trymahjong

In the Chronicle this morning I'm seeing a few pieces of the puzzle on why Roots bistro might closed maybe it wasn't the electrical stuff afterall- German Mosquera, is now at Cinq http://www.chron.com/default/article/Unpredictable-Cinq-can-dazzle-4747431.php

I saw the sign today at 507 Westheimer. Roots Bistro wouldn't commit to hosting the Avondale Asso Social gathering for Spring or Summer, but kept deferring that "Corporate Office" had to make decision. This seemed strange to me as I thought most of the people involved were local----- those (wait staff and chef) that had walked out on Ruggles down the street. There was a sign on the door at Roots that said "Electrical Problems". I read the article in Houston Press that said one of the 5 best plates of Enchiladas were served at Radical Eats, 507 Westheimer. I was puzzled then the street sign changed to Radical Eats. I'm hoping this venue doesn't have that whiff of cursed . . .

http://blog.chron.com/29-95/2013/08/chef-mark-holley-to-open-his-own-midtown-seafood-restaurant/ I think I posted something on this last January. My family met the chef while we celebrated a birthday at Lucy's Ethiopian on SW freeway---at that time he talked to us about his search for a suitable restaurant site and how he steered clear of "cursed" properties (he mentioned Taft at Westheimer) he told us he was CONSIDERING Thai Sticks on Montrose but guess he found a better site at Sushi Raku.

This thread and the one about what is proposed for the SW corner of Montrose and Westheimer seem very similar--

I've posted this before but each time I see these renderings I wonder why the notion of a Shakespeare Garden never came to anyone's mind? I have been to the New York Botanical Garden when they did Mark Twain's, Emily Dickensons, and Monet's Garden as special events--they were so lovely.

I'm really glad MMD used State funds-----I'm still hoping for beautification of Montrose Public places. . . . . . Maybe not possible to the same extent as the Galleria- but still I'd like to see some "wow" factor

got an email from the Montrose Management District-- Breaking News: the Texas Transportation Commission received their recommended list of projects from staff and voted to approve the Montrose Management District’s application for funding to re-light the bridges over US Hwy 59 at their meeting Thursday morning. This project will replace the non-functioning original light strands with a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that not only will bring back the illumination that has been missing from the US 59 corridor for almost ten years, but will also create a safer environment both below the bridge decking and also for vehicular & pedestrian traffic on the bridges. The linkage provided by the Montrose bridge cannot be understated. Montrose is the only north/south connector west of the Central Business District that connects traffic from the heavily traveled I-10 to the Medical Center. The bridges not only provide a vital mobility link to communities on both sides, but also are a source of pride for the entire region due to their iconic nature. then I googled this: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/m-grant-awarded-for-lighting-of-bridges-over-hwy/article_b4584127-5b33-5eb0-ad79-dd1d1239f519.html

thanks for those pictures--I'm looking forward to the dedication Aug 10

Sorry--- I posted after reading on the yahoo group---really sorry

there wasn't any beer or wine offered either :/

http://glasstire.com/2013/07/22/the-public-in-public-art-houston-community-helps-create-funnel-tunnel/ The Art League made it's presentation at the Neartown meeting tonite- It looks great and I like the homage to the "Art Guys" Inversion. The dedication is August 10.

When I heard at the January Neartown meeting, Kirk Baxter's presentation concerning a Memorial for Mary's Bar-------Kirk said he had approached the owners (Wetheimer and Montrose property) and gave his presentation, asking if the memorial might be built on the SE corner of Yoakum and Westheimer. He said the owners were receptive, and he thought it would be mixed use development, mentioning that the plans had already been shown to Mayor Parker.

There was a huge moving truck outside today--What's going on?

I like the building and the patio does get a great view of downtown------but it never seemed to draw much business.

about that bar . . . . . . . . why they never tried to offer draft beer-really puzzled me, especially as the ground swell of draft/craft brew mania started to swell. I don't think Boheme or Cuchara offered draft/craft and I think Ziggy/Grafitti only offers St Arnolds on draft (although this week I think they are spotlighting Lone Pint Brewery from Magnolia) So (IMO) showcasing a few local craft beers on tap-----------might have brought in more customers.

It never seemed to gain a foothold in that area. The Fairview did a deal to share parking with Boheme but it still didn't get many customers. They seemed to try everything--built that patio, movie night, trivia night. . . . . .

This really isn't big news. The business never really grew successful. A few months ago,one of the owners shared this would probably happen, speculating that a yoga studio would take over. Looks like they are selling off the furniture.

Got this from Ellen Cohen newsletter: Council Member Cohen and her colleagues on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee received a presentation from Director Mario Diaz of the Houston Airport System regarding the viability of planning for a future commercial spaceport in Houston. Director Diaz noted that Houston's Ellington Field Airport is particularly well-positioned for becoming a global hub for commercial spaceflight due to Houston's current aerospace infrastructure within the NASA community and our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Latin America.

I had just about given up that anything would move the lower Montrose streets toward the top of the COH list of streets to be repairs but got this email from the Avondale group (which sends members to observe and report on special meetings that impact Avondale) >. . . important points came out at the Montrose Mgmt (MMD) meeting today. > > Due to the high volume of 311 complaints filed for Westheimer and Montrose streets, the city public works are considering raising the priority of lower Westheimer and Montrose in the CIP. The Chairman of MMD expressed optimism that these streets will be included early; but, its not a done deal. > Then I got this email on the same thread: The Management District has been a justified critic of the current CIP black box priority spending from the onset. THe MD voiced its concern in the CIP roll out meeting after having done a comprehensive street by street analysis within Montrose that was ignored by the City. See their article: http://montrosedistrict.org/streets-of-montrose-why-3-1-1-is-not-like-american-idol/ on CIP meeting and 311 program.

I drove by today and it looks like The Right Step has purchased the building.

okay so all beige on everything that stays with the house when you move--- then you do color in furniture, rugs and art? Now about art--------Big art? using most of wall space or small art done in sets to take up wall space?

I guess I'll be among the first to start a discussion: Everything you hear about decorating is all about "Neutrals" Most of the discussion includes the fact that neutrals are better when it comes time to sell your house. Is that the way it works?

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/05/17/maxs-wine-dive-to-open-new-location.html I suppose they will share parking with Cuchara?

a small blurb that caught my eye in today's business section--- re: Bus station's location . Inviting other issues during the question-and-answer portion of her talk, Parker was asked if the Greyhound bus station would ever move from 2121 Main. She said the possibility is high on the agenda of Andy Icken, the city's chief development officer. But she acknowledged that finding a new place for the station would be a "NIMBY issue," referring to the "Not in my backyard" argument. "You have to site it in an area where it won't cause pitchforks and burning tar to come from the neighborhood," she said. "And it has to be somewhere where it's accessible to the bus system." She said the city is "actively participating in discussions on what alternative sites could be http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Narrowing-the-distance-between-street-tunnel-4516479.php

I read this article in todays chronicle. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/real-estate/article/Narrowing-the-distance-between-street-tunnel-4516479.php I'm not sure where the funding would come from but I like the idea of connecting the levels--- An open space that allows you to view a bit of what eateries and retail are on the lower level.