verklempt

Glad to see something happening to this property. I have driven by a few times and seen signs on it -- one for a cleanup notice from the city and another laminated sheet describing the original purpose of the building (it was called Fraternal Hall). 

What would be involved in trying to make something a commercial and residential building? For example, the building on the right as an office space for the residents that are living in the building on the left. Are there very specific or strict laws about doing such a thing? 

I recall looking into this a while ago. I think the red brick building in the middle was once a grocery store or pharmacy.

 

1144 Yale LLC owns the buildings on the corner and the vacant lot immediately south (6600 s.f.). The combined property tax valuations went up 50% this year.

 

I like the zero-foot setback, and think it makes an interesting site for commercial development. In any potential development, I'd guess the building with the pink wooden siding would be sacrificed for additional parking. A ground floor restaurant, for example, would need at least 40 off-street spaces to be permitted. 

What would an office/residence parking requirements be? What else did you find out when you were looking into it? It seems like a great location.

Very interesting! The one on the corner does not seem damaged, so it makes sense that the fire was in the middle building. On google earth it appears that the roof has been fixed. The building on the far left in my picture is a residence and people appear to be living in it. I wonder if they know anything about the adjacent buildings.

I get way ahead of myself with these things, but I always have dreams of renovating something like that into an office building or a mixed use residential/office space. I guess I can dream.

No, I'm talking about this building:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nxtzef7v39o5c7m/Screenshot%202014-07-07%2008.50.16.png

We peeked inside last night just to see what was in there. It's just old and decrepit, nothing really in there. Interesting that it was in a fire. 

I looked up the names of the owners. Both lawyers, the wife passed away about two years ago. The husband still owns real estate and other businesses in Houston. The building has a commercial component and garden apartments. 

It just looks like it could be an awesome project, but it's just sitting there not doing anything. 

It says that it is owned by 1144 Yale, LLC which is owned by a lawyer in Houston. Hmmm. 

Anybody have any idea what is going on with the building on the southeast corner of 12th and Yale? It is across the street from the Heights Fire Station. It appears to have been in the past a commercial property. Now the windows are all boarded up and it looks to be in pretty bad condition. I can't find much information googling on my own.