tmariar

Fund Raiser to benefit the Jim West Mansion

This was a very nice event. The organizers did a great job.

The Irvin House (1927 - Joseph Finger) has been beautifully maintained. I hadn't been to Morgan's Point in years - or to LaPorte. for that matter. I've got to plan a trip during the day to get a better look at the Sterling Mansion and LaPorte's Main Street.

A number of talented people have gotten involved in the West Mansion preservation efforts. The updates were all positive, but Preserved in Time still has a long way to go to raise the money it needs, and needs all the help it can get.

Thanks, Alpha - sorry, didn't realize about your grandmother.

Sorry - don't mean to cut in on the Red Bluff discussion, but I only just saw the posts re Hot Wells.

Also, there's a recent Houstorian post about Highland Park, an amusement park located on the property that is now Woodland Park in the Heights.

Does anyone remember a public swimming facility out Hempstead Hwy in the late 50's and early 60's? It seems like it was on the South side of the highway and could have been anywhere between 1960 (Jackrabbit Rd) and Waller. I remember it being real BIG but I have been trying to remember it's name and where it was. Our church youth group used to go there a lot.

My grandmother used to go to a place called Hot Wells. I think it was in that area, but can't find any evidence of it anywhere.

If either of y'all have any information I could add to the Houstorian post, please let me know. Even just informal memories from you (LeeinMT) or your grandmother (Alpha), would be fun to add.

Thanks! I've been wondering about Flores' - whether it changed into Lone Star Culinary Spice Market. Maybe they're not connected, though, and there are just two spice shops very close to each other.

My Table magazine's current issue features a "Foodie Guide to the Heights". They cover 30 establishments ranging from Andy's and Pink's to Bedford and Textile, and outlets like Penzey's and El Bolillo. Nice, short takes on each. They arranged the article geographically - 19th, Studewood, White Oak, Airline, and other.

If you're not a subscriber, they do have limited retail circulation. I think I've seen it at Sur La Table.

P - Please don't trouble yourself if it's too much bother, but I'd love to see just a list of the spots they covered. I've got my own list of Heights-area restaurants and am always looking for ways to check its completeness.

My only qualm is I wish they would stuff their poboys just a bit more.

20th - Have you had any of the poboys at Jazzie Cafe on 19th? I can't recommend them b/c I haven't tried them, but I've heard some good things.

I wondered how the whole "dry" thing came about.....

Some history notes regarding the dry portion of the Heights.

I think House in the Heights just moved to a different house. I remember seeing a building permit associated with turning the former location back into a residence - and that's about how it was described on the permit.

Mrs. P. and I are Penzey's addicts. We go by, at least, monthly. It's a great olfaction shopping experience and the spices are really fresh.

That smell when you walk into Penzey's is great. I'm hoping to try the Lone Star Culinary Spice Market near the Airline Farmer's Market soon. I've heard it's pretty good. I think it used to be Yerberia something - but maybe I have it confused with another spice place in the area.

I only went in once or twice. The only things I remember being somewhat unique were Texas venison (which, I know, is not that unique if you hunt or, like me, schmooze people who hunt), and, if I remember correctly, some local, hothouse produce.

The local concept for food has been a big thing of late. However, McCain's positioning in this realm made them just a fancier, more expensive version of a farmers market, of which Houston now has plenty.

I do feel bad for its failure. My only surprise at the closing is that it has taken this long.

I know the sign said "get fresh... go local" or something similar - but I honestly never picked up on the local foods emphasis. Could have just been me being oblivious, but I don't remember signs around the store touting the local source of various foods or anything like that. I think I might have made a special trip more frequently, if I'd realized.

Oh, that's a shame...

But I'm not that surprised, either - it didn't seem to be getting a lot of business. There were a number of things I liked about the place - and everyone I dealt with connected with the store was always very friendly and seemed eager to please. But it was difficult to do shopping for an entire meal there, and I didn't notice anything worth a special trip. I heard they made good sandwiches, and had a good meat and fish selection - but never remembered to check for myself.

Interesting... I'd never heard of this place before.

Saw a few people had posted on various sites some video of Elvis playing there, August 7, 1955.

In the old newspapers:

In the 1890's and decade following, there seemed to be a lot of Magnolia Gardens lots changing hands.

In 1929, rescue workers searched for a mother and son feared drowned in the SJ river "below Magnolia Gardens just above the Crosby road bridge."

In 1932, a 20-year-old woman celebrating her birthday at Magnolia Gardens intentionally drowned herself "after quarreling with a young man at the party.

In 1935, a 40-year-old man drowned in the SJ river "near Magnolia Gardens, about 18 miles from Houston."

In 1957, a tornado hit "the Magnolia Gardens Clubhouse near Lake Houston."

In 1964, a 22-year-old woman drowned in the river "at Magnolia Gardens."

So - not much, and somewhat depressing. On the map, it looks like Magnolia Gardens is an entire area on the San Jacinto River north of Hwy 90 and south of Lake Houston. The newspaper articles seemed to be more about the area than the dancehall, unfortunately, except for this sort of random mention in a San Antonio newspaper article:

"Celebrated Houston Attorney Percy Foreman in town last week, and recalling the day back around 1952 when an unknown youngster singing at Magnolia Gardens in the Bayou City ambled into Foreman's office seeking a loan of $750 to make it to Hollywood and a crack at the big time...."

I work in 1100 Louisiana - the earlier incident was for the fire drill (11 a.m.). I don't know the full story, but I believe the guy jumped after 3 p.m. or so, as there were a ton of emergency vehicles there around 4. I think he jumped on Brazos St., as the exit for the garage was closed for a while and they were actually making cars exit out the entrance

Yeah, me too. I just heard from someone here what they heard about it, inc. the guy's alleged company and position. It would be irresponsible to repeat in detail in these circumstances but, based on what I heard, it was not on the Smith side of the garage, it was in the afternoon, and was not someone who worked for a company in 1100 Louisiana.

How sad.

I was parking at the 1100 garage around 10:30 a.m. yesterday, and saw a number of emergency vehicles (inc. an ambulance) with sirens lit stopped in front of 1100 Louisiana (on the Smith side - and right across Smith from the BBQ place, not down toward the Starbuck's entrance). I thought it might have something to do with the fire drill that 1100 Louisiana had at 11:00 a.m., but it could have been related to what the original poster mentioned if the timing is the same.

I also heard from a usually reliable source that Fitzgerald's is testing the waters for a sale.

Wow! I would really hate to see them go. I'm sure the Dom Polanski building could be used for other purposes, but I think it's especially great as a club. The Polish Lodges used the second floor as the dance hall because in the pre-air-conditioning days (it was built in 1918) because it had so many windows. It's cool to me that people are still hanging out there enjoying music 90 years later.

I have a client who has been leasing the building at 2802 White Oak. They have been advised to vacate as demolition of the building will begin in 60 to 90 days. This is the building just east of the closed BBQ restaurant.

Thanks for the update, Heights CPA! I've had a hard time finding information. I checked the permits, but only see dumpster permits for 2802 White Oak.

For those who haven't read the entire thread, we have talked about two different properties:

(1) The Vaughan property, which is shown in red below - it is west of and adjacent to Onion Creek. The "Now Leasing" high-rise sign that started this thread is located on and concerns the Vaughan property. I haven't heard any recent news about it.

(2) The Burroughts property, which is shown in purple below - it is east of Onion Creek, and includes lots on both the north and south sides of White Oak. It does not include Charles Liquor, but does include the convenience store to the east, that entire little shopping center where White Oak Bakery is located, the old Camphouse building, the building to the east of that (2802), and a lot across from 2802 (next to Jimmie's). Someone posting above said that they had word that high-rise mixed-use was proposed for the north side of White Oak, and a parking garage proposed for the south side of White Oak.

Java Java is definitely open - I was there last week.

Thanks! I must just be driving by at weird times of day. As many times as I've passed it, I've never eaten there.

What got me started thinking about it was that I noticed it was one of the few food/drink places (there are some others on White Oak and 19th) that will be very close to the new bike trail. Wonder if they'll put out bike racks.

How about the breakfast taco place on 20th between Heights and Studewood? Starts with a C...anyone (20th St Dad)?

Chilosos - good reviews earlier in the thread.

Thx. Yeah, B4-u-eat are generally pretty quick - recently updated their listing for Cafe Montrose, for example, I noticed. Maybe Java Java is in limbo like Cafe Montrose was for a while.

Or I could be just driving by at the wrong time of day. Figured someone on here might live close or drive by more often than I do.

If I find out, I'll post something.

On the breakfast spots topic generally, Avenue Grill is the place I want to try next... not too far from the Heights - but I never think of it.

Here's a page of Heights breakfast spots, most of which have been mentioned above.

I'm still curious about Java Java, though, if anyone knows if it's closed. From what I can tell from internet searches, it was open as recently as a month or so ago - but, as I said above, I haven't seen it open in a while.

Went to Java Java this morning, not really a fan. My "best in town" waffle was not near as good as ones I've made myself at the self-service Holiday Inn Express breakfast. As to the coffee, it was so watery that my wife had to double check after it was poured that it was indeed coffee. Prices remind me of Dry Creek, way too high for what you get. Why go here when I can spend $2 less per food item for better food at Frank's? Exactly.

Figured I didn't need a whole new post for this, and so looked for the most recent mention of Java Java...

Has it closed? It's looked awfully dead there the last few times I took any notice.

Based on the information provided in an earlier post about the former Burroughs property, I did some digging on the Texas Secretary of State website. I wanted to make the information available in case it leads to more details about any proposed projects along White Oak. DC Heights LP reportedly bought the property. The LP was formed in July 2008. It is located at 1330 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 2190, Houston, Texas 77056. The entity's general partner is Nav-Realestate LLC, which shares the same address with DC Heights. Bryan J. Danna is the registered agent for both entities. Coincidentially, Mr. Danna's address is in the Heights - 827 Nashua St., Houston, Texas 77008. It looks like Mr. Danna works for a company called Venture Commerical. His email is bdanna@venturehtx.com. Does anyone happen to be neighbors or friends with Mr. Danna?

Thanks for the information regarding the Burroughs property. Venture Commercial bio page.

Venture Commercial appears to own other Heights-area properties as well. On their "for lease" list are the following:

- The remodeled retail center at Yale and 11th (odd there's not a newer picture included - it looks very nice now)

- A site at I-10 and Shepherd

- A proposed retail center at 34th and Shepherd

- A redeveloped shopping center at 43rd and Oak Forest

Assuming the Swamplot article linked above is talking about the same house, this house is the Perry-Swilley House.

As Krol noted, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (The listing says it was built in 1901.)

Here is a poor (but mostly readable) copy of the application for approval of a certificate of appropriateness for the move. (The application says it was built circa 1910.)

Like Unitarians, or like Baha'i, or something like that?

My very superficial understanding is that the Aga Khan Foundation is a Nizari group, that Nizaris make up the majority of Ismailis, who in turn account for the majority of Shia Muslims. (So, not all Shia Muslims are Ismaili, and not all Ismailis are Nizari.) I'll leave the summarization of their religious beliefs to Wikipedia - which also has stuff to say about the title Aga Khan and about the current Aga Khan - but I think it would be stretching things to say Nizaris are to Islam what Unitarians are to Christianity.

Someone above mentioned the "call to prayer" - Nizari Jamatkhanas (their places of worship, like the building in Sugarland) don't have minarets or announce the call to prayer. I'm assuming that means that their Ismaili Centers would not, either.

With regard to Aga Khan IV and architecture, the last linked wiki notes:

"In 1977, the Aga Khan established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, an award recognizing excellence in architecture that encompasses contemporary design and social, historical, and environmental considerations. It is the largest architectural award in the world and is granted triennially. The award grew out of the Aga Khan's desire to revitalize creativity in Islamic societies and acknowledge creative solutions to needs for buildings and public spaces. The recipient is selected by an independent master jury convened for each cycle. In 1979, [Harvard and MIT] both established the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA), which is supported by an endowment from the Aga Khan. These programs provide degree courses, public lectures, and conferences for the study of Islamic architecture and urbanism. Understanding contemporary conditions and developmental issues are key components of the academic program."

I had looked some of this up when I first heard about the Aga Khan Foundation and its plans for the Allen Pkwy property, but learned even more today. Interesting stuff.

The topic here is the building. Discussion of religion really belongs in the religious section.

For which reason I will note from this "Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center" in Sugarland in 2002 only how much thought apparently went into that building's architecture. I never studied architecture but, if I had, the issues given consideration there/then seem like the kind of issues that would have been especially interesting to me. Based on what I've read regarding other building projects connected with the Aga Khan Foundation, I could see them seriously aiming for "architectural wonder" in this case, and putting some significant time, thought, and money into the project - and don't see the foundation not giving serious thought to the location in making its plans.

I really hope they do, as I was a little disappointed at how the Federal Reserve building (down the street, replacing Jefferson Davis Hospital #2) turned out. Not as bad as it could have been, but also not something I'd go out of my way to show people. If we're going to tear down cool historic buildings that have become local landmarks, let's at least put cool new landmarks in their place.

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Update: Here is a more recent (2008) speech, at a dinner given by Governor Perry, that gives some insight into the relationship of the building planned in Houston to that in Sugarland. To sum it up, the new building will be much more important. Sounds like it will be the first and only Ismaili Center in the United States (it sounds like the majority of Ismailis in the U.S. live in Houston, or at least Texas). The other Islmaili Centers in the world are in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, and Toronto.

Regarding whether the architecture of the Houston center will take into consideration its location, see also this article about about the Aga Khan's winning the U.S. National Building Museum's Vicent Scully Prize (recognizing scholarship, criticism, or exemplary practice in historic preservation, planning, or urban design).

Thanks, Sev! The website just has this info:

"The year 1939 is generally considered to be Hollywood's true golden year. Four new theatres opened that year, all during the month of November, making the pre-Christmas season a busy one for moviegoers. Interstate's Alabama Theatre, was the first and largest out of the gate, and the only one that was not an independently owned house. This was followed by the Stude Theatre in the Heights, the Navaway, and the River Oaks Theatre."

"When it opened in 1939, the Alabama was Interstate's tenth theatre in the Houston area, the others being the Metropolitan, Majestic, Kirby, Delman, Eastwood, North Main, Tower, Bluebonnet, and the Yale. In addition, it was the first and largest of four November openings, with the independent Stude, Navaway, and River Oaks theatres following."

But I was also able to find this short piece from Boxoffice magazine, July 10, 1948:

"R.Z. Glass is now sole owner of the Stude Theatre. Glass, who has always owned half of the Stude, recently completed arrangements for the purchase of the other half from the Interstate circuit. He also owns the State, another suburban theatre in Houston. No changes in personnel are planned at the present. D.L. Murray will remain as general manager of both theatres, with F.A. Ross as treasurer. A parking lot next to the Stude accommodates 800 cars and further improvements are planned, including the installation of new seats. There will be no changes in policy or admission price. Before he built the Stude in 1939, Glass owned and operated three neighborhood houses in Dallas. He built the State in 1941. Prominent in aviation, Glass has been a pilot for 17 years. He does all his traveling by his own plane which he flies himself. He has won second and third places in two air races, the first in Miami in 1936 and the other in St. Louis in 1937."