HermanPark

Does anyone know what happened to this? Is it dead? It was, in my opinion, one of the nicest looking proposed low/mid-rise buildings.

According to the following, it is still a go.

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial/business/article/New-H-E-B-coming-to-San-Felipe-and-Fountainview-5692834.php?cmpid=email-mobile

I would like to see them gut most of the structure, open it leaving four raised columns to support four "panels" of the roof to span the entire structure. This would leave some memory and tribute to the former structure. They could then bring in materials,large trees, park amenities, play spaces, water / cool spaces etc.. inside the area of the original structure. A pedestrian pathway from Herman Park and / or the HP rail station - traveling through Braeswood Rd. / Braes bayou could be built that would extend to Reliant Park to the Astrodome Park with the path ending near the Fannin light rail station - 4-5 miles total. Pedestrian walk ways to be lighted and patroled with operating hours. The park would serve the interests of the Rodeo, Convention participants and the Texans. The park would be free to the City Residents, but a fee would be incurred to utlize parking. Some revenues drawn from signage. Obviously fund raising and some philanthropic effort would be necessary ( a gift from the blah blah foundation to the City of Houston ). Rodeo / Reliant could also kick in, in exchange for some concessions from the county.

I'd love for this to become reality, but no not the first thing about making it so. I wouldn't even know who to call.

Honestly, I'm not torn up about it in the least. I thought it was another run-of-the-mill concrete block with little elequence. I'm sure that eventually it will be replaced with something far more achitecturaly appealing. Just my opinion of course.

Amen to that. I want steel, etched glass, titanium, curves and angles. Something more interesting, void of the "blue pants, white shoes and the $6.95 early bird special" look.

Does anyone have any connections with the gentlman named in the story below? I wonder if he would consider the Dome a viable candidate for what he would like to do - proximity to TMC etc...

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...1496400^1581793

It was designed by Richard Keating, who was head of the Houston office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He also designed San Felipe Plaza.

Thank you for the information. Very beautiful home. I'm facinated by the many "gems" scattered around town.

Does anyone know who designed / built this home ?

In general, is the upkeep on these type of homes far more expensive or involved than a standard spec home ?

I understand that they are interested in creating and "end zone" facility at Robertson. Is there any chance that they might implode the old building and create a new 30-35K facility? Robertson is way past its prime.

It

That's a good question - the Cohens moved out around 03-04 because of age/mobility (in the Chron article, it mentions there were only three steps between the two levels of the home, and that was too much for Mrs. Cohen to get around). If it were my "baby" I would consider perhaps modifying the steps in part to make them accessible. Anyhow, while O'Quinn kept up the exterior nicely, I can only imagine that there were leaks on the inside (or perhaps an open door) that caused such problems inside.

They also likely failed to utlize proper air conditioning thus creating a mold factory.

I work near this home and decided to pay my respects in person. It is quite striking and beautiful. I would think that someone with sound resources wishing to set themselves apart from the mundane, cookie cutter everything that dots our personal landscapes would want to take this on and rehab the property. Perhaps the current owner can be persuaded to pend his current plans for a set period of time, thus providing a sympathetic realtor enough notice to locate a willing, enthusiastic buyer.

Certainly the current builder has an awareness of the unique context of the property ?