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dbigtex56

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Everything posted by dbigtex56

  1. dbigtex56
  2. dbigtex56
    Agreed. As an aside, perhaps the new residents will be an incentive for someone to open the Deco Diner.
  3. dbigtex56
    If this is so, it probably spells doom for that liquor store that opened last year at Commonwealth & Westheimer. Probably won't do Fairway (on Fairview) much good, either... At any rate, Spec's seems like a good neighbor. They treat their employees well, and therefore the employees treat the customers well. I think they'll be a welcome addition.
  4. dbigtex56
    My hometown had the same setup as ssullivans (only 5 digits required for a local call). For long distance you'd dial the number, then an operator would cut in and ask "What number are you calling from, please?". This was for billing purposes. Fraud didn't seem to be a problem. Also, many people had party lines. Two or more people would share the same line, and each household had its own distinct 'ring' (e.g., the phone might ring one long ring, followed by two short rings). You might pick up your phone to make a call and discover that someone else was already talking. The polite thing to do was to hang up and try back later; the fun thing was to listen to neighbors' gossip. I still have the traditional Montrose exchange (JAckson). A friend was very disappointed that he didn't get the "52" number when he moved to Montrose. Guess they'd run out. I've heard that in Manhattan people compete to get the traditional 212 area code.
  5. dbigtex56
    Notice the poster advertises "Special Trains Daily Direct To Race Track" Sometimes I think I was born about 70 years too late.
  6. dbigtex56
    You're probably right. The link you provided shows an early postcard view, and the automobiles and peoples attire seem consistant with the c. 1912 construction date. That weird top floor treatment is there in all its glory. With professional restoration - assuming that some of the original decorative elements are restored - it will be an asset to Main Street. However, I still think it's no great shakes architecturally. And yes, that anodized alumiinum screen was quite a sight. What were they thinking?
  7. dbigtex56
    As a knee-jerk preservationist, I usually defend old buildings. Even the plainest can contribute to the fabric of an urban space. But after taking a long, hard look at the West Building (located at the northeast corner of Walker and Main), I really don't see much to like. With the exception of a couple of brackets at the original roofline, there is little to indicate that the builder had any architectural vision in mind. The top story appears to be a poorly conceived addition. What's up with those silly-ass Corinthian columns, anyway? This building, coupled with the cruddy grocery store across the street, are the most persistant vestages of the blight that infested Main Street until just a few years ago. Replace it with something better, fix it if you must, or just implode the sucker - but please, it's time for a change!
  8. dbigtex56
    Anyone have any (reliable) updates on this property? First, we had reports of the Main Medical Centers. Then a real estate broker's sign went up, advertising that a full city block was available. A week or two ago, the Medical Center sign went back up. Is this another Shamrock Tower, or is someone going to actually move dirt this time?
  9. dbigtex56
    Y'all! Don't you know when your leg's being pulled? Although...this "Gloria Trump" does bear more than a passing resemblance to the wife of a former mayor, the self-proclaimed "First Lady of Houston". You know, the one who thought re-lining the reflecting pool to look like Splashtown was a good idea. BUT anyhow, this thread is about Transco/Williams tower. Back on topic, please.
  10. dbigtex56
    Subdude is correct. Older residents of Houston might recall that there was a 20-something story building which used to occupy that lot which was demolished (circa 1983), built circa 1962. I was shocked when I first moved to Houston to see such a modern building demolished. Unfortunately, the mid-80's bust doomed the site; it still is a surface parking lot. Such is the pattern of Houston development. There was a particularly offensive piece of statuary which used to 'grace' the site; a semi-nude female bronze, straight out of a Frankie Avalon movie. It's been relocated downtown, somewhere; mercifully, I forget where.
  11. dbigtex56
    WHEW! So it's not just me. I think the Sears Tower is about as attractive as a leg brace (and I hope no leg-brace wearers are offended). To take it a step further, it's pig ugly. The only redeeming things about Sears Tower is that it's an engineering feat, and it's tall; what a circus freak of a building. That being said, I still think Chicago has the best skyscrapers in America, but not necessarily the best skyline.
  12. dbigtex56
    I think the Chronicle has shown considerable improvement over the past couple of years. The Op/Ed page has benefitted immensely - contrasting points of views are more in evidence. However, they still refuse to run Molly Ivins' column, which is sheer cowardance on their part. And the society columnist needs to grow some fangs; her butt-kissing has grown tiresome, and will give her chapped lips. Political coverage is still weak. The public would be better served by printing how elected officials vote on specific issues, rather than saying "the measure was defeated by three votes." , and not naming names. An informed electorate is democracy's best friend. More extensive and detailed crime reporting would be welcome, too. As others have previously noted, Houston has suffered from having become a one-newspaper town. In the 80's I recall how the Post and the Chronicle would cover the same event, yet each would impart its own bias. Is this a social reformer or a rabblerouser? A respected businessman or a crook? Good government or good ol' boy government? Depends on which paper you read. A question: is it just me, or does the Chronicle run about twice as many comic strips as other daily newspapers? How did the 'funny papers' get such a high priority? Oh, and one last gripe - the Chronilog sucks. I can think of no more descriptive word. Warner Cable increased the number of channels, and the Chronicle responded by reducing the size of its TV guide. They could do much better. With the exception of Ken Hoffman, the Chronicle has some excellent reporters and columnists. Here's hoping they contiunue to progress.
  13. dbigtex56
    I've also heard that Gloria Trump blew her share of the family fortune expurging her name from Google searches, and died a broken woman.
  14. dbigtex56
    Interesting post, citykid09. The 'mummification' death did not occur at the Empire Cafe location. I think the urban legend has become a bit fuzzy. This site was occupied (in the 80s) by The Locker, the Different Drum and lastly by Chutes. While it's true that many eye-popping, eyebrow-raising events occured (and I should know - I was there), the death to which you refer sounds like the infamous "chicken-in-a-casket" scandal, which was in a townhome on Pacific Street, near JR's. A workman discovered the body of a young man (presumably a hustler) in a coffin on an upper floor. The townhome's occupant (Ted Lenze) was never charged, as he was dying from a brain tumor in a hospital at the time of the discovery. I take exception with describing EJ's as a 'skank' bar. Skank is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose, but it's worth noting that the owner maintains a koi pond and aviary on the patio. It also offers a stunning view of downtown Houston and the Westheimer strip from its upper level. While the patrons might politely be described as 'diverse', the management does 86 the worst elements. The frequent drag shows are low art or high camp, depending on your point of view. At any rate, these fund-raisers have contributed substantially to AFH and the Assistance Fund. I view it as an asset to the neighborhood.
  15. dbigtex56
    Mr. Pugh has made some thought-provoking choices. Certainly, any of the architects he named would contribute to Houston's architectural heritage. After the Enron scandal, will corporations have the confidence to spend stockholders' money on 'trophy' buildings? And will greedy CEOs allow money to be diverted from their golden parachutes? We've already discussed in another thread how the public seems to distrust good architecture being erected with tax dollars. There seems to be a misconception that attractive buildings are inherently more expensive than ugly ones. Now that the MFAH has received a huge endowment (oh, stop giggling) and can continue with their expansion program, let's hope they'll build something more inspiring than the Beck building. Private money seems to be our best hope for innovative architecture in Houston.
  16. dbigtex56
    Before any new supermarkets are built anywhere near the CBD, the Randall's in Midtown will have to perk up considerably. Following the theory that one should put his money where his mouth is, I've tried to make a habit of shopping there, but it's...it's sad. Tonight I was there at 8:30 and there were maybe five other customers in the store. The butcher counter had closed, some of the produce had already been covered up, the selection of fresh meat was scant and expensive, and produce costs 2-3 times as much as at other nearby grocery stores. Spec's produce seems to be of higher quality at a lower price, with nearly as broad a selection. The selection of cheeses at Randall's is pathetic, but with Spec's across the street, why bother? I really hope Randall's can make it, but it appears that there's not the local support they were hoping for. And if Randall's folds, I imagine others will not be rushing in to take their place. Out of curiousity, where do other Midtown/Neartown residents shop? Aside from Randall's I go to Disco Kroger (on Montrose) or that dreadful Fiesta on San Jacinto.
  17. dbigtex56
    In the Houston Chronicle's Dining Guide section (Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004), Dai Huynh lists 'Jefe Bar Mex Grill' under "Restaurant closings".
  18. dbigtex56
    Bless your heart, and thanks for the reality check. Whether Sean John Couture, Fendi or Allis-Chalmers opens a new store in The Galleria is a matter of utter indifference to me. I do not intend to spend thou$ands on a new jacket - or hay baler. And now, darlings, forgive me...but Driver has the Maybach waiting out front, and I'm famished for some Beluga.
  19. dbigtex56
    Swimming pools, bowling alleys, fitness centers, singles mixers...at what point does it cease being a church, and merely becomes a tax-exempt Club Med? Big churches is big bidness.
  20. dbigtex56
    I'm curious as to whether the open space at the top of the building serves a function. It appears that that there's a hopper-like structure contained within; is it possible that this is a rain-collection system for 'green building' use? or is it merely decorative?
  21. dbigtex56
    The Clots are crused.
  22. dbigtex56
    If you'll notice, the article was written by members of the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, not by developers. I agree that this neighborhood of charming Victorian houses could be something special. Unfortunately, it's in Houston. I'm afraid that if GHPA wins this battle, they'll still lose the war - unless Houston enacts some preservation ordinances with teeth, on which day the flying pigs will rejoice.
  23. dbigtex56
    H2B, I see your point now. I agree, the Astrodome is probably still more of a tourist attraction than Reliant Center will ever be. It's iconic. Stanley Marsh 3's Cadillac Ranch is about 10 years younger than the Dome, and (from what pictures I've seen) is showing the ravages of time. This is perhaps acceptable for this particular work of art, but a decaying Dome cannot be a good thing. In Neil Young's words, "Rust Never Sleeps". According the the County, to maintain the Dome is very expensive, whether it's in use or not. I'd be perfectly happy if it were to remain purely for its visual presence; but even doing nothing with it is terribly expensive.
  24. dbigtex56
    You'd think because hi-rises contain more people that they naturally would spill out to the street. But look at the area around 2016 Main, or the Houston House. The residents pretty much communicate with the outside world via the parking garage. Of course, if there was something worth walking to once outside, the situation would be quite different.
  25. dbigtex56
    While this is an interesting topic, please remember this thread is about the Dome.
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