Racerford

This thread has nothing to do with hurting your brother, or his wife's, feelings. This thread is about a concrete-block (thanks Red for the correction below) home that sticks out like a sore thumb in one of Houston's most traditional, and architecturally significant neighborhoods. No one here would give two thoughts to a home like that going up off of Washington, east of downtown in the Warehouse district, the 4th ward, or perhaps even Midtown.

I don't understand what's so adventurous about building an ugly, out of place home? Heres a picture of mine if you like:

Sure I live in a suburban hell. Yes I live in a cookie-cutter, in a subdivision that is most certainly the product of sprawl. At least my home is of the same style as the other homes. Let's see some other HAIF member homes while we're at it.

Obviously the world is watching, just by proof of this thread about your brother's ugly house.

Actually, it is very clear from the original post, and others that followed, that this thread is about insulting someone's house, and therefore them.

My condolences to you for chosing to live in that "cookie cutter" house that lacks, style and personality.

Have you actually driven down Algregg? It is an eclectic mix of styles, 20's clapboard (not Victorian, that's further west), 40's brick, 80's townhomes, Fiesta, Discotecha Puma, pseudo-Victorian McMansions around the corner and down the street. The home on one side is abandoned, the bungalow on the other is owned by my brother. It will be moved. He has lived in that home for over 25 years.

He is not concerned for resale, he built what he wanted and intends to stay there for at least another 25 years. He is not stupid, and he knows he has limited his resale.

He discussed his plans for a home with his neighbors for 3 years before he built, noone said a word of objection.

He is not worried about a Neighborhood Night Out, he has BBQ's with his neighbors.

Don't buy a house in Houston, that is not in a homeowners association, or in a historic district, if you want to control what kind of house (strike that, what structure, as it could easily be a business in Houston, as it has no zoning to speak of) will be built next to you.

Also, I do not believe CMU's are available in split-face on 3 sides.

I can see why the 2 car driveway and garage is not the favorite of some, but it is not atypical of the new construction in the area. As someone who has lived in an area with alleys and rear entry garages a number of times, they look good from the front, but limit contact with your neighbors and reduce backyards. The 50 foot lots on Algregg are not conducive to homes bigger than 1200 square ft, with front entry, rear of the lot garages.

I personally believe that the 3-4 story McMansions, conjoined townhomes, are a bigger blight on the neighborhood than my brother's house and they were built first, ruining the sense of cohesive style that some of you think existed (it didn't exist when he first moved there over 25 years ago either).

I'm sure the people in the adjoining bungalow are thrilled having that next door.

Actually, they are.

Several of you need a lesson in manners.

Some of you need a lesson in architecture and style.

Some of you need a lesson in construction.

Someone is building that house to live in. They are my brother and his wife. Your comments are purposefully hurtful. That shows your intellectual capacity, maturity, and lack of foresight. He is a lot bigger than you. Fortunately for you, he has a good sense of humor. I will be very cross with you, if you have hurt her feelings. I doubt you have, as I am sure she realizes what small minded people some of you are.

Architecturally, the exterior is more of an industrial style, inside quasi loft. The lack of windows is a personal choice, and is a bit of a privacy issue. The lots are small and you are close to the street and neighbors. The street facing windows are high, reminiscent of some Frank Lloyd Wright designs or mid-century modern. They provide light and maintain privacy. Residential construction code sets requirements for egress from bedrooms. Some of you strike me as architectural snobs with no sense of adventure. While it is not the house I would/did build, I respect them building the house they want and that fits their style. It is sad you have nothing better to do with your life than criticize someone else's home on the internet. Post you house up for criticism!

The house is not "cinder block". It is reinforced concrete block. The components and strength are very different. As someone noted, concrete block is a good construction method for Houston. It is very common in Florida, where they are subject to hurricanes and termites, as well. By the way, there is a front door on the street side.

The world is a very small place, try to be nice. The world is watching.