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travelguy_73

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Everything posted by travelguy_73

  1. travelguy_73
    They way I see it, the design firm had two options: Ultra-modern-design-statement or something more traditional with a nod to the past. Not surprisingly, they (and the City) chose the safer route. I find the design to be a bit tame (why not really go retro and mimic a true classic?), but it is certainly not atrocious and better than many of the totally non-descript fire stations across the city.
  2. travelguy_73
    I guess it comes down to whether or not the customer is particular. I am too picky with my car and notice everything from the remaining grime below the bumper to the brake dust still inside the wheels. If I didn't care, or I had a car that was exceptionally easy to wash (I recall the last gen Honda Accord winning some 'easiest car to wash' award), then I think I would use them more often. I suppose my honeycomb grill and 18" wheels just aren't made for an automated system. Plus, from the business side, they are around to make money. So they use just enough water to barely rinse off the car, and employ people who most certainly are not making a career out of washing a car. That is completely understandable, but it does have an impact on quality. The funny thing is, when I was in high school, I actually WANTED to work at my local Wash Tub in Alamo Heights. I thought it would be cool to wash fancy cars all day. Sadly I ended up mowing lawns during the summer.
  3. travelguy_73
    90% of the time I do it myself simply because the automatic systems miss so many places and tend to throw dirt from one vehicle to the next. However, when I do get it done, I use Mister Car Wash on Kirby (like, it seems, half the inner loop population). In theory, Bubbles hand washing should be more effective, but in my experience they use filthy mitts and the employees don't really pay attention to what they are doing, completing negating any hand-washing benefit.
  4. travelguy_73
    It does sound counterintuitive, but a leaseback is common in any industry where the owner has large capital requirements and needs to free up cash for future expansion while retaining use of the property. The transaction will also good for the buyer of the St. Lukes because they can pretty much count on the Health System being a long-term tenant, which makes financing the purchase that much easier.
  5. travelguy_73
    With 5000 homes, was it EVER hidden? My first house was in the Parkwest section of Westbury, and it wasn't really even hidden back then! Paid just under $100k for it in '98 and sold in '01 for around $150k, with barely a dime invested. That same house is probably around $200k now.
  6. travelguy_73
    I believe the historic tax exemption is set to end in the next few years, so some research here would be in order should you decide to pursue a unit in Franklin.
  7. travelguy_73
    Second that...I believe that one of the apartment buildings was purchased and razed for additional parking. I have friends whose big old Craftsman now has a view of Montrose (not that this is any worse than a view of the old apartment building).
  8. travelguy_73
    I seriously want that low table in front of the LR window! Wonder what happened to the furniture? Was it an estate sale? Any idea of the flipper's price expectation?
  9. travelguy_73
    Doesn't the downtown sign ordinance prevent logos/names on the top of buildings? Of course, Hilton has their name on their building, so perhaps the prohibition is for non-lodging businesses?
  10. travelguy_73
    Though I don't care so much about the schools, from a search engine standpoint, this is another piece of info that someone outside HAIF might find interesting. For better or worse, we stopped focusing exclusively on architecture a long time ago, LOL. Besides, everyone on here has their role at HAIF. There are the preservationists, anti-zoners, rail lovers, real estate insiders, etc. Vic happens to be the school zoning guy .
  11. travelguy_73
    This is the first non-foreclosure, non-auction listing I have seen where there has been a sealed bid process. Experts out there, does it really bring a higher price or is it a gimmick to bring interest to a property? Are they required to take the highest bid?
  12. travelguy_73
    Has anyone contacted the Appraisal District about that house? I'm sure they would be interested to know that the house is actually in decent shape otherwise. If the taxes go up regardless of what leaves in the yard, perhaps he will just give up and move. That house is my dream come true!
  13. travelguy_73
    it's Kroger...arguably the best Kroger in the city. Thankfully, AFAIK, that section is not part of the teardown plan.
  14. travelguy_73
    Hines specialty is taking on complex projects (two good examples are South Station in Boston and Cannon Street in London), so I imagine that they know exactly what to do to keep the parking garage and building terraces in good order as well as minimizing inconvenience to surrounding businesses. FYI, the Hines-built Calpine building has a garage terrace as well.
  15. travelguy_73
    We'll see the renderings w/in a couple of weeks when the building and name are officially announced. Then we will finally be able to rename this thread, LOL.
  16. travelguy_73
    Danax, thanks so much for the pictures. Before I sold my place in Idylwood in 2005, I would attend the superneighborhood meetings and sat through numerous presentations by HCFCD. The renderings for the Idylwood section of Brays were impressive, and I am excited to see work begin on that section (seems like they were set to be finished by now...guess that schedule was a bit aggressive).
  17. travelguy_73
    Midtown Randall's is the closest store to me, but I avoid it for all but pharmacy purchases. The service is terrible, the selection isn't that great (we have been spoiled by Kroger on Gray), and I grow tired of being asked for money by the people that they let loiter in the parking lot. I don't know if they are more expensive than Kroger, but there is more to grocery shopping than prices. Service is really important to me, and I don't think their front end staff does a good job (must be tough to get decent checkers and baggers these days). I especially dislike that they attempt to call me by my name. It isn't providing personal service when you can read it off the receipt! I would love to see another chain (especially HEB) take it over.
  18. travelguy_73
    Prices are definitely on the rise. I bought my first home there (actually in Parkwest, which is basically Westbury). The value is up about 30% since I sold in 01. With Meyerland out of reach of the average homeowner (I realize it has been for a while), and Willow Meadows, Maplewood, et al, going the same directions, Westbury and Willowbend are the next logical choice.
  19. travelguy_73
    65% sold is impressive given that they aren't on MLS (that I've seen) and their website favors form over any kind of function! As far as the area booming, I will say that it does seem to be moving along rather steadily. New townhomes are going up everywhere and a new apartment complex (Canal Place) just opened across 59.
  20. travelguy_73
    History of flooding notwithstanding, wouldn't the Willow Waterhole project as well as the overall Project Brays alleviate the flooding issues in this area?
  21. travelguy_73
    HCFCD's charter is to reduce flooding in the county, so their primary goal (and the only thing they can spend funds on) is flood control. However, they have stated that where they can assist in beautification they will. After all, flood control doesn't have to be all concrete-lined storm sewers! Willow Waterhole and Mason Park are two good examples of that.
  22. travelguy_73
    BoConcept isn't new to Houston. A number of years ago they had a store at Town and Country, which closed (I think) in 2001. I always thought their previous location was ill-placed. Highland Village should prove to be the right move. I have a sofa and bed from the old store and they have held up very well. They have a nice selection of modern furniture!
  23. travelguy_73
    Are they even doing balconies? It looks like the majority of windows have been installed, but from the street they appear to be just windows, no doors. How very NYC to have to climb out a window to access a fire esc...ummm, balcony.
  24. travelguy_73
    I go by there occasionally and haven't seen much in the way of progress in the past couple of months (as opposed to Eastside on Downling, which now appears to have activity after a long time of nothing).
  25. travelguy_73
    Had dinner at Yapa this week. They don't have their liquor license yet, so they are serving wine gratis. Food was excellent, service was really good, and prices are about average.
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