ArchFan

Thanks for clarifying that term.  I've always heard it used in a pejorative way, but the specific meaning was never entirely clear.  Seriously, there could be many possible interpretations, some of which are unpleasant to contemplate!  :-)

I can't envision such dense development (e.g., 200 high-rises)  happening w/o major improvements in our transit infrastructure -- i.e., some form of grade-separated mass transit.  

As a community, we haven't developed a consensus about what kind of city we want to be (say) 30 years in the future.  I think most people are in favor of continued growth, but it seems as if many/most of them don't stop to consider how we might encourage and/or accommodate such growth.  

I'm not sure what to expect in Houston's future.  Perhaps we will grow to the point that -- without infrastructure improvements -- the QOL is so degraded that people and companies move elsewhere.  OTOH, more optimistically, perhaps many people will start living closer to their jobs.    

IIRC, I think The Village Theatre was still nice at least into the early 60s.  As a kid (in the 50s-60s) I went there several times.   However, I do remember that later on there was a porn theatre in Rice Village ... its certainly possible that it operated in the same building, but I can't recall that with certainty.  If so, it wasn't the only formerly nice Houston theatre to go porn for a few years before shutting down for good.

I also remember The Jones Apothecary which had a number of locations in Houston.  On their signs, the letters "ONE" in Jones were made larger, such that at first glance they appeared to read "The ONE Apothecary"

Alfred's had really good deli meats and luscious, thick sandwiches.  To this day, my mouth waters at the thought of them.  While in grad school, I bought beads at The Bead Shop for experimental use.  And, of course, there was Weingarten's.     

In the 50's, my parents rented a house on Darcus Street in Southside Place (adjacent to and just west of West U).  The owner offered sell it to them for $5000.  I wonder what that lot would sell for now!  :-)

There's one concept that seems hidden, but implicit, in this thread.  I.e., that Houston and San Francisco are natural opposites.  Now, I am not necessarily agreeing with one side or the other of such a discussion.  But ... it just occurs to me that human beings like to simplify the world into simple black/white concepts.  So, it seems useful to consider whether we are being rational or just following such an inclination.

Lots of places on this planet have flat topography.  Lots also have climates that involve extended periods of heat and humidity.  Does that mean we should eject them from the planet because they are not like some other places?  Thinking about it that way, it seems like a silly concept to me.

I'm say saying that not because, for instance, that I think everyone should pledge allegiance to living in a "flat, mosquito-infested swamp".  We all want to be safe and comfortable.  However, as our technology advances, places like Houston can become useful and even attractive places to live.   OK, here's my opinionated beef:  I think that some people in this modern age still act like delicate wimps.  Houston today provides many people the wherewithal to make a good living and thereby have the opportunity to travel to (or eventually to live in) places that have climates more to their liking.  In some cases, in places in which they would could not afford to live if they hadn't taken advantage of what Houston has to offer.

I applaud Dallas and Dallasites for trying to do something beyond the bare minimum.  And ... well, while I don't care for this particular Calatrava design, I think that it is something that local people will feel proud of and will also be the subject of many postcard-type photos promoting the city to outsiders.  That is not a bad thing.  Aside from that, there is still the argument as to whether it was money well-spend, regardless of how much of it was funded from taxes vs. private philanthropy.  

As for the Hartman Bridge, I like it.  Unfortunately, very few residents and virtually no visitors ever see it.  So, while attractive, it does nothing to promote the city.

I agree that it would be nice to see the Target property redeveloped as a whole by someone/something that thinks about the overall whole of the development and how it fits in with its neighbors.  But ... well, this is Houston, and based on past experience, I don't pin my hopes on that wish.  To those who are offended by it, I apologize for being negative, but my expectation is that it would be another mishmash, just like what is coming out of Cypress Real Estate Advisors' sale of their properties.  I.e., well, we are in Austin and it coulda turned out a heckuva lot better if the 2008 recession hadn't happened, but (according to them) well it's only Houston and we need to unload our investment there while the market is high.

I live, walk, and work in the area, so I hope I am overly pessimistic.  I think I am more optimistic than MikeRichardson, who's opinion I respect ;-) but I am hoping that we are both overly pessimistic ...

The majority of gay bars have never been on Westheimer. I can really only think of Mary's, Chances/Barn and Chutes. Those have all been replaced by places that gays still frequent.

I hear you.  But ... it occurs to me to wonder if people are trying to maintain a tradition while also transitioning into a time in which bars are no longer such a central part of a "lifestyle" or of a community.

Just a thought.  Its OK if people disagree.  But, to me, the 2010s seem like a very different era culturally than the 1960-70s.  For one thing, I no longer see male hustlers walking shirtless down Westheimer between Hillcroft and Fondren as I did then, with their t-shirts tucked into the back of middle of their jeans.  I mention that just because it strikes me as an obvious change.  Perhaps that observation is a manifestation of a more general phenomenon ... part of which may be that pride parades will not serve the needs of as many gay people in the future as before.

I don't follow the Allen Center / Brookfield threads very closely.  But ... from what I've read, I get the impression that they have been very indecisive ... and also, therefore, have missed many opportunities.  Frankly, I wish a less risk-adverse outfit had bought Allen Center.

Randall Davis and possibly one other.  Let's just say that one or both may just be in the conceptual stage right now.

I have heard that the Target on San Felipe is a very profitable store and that that makes it unlikely they will let go of that property anytime soon.  OTOH, it seems to me that they have way more land tied up in parking lot than they will ever need.

Perhaps they would sell off the excess land before they would close the store and sell that land?

To me, it does seem that RD has done some kitchy stuff, but nevertheless I have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) some of it.  

I have never followed the topic of which architects he uses, but that would be interesting to know.  That said, I do know of one firm that was involved with him, once.  I think it was a painful experience for both parties.

I love how fast this thing is going up.  It's fun that -- even tho' I see it every day -- I am still aware that its growing.  Unlike some other projects that seem to take forever.

It will be interesting to see how the Westcreek developments unfold.  I'm not sure how many of the projects I've heard of will actually happen.  Two of them are condo towers, one is an office tower, and one is a hotel.  I think the patio homes people mentioned a few months back are a long-dead concept, perhaps because they were considered to be "under-developing" the site, what with all the high-rise stuff going up next door.

Las Alamedas closed in 2008, didn't it?

That sounds about right.  Someone (they, or at least family members) eventually opened another Las Alamedas in Cinco Ranch.  The setting is different and they have altered the menu, but the food is good and reminds me of the original location.  They also opened a place in Addicks called Las Ventanas, which strikes me as a bit more casual, but is also good.

As with any place that aspires to be "interior Mexican" here, they both have to walk a fine line between authenticity and appealing to Anglo-Texan tastes.  Fortunately, they both seem to also draw a large number of affluent Spanish-speakers from Mexico, which I guess helps them avoid having to turn the menu into Tex-Mex in order to stay in business.

Yeah, I don't want to be mean to the OP.  But, her post doesn't like that of someone married to a higher-up at XOM.

If I lived near the new XOM campus, the only reason I would worry about a hurricane would be if I had large pine trees near my house!

From reading past discussions about midtown, my expectation is that a lot of people (well, at least those into the "urban-living" concept) would welcome a traditional grocery as long as it didn't appear in the suburban format ... i.e., with a big surface parking lot in front.   Remember all the complaints about suburban-style development in midtown (CVS, Randall's, etc)?

It will be interesting to see whether (or how soon) the downtown population density will encourage development of either style of property nearby.  Perhaps it's likely that the first would be a suburban-style HEB (or the like) in the Eado area near the light rail, such that downtowners would also shop there?

Personally, I can't see why the folks who live in Afton Oaks -- at least those a block or more off Richmond -- would even feel that light rail on Richmond would affect their property values or quality of  life.  For those right on Richmond, it's already such a nasty street ... a wide, bumpy road with lots of speeding traffic and buses ... that I can't see how they could think a light rail line down the middle could make it much worse.  Actually,    I think a light rail project would bring along repaving and landscaping enhancements that would lift their property values.

As for me, I live a bit north of Afton Oaks and I'd be delighted to have light rail running right by my place.  I might or might not use it every day, but would be useful and convenient for me and I don't fear that it would bring "undesirables" into the neighborhood.   Or ... perhaps "undesirable" to some means young inside-the-loop people with money who want to have a convenient way to travel to restaurants and shops in the area?

It is nice to see that there are others out there who remember the family cemetery there. I am old enough (unfortunately for me) to remember the old farm house that was replaced by the K-Mart.  There were other such homesteads sprinkled around (what was later called) the Spring Branch/Memorial area, most of which seemed to have German family names.  

Fortunately, there are many neighborhoods to the south of Long Point that survived as pleasant places to live and finally are doing even better.  I think the proximity to those will make project a win for the developer.  

Admittedly, Long Point itself became junkier over the years and has stayed so.  OTOH, the businesses that have sprung up to served the influx of generally less-affluent Hispanic folks also has made it more interesting.  

Don't know if this helps you or not, but you're not the only one who can't comprehend that. If you ever figure it out, let me know 'cause I'd sure be curious myself.

Well, it's often hard for people to know what it has been like to walk in other peoples' shoes.

Consider this:  what would it feel like to live in a society where most of the people who are willing to publicly state an opinion on a given subject would also be inclined to vilify a minority that does not share that opinion.  Even odder, a minority that (admittedly sometimes only in theory) wants to think they are thinking rationally, rather that just buying into whatever belief system dominates around them.

I don't say this to be mean or to deny your feelings.  Frankly -- and I admit this is a vanity on my part -- but sometimes I think my attitudes are more consistent with the Jesus I was taught about than those who are not so much into that message, as opposed to just being part of the biggest tribe in the neighborhood.

That stone/square tile southern facade was the best thing about this building.  I really hate to have lost that.

Yeah, that was my favorite about this building when I was a kid and it was still a reputable-looking biz address.  It lent a type of aesthetic flair to the building that was not (and is not) common in Houston.  

Hmm, it also occurs to me to comment on seeing "scientists/professionals" and "oil & gas" people attending.  In Houston, I think the O&G industry accounts for a big portion of the "scientist" and/or "PhD" population here.  

I am one of those.  As a guy like that, I feel a strong commitment to trying to think rationally.  But, I also realize that as a human being, that is a goal that one is unlikely to always achieve in all aspects of one's life.  That is based on my own inner reflection, plus having worked with so many natural-science PhDs in my career, some religious, some not.  

Consequently, I think people have a right to hold and express their views.   However, in tandem, we should be vigilant to accord others the same right.

Interesting to hear how the meeting turned out. I think it illustrates how people that (at least appear to) have a common interest can actually be quite diverse.  The lesson I would take from that is that it is good to be careful about painting people with a broad brush.   Even smart humans are still vulnerable to buying into the tribal impulse to punish those who don't appear to be sufficiently loyal to their own tribe.

I am a lifelong atheist (well, since age 10-12 or so).  the few times i went to formal "atheist" meetings when i was young, i didn't meet many people i could relate to.  i would rather have been around smart, but open-minded, theists. 

But ... that doesn't mean that there aren't interesting people to talk to out there, despite how they choose to label themselves.

I too get the retro vibe from this design.  It mainly reminds me of so many 3-winged hotels (often Hyatts) from the 60-70s with circular revolving restaurants on top.  Even the 1957 Dallas Statler Hilton has that general shape (minus the revolving restaurant).

However, the big, undisguised parking podium does make it seem more uniquely Houston.  

That said, I don't hate it.  At least the details of the facade are more interesting than those of The Spires next door. 

Well, among Arkansas-based chains, I would rate Dillard's as more "high-end" than Walmart.  ;-)

I've always thought of Dillard's as being between Macy's and JC Penny on the high/low-endedness scale, but closer to Macy's.  

FWIW, a cousin who worked at Foley's told me they had a tough time matching the prices Dillard's charged.  

On second thought, I can see intermediate stops as being something they might eventually add, over time.   Perhaps once they build up ridership for nonstop long-haul service, they might add some service that includes intermediate stops.  However, it seems like they would have to lay the tracks through such places at the outset. But ... aside from Bryan/College Station, I can't think of anyplace (sort of) between Houston and Dallas that might warrant a stop.

It's been 20 years since I've ridden the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, which itself has 19 million people.  As I recall, that particular train had only one intermediate stop, in Kyoto, which has 1.5 million inhabitants and a huge tourism industry.

My expectation is that they will only have stops at the two end points, downtown Houston and downtown Dallas.  I admit that it would be nice for us if we could leverage this project to get high-speed commuter rail between downtown Houston and IAH and The Woodlands, but I think their priority is minimizing the travel time between the endpoints.  Incidentally, Dallas won't need a reciprocal stop at DFW since in August they are opening high speed (well, up to 65 MPH) light rail service between DFW and their downtown.

Tokyo is the center of a dense metro area with 35 million people, the world's largest.  I'd be reluctant to use it as an analog for either Houston or Dallas, with metro populations of 6-7 million.