dbigtex56

The statue was sited in a tiny park called Peggy's Point, I believe. Did you know the sculptor was Gutzon Borglum, who also was responsible for the design of Mount Rushmore? I believe it was being moved to a park somewhere near TSU, after doing some repairs (as you may recall, she was missing a hand). ah, here's a link: Peggy

I'd love to see them carry out the whole 30's-40's theme, and hire waitresses who look and talk like Barbara Stanwyk. Sort of a film noir, Edward Hopper effect:

It's easy to forget that the area we call 'the Montrose' is an amalgamation of early 20th century subdivisions, the beginnings of Houston's suburban sprawl. Change has been constant. Montrose is now considered to be one of the most (if not the most) urban neighborhoods in Houston. Most of the mansions on Montrose Boulevard are long gone. In the 60's, Montrose became a haven for hippies and artists; in the 70's, it became the epicenter of Houston's gay community. In the 80's, drugs, runaways and prostitution became rampant. And starting in the early 90's, it has become increasingly mainstream, with rents and new construction going up at dizzying rates. Not everyone is pleased with Montrose's newfound popularity. The people who made Montrose a unique, charming neighborhood are rapidly being priced out of the market. Businesses that have existed for years suddenly find themselves under attack by people who chose to buy a new townhome next door. New development is taking away on-street parking, while creating more demand for parking spaces. Hundred-year-old trees are felled, and quaint bungalows razed. And a sense of community that took years to establish is dwindling. Can Montrose be saved?

After years of suffering from urban flight, retail is returning to downtown. The adaption of older buildings to residential units, and increased pedestrian traffic due to light rail and entertainment venues will surely bring more. What's new with retail downtown, and what do we still sorely need?

When I moved to Houston 20-some years ago, there was practically no residential units Downtown. The only major apartment buildings were Houston House and 2016 Main (if that's considered to be downtown). So which of the new developments offer the best in downtown living? Consider accesss to transportation, parking, noise, quality of workmanship and materials, and "bang for the buck".