west20th 119 Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Thanks for the post telling us you are not telling us anything. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LTAWACS 162 Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Thanks for the post telling us you are not telling us anything.I think what he's implying is that he wishes it would not be built - perhaps motivated by his particular brand of tribalism - and that he laments not being able to truly express how he feels because it would be deemed politically incorrect.Am I right? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wxman 892 Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 I think what he's implying is that he wishes it would not be built - perhaps motivated by his particular brand of tribalism - and that he laments not being able to truly express how he feels because it would be deemed politically incorrect.Am I right?Pretty close. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LTAWACS 162 Posted July 20, 2012 Share Posted July 20, 2012 Pretty close.How so? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrLan34 1948 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 http://www.buffalobayou.org/documents/July2012FAQs-BuffaloBayouParkShepherdtoSabine.pdf Will the planned Ismaili Center construction begin at the same time as Buffalo Bayou Park construction takes place?We are hopeful that Houston is next on the list of construction for an Ismaili Center at Allen Parkway and Montrose by the Aga Khan Foundation; we have met with representatives from the Aga Kahn Foundation, however we do not have information about those plans at this time. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ricco67 457 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Chaka Approves. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrLan34 1948 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 looks like construction has started, Montrose dancing rollerblader in the foreground for added bonus 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2335 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 What is his performance schedule like? I'd like to drive by some time while he is there. Any idea how long his act is in town? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
King Owl 157 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 What is his performance schedule like? I'd like to drive by some time while he is there. Any idea how long his act is in town? He's been doing this for years.  It's quite refreshing to watch, actually! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jax 741 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Not to get too off topic but...http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=82l257T2ok0Â Â 82l257T2ok0(hmm youtube embed option doesn't seem to be working) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 348 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Do we expect to get a rendering of this so called 'architectural wonder' or is it their game plan to just build it and let the final product do the talking? I say this because it is such a prominent site and with the spur of development, and quality of development, going up in the NearTown/Montrose/West Gray area, i really hope it is a memorable building. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 12021 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 So this community center owns all the land from Allen Parkway to Dallas? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 348 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 So this community center owns all the land from Allen Parkway to Dallas? I believe so. Remember this is the site that had that abandoned 1920's era art deco warehouse. I really wish they could have renovated that one but I imagine it had asbestos issues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2335 Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I believe so. Remember this is the site that had that abandoned 1920's era art deco warehouse. I really wish they could have renovated that one but I imagine it had asbestos issues.I never saw the warehouse. Does arch-ive have a photo? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Texasota 3143 Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Old Sears: http://www.houstondeco.org/1920s/sears.html My understanding is that it had serious flooding issues (as that link suggests) that made it pretty much impossible to restore and maintain. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
totheskies 166 Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Any renderings of the Aga Khan center? Sounds like a cool project. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
'Stonian 362 Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 (edited) No renderings yet for the Houston Aga Khan Ismaili Centre but here is a rendering of the (under construction) $300 million Toronto version to be completed later this year (scroll down for detailed renderings): http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2010/05/prime-minister-harper-and-aga-khan-aga-khan-museum-ismaili-centre Maybe we can expect something similar - Toronto's version appears to sit on similar acreage (15 acres), the site here is 11 acres. More of an Islamic Arts/Cultural Center and Museum..., This thing could be huge.  Facebook page with good pics: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=571658612858938& Edited May 8, 2013 by HOUSTONIAN (N-ATL) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Texasota 3143 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 That's... actually pretty underwhelming for $300 million. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swtsig 2959 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 That's... actually pretty underwhelming for $300 million.Agreed. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
'Stonian 362 Posted May 9, 2013 Share Posted May 9, 2013 Remember it's in Toronto and NOT Houston. $300 million doesn't go quite as far there. Â I would also think the total includes the cost of the museum's collection of artifacts and not just building costs. Who knows, one painting could be world millions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrLan34 1948 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 The center is still a few years out apparently. This is going to be a temporary sports area. It will include soccer, volleyball and cricket. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Texasota 3143 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 That's actually a great use in the short term, particularly considering its proximity to the bayou. Do you have a source? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
htownproud 338 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 My understanding is that it's a great way for a non-profit to sit on tax free property and let the value appreciate. Â Total scam. Â Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slick Vik 457 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I think what he's implying is that he wishes it would not be built - perhaps motivated by his particular brand of tribalism - and that he laments not being able to truly express how he feels because it would be deemed politically incorrect.Am I right? Do Muslims not have the same rights as anyone else? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrLan34 1948 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 That's actually a great use in the short term, particularly considering its proximity to the bayou. Do you have a source?I got in touch with their VP of development, not sure if that was his exact title but it is close.The half of the lot closest to Allen Parkway will be for parking. I don't think it will be paved or anything though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 12021 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 So I guess the sidewalk all along Montrose will be forever in ruins... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
xsatyr 72 Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 My understanding is that it's a great way for a non-profit to sit on tax free property and let the value appreciate. Â Total scam. Â Â It's def savvy but I wouldn't call it a scam. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrLan34 1948 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 (edited) http://swamplot.com/there-will-be-wickets-empty-w-dallas-lot-in-play-for-youth-sports-facility/2013-05-31/"It doesn’t seem that this grassy, fenced-in lot along Montrose between W. Dallas and Allen Pkwy. is going to change very much: All that scraping and dragging a few weeks ago was to level the ground for a cricket field, according to a contractor at the firm responsible for doing the dirt work. The Aga Khan Youth and Sports Facility, the contractor says, will comprise that cricket field, a pair of soccer fields, and a concession stand. In 2006, the Aga Khan Foundation purchased and demolished the Robinson Warehouse on this frequently flooded 11-acre property and said it was planning to build an Ismaili Center here." Edited June 3, 2013 by DrLan34 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4067 Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 the thread is as simple as the title sounds. sorry if this is a well known answer, it just seems like such a fairly large piece of undeveloped property that just seems to be aching for development. anyone know if there are any plans for the site? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HoustonMidtown 4611 Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/18539-aga-khan-foundation-islamic-community-center/?hl=+old%20+sears  Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4067 Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 well thats kind of a bummer. i was hoping for another high rise or something. ah well, hopefully the architecture is cool. thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kbates2 1392 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 They did an excellent job of purposing this land for volleyball and soccer.  The volleyball courts are generally a consistent puddle on top of a small section of sand and they even have a part of a soccer goal.  No development for cricket yet.  If they are really keeping this lot tax free by the work they did last year, then 'scam' is without a doubt the proper description. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nate4l1f3 1223 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 i've always wondered why the land on Montrose in between Allen Pkwy and W. Dallas has remained empty for so long? Â I'm sure this has been discussed here before but I can't find nothing on it. Â Who owns it? Â Has anything ever been planned here and later cancelled? What would y'all like to see here? Â I would love to get some feedback on this. Â Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Elseed 57 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 49 minutes ago, nate4l1f3 said: i've always wondered why the land on Montrose in between Allen Pkwy and W. Dallas has remained empty for so long?  I'm sure this has been discussed here before but I can't find nothing on it.  Who owns it?  Has anything ever been planned here and later cancelled? What would y'all like to see here?  I would love to get some feedback on this.   If you're referring to the land on the corner of Allen Pkwy and Montrose I believe it was initially bought by the Aga Khan Foundation and they were going to build a cultural center there. That was the news a few yrs. ago as of now I really don't know whats going on but something might happen in the near future based on the article below.  http://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/gray-matters/article/Imagine-A-safe-way-to-cross-Allen-Parkway-6807170.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j_cuevas713 3226 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Man something like this would really put Houston in the forefront for urban development. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kbates2 1392 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 It would be awesome. Â The city needs to start taxing Aga Khan. Â They built a "park" so that they could stay off of the property tax records. Â That "park" is a "joke". Â 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skwatra 449 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Here is the original thread on the subject: Warning: lots of "fun" discussion on Islam, no rendering of the originally proposed Islamic Center. But gives a timeline of when they acquired and when the decision was made to build in Toronto. Last real news in that thread is from May 2013 when Aga Khan stated that the center was a few years out and the land would be turned in to a "sports complex". I remember they put a fence up and did a little bit of work to clear things up, have a half-ass volleyball court that is in ruins and I never saw used. Really no change there in almost 3 years. they do mow the grass on occasion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 1558 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 They lost their property tax exemption, and currently owe 3.5 million dollars in back taxes. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ADCS 403 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 (edited) How long until the land is condemned then? Edited May 12, 2016 by ADCS Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HNathoo 1246 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 The museum that was built in Toronto is beautiful, but these guys will move at a snails pace. I think the end-result will be much better than a stick-built apartment complex, even if it takes considerably longer. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 1558 Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 7 hours ago, ADCS said: How long until the land is condemned then? The Aga Khan Foundation sued HCAD last year claiming that they were erroneously denied an exemption because the land is a youth athletic facility. Really, that's their argument - a volleyball net and some alleged soccer fields make it a youth athletic facility. No telling when it will be resolved. I've never seen anyone using it for youth athletics, and we drive by there on a regular basis. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KinkaidAlum 2863 Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 That's hilarious. Setting aside my personal belief that all religious organizations should be taxed (seriously, Lakewood and Second Baptist don't pay taxes?), how is one supposed to use those fields. Is there an unlocked gate in the fence that I am unaware of? 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iah77 299 Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 The comments on here are a bit shocking, it seems no one knows how important and prestigious the Aga Khan foundation is....  Most of their projects are done by Pitzker Prize winners, including their huge project in Toronto by Fumihiko Maki and the water gardens are by an amazing guy based out of Beirut. People should google but their collections rotate among museums such as The Hermitage in St.Petersburg and the like of the Louvre and it would be amazing for Houston.  It would be a MAJOR gift to have a project of theirs here and the monkeys who probably went to HCC at HCAD probably don't understand that but whatever : ) We'll see what mess this new administration gets us into anyways. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 1558 Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 Whatever. Non-profits don't get to hold vacant land for long periods without paying taxes. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gmac 408 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Monkeys? Really? I wish I had known apes attended classes at those two institutions. Would have made for some great photos! Â Good ol' Karim loves (and leaves) the ladies and the ponies. I don't know what he does with the ponies when they are past it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Naviguessor 2259 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Star Architect chosen. Something beautiful and Iconic will be amazing here.  https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ismaili-Muslims-hire-rising-architect-Farshid-13592178.php 8 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Urbannizer 45123 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 A look at her work, will definitely be something special  https://www.farshidmoussavi.com/ 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j_cuevas713 3226 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019  14 minutes ago, Naviguessor said: Star Architect chosen. Something beautiful and Iconic will be amazing here.  https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ismaili-Muslims-hire-rising-architect-Farshid-13592178.php The only thing I hate about this article is the "several years" part. I mean it's already been several years lol 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal 388 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Might be worth the wait - impressive stuff she's done. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Triton 12021 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 1 hour ago, Urbannizer said: A look at her work, will definitely be something special  https://www.farshidmoussavi.com/  Could you imagine something like this when driving down Montrose? I'm excited now.   ..or this...    8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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