suzerain

I don't think that a lot of this can be attributed to Houston following its own spirit. There is not a whole to Houston that I have seen that it can be said that this city has that others do not. A thriving downtown on the bayou where trade occurred and the residents lived used to be this city. I do not think talking about enacting zoning and learning from other cities causes this city to lose its trailblazing spirit. Rather, I think Houston has lost that cutting edge spirit. I go to other cities and see so many more places that are unique to that city and form part of what it means to live in that city...Houston, not so much. I really want Houston to succeed, but I do not think Philip Johnson would decry zoning. How is Houston more unique by having suburbs extending 50 miles away and 16 lane highways and traffic all hours of the day because you have to drive everywhere. Houston was the city of the 20th century. My fear, and due to the anathema to zoning fed by developers who want to the suburbs and easy and quick turnaround on their investment, is that Houston will become more of symbol of mistakes and missed chances. There are some in this city who want to change this. I think Mayor Lee Brown (and I am not usually a fan of his) hit it head on when he said that the city has to consider planning, increasng quality of life, and creating an urban alternative because young college graduates and other more educated persons through out the country do not want to come to Houston. I loved growing up here. I hate that my wife and I consider moving elsewhere because of the flaws here in Houston and the fact that they seem to get worse. For example widening I45 through the Heights. The city needs to fight battles to keep Houston from being more and more eaten up by highway with less and less housing in the inner core, lest the only trailblazing this city sees is a greater exodus to further and further suburbs. Projects like this give me hope that, at least in some areas, Houston is getting its act together and seeing that a strong urban core builds a city, builds its identity, and allows for more than one lifestyle choice in this city. Suzerain

I lived right by where that building was proposed. That sign has been there for at least two years. No activity ever occurred there. The sign was often knocked down and not put back up for months. I don't think this thing is happening.

Is this a renovation of the old Days Inn there by I-45?

ChevronTexaco donates golf course to city Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Houston Mayor Bill White will announce Monday the donation of the 130-acre former Texaco Country Club golf course to the city of Houston by ChevronTexaco. The golf course, combined with an adjacent 34-acre tract of park land previously acquired by the Houston Parks Board, is now a 164-acre new city park named Coolgreen Park.

Market Square Market opens Feb. 12. OPEN-AIR MARKET RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN What once was old is new again. Its been years since downtown Houston has had a fresh-air market, but the time has come. The Residential and retail markets are expanding in Downtown and Houston Downtown Alliance is pleased to announce the opening of Market Square Market, in the heart of the historic district. Our goal: To develop a destination downtown for those looking to sell or buy "the out of the ordinary". Spend a Saturday browsing through the electric to the eclectic. Clothing, soaps, purses, jewelry, art, novelty items and more. Additionally, we hope to expand the market over time, to include Sundays. We are looking for a variety of vendors. Currently, the market will be held every Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. It will be a great opportunity to market your wares!! If you are interested or would simply like more information, please contact David Kozowski at david@downtownhouston.org.

Although a skate park is needed, I do hope that they do not take greenspace and use it for the skate park. The skate park is going to nothing but concrete and there are far better areas than the this area to put a skate park IMO. Aren't they trying to connect the green space along the Bayou. This would be another big concrete block in the way.

I lived in a midtown apartment and never had a problem with theft. Most of it is common sense protections like not allowing a person in who you do not know. I loved living there and knew that I would have to deal with some increased risks. For me, the increased risk was worth all the bonuses that came with living in Midtown.

I would say the one thing going for this project is person running it has already successfully pulled off a development like this. According to my fiance, the project in DT Denver is quite nice and popular. I for one, having been disappointed in some other projects, will just not speculate over whether or not this will be built, but just enjoy the fact that projects like this are being pitched for DT Houston. Even if this one does not get built, one of the proposals will get built and then maybe skittish developers will see this type of development will work. Remeber, 99% of people in this world are followers, including businesses. The people who run these businesses are people subejct to the same thing. Once they see one person set the trend the rest of them will jump on board. Look at the Uptown Dallas area where the developers have embraces light rail and are now contacting DART to see where other Light Rail lines are going to go so they can plan development oriented towards that rail. Look at the whole thing of people loving back into the core of the city. Every year, I hear more people in my age group, midtwenties, wanting to move out of the suburbs and into the city. Just need to get some new blood into some of these local companies who are willing to set a trend. Suzerain

Bravo.... I tried to look up the definition of a neighborhood protection official but I could not any info. I would call the city or call the neighborhood association to find out who this person is in your community. Call 311. They should be able to tell you who you need to talk to. Suzerain

Here is the actual city ordiannce that allows the city to clean up a vacant lot and charge the property owner for the cleanup!! I love being a law student. You learn very quickly how to find answers to problems. People just need to make a complaint and get the process in motion. The tools to fix this kind of problem are already in place. Here is the relevant ordinances: Sec. 10-451. Nuisances, generally. (a) Whatever is dangerous to human health or welfare, or whatever renders the ground, the water, the air, or food a hazard to human health is hereby declared to be a nuisance. ( The following specific acts, conditions, and things are declared to constitute public nuisances and are hereby prohibited and made unlawful: (1) The deposit or accumulation of any foul, decaying, or putrescent substance or other offensive matter in or upon any lot, street, or in or upon any public or private place in such a way as to become offensive or objectionable; the overflow of any foul liquids, or the escape of any gases, dusts, fumes, mists, and sprays to such an extent that the same, or any one of them, shall become, or be likely to become, hazardous to health or a source of discomfort to persons living or passing in the vicinity, or that the same shall by reason of offensive odors become a source of discomfort to persons living or passing in the vicinity thereof. (2) A polluted well, or cistern, spring or stream, or the pollution of any body of water used for drinking purposes. (3) The maintenance of any privy, vault or cesspool, except as provided in this Code. (4) Keeping any building or room is such state of uncleanliness or the crowding of person in any building or room in such a manner as to endanger the health of the persons dwelling therein, or so that there shall be less than 400 cubic feet of air to each adult, and 150 cubic feet of air to each child under 12 years of age occupying such building or room. To the extent of any conflict between the requirements of this item and those established in section 10-331 of this Code, the more restrictive shall apply. (5) Allowing cellars to be used as sleeping rooms. (6) A building or portion of a building occupied as a dwelling which is not lighted and ventilated by means of at least one window, opening to the outer air, in each room, or any such building which is not provided with a plentiful supply of pure water. (7) The accumulation of manure, unless it is in a properly constructed pit or receptacle. (8) The maintenance, in a public place, of a roller towel for the use of more than one person. (9) The slopping or feeding of cattle or other animals on distillery swill, unless the enclosure wherein such slopping or feeding is done is provided with means for preventing and removing the unsanitary conditions associated with such slopping or feeding. (10) Permitting the existence of weeds, brush, rubbish, and all other objectionable, unsightly, and insanitary matter of whatever nature covering or partly covering the surface of any lots or parcels of real estate situated within the city; permitting such lots or parcels of real estate, as aforesaid, to have the surface thereof filled or partly filled with holes or be in such condition that the same holds or is liable to hold stagnant water therein, or from any other cause be in such condition as to be liable to cause disease or produce, harbor, or spread disease germs of any nature or tend to render the surrounding atmosphere unhealthy, unwholesome, or obnoxious. Such lots or parcels of real estate in addition to those grounds within their respective boundaries shall be held to include all lots or parcels of ground lying and being adjacent to and extending beyond the property line of any such lots or parcels of real estate to the curbline of adjacent streets, where a curbline has been established, and 14 feet beyond the property line where no curbline has been established on adjacent streets, and also to the center of adjacent alleys. The word "weeds" as herein used shall include all rank and uncultivated vegetable growth or matter which has grown to more than nine inches in height or which, regardless of height, is liable to become an unwholesome or decaying mass or a breeding place for mosquitoes or vermin. The word "brush" as herein used shall include all trees or shrubbery under seven feet in height which are not cultivated or cared for by person owning or controlling the premises. The word "rubbish" shall include all refuse, rejected tin cans, old vessels of all sorts, useless articles, discarded clothing and textiles of all sorts, and in general all litter and all other things usually included within the meaning of such term. The words "any and all other objectionable, unsightly, or insanitary matter of whatever nature" shall include all uncultivated vegetable growth, objects and matters not included within the meaning of the other terms as herein used, which are liable to produce or tend to produce an unhealthy, unwholesome or unsanitary condition to the premises within the general locality where the same are situated, and shall also include any species of ragweed or other vegetable growth which might or may tend to be unhealthy to individuals residing within the general locality of where the same are situated. The provisions of this item (10) shall not be applicable to a "natural area," and it shall also constitute an affirmative defense to prosecution in any criminal proceeding that is initiated under this item (10) that the property or affected portion thereof is a "natural area" that is being maintained in accordance with a permit issued under section 32-10 of this Code and regulations issued thereunder, and further provided that: a. The natural area is maintained and managed so that no weeds or debris are allowed to accumulate and create an imminent hazard to health or safety; and b. The natural area is regularly mowed so as to prevent uncontrolled vegetation growth within ten feet of a public roadway and within five feet of a public sidewalk. (11) Permitting the accumulation or collection of any water, stagnant, flowing, or otherwise, in which the mosquito breeds or which may become a breeding place for mosquitoes, unless such accumulation or collection of water is treated so as effectually to prevent such breeding. The natural presence of well grown mosquito larvae, or of pupae, shall be evidence that proper precautions have not been taken to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. (12) Permitting the detectible presence of urine or the presence of feces, vomit and other bodily fluids in or upon any property, including any sidewalk adjacent to any paved portion of a street abutting the property, that may be accessible to the public or in such a manner that the presence of any of the foregoing may be detected in the vicinity of the property. © It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, occupant, or any agent, representative, or employee of any owner, lessee, or occupant or any other person having ownership, occupancy, or control of any land, or improvements thereon, to permit, allow, or suffer any condition to exist on such property if such condition is prohibited or made unlawful under the provisions of this section. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under section 10-451( (12) of this Code that the detectible presence of urine or the presence of feces, vomit or other bodily fluids in or on any property is specifically authorized or permitted by law or ordinance. (d) Except as provided below, whenever in this section an act is made or declared to be unlawful, the first violation by any person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00; the second violation by the same person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,500.00; and the third and any subsequent violation by the same person of any such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $200.00 nor more than $2,000.00. Provided, however, if a person is convicted of an offense under this section which offense is also a violation of the criminal provisions of any state law, such person shall be subject to the criminal penalties set out in state law. Each day any violation of this section continues shall constitute a separate offense. The first violation of item 10-451( (12) of this Code shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $200.00, nor more than $1,000.00; the second violation by the same person of such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $400.00, nor more than $1,500.00; the third and any subsequent violation by the same person of such provision shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $600.00, nor more than the maximum amount allowed by law. (Ord. No. 91-1102,

I know I have seen different things on the news where neoighborhood associations can mow and/or clean a vacant or neglicated property and place a lien on the property to recover the costs of maintaining the property. I do not know if it can be done by individuals or only by neighborhood associations. I would think the MMA might have the authority to do something like this. I get upset at the same thing in the Heights. There are nice houses down my street and then there is a warehouse at the end of the block where the weeds are a couple of feeet tall the grass spills out over the curbs out onto the street. I wish I could walk down there and mow the lawn and send a bill to the owner. Might make them actually do what they should be doing in the first place! Suzerain

I could be wrong, but I thought his complex had groundlevel retail as a component?

I think the problem here is you cannot leave it to independent DT groups. Like the article said the program runs out of money and the program fizzles. What really needs to happen is the city needs to be the one to get behind the effort. We bend over backwards in granting abatements to companies moving to town why can't we do this for the DT district. We grant the tax incentives because we compete with other cities around the country to attract companies and their workers. We need to realize the core of our city competes with the outlying suburbs as well. We need to lure the retailers into the cities and stop the flight out in the suburbs. Suzerain

Here is another link from a realtor with information about the project and the costs for the different units. It looks like a good building that will add some character to that area. Something besides the cookie-cutter Perry Homes! Maybe in 2006 these places could be in my price range! http://www.margiekaplanhomes.com/content/a....html?id=165192

Here is a link with a couple of renderings of the the Art Collective building: http://thecollective.org/ When I drove by today it seemed like they were getting ready to get to work on this building. It looks like a pretty cool building and I cannot wait to see it! Suzerain

Here is another article Oct. 19, 2004, 12:26AM Group works to bring families downtown Plan includes relocating section of Interstate 45 By MIKE SNYDER Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Business and civic leaders unveiled plans Monday to attract thousands of new residents to downtown Houston by making the area more appealing to families, enhancing street life and improving access and transportation. Freeway Realignment This 20-year vision for downtown would continue the transformation that began in the 1990s with housing developments, sports venues, cultural attractions and the city's first light rail line. It proposes financial incentives to bring retailers downtown, new parks and schools to attract families with children, and measures to strengthen downtown's traditional role as a business center. Its boldest proposal is a realignment and redesign of Interstate 45 from the western end of the Pierce Elevated to Interstate 10. Downtown planners said this would improve access from the freeway to Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway, which connect downtown to west side neighborhoods. The "Houston Downtown Development Framework" will be formally presented today at the annual meeting of Central Houston Inc., which developed the document along with three other downtown organizations. Guy Hagstette, the planning and capital projects director for the Downtown District, said the continued development of a diverse, vibrant downtown is essential to Houston's quality of life and economic success. "With globalization, our competition has become global," Hagstette said. "We are meeting head to head with a lot of incredible cities around the world." A key feature of the plan is to increase from about 3,000 to 20,000 the number of downtown residents by developing a broader range of housing prices and styles. One strategy, Hagstette said, is to encourage development of schools and other facilities to attract families with children. An expanding population would enhance security by putting more pedestrians on the street, the plan says. It calls for a mix of high-rise residential buildings, "mixed-use" projects combining housing and retail, and transformation of surface parking lots into medium-density residential neighborhoods. Bringing back retail Hagstette said more residents would help to restore downtown's once-vigorous retail activity, which declined in the 1970s and '80s as some stores moved to suburban malls while others closed. The Downtown District, funded by dues paid by its members, could provide financial incentives to qualified retailers who move or start new businesses downtown, Hagstette said. "Early on, it can be daunting for a retailer to come in as the first one on a block," he said. Sidewalks jammed with pedestrians are another attraction to street-level shops. The downtown plan calls for encouraging street vendors and performers, improving sidewalks and taking other steps to invite pedestrian activity. Building on the construction of new sports arenas and major performance halls such as the Hobby Center, the plan calls for attractions for daytime visitors and families

This sounds like a great idea to me. There are a lot of people that I know who live in the Midtown area who are concerned about what they perceive as the lack of community. A community blog where people can post and read about other citizens' concerns I think would go a long way towards bringing the community together. I think the blog should be a good resource about the different projects going up in the area, a resource where denizens of midtown can found out about different events and get togethers in the area, as well as different community building events (i.e. area cleanups, MMD meetings, and what not).

I would be surprised if they cancelled the plaza. They are going to have to do a lot of work on that lot anyway. They are going to place the jury pools under that lot. It is going to be connected by tunnel to all of the surrounding courthouses. It is supposed to make it a lot easier for all of the jurors to get around. Once the new civil building is complete I believe they are going to rennovate the family law building floor by floor. Not to mention the rennovations already going on at the juvenile law building. Suzerain

I know at the very least they are in talks with the reserve bases on OST to get that property and expand along there. It is part of the deal of moving those reserve bases to Ellingtion in an effort to keep Texas bases from being closed down

I think I can beat that. When my fiance and I were looking to rent a home in the Heights an Agent took us into this one house. We were inside for a couple of seconds until I looked down at my socks and there were fleas everywhere. I could not believe she would show a house that was infested with fleas. Needless to say we rented elsewhere and I would never step into a house this woman was showing again.

Yeah, The biggest thing DT needs is for the eateries and other businesses located there to be open after 5 and on the weekends. I would always get frustrated when I would take the train from Midtown to stroll downtown and every store to be closed. I know the business would not compare to the business they get on a tuesday at noon, but the upside potential on the weekends and afterhours has to be huge.

ug. 28, 2004, 3:33AM Galleria area back in favor With toll road and cheaper rent, area is becoming attractive again By NANCY SARNOFF Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Despite the traffic snarls caused by freeway construction, the Galleria-area office market is edging back in favor with tenants. ADVERTISEMENT According to a space demand survey conducted by PM Realty Group, a Houston-based real estate services firm, more than 58 percent of the respondents said the Galleria area is one of the top three office markets deemed most attractive to tenants. Downtown and Westchase were also cited as top markets. That's almost double what was reported last year, said Doug Little of PM Realty, which surveyed the top 20 commercial realty firms in Houston. "The existing construction is not as bad as people thought it was going to be," said Little. "People are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel." Over the past several years, large tenants have moved out of the Galleria area in favor of the high-profile central business district or the suburbs of west Houston. Office buildings in the market are 24.7 percent vacant, including space available for sublease, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a brokerage firm. But as the traffic starts moving a bit more freely, helped in part by the new Westpark Tollway, tenants are giving the area a second look. The Galleria's reasonable rental rates and large blocks of space also help, Little said. The survey revealed other statistics: