dbigtex56

1 minute ago, 004n063 said:

Are they demolishing the apartments there?

The 1920's apartments are across the street. The Printing Museum will be (I assume) in that 50's or 60's office building with the decorative cement blocks. 
It's about the same size as their former facility, maybe a smidge larger. Seems like a good match.

20 hours ago, Houston19514 said:

Per their website and Facebook page, they seem to be very active and preparing to open in their new space.  

Their new space is 3121 San Jacinto (NE corner of San Jacinto and Elgin Streets).

23 hours ago, trymahjong said:

Work will include mill and overlay of the road surface, repair of any subsurface deficiencies, and complementary repairs to sidewalks along the project area.

I was mistaken in assuming sidewalk construction, but it appears that sidewalk repairs are included in the project.

I'm impressed that the city is undertaking to repave this many blocks (and repair/construct sidewalks as well).
Can it really be done in a little over 1 1/2 months? That might be some kind of record for the COH.

2 hours ago, Triton said:

The dumpling place across the street didn't last long either and it had a pretty nice interior too!

I've heard it was pretty good, but now we're left with one fewer historic, sidewalk accessible house, a vacant building, and another treeless heat collecting useless asphalt parking lot. It's a scene tailor made for the masochistic pedestrian. 
I used to think that Lower Westheimer could be revived as the charming walkable destination it once was, but I'm beginning to think that it's never going to happen. For every step forward, we go three steps back.

On 7/24/2022 at 12:29 PM, hindesky said:

He said these have changed hands multiple times and are for sale at $540,000 as is.

Think of it as an investment. Someone could buy it for $540k, make some improvements, and sell for maybe $400k.
If they're lucky.
To me, it looks like lot value, minus the cost of removing the debris... I mean, house.

On 7/21/2022 at 9:29 AM, Texasota said:

I feel a lot more strongly about 2401 than this little building.

I agree. Not too long ago 2401 was an attractive building. It's a shame that someone removed the original black ceramic tiles and replaced them with cheap modern materials. 
Also, the signage is amateurish and not in keeping with the Streamline Modern architecture. Perhaps someone will put it right again, someday.

On 7/22/2022 at 7:03 PM, phillip_white said:

The lot has always been surprisingly full even when there was only a couple employees and minimal customers.

According to my dental hygienist (whose office is close by), an employee told her that the store was closing because street people drinking and panhandling on the property were  chasing away customers. 
Considering the doors were posted with a number of signs forbidding alcohol consumption and loitering, this seem plausible. 

So is this on the same block as Cle'? Is Cle' going to remain open?
Is it true that a portion of Travis Soctt's "Sicko Mode" video was shot at Cle'?

 

I noticed that the facade of Sacco Company is composed of the same Texas cordova shell limestone as is found on 2401 San Jacinto (formerly Rich's). This material seemed to be popular in the 1930s,
Ir may just be coincidence but it makes me wonder if the two buildings were built at about the same time, perhaps even by the same builder.
 

On 7/13/2022 at 3:05 PM, hindesky said:

They fixed the leak but did a temporary paving job.

They may have had no choice.
I Googled 'asphalt shortage 2022' and it turns out that asphalt supply chain issues are causing delays throughout the construction industry.

On 7/13/2022 at 3:02 PM, hindesky said:

They got their taco truck renovated and it will be back in service in 2 weeks according to the owner. They've been using a much smaller trailer in the meantime.

Are they usually parked by the (2003 W Alabama) Hollywood store?

I'm glad that the building will be remodeled and hope it attracts desirable tenants to the neighborhood.
But please retain the 1920s-30s exterior. Sometimes the results of 'modernizing' a building can be laughable or tragic. 

 

On 6/29/2022 at 3:47 PM, trymahjong said:

I guess I get another chance to voice my skepticism at July 5 meeting- 1602 State Street- 7 pm

but

the topic is 3-1-1

The new version seems a mess and makes it difficult to post problems that are observed on street => non working traffic lights or stop signs that have been run over or graffiti etc, the replacement system is $&#@!
So I might get sidetracked

……it’s so hard to stay focused, when there are so many things to rant about……..sigh

I've made reports to 3-1-1 on a variety of issues, and their agents have been polite, efficient, and knowledgeable. Problems are resolved quickly; .
I hope whoever's responsible for suggesting these changes keeps their mitts off a system that's working just fine.
 

8 minutes ago, editor said:

If it's anything like the recent closing of the CVS on Main Street downtown, the discounts won't be that great.  Pretty much just taking things down to Amazon and HEB prices.  So $28 for a box of Mucinex, instead of $52.

Many of the OTC drugs sold out quickly, so there's not much selection for pain killers, digestive aids, etc. Expensive personal grooming items such as lotions and hair care products are still expensive. 
The best deals remaining were in the snack and candy aisle, which for some of us is a mixed blessing. 

2 hours ago, HoustonIsHome said:

Who owns that Greenspace next to the Station? 

Pretty sure it's owned by METRO.

I bet the neighbors are overjoyed.

2 hours ago, editor said:

Why do you close a park?

I suspect that security guards for the apartments use "selective enforcement" standards when it comes to who's allowed to use the park.
It's a difficult situation. On one hand if it's a public park, the public should be allowed to enjoy it. On the other, the street people who bathe in fountains, openly smoke reefer, and harass passersby for cigarettes and money don't create a welcoming atmosphere, either. 

On 6/23/2022 at 9:25 PM, hindesky said:

some mysterious parades on Fannin St.

Now you've piqued my curiosity I don't know if I've ever seen (or even heard of) a mysterious parade.
Who or what could it be?

On 6/25/2022 at 5:53 PM, hindesky said:

I talked with an employee of Central Cadillac as I rode by. Asked him when they are moving out to the new south loop location. He said they should move spring' 23. I then asked him what was to become of the land and building. He said he thought it might become a nightclub. Cool mid century building that is fairly large and has 2 parking areas that they own. I could actually see that happening until something grander where to come along and whoever owns the property gets a fat payday. I think it's ideal for high rise apartments in the long run.

Mixed feelings about this. Yes, it's a MCM building with the potential for being attractive - but does Midtown really need another nightclub? A matter of opinion, to be sure. 
I'm disappointed that the McGowen rail station is still not living up to its potential. Immediately adjacent to the stops there's an abandoned building, parking lots, an underused park, a bar, and the Cadillac dealership (soon to be nightclub). Hardly a destination for those riding the train.
Granted, there is an apartment building adjacent to the southbound station, but it could be so much more. I absolutely agree that another high rise on the Cadillac site would be welcome. 
Here's hoping that someday the plans for restaurants on McGowen between Main and Travis, and the food court in the former Greensheet building become reality. It's been almost 20 years since the rail started operating. I hope it doesn't take another 20 for people-friendly development to become reality.

(never mind)

3 hours ago, JBTX said:

Did security get mad at you for taking this? My friends and I were recording a buddy's proposal using drones at the top of the Glassell building and got a stern lecture for it.

The guard's imagination may have taken a leap. From mfah.org "Private event rentals" page:
 

Outdoor photography permits are available for formal photography requests intended for personal, noncommercial use only. Examples of formal photography include, but are not limited to, bridal portraits, engagement photos, senior/graduation photos, and holiday family photos.

Permits allow for photography in the outdoor areas of the Museum only, and include the Cullen Sculpture Garden; Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza; PNC Roof Garden; Cullen Foundation Promenade; and South Lawn. Formal/professional photography is not permitted inside any Museum buildings.

1 hour ago, jmitch94 said:

Why all the hate for the Fed building? I don’t see them moving it anytime soon if really ever. That would cost a fortune. 

For some reason, Michael Graves's buildings aren't as popular in Houston as in other places. 
IIRC, one of the major functions of the Fed building was to provide enough space to process checks. Even before it was completed, laws were changed to allow electronic facsimiles rather than preserving the paper check. The space allocated for the sorting and storage of checks suddenly wasn't needed.
Now that checks are almost obsolete, I wonder if the Feds might reexamine the need for all of that unused space, and divest themselves of this building.

On 3/8/2022 at 1:44 PM, hindesky said:

Parley Bar and Grill.

The roof tiles have been painted black?
That ain't right.