thedistrict84 Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 Spoke with one of the guys who works at Montrose Car Care on Saturday morning and learned that they are closing at the end of the month. Most of the people are relocating to another shop further south on Montrose as part of a "merger" of sorts. My immediate thought was that the property had changed hands and a new development might be forthcoming. This is one of the more prominent intersections in this part of Montrose, so I could see a new retail development doing well here. Property was listed on LoopNet for lease, but was pulled down about a month ago. Seems consistent with a new buyer. Laz Enterprises, Inc. has owned the lot since 2001--I assume this is an entity associated with everyone's favorite parking lot operator. Hopefully it has changed hands and isn't destined to be another parking lot (like what they did a few blocks east at Stanford). 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted July 12, 2021 Share Posted July 12, 2021 Not just prominent - this is one of the most wasted intersections in the city. Even the St. Thomas corner is just a parking lot behind the small sign plaza thing. The only thing that remotely redeems this intersection is the breakfast tacos at the Chevron. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 The County Clerk's site has a lease agreement between Laz Enterprises and Clark's Houston, llc dated last October. Clark's appears to be related to Clark's Oyster Bar in Austin, the signer of the lease is Larry McGuire from Austin. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Damn, I go there regularly to get work done on my vehicles because it's within walking distance. Oil change, body work, tires and inspections. Walk home and walk back when they call me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedistrict84 Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 12 hours ago, hindesky said: Damn, I go there regularly to get work done on my vehicles because it's within walking distance. Oil change, body work, tires and inspections. Walk home and walk back when they call me. I've used them off and on for a few smaller things that I just couldn't do on my project cars (inspections, alignment after I replaced a steering rack, etc.) over the last few years. They were just down the street from my old office, so very convenient. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedistrict84 Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 14 hours ago, Ross said: The County Clerk's site has a lease agreement between Laz Enterprises and Clark's Houston, llc dated last October. Clark's appears to be related to Clark's Oyster Bar in Austin, the signer of the lease is Larry McGuire from Austin. If that is the case, then I could see it being an adaptive reuse similar to something like Eight Row Flint or Flying Fish over on N. Durham. I guess that wouldn't be the worst thing ever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 19 hours ago, hindesky said: Damn, I go there regularly to get work done on my vehicles because it's within walking distance. I used to do the same, for the same reason, when I lived nearby. That was when it was still John's Exxon, way before it became Montrose Car Care. Can't remember John's last name now, but he (along with several of his employees) was Greek. It was one of several Greek-owned auto repair places in the area, along with Demo's and Poutous in the Rice Village, both of which are still around. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 John’s xpresslube on Bissonnet is a great Greek shop in Bellaire. They are my preferred place to go. Very friendly and professional. May be the same family johnxpresslube.com 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 19 hours ago, Naviguessor said: John’s xpresslube on Bissonnet is a great Greek shop in Bellaire. They are my preferred place to go. Very friendly and professional. May be the same family johnxpresslube.com Their website says John Georgalos owns John's Xpress Lube. Although I still can't remember it, I'm certain that the John of John's Exxon had a different last name. I checked HCAD but it looks like the John's Exxon property was owned by Exxon, so no clues on his name there either. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 Chronicle article on the closing: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Montrose-Car-Care-closes-longtime-customers-16353390.php Also, this is a Transit-Oriented Development block, so any restaurant the minimum parking requirements would be 50% of normal. 3 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 From the Chronicle article: "Neighborhood car repair shop Montrose Car Care permanently shut its doors at 3807 Montrose Blvd after the landlord sold the property." In the same article, they continue by stating "Laz Enterprises Inc. owns the property, according to public records, but declined to confirm the new tenant." According to public records, Laz Enterprises Inc. has owned the property since 2001. So did the landlord actually sell the property? or is this another frustrating example of amateur reporting by the Chron? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted August 3, 2021 Share Posted August 3, 2021 39 minutes ago, dbigtex56 said: From the Chronicle article: "Neighborhood car repair shop Montrose Car Care permanently shut its doors at 3807 Montrose Blvd after the landlord sold the property." In the same article, they continue by stating "Laz Enterprises Inc. owns the property, according to public records, but declined to confirm the new tenant." According to public records, Laz Enterprises Inc. has owned the property since 2001. So did the landlord actually sell the property? or is this another frustrating example of amateur reporting by the Chron? Unless things have changed since I made the post up top, no, Laz hasn't sold. They have a lease agreement with Clarks out of Austin, and probably had to wait until the car place's lease expired. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Permit issued for repair shop demo (to Laz Enterprises) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNathoo Posted August 31, 2021 Share Posted August 31, 2021 On 8/30/2021 at 11:26 AM, wilcal said: Permit issued for repair shop demo (to Laz Enterprises) Interesting, I was thinking they might utilize the shell similar to some of the other recent developments that have put restaurants within old service stations. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted August 31, 2021 Share Posted August 31, 2021 1 hour ago, HNathoo said: Interesting, I was thinking they might utilize the shell similar to some of the other recent developments that have put restaurants within old service stations. The current structure is only about 2,200 sq ft (10%) of the lot. I guess it makes more sense to start over. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNathoo Posted September 1, 2021 Share Posted September 1, 2021 20 hours ago, wilcal said: The current structure is only about 2,200 sq ft (10%) of the lot. I guess it makes more sense to start over. Yeah that makes sense given the high land value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 SubdivisionPlatPDF_21084 PLAT.pdf 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 Clark's Oyster Bar. https://clarksoysterbar.com/splash/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted October 7, 2021 Share Posted October 7, 2021 Liking the sound of that. Not sure why Brooke Shields' photo is on all of the menu's...but more raw bars are always welcome, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 Story about the Clark's opening later this year in The Houston Chronicle..... "Clark’s (which also has an outpost in Aspen), is set to take up residence later this year at 3807 Montrose, at the corner of West Alabama, in the home of the former Montrose Car Care auto repair shop." https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/dining/popular-austin-seafood-oyster-restaurant-coming-16841262 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 They have a location here in Austin. Highly recommend. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 18, 2022 Share Posted February 18, 2022 Construction fencing is up. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted April 7, 2022 Share Posted April 7, 2022 Moving in construction material. Looks like they will be required to have underground water retention system. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted April 9, 2022 Share Posted April 9, 2022 I've heard of projects on this forum following this same retention system. Did this get implemented after Harvey or has it always been part of the development process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Heavy equipment on site, I expect this to start construction soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 (edited) Work started on Saturday. I live 2 blocks from here and could hear the noise of them breaking up the concrete so I walked over to see. This used to be a gas station so I'm assuming there are still underground gasoline tanks. I think it was an Exxon station simply based on the old colors of the building. It's always been a repair shop since I moved here. Edited May 28, 2022 by hindesky 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 12, 2022 Share Posted June 12, 2022 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 Installing the storm water detention system. I think they already had the fuel tanks removed before it became an auto repair shop. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earlydays Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 On 5/28/2022 at 10:20 AM, hindesky said: Work started on Saturday. I live 2 blocks from here and could hear the noise of them breaking up the concrete so I walked over to see. This used to be a gas station so I'm assuming there are still underground gasoline tanks. I think it was an Exxon station simply based on the old colors of the building. It's always been a repair shop since I moved here. It was an Exxon station....used to buy gas there in the early 70's. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 24, 2022 Share Posted June 24, 2022 Covering up and packing the right side and digging up the left side. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 25, 2022 Share Posted June 25, 2022 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 I spoke with the site superintendent from Highlands Construction pictured here next to the Tundra pick up. He told me the old fuel tanks were already removed before they started work. https://www.highlandsconstruction.com He said they will extend the building to the north behind the track hoe. This will be the parking area and they will have an outdoor patio area under the current awning. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 This will do really well. I live down the street from the Austin location, one of my favorite places in town. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 On 5/28/2022 at 10:20 AM, hindesky said: Work started on Saturday. I live 2 blocks from here and could hear the noise of them breaking up the concrete so I walked over to see. This used to be a gas station so I'm assuming there are still underground gasoline tanks. I think it was an Exxon station simply based on the old colors of the building. It's always been a repair shop since I moved here. It was an Exxon station. Sold to Laz Enterprises in 2001 for $685,000. Exxon handled all of the remediation, including tank removal, it's mentioned in the deed. Exxon bought the property in late 1968 from Edwin G and Costera Faye DeMunbrun, who ran a drug store. Not sure if it was at that location or not, I haven't found that. In the census and other records, they lived at 301 Fairview and 305 Stratford. Hmm, there was an Humble station there for years before Humble bought the property. More research is required... 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 8 hours ago, Ross said: It was an Exxon station. Sold to Laz Enterprises in 2001 for $685,000. Exxon handled all of the remediation, including tank removal, it's mentioned in the deed. Exxon bought the property in late 1968 from Edwin G and Costera Faye DeMunbrun, who ran a drug store. Not sure if it was at that location or not, I haven't found that. In the census and other records, they lived at 301 Fairview and 305 Stratford. Hmm, there was an Humble station there for years before Humble bought the property. More research is required... Hoary crêpes, Columbo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 50 minutes ago, editor said: Hoary crêpes, Columbo! One more thing! The DeMunbruns once owned the property where Katz's on Westheimer now sits. They sold it in the early 60's and it went through 2 more owners before Katz's bought it. I may have to put a timer on my County Clerk search usage to keep me from going down too many rabbit holes. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 1 hour ago, Ross said: I may have to put a timer on my County Clerk search usage to keep me from going down too many rabbit holes. Think of it as a public service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutchcity94 Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 17 hours ago, Urbannizer said: This will do really well. I live down the street from the Austin location, one of my favorite places in town. I wonder how their oysters are compared to a place like Bludorn (which IMO has the best oysters in town)…quite expensive at $42/dozen though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Trenching to the sewer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted July 15, 2022 Share Posted July 15, 2022 I met the subcontractor doing the stormwater detention here and at the Marquette White Oak apartments on Keene St. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted July 18, 2022 Share Posted July 18, 2022 (edited) Edited July 18, 2022 by hindesky 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted August 8, 2022 Share Posted August 8, 2022 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IntheKnowHouston Posted August 9, 2022 Share Posted August 9, 2022 12 hours ago, hindesky said: More construction progress photos of Clark's from the Instagram post Hindsky linked. Clark's is a seafood restaurant from Austin's MML Hospitality opening soon at 3807 Montrose Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChATYE9oM2K/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted September 16, 2022 Share Posted September 16, 2022 From Highlands Construction Instagram. They also poured the southern portion of the parking lot. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cih6tLqIdKu/ 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted September 20, 2022 Share Posted September 20, 2022 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 (edited) Talked with the Highlands construction supervisor. He said the little wall behind the worker sitting down in the first pic is a planter box that separates the outside patio area under the awning from the parking area. The building will extend 12' to the north which will be part of the kitchen. The power line on W. Alabama St. is coming down and rerouted from the alley behind the building. The thing slowing down progress is getting permits. Edited November 10, 2022 by hindesky 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IntheKnowHouston Posted October 14, 2022 Share Posted October 14, 2022 Screenshot from a drone video of the construction at 3801 Montrose Blvd. This is the site of seafood restaurant Clark's. Posted by BuiltNearby on Instagram yesterday: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjqPnVXg6-v/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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