dbigtex56

Many Houstonians (myself included) are appreciative of the results that have been attained in the Heights, and are grateful for the efforts of those who have worked to preserve an irreplaceable neighborhood. I've lived in the Montrose for twenty-five years, and wish that historic preservation could have fared better in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, we became a cautionary tale - perhaps the good that came out of our destruction has been a stronger resolve among people in other historic neighborhoods. Houston's a big city - can't we spare just a few acres to remind us of what we were, and from whence we came? Tract housing serves a need, but it's been overrepresented..

This excuse has grown tiresome. Maria Isabel pulled the same stunt with her Sixth Ward demolition a few months ago. No one bought it then, either. btw, whatever became of Mary Kay's childhood home? (Please post replies to that thread).

Four pages and counting... In the movie, the straight guys just couldn't stay away from Brokeback Mountain. Deja vu!

Those travelling to and from Beaumont would surely like it. Wonder how the Bolivar people would feel about the explosion in traffic? If Bolivar becomes more accessible, the sleepy charactor of the town will disappear overnight. Barring a ban on new construction, a housing boom will be inevitable; soaring prices will force out long time residents. And if more people build there, that's more people to evacuate during hurricane season, and more houses to replace when they're eventually washed away. Why encourage development? A bridge would create more problems than it would solve.

What's not to love?

I can just imagine the sobriety tests: "Sir, can you step out of the vehicle?" And if they do...they're drunk.

I agree. Thread closed.

Same topic - merged threads. And if Mr. Hildebrand or Landry's think Houstonians have short memories, think again. Never, never EVER patronize their businesses! (PS - like my new signature? Maybe I should print up a few t-shirts...)

The county can - but it doesn't make campaign contributions.

Good for you! Mr. Edwards could use a rest. btw, am I correct in thinking that non-participants in primaries are also limited to signing only one petition? (i.e., you can sign for Tough Grandma or for Kinky, but not for both)

Have you seen the townhomes (condos?) near S. Post Oak and Hidalgo (sorry, I don't know the name of the building)? Just south of Williams Tower. They resemble some of the 19th century townhouses one might see in Brooklyn Heights or Boston.

Respectful discussions only. My-city-is-better-than-your-city flame wars are not permitted on HAIF. "He started it" is not a valid excuse. Both parties in a flame war may have their accounts suspended or terminated. Just walk away. Flames will be deleted without notice. Please report violations to a member of the moderating team, or to the Editor. Same rules apply here as on the Dallas thread.

Judge Eckels should tread with care - there's a family history of dubious dealings regarding roads which I hope he doesn't perpetuate.

I think I know her! ...kinda fat? hairy legs?

Belated happy birthday and congratulations! You now can be tried as an adult! PS: If you register to vote now, you can vote in the primaries....

I suppose someone could say Uptown, Midtown and Downtown are 'three areas'. And yes, there are 12 community districts in Manhattan, as established by city charter in 1975. NYC Department of City Planning

Perhaps the neighborhood needs a silly acronym nickname (along the lines of "SoDo") Maybe GAPWAMA (Greater Allen Parkway, Washington and Memorial Area)? ByBa (pronounced "Bye-Bye") - By the Bayou WashMe (Washington/Memorial) WaWa (Washington/Waugh) and further downtown, Buffalo Bayou at Allen's Landing: BuffyLand!

I, too, am tired of seeing the same townhomes being built ad nauseum throughout Houston. The fake stucco, vaguely European (the "Beiges") and the Hardi-Plank (Hardy Plank?) pseudo-clapboards (the "Grays") dominate to such an extent that realtors may just as well refer to them in those terms: "Do you prefer a Beige or a Gray townhome?" Yet, I can understand how this situation came about. It's easy for us to sit here and smugly criticize these styles of architecture; but the bottom line is that when making what is (for most) the largest investment of their lives, people suddenly feel less adventuresome. Conformity doesn't seem such a bad thing, when resale value is a consideration - and it's your money. That this thread was started in the "Houston Mod" section seems fortuitous. I suspect that many of the Mid-Century Modern houses which only now are again being appreciated for their architectural merit may have historically fared worse than more conventional designs on the resale market. Twenty years the Mods weren't called Mods; they were called ugly, and people went through a lot of effort and money to make them appear more traditional ("remuddling"). Unfortunately, this trend continues. How's the market for early 80's Post Modern designs, compared with more conventional houses of that period? (That's a question - I don't know.) I admire people who have the courage to build and buy and live in exceptional houses. Most people would rather play it safe. And most people is where the market is.

Enough with the Houston vs Dallas debate. I'll lock the thread if it continues. No one is interested in anyone's personal feelings of affection or contempt for one city or the other. The question at hand is how to persuade Houston developers to offer more imaginative architecture than the townhomes currently being built. Stay on topic. And don't make me go all moderator on your...posts.

Anyway. I noticed that on cable this past Friday night three movies ran featuring actors from this movie: • The Princess Diaries (with Anne Hathaway) • The Patriot (with Heath Ledger) • Donnie Darko (with Jake Gyllenhaal) Quite a coincidence. Interestingly, the charactor Jake Gyllenhaal plays in Donnie Darko also struggles with conventional morality. Wonder if he's going to be this generation's Johnny Depp?

That name just kills me! Wonder if they sell t-shirts?

Checked it out today, and your NC friends are correct - it's unbelievable. I was poking around the rubble on the sidewalk, then noticed that large chunks of brick were dangling precariously 8-9 floors directly above my head. I also noticed that the canopy which used to shelter the front entrance has been torn off the building, and if someone wanted to, they could make off with a couple pieces of some highly decorative solid copper trimming, about a foot wide and 12' long with an attractive green patina, if they were to go there tonight with perhaps a prybar and some tin snips. And some gloves and a flashlight. Of course, that would be stealing... Also I ran into a young lady taking photographs, who said that the building on the next block (Ben Milam Hotel) is scheduled for demolition next week. Anyone care to further fuel that rumor?

Word on the street (literally...) Today I ran into someone at the Penn Hotel (see thread) who said that Ben Milam is scheduled for demo next week. Any other confirmations/rumors?

I hope the crane that's knocking down the Penn Hotel doesn't move in this direction...

"Brokeback" starred white people. A lot of other white people won, too. Do you think this is Hollywood's way of slapping minorities in the face? Discuss! (...but please, see the movie first.)