Guest Malvoe Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 If you get a chance, check out the cinder block abomination being built on Algregg St (borders Fiesta to the north), two blocks west of Fiesta/Studewood. No windows on the front, left, or back of the "house", but oddly, several facing the east. Seems like the front door is the only door at all. Looks terrible. Yikes. Between that place, the abandoned house next door, and the crappy townhouses across the street, I feel bad for their neighbors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 They are building cinder block houses down the road from me off 304 south of 71 (Bastrop). I have been following the progress of the construction since I have never seen cinder block houses being built before. As far as I can tell, these houses will look just like adobe houses when completed, and I see nothing wrong with that look. My only Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmer Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Isn't cinder block a fairly common building material? Usually hidden by stucco or brick veneer on the outside and plaster on the inside? The building where I work is probably 3/4 cinder block but hardly any is visible.Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapillionWyngs Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Isn't cinder block a fairly common building material? Usually hidden by stucco or brick veneer on the outside and plaster on the inside? The building where I work is probably 3/4 cinder block but hardly any is visible.Marty May I polietly ask what cinder block is made of? Is it concrete? (Probably not!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 The only experience I have with cinder block constructed homes is in Mexico and they seem quite well built. I agree that perhaps they will have a stucco facade, for some of the wealthier homes in Mexico seem to follow that style. As far as the windows goes, your guess is as good as mine. I'd have to look at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Trust me, go check it out. Your optimism will evaporate quickly. It looks terrible, whatever they might choose to coat it with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeightsGuy Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 It may not look pretty in the beginning stages, but cinder block and tin can make for a stunning home. For comparison, take a look at one on west 23rd a few blocks west of Shepherd/Durham on the south side of the street. That will give you an idea of what a "cinder block" house can look like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 May I polietly ask what cinder block is made of? Is it concrete? (Probably not!)A usually hollow building block made with concrete and coal cinders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs1419 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Malove is right. I saw that thing on the way home from Fiesta the other night and it scared me. I made my kids look away.I am a big fan of block houses with contemporary styling and used properly, cinder block can be a great building material. In this case, however, it is just plain ugly. I hope they put a tall fence out front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Malove is right. I saw that thing on the way home from Fiesta the other night and it scared me. I made my kids look away.I am a big fan of block houses with contemporary styling and used properly, cinder block can be a great building material. In this case, however, it is just plain ugly. I hope they put a tall fence out front.Gee. Now youre making me curious as to the home and I'm tempted to drive by it in the near future. Alot of things can be surmised by how the house (or any other building) is constructed with aethestics in mind. The small windows and the lack of ingress and egress options are a bit telling. Are you sure a drug dealer isn't moving into your area?Either that or someone that has some really bad taste issues, and I'm not refering to their choice of food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Ah, see, jgs1419 knows. My GF and I were walking by the place the other day, and stopped for a good 10 min just to try and figure out what they were doing. Really weird, ugly, place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights_yankee Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Isn't cinder block a fairly common building material? Usually hidden by stucco or brick veneer on the outside and plaster on the inside? The building where I work is probably 3/4 cinder block but hardly any is visible.MartySorry but stucco just doesn't seem to work long term in Houston. Everyday I drive by any number of stucco houses/townhomes that are cracking, molding, or generally just look bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 That's because its usually applied by low-wage limited-skilled workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 I made my kids look away.Btw, that was hilarious.I drove by again last night. I don't thing there are any plans to cover up the cinder blocks. they used one row of white blocks around the entire house as "decoration". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapillionWyngs Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 A usually hollow building block made with concrete and coal cinders.Thank you. I was partially right! Imagine that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs1419 Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 The blocks are certainly the finish material. They are "split face" and have the aesthetically appealing faux stone face on the exterior side. I'll try to slide by and take a picture today after work so nobody has to get too close to that thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeightsGuy Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 The blocks are certainly the finish material. They are "split face" and have the aesthetically appealing faux stone face on the exterior side. I'll try to slide by and take a picture today after work so nobody has to get too close to that thing."aesthetically appealing faux stone face"That's all you needed to say, it must be a homemade job of some sort and not pro-designed modern block and tin construction. I'll have to drive by on the way home tonight. If you have the chance though, you really should check out the place on 23rd, beautiful structure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 Anybody have a photo of this house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiko Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Anybody have a photo of this house? Here are some. I walked by it on Saturday with my kids - it made them cry but I managed to take some pictures. Sorry for the poor quality of my cellphone camera. Any possibility that this is some kind of garage? The dumpster parked out in front had a lot of carpet padding that appeared to be from the house on the left. Maybe some collector or hobbyist bought the house and wanted a big, cheap garage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double L Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 It doesn't look that bad. I think it looks original and the Heights is known for unique housing.Is the quality of life any worse in a cinder block house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 That place is abomidable. Seems like someones horrible attempt at a cinder block mod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texas911 Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Concrete Blocks are the way to go in Houston. It's termite proof and will stand up to hurricanes a lot better than stick houses. FYI, usually they fill up the hollows in the concrete block with concrete and put steel rebars. This is very strong construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Concrete Blocks are the way to go in Houston. It's termite proof and will stand up to hurricanes a lot better than stick houses. FYI, usually they fill up the hollows in the concrete block with concrete and put steel rebars. This is very strong construction.I don't think anyone was arguing the homes durability, but it's bad design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I don't think anyone was arguing the homes durability, but it's bad design. ...the perfect house for the conspicuous drug dealer and/or gangbanger with a penchant for minimalist bling. It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't look computer-generated. I've always liked cinder block, but this isn't what I had in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 It has 4 total windows and the "front" double doors face the house to its right. Oh yeah, the roof is bright red, and on the left side, they ran out of gray cinderblocks so there are 2 different color grays. Other than that, it's peachy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 i had dreamed up something a little worse than what the pictures depict, but still...! i would say that from really far away (and perhaps if one was nearsighted sans glasses) it would look sort of midcentury with the roof tilt and minimal front-facing windows - that being said, it also could appear to be a cinderblock-reinforced cardboard home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Butt ugly house! Someone should burn that sucker down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Butt ugly house! Someone should burn that sucker down! It doesn't look like it would burn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm1fd Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Any possibility that this is some kind of garage? The dumpster parked out in front had a lot of carpet padding that appeared to be from the house on the left. Maybe some collector or hobbyist bought the house and wanted a big, cheap garage?Is cinder block construction cheaper than stick framing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texas911 Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Usually no its not cheaper as you have to fur out the interior to put insulation and sheetrock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest danax Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Right now it looks like a transmission repair shop. What's with the jailhouse windows? Maybe they're into privacy and the back will make up for the front glasswise.I imagine it would be quieter (nice) and definitely sturdier though, but doesn't concrete sweat in our climate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marty Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 (edited) ...the perfect house for the conspicuous drug dealer and/or gangbanger with a penchant for minimalist bling. If a drug dealer's think a cinder block house is gonna protect them then they are living in a fantasy world. I have a 25-06 Custom made Rifle with a German action that will go through one side of the house and out the other. Edited January 31, 2007 by Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Right now it looks like a transmission repair shop. What's with the jailhouse windows? Maybe they're into privacy and the back will make up for the front glasswise.Nope. Only one window in the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 If a drug dealer's think a cinder block house is gonna protect them then they are living in a fantasy world. I have a 25-06 Custom made Rifle with a German action that will go through one side of the house and out the other. Yeah, but how did you plan on hitting them? 'Spray and pray' doesn't work very well with bolt action rifles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marty Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 'Spray and pray' My walls from brick to sheetrock are about 10 inches thick. It seems to me that a cinder block house would eat up interior square footage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights_yankee Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 i had dreamed up something a little worse than what the pictures depict, but still...!i would say that from really far away (and perhaps if one was nearsighted sans glasses) it would look sort of midcentury with the roof tilt and minimal front-facing windows - that being said, it also could appear to be a cinderblock-reinforced cardboard home I agree. Being a fan of mcm and contemporary mod, I would say I like this house much better than that faux Tuscan, bright mustard stucco some jerk defaced the Blvd with and is now selling less than a year later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiko Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 I gotta take some better pics - some of you almost seem to like it. I'm not against modern architecture, but this building is horrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Malvoe Posted February 8, 2007 Share Posted February 8, 2007 I gotta take some better pics - some of you almost seem to like it. I'm not against modern architecture, but this building is horrid.Agreed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 I'm sure the people in the adjoining bungalow are thrilled having that next door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racerford Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I'm sure the people in the adjoining bungalow are thrilled having that next door. Actually, they are. Several of you need a lesson in manners. Some of you need a lesson in architecture and style. Some of you need a lesson in construction. Someone is building that house to live in. They are my brother and his wife. Your comments are purposefully hurtful. That shows your intellectual capacity, maturity, and lack of foresight. He is a lot bigger than you. Fortunately for you, he has a good sense of humor. I will be very cross with you, if you have hurt her feelings. I doubt you have, as I am sure she realizes what small minded people some of you are. Architecturally, the exterior is more of an industrial style, inside quasi loft. The lack of windows is a personal choice, and is a bit of a privacy issue. The lots are small and you are close to the street and neighbors. The street facing windows are high, reminiscent of some Frank Lloyd Wright designs or mid-century modern. They provide light and maintain privacy. Residential construction code sets requirements for egress from bedrooms. Some of you strike me as architectural snobs with no sense of adventure. While it is not the house I would/did build, I respect them building the house they want and that fits their style. It is sad you have nothing better to do with your life than criticize someone else's home on the internet. Post you house up for criticism! The house is not "cinder block". It is reinforced concrete block. The components and strength are very different. As someone noted, concrete block is a good construction method for Houston. It is very common in Florida, where they are subject to hurricanes and termites, as well. By the way, there is a front door on the street side. The world is a very small place, try to be nice. The world is watching. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marty Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 (edited) Several of you need a lesson in manners. Some of you need a lesson in architecture and style. Some of you need a lesson in construction. My mother and my boss told me that once. Someone is building that house to live in. They are my brother and his wife. Your comments are purposefully hurtful. That shows your intellectual capacity, maturity, and lack of foresight. He is a lot bigger than you. Fortunately for you, he has a good sense of humor. I will be very cross with you, if you have hurt her feelings. I doubt you have, as I am sure she realizes what small minded people some of you are. Sure, living in the house wearing rose tinted glasses, I would say that too. but show me a cinder block house that's looks halfway good. Edited September 4, 2007 by Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 The house is not "cinder block". It is reinforced concrete block. ♫ Let's call the whole thing off ♪ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 My mother and my boss told me that once.Sure, living in the house wearing rose tinted glasses, I would say that too. but show me a cinder block house that's looks halfway good.I have seen some nice ones. http://www.cement.org/homes/ch_sh_tnah07.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marty Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I have seen some nice ones. http://www.cement.org/homes/ch_sh_tnah07.aspYea, that's does actually looks good. I guess the taller the house the better them big blocks look, but a one story house does not look right to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwrm4 Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 (edited) To me, "good architecture" is not only about the design of the structure, as an independent unit, but also about how the structure complements or embraces its surrounding elements. The Algregg "reinforced concrete block" house clearly fails in this regard, even with a scuzzy Fiesta anchoring one end of that street. Were this house built on a huge lot in the desert outside Tucson, I may view it differently, but, where it sits now, among early 20th century bungalows and somewhat respectful McVictorians, I consider it to be in very poor taste.I have some good friends who live a couple houses down from this house. They hate it, and all of their neighbor's hate it too -- I understand one even went so far as to contact the Heights Association to try to stop construction on this house.Good luck to your brother at next year's Neighbor's Night Out party. Edited September 5, 2007 by cwrm4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Original Timmy Chan's Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 I can dig it...of course I'm not brainwa...err, trained in architecture. It reminds me very much of the house next to my grandparents' place in Freeway Manor. Except theirs is orange brick instead of concrete block.I'm all for diversity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porchman Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 (edited) Pics 9/9/2007. The Bungalow in the background has a sign: "For Sale. To Be Moved" Edited September 9, 2007 by Porchman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 (edited) i have some construction photos - i'll try to locate them (edit - can only find one, and the file is corrupted ) so the house in the background is for sale, and the house in the foreground has a sign, too...hm and i like the handwritten "715 algregg" sign out front...adds a nice touch Edited September 27, 2007 by sevfiv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm1fd Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 Wow. It just keeps getting worse and worse. The sign is a great touch, but what I like better is the section of block to the left of the garage (where the gutter runs down) that was installed facing the wrong way....or maybe they just used the wrong block....but either way it doesn't have the same texture as the rest of the wall. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marty Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 I can see the texture on the edge, it would look a lot better if they were turned around and that gutter got repainted anything but Hot Rod red. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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