial real estate developer. Smaller company with only a handful of properties but he has been in the business for a while. Spring season so the flowers are blooming! Very nice arrangement. Here are a few pictures I took over the weekend: The Dorothy H. Hudson Memorial Garden: Welcome to the Chrysalis Gardens, A Place of Healing and Discovery. Flame sculpture art. A symbol of knowledge, achievement, and hope for the future. Commissioned to mark the Golden Jubilee of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and to honor patients and employees. Celebrated in 1991. LeRoy Melcher, Jr. Memorial Fountain A reminder that peace and tranquility, are best shared. A gift to the patients and employees of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Melcher, Sr., LeRow Melcher III, Pierre Melcher, Marc Melcher, Dodd Melcher. And other devoted family members and friends Established 1990.

I just found out that small park located in the front of the Texas Women's Hospital Campus is actually a city-cited park called Fannin-Greenbriar Triangle located at 7898 Fannin Street. I thought it was just a small green space area belonging to the hospital. Didn't think it was an official city park. Also looks like it's a protest spot, AKA First Amendment Expression. https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/pdfs/FreeSpeechArea/Fannin-Greenbriar Triangle.pdf These areas are open to users for exercise of First Amendment rights during park hours. Users must register with HPARD Permits Office in order to reserve the area in advance. Although not a requirement of the area's use, it is recommended that all users register to avoid conflicts.

Happy Friday... I was stunned when I found this, but would you believe that there is an old section of the original alignment of Braes Bayou right in the middle of the Texas Medical Center, hiding in plain sight? I found it today while walking by MD Anderson and the University of Texas School of Nursing building. The UTSN building is at the SE corner of Bertner and Holcombe. Just east of this building is a small park, which contained the homestead of a family that saw the TMC growing all around it and decided to give their 1 acre of land to the TMC under the stipulation that it be left as a park. At the north end of this park, about 15 feet from Holcombe, is a 20 foot deep gully that extends the full length of the park, west to east. After calling my brother, Texas Freeway (http://www.texasfreeway.com) owner/webmaster and doing some research online, it appears that this little 20 foot deep gully is perhaps the only remaining section of the original Braes Bayou, PRE Army Corp of Engineers re-alignment, dredging, concreting that took place in the 50's. See, the original Braes Bayou winded incessantly across Houston in a path that had to have taken water 2-3 times longer to pass through Houston's, so the ACoE decided to straighten the bayou's to provide more direct water drainage, and foliage elimination to provide less resistance. This little section of the bayou is visible in GoogleEarth historical imagery as well as TOPO maps on www.historicaerials.com going back to 1915 that show the winding alignment in this direct spot, adjacent to present day Holcombe Blvd. It would post some snap-shops in HistoricAerials or GoogleEarth to show this comparison, but I am short on time right now - perhaps another faithful HAIF poster can put some up? Kevin

From the Houston Chronicle, 28 Dec. '08: When finished, the .09-acre patch of land near the Galleria will be the city's smallest park. Too small even for a basketball court, Post Oak Lane Park might be big enough for a game of horseshoes, a few benches and greenery. Using its power of eminent domain, the city of Houston seized the land for the park from brothers James and Jock Collins last year. Officials claimed there was a "public necessity" for the park in the Uptown area, despite the fact that a much larger one

Not to be confused with Bayland Park at Bissonnet and Hillcroft. Precinct 4 Website: Burnett Bayland Park (harriscountytx.gov) Madres Del Parque Facebook: Madres Del Parque | Houston TX | Facebook Master Plan Website: Burnett-Bayland Park (harriscountytx.gov) "Harris County Precinct 4 and Commissioner Lesley Briones has begun the Burnett Bayland Park Master Plan. The Master Plan will transform Burnett Bayland Park into an iconic experience for all to enjoy. It is a collaborative community initiative, and the project team wants to hear your ideas for the future of the park. The Master Plan process will include the voices and input from key stakeholders and the surrounding community. There will be stakeholder meetings, community workshops, presentations to area groups and organizations, informal touchpoints and a survey. This is scheduled to take place from summer 2023 through Spring 2024." Chronicle Editorial from January in favor of the upgrades. Briones wants Gulfton to get a 'signature' park like Hermann. Why not? (houstonchronicle.com) "Burnett Bayland Park lies within the city limits, so one might wonder why the county, rather than the city, is spearheading a project of this scope. Briones’ answer: “My philosophy as commissioner is I am going to serve all of my precinct.” (About half of her Precinct 4 lies within Houston or other municipalities.) She reached agreements with former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration for the county to take over maintenance and operations of Burnett Bayland Park, Bayland Park in nearby Sharpstown and Freed Park in eastern Spring Branch."