editor Posted July 19, 2022 Share Posted July 19, 2022 15 hours ago, X.R. said: But can they just demolish a street? Yes. With permission. I don't know what the process is in Houston, but I've seen it done dozens of times in other cities. Usually the developer compensates the city for the value of the land, and it requires approval from various committees and a public hearing or six and eventually the approval of the city council and the city's DOT. Mostly, it's just paperwork and a check. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iah77 Posted July 19, 2022 Share Posted July 19, 2022 On 7/15/2022 at 10:43 PM, bobruss said: So it looks like they intend to take out the two houses west of the Rothko for the meditation garden and moving their offices and archives to Sul Ross, That makes a lot of sense. So essentially it's one long park with the Menil at one end and the Rothko at the other. Perhaps they would consider taking Mulberry out from Sul Ross to Branard eliminating the street between the two buildings, and create a continuous open space. Besides less traffic would be a good thing in that neighborhood. I think taking out that street would really change the feeling and view of the Renzo Piano building in a negative way. It's designed perfectly to fit in its context as is. The Menil's vision was to integrate their projects into the existing neighborhood, not create a monumental campus. I do think the street could be made to look a lot nicer though... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 On 7/19/2022 at 9:32 AM, editor said: Yes. With permission. I don't know what the process is in Houston, but I've seen it done dozens of times in other cities. Usually the developer compensates the city for the value of the land, and it requires approval from various committees and a public hearing or six and eventually the approval of the city council and the city's DOT. Mostly, it's just paperwork and a check. And its a chore. Usually with a lot of strings attached. City's always feel they can ask for way more from a street abandonment when it comes around. Lets just say I've gotten some experience in this department lately. Not to mention the major utility work required post abandonment. On 7/19/2022 at 2:17 PM, iah77 said: I think taking out that street would really change the feeling and view of the Renzo Piano building in a negative way. It's designed perfectly to fit in its context as is. The Menil's vision was to integrate their projects into the existing neighborhood, not create a monumental campus. I do think the street could be made to look a lot nicer though... Lived and worked in the area for around 2 years. Frequently walked across the Menil, Rothko, and St. Thomas. I gotta say those two houses that will be removed won't really impact the feeling and view of the Menil in my opinion. Those two houses (which were turned into small office buildings) always felt awkward, and are not as good bungalow examples as those in the area. I don't think they will be missed. Most don't even approach the Menil from the East anyway. Most approach the Menil from the North and South. You also have to consider looking at the drawing above that their has been a replant of River Birch which flanks the Broken Obelisk, which is a great upgrade when I visited in April. As more people move into Montrose its to be expected that Rothko is getting pushed to be more pronounced, but I think the additions of late are welcomed. It still feels like that lost treasure nestled in a neighborhood, but with some light touches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmitch94 Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 (edited) On 7/19/2022 at 3:17 PM, iah77 said: I think taking out that street would really change the feeling and view of the Renzo Piano building in a negative way. It's designed perfectly to fit in its context as is. The Menil's vision was to integrate their projects into the existing neighborhood, not create a monumental campus. I do think the street could be made to look a lot nicer though... Maybe redo it as a pedestrian only thoroughfare. No more cars, a space for events or farmers markets and still keeping the same framing for the Renzo building. Edited August 3, 2022 by jmitch94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 We lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, In the 1400 block of Branard, three houses from Mulberry, and right across the street from the park behind the new drawing center. Early on when just the Rothko was there from 71 - 73. Then again from 2003 2016. I know the neighborhood. I sat on my front porch many days and thought how nice it could be without the concern of traffic on that little street. I can say from experience that the removal of Mulberry between Sul Ross and Branard would do nothing to destroy the fabric of the Menil, but would make it a safer, more pleasurable space. There would be more room for events in the open area to the east of the Menil, and it would create a more pedestrian friendly approach to both the park and the museums. Why would a street make the Menil more appropriate. There would still be a flow around the spaces. It would just make for a more unified space between the Rothko and the Menil. If you've ever been to Storm King in New York, you get a feeling for art and open spaces. They might be able to add another sculpture in the open space. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.