HtownTX

I'm really excited about mixed-use space on the rail line, and the corresponding foot traffic it would receive from the apartments. Camden's property could further increase the light rail usage and heighten Midtown's attractiveness as a retail/entertainment destination. So I'm very much in favor of the development.

Any news regarding the superblock development?

Right, in SF they blend into the city, and are very useful (bought groceries, toiletries, etc for 6 months there in 2004). If Walgreens can adapt there (forced b/c of real estate costs, I know, but still) they can adapt here.....

Ah yes - more consultants! I'm actually in Vancouver right now.... about to go sample the food in Yaletown.

Here's the map kzseattle refers to: http://www.houstonmidtown.com/midtown.cfm?a=cms,c,13,1

Keep that crap on the West side of Midtown!!!!

P.S. Now just develop Midtown into a pedestrian-friendly area with well designed retail/residential/commercial areas, and Houston would be perfect (for me).

I work in other cities during the week, cities like Vancouver and San Francisco, and I still love returning to Houston on Fridays. We have a relaxed & friendly culture. I love the heavy latin influence. We attract significant musicians, theater, and artwork. There is no shortage of great restaurants. We're the energy capital of the world. Houston is a globally important city with a very humble feel. That's unusual.

Houston's real estate market will be backdrop for new NBC program: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/b...sarnoff/3058490

Interesting posts - does anyone (especially involved with the architecture school) have any info/opinion about HHN?

Lack of zoning must take most of the responsibility. Even if the city gets off it's ass, there isn't a standard to enforce.

Wooo Hoo

While purchasing our home in Midtown and going through the home inspections I became very frustrated with the shoddy construction. According to this Consumer Reports article it's very common nationwide: http://www.consumerreports.org/main/conten...3East_id=333143 and Criterium Engineers estimates that as many as 15% of new homes are seriously defective (foundations or framing): http://www.criterium-engineers.com/residen...nstruction.html I am fairly certain my home is adequately built, but after we closed realized I shouldn't have agreed to binding arbitration: http://www.hobb.org/arbitration.shtml Then today I saw this discouraging article about new, low, building standards in Houston... http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/3009677 It's not a Midtown-specific problem at all, and my builder has given me confidence, but I wish Houston would buck up to the builder lobbyists. There was a home lemon law proposed a while back that the builders managed to shoot down.

I found a similar discussion within Neighborhoods > The East End http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...?showtopic=1090 I'm hoping that no more are built in midtown. 200k isn't THAT affordable, and certainly doesn't require that it look like rows of sheds.

Someone asked in another thread what's up with the metal townhomes. I've been wondering that myself lately. I find them very unnattractive (no offense to those who live in them). http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...findpost&p=5699 Does Urban Lofts plan to build any more in Midtown? I just don't see how they could do anything but limit future property values. Am I totally wrong? Are they as acceptable as stucco or brick?

I live on the east side of midtown and would love to see more retail & foot traffic along main street there. Ideally (for myself at least) east midtown will develop primarily residentially + parks, with retail and commercial space thriving nearby (Main street/west side). The retail opportunities at the superblock seem promising....

Does anyone know if the rennovation of Baldwin park is being actively planned? And if so, when the pavillion, walkways, ets are going in? Last I saw it was broadly targeted for 2005. http://www.houstonmidtown.com/dev_cmsFiles...per_3rdQ-04.pdf That's a great park for picnicing. Usually it's just my wife and I, and bike cops.

Thanks!!

Does anyone have info about the hospital going up on La Branch and Gray? When will they break ground(!) ? Any idea if the lot across from it is in play? It's being sold by the same broker.

Has anyone become involved with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority or the TIRZ? Any suggestions for someone who would like to become involved in Midtown's development?