CHiPs

I'm considering buying a house in the Northwest part of Houston (Mangum Manor/Oak Forest area), specifically between Mangum and Antoine. Is this a "safe" area? Does 43rd St flood? What about crime? traffic? Trains? I appreciate any information.

-AV

I thought you said you lived near Jackson Jr High area? Thats a far cry from Broadmoor.

This area is coming back I would hang in there truthfully. Remember anywhere else that looks attractive may have high taxes to pay and that makes a big difference for many.

See Sunnyland topic, they are still giving these homes away, thats another reason (some smart ones) are tearing down the older tiny homes and building brand spanking new homes throughout. Come drive around and see for yourself. Thats your best advice, see for yourself and ignore the negative jabs from lurkers here.

and no I am not a realtor, etc we just want good new neighbors like it used to be.

I do. I want to stay in the East End. My girlfriend thinks I should look elsewhere. I see potential and optimistic about the future of the area. She doesn't (she's stays near Oak Forest, so she thinks this place is the "slums"). I tell her it's improving.

Also there will supposedly be a companion piece of legislation which will limit just how much concrete your total yard can be which hopefully will prevent people from paving their whole front yard.

Was there mention if this is for future paving? Will the limit of concrete already in place be grandfathered in?

It's really touching to see these homes being restored or upgraded especially to those of us that grew up here and remember these homes when they were in their orginal state of beauty.

Here is another tip most newcomers to the city are clueless about this area. Most of these 2 story homes have fantastic views of the downtown skyline. I thank mother nature for helping to knock down these old rotted trees after the recent storm. Not all of it was bad, with these dead trees removed, now these homes have these wonderful views day AND night. I can see DT Continental Airlines tower from my window as I type this note to the world. and we are over near 45 and Wayside!

There are some 2 level homes surrounding Triangle Park and I cannot believe they have not added a 2nd story balconies or a vast upstairs porch to catch the daily sunrise to sunset views. Perhaps its a $ thing?

This is another reason everyone should not have fled for the burbs! Come back...come back!

I've been asking myself lately. "To flee or not to flee? That is the question."

Conducting some research on the East End neighborhood Forest Hill. Can anyone tell me what Forest Hill is experiencing now? (Homeowners vs Renters, crime, flooding, traffic, home values) Is it going through a revitalization? Is it really that bad that it's next to a cemetery? Diversity mix? I appreciate the feedback.

Does magic Johnson still on the Marq-e?

Why didn't he turn the theature into one of his own?

Is this place still open?

Isn't the Marq-e going through renovation? I thought I saw asign it was be completed by Dec 2009...Maybe Mr. Johnson can bring some "magic" to that place...the construction really put a damper on business and didn't make it any easier to get to. That place is looking more and more like a ghost town each year.

as someone who may have some infuence on what happens to that old, ugly car lot on lockwood and harrisburg, across the street from the old s&s. what do yall suggest for a business there? i was thinking a full service gas station, car wash, inspection, food mart type set up. any other suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

A nice cafe ala Brasil. Would have nice view of the DT skyline and the Metro rail...just my 2 pesos.

Okay,

this is my first time on this forum so I am not sure how this will print out.

I bought in 2000 and love the area! It is close to everthing! As for crime, look at what is happening in the heights with all the breakend, Pearland.... No place is safe proof. In 9 years I had my garage broken into and just had garden stuff taken. Very minor concidering my friends in montrose and the hieghts cannot leave anything on their porches without it disappearing over night. We have chairs, tables, and pots on the porch and never disappeared. My friends in these more expensive areas all have had their garages broken into as well.

As for foundation work and street flooding. Look into timergrove, west U, westbury, all these places flood. During tropical storm allison the streets in all Houston flooded, but in our home nothing came into the house. Look at the tropical storm allison recovery web page type in the street address and find out if it is in a floodway, flood zone. Most of these expensive areas are Broadmoor is not! As four foundation all houston houses have foundation issues. So dont let that scare you either.

This is a great neighbohhod!!! One thing that would improve it would be to not allow people to park on their lawns. This makes the area look less greener and more getto. I know all my neighbors! I do hope more owners buy into the area and stop renting them out. The area has a good percentage of rentals but have noticed that the renter quality is getting much better every year.

I think anyone buying into this area will see that the perciption is not the reality!!!!

Welcome to HAIF! You're right, the area is improving. I've lived near Eastwood most of my life and love it!. I'm optimistic that Broadmoor will become a very desirable place in the near future. Eastwood is already experiencing it. Now that I'm looking for a home friends and family question my decision to stay in the East End. I just made an offer on a home nearby. God willing, the deal goes through, I'll be a happy clam!

Link: http://www.loopnet.com/property/16020546/1...Lawndale-Plaza/

I grew up looking at this one, close to Forest Hill. It's for sale, now. Reminds me of the ones by the VA Hospital (apts. recently torn down), and Wilshire, as well, although not as fancy. Others I remember were the Patricia Manor (Cedar shake -style, by Southmayd - Ingrando Park), the ones by Gulfgate, in the old trees, behind Wendy's, and all the ones on Park Place, close to Broadway. Which ones do you remember?

Just looked up the Lawndale Plaza apts. in HCAD, built in 1945.

Hopefully someone reputable and professional will pick it up and revitalize the whole complex. It's a great location. Close to shopping, DT, 45, Wortham Golf Course, and Mason Park.

It's a miracle what they have done with that BIG 2 story home on Broadmoor/Sharpe is it? One block in from 45 rather. That was "given away" for a mere $40,000.00. Been talking with the ones remodeling, has 4 brms & 3 restrooms, very rare buy for the area. I hope a professional group of folks/family move in. To hell with renting this is prime location people!

Looks like there remodeling instead of rehabbing. Green roofing shingles?..oh well... At least they're doing something to it. I drive by there all the time. I would always see wannabes hanging out there all time giving me a dirty look, as if I was a threat...please. It's a great location.

Thought this was an interesting article on one of the contractor names I've grown up with, Tellepsen Construction Co. (I actually saw the name Tellepsen on the bldg. construction sign on my Foleys-Pasadena post). Very interesting. There is also a little article on the Maxwell House Bldg. Thank you Bob Bailey!

http://www.eastwood-houston.com/Eastwood_V.../EV_2006_01.pdf

It's an amazing house and a rich history. Wonder who owns it now.

No, quiet zones do not involve walls. Walls would require more funding and more red tape to get approved. These zones will be similar to what you see along Westheimer (Just West of Central Market and Highland Village), Richmond and San Felipe.

Also, from what I understand, not all of these proposed Quiet Zones will be implemented right away. As mentioned before, some could take a decade to complete.

I think routes A, B and C already exist as quiet zones (Sawyer area will notice this) and Routes 1-6 are Tier I (Highest Priority, Construction to begin 6/09) and the rest falling between Tier II and Tier III areas. I'm guessing Tier II and Tier III are going to fall under future Fiscal budgets.

This is good news, since I'm near Route #1!

I've doing some research about Park Place subdivision, specifically the neighborhood bounded by 45, 610, and Broadway. Can anyone tell me where I can find recent information? (crime stats, demographics, traffic). Someone who lives in that area now would be very helpful. I appreciate the feedback.

Wow after all these years! They (DPS) finally moved. The old spot was so inadequate. The Fire Marshall must or should have issued that joint fines for crowding so many into that outdated shack.

That area must be a very old section of the city. I do not recall anyone ever bringing it up on Haif? Check out the craftsman homes one pleasant evening. They must date to the 1910-20's? I bet Isuredid can find some good maps and stories on this nabe.

We calleth out to the Isuredid!

anyone know what will happen to the old DPS site on Dover?

It seems to me it will keep more jobs in the area, reduce westward sprawl, and save the company money.

Most of the employees live on the outskirts anyway...selling/moving would give an oppportunity for future development (housing, retail, green space, commercial)..something that is much needed in the area...KBR moving would benefit both sides...imo

I live three blocks from there. I can confirm it. All the warehouses have been torn down.

I put together the flyer with the help of the East End Chamber of Commerce. I'm working on a revised copy with more information -- I was just anxious to get something out there for people to start looking at. Let me know of any mistakes and I'll fix them.

This is great! I appreciate the information. Glad people in our community care. I'll be sure to voice my opinion.

My husband and neighbors who saw the guy said he's a Latino man in his 40's

que clique...los viejos locos

aye buey

a man in his 40's being initiated? unlikely...but I hear using drugs can make someone look 10 years older.

Yes. I remember this place when I was kid. My friend used to work at the movies there.

My best-friend (and still is) used to work at Service Merchandise. Who remember's "Oak Tree"? (hip-hopish style of clothing)...bought some plaid overalls that were in style back then...lol.

Security from the Hines building where I work were summoned to 1100 Louisiana yesterday afternoon. He apparently jumped from the 5th or 6th floor of the parking garage where the BBQ place is. I heard he hit some people on the sidewalk, but have no confirmation of that. I also heard that people were quite shocked when exiting the building. Now, that I can believe!

Wow, I didn't hear anything on the news about this..

The Magnolia Park Historical Preservation Association (MPHPA) would like to thank the Greater East End District for graciously sponsoring the Texas Historical Commission marker honoring the community of Magnolia Park's history that will be installed in Hidalgo Park later this year.

That's great news! Keep us posted.

thats pretty...interesting.

rainforest cafe in a mall...hmm

umm..there's a Rainforest Cafe at Katy Mills.

500 Fannin St., downtown

Great job! I will be visiting for sure.... I am a regular visitor to the area and have found myself many times around 2-4a.m. looking for a place to eat.

I'll stop by for lunch.

Stewart Cadillac's location serves it quite well, and it does a good job of serving its clientele. Not all Midtown dealers can be fashionably chic like Momentum BMW, with its 2nd story showroom putting new Bangle-Butt, iDrive disasters (sorry, but I'm more of a Benz guy!) right at eye level with traffic going down the Pierce Elevated. I can already picture the rubbernecking now. "Hey, Bob, take a look at that badass red 7 series in the showroom!" "Wait, lemme slow down, I can't see it well enough!"

I agree, it's a distraction...I'll admit, I do glance, but a visitor maybe more inclined to turn their head, which is a concern.