Evans-Davis
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Posts posted by Evans-Davis
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Not to worry...the HAHC will likely turn down the demo request. However, as we all know too well, it will be just 90-days and then they can do what they want. I co-chaired the Houston Heights Historic District East petition drive and have spoken many times before the HAHC. I am sorry to see Proctor Plaza facing this situation. However, I am pleased to see another neighborhood rising up to protest. If I might make a request, please offer a few words about the need for strengthening the ordinance so that no means no. Houston Heights feels like it is battling this fight all alone. There is strength in numbers.
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Sorry. We didn't see any mold in the basement. In fact, I thought it odd that we didn't see any. That is where we entered. We traveled through the basement up to the sanctuary and then up to the balcony. Again, this is not a building that should come down. If there are people interested in buying it, people who are knowledgeable about renovation and rehabilitation, why not let them buy it? They obviously believe it to be worth saving. The estimated cost to shore it up is $30,000 or about half the cost of demolition. Securing the building leaves options available. Bulldozing is permanent.
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Here are some photos taken during our tour inside this morning. It is in good shape. The building is a rock. There are some problems. However, as is usually the case, these are not serious enough to be a death sentence. This is simply not a building that should come down. especially when one considers it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As of this morning, there is now interest from at least two potential buyers. Another option that hasn't been discussed is a land lease. In that situation the church doesn't lose the land. There are all kinds of uses for this structure. There just has to be willingness to consider them. I do hope that members of the congregation will participate, or at the very least, avail themselves of the historic commission hearing. It's a very good process for gaining information about the value of these treasures to our community.
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A representative of the church was reached yesterday. He says they have no plans for the property after demolition. They are pursuing this option because they don't believe it is right to allow a building to sit and deteriorate. They say they have looked at all possible options - they just don't have the dollars needed to renovate. They understand the neighborhood's concerns and expect there could be intense opposition, including protests. They are willing to continue to listen and are open to ideas that might provide funding. Demolition will cost approximately $60,000. That would seem to be a good down payment on securing the structure. Demolition never allows for any reconsideration of options later.
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Esperanza Day Care on Heights Boulevard. They are very popular so you would be wise to check on spring availability now. Another option is Gonzales Day Care on Rutland. Much smaller than Esperanza and they only take kids up to kindergarten. Our daughter spent her first five years there and then we moved to Esperanza for after school care during the grade school years.
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Here's a photo:
The demo application has been submitted tot he city's historic preservation office. It will be considered by the historic commission on October 22. I have no doubt it will be denied. They will then have to wait 90-days. The actual demo permit doesn't show up in the city's online system until it is issued at the end of the 90-days.
The Chron article included in an earlier post did a good job of summarizing the situation. I believe they want more office and classroom space. As the article noted, however, a new building would have to comply with current setbacks and parking requirements. The existing structure is built with a zero lot line. The goal in 2002 was to find a way to renovate the church and still meet the needs for the additional space. It would still be the goal.
The information presented a year ago included the National Register entry, which was also included in an earlier post here, some information compiled following a visit by a representative of the Texas Historical Commission and some letters urging no demolition. The THC reports read as if a plan had been reached for renovation.
We are attempting to contact the church for a meeting. The sad thing is that it appears there has been no maintenance since 2002, meaning another seven years for deterioration.
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A demo application is pending for the old Immanuel Luthern church at the corner of 15th and Cortlandt. The request will be considered at this month's historic commission meeting. It is sad that the church seems determined to bulldoze this structure, which is not only part of the Houston Heights Historic Disticts but is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several years ago, there were efforts aimed at saving the building. A neighbor who lives across the street was even willing to pledge some dollars toward the restoration. Thing quieted down until about a year and a half ago when the church again requested information on its options. I prepared a packet for them and then never heard another word. I wonder if there is unity on this issue within the congregation. Perhaps an online petition is in order. Anyone have other ideas?
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I was going to post a recap but I was beaten to the punch. Glad to see good comments about last night's meeting. That was the goal. I have to applaud the city in this instance. They took to heart the neighborhood's concerns and came back with a workable alternative that will save the majority of the trees. Yea!
If you want to express an opinion about the alternative or have questions, please direct them to Laura Thorp in CM Gonzalez' office. Her email is: laura.thorp@cityofhouston.net
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A call to their Conroe location indicates an opening in the Heights in mid-November
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The October meeting of the Houston Heights Association Land Use group is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. at the fire station, 12th and Yale. City public works representatives will be on hand to provide an update on the Yale Street improvement project. This is an update on what they have been working on since they last visited us last spring, including concerns about the Oak Trees. Let your neighbors who might be interested know.
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Re: 19th Street -- I haven't seen the Picnic restaurant, but a block or two further to the west I noticed that Pie In the Sky is opening a spot.
I just checked out the Pie in the Sky Web site for their Conroe location. Looks good and nice prices! Anyone know when the Heights location will open?
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Wow! I know this is an old post, but I wanted to look at the houses being demolished and a picture of the house I purchased (1228 Arlington) was posted! Let me tell you, it was a nightmare and in hindsight, I would not have done it. The little bungalow was in very good condition compared to others I'd looked at...although I had no idea there were so many available for sale...but the City of Houston made it a painful and expensive process, along with the house movers being dishonest. Neighbors were not happy and complained, which I can understand since it was leaving The Heights, but at least it wasn't going to be razed. The request to move the house received the standard rejection with a 90-day waiting period, then problems with permits, etc. End result...the house moved a couple of months late, cut in half (I knew that up-front) and entire roof removed...the week Ike came through. Rains flooded the house and ruined the interior. A year later and I am still working on it. Shame, because it was livable the way that it was, with the exception of upgrading the wiring and plumbing.
Very interesting insight. Thank you for understanding the value of these houses. I've always wanted to know what happens to those relocated out of the neighborhood. One that used to be next door to us was moved to Brooksmith on the other side of North Main three years ago. They removed the roof and cleared the lot of all landscaping the former owner had worked so hard to establish during the approximately 10 years he lived there. A year later the house had a new roof, but remained unfinished. It has since been purchased by yet another rehabber and moved again. I have no idea where it is now.
While taking a rather circuitous route to the Target yesterday I came upon a rather forelorn-looking bungalow in an empty lot on the other side of the David Addicks studio. It was obviously adorable at one time, but now looks to be in very bad shape and is open to the elements. Who knows how long it is has been there. I wonder how many wind up this way? Does anyone have any additional information on the subject? It would be good to know because despite efforts to inform otherwise, there is still the perception that relocation is somehow a less offensive alternative to demolition. This is not true if the house is in one of the historic districts where each part contributes to the whole.
On a more positive note, one of the houses I believe was pictured in the previous post was not bulldozed. A year after the owners sought permission to demo they have returned to the historic commission with plans for an addition. Those plans received approval last Thursday. Yea!
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The original plans for the corner of 11th and Heights have been scrapped. The big blue house is being moved over one lot to the north. A new house will be built on the corner. The strip center is no longer part of the plans. This is a good outcome.
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Does anyone happen to have the new phone number and email for Dolan, the House Doctor? We got a number and email thanks to the Woodland Heights bulletin board, but both turned out to be inactive. We have some minor work to be done on the garage before new garage doors go in.
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You're Invited!
Meet and Greet for City Council At-Large Position One Candidate Stephen Costello
When: Thursday, July 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Where: 501 E 16th St
Hosts: Janice Evans-Davis and Bart Truxillo
It's a city election year and that means it's time to get familiar with the candidates so you'll be able to make informed decisions in November. We are holding a neighborhood meet and greet for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 Candidate Stephen Costello Thursday, July 9 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Stephen is President and co-founder of Costello, Inc., a full-service civil engineering firm based in Houston, and a 13-year board member and 4-year board chairman of the Memorial Park Conservancy. He brings a unique backgrond to the campaign: an expertise in drainage and flood issues, working with City Hall to improve and expand our green spaces, and working to keep more police on the streets.
We encourage any Heights resident to drop by with any questions you may have about city and community topics that are important to you or your family. For more on Stephen and his background check out his Website at: http://www.stephenco...oforcouncil.org
Heights residents don't forget this meet and greet for Houston City Council At-Large Position One Candidate Stephen Costello. Stephen is running for the seat currently held by Peter Brown. Drop by any time between 6:30 and 8 July 9 (Thursday) to find out where Stephen stands on issues important to you. He's one of five candidates running for this seat.
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That's the thing... In this map from HoustonHeights.org, the southern boundary is I-10:
But in the Heights' very own bylaws, they say that the boundary for the Heights is such:
"The geographic area shall be bounded North Loop 6910 on the north, North Durham Drive on the west, Washington Avenue on the south, Studewood on the east, and North Main on the northeast."
So which is it?
The boundaries for Houston Heights and the Houston Heights Association are different. HHA's umbrella includes numerous subdivisions in the area bounded by the North Loop, Durham, Washington Avenue, Studewood and North Main.
The subdivision that is Houston Heights has the boundaries in the map above.
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The article mentions property-tax exemptions are available for restoration work on homes in the neighborhood's city-designated historic districts. Anyone know where I can find more information on this?
Right here. http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/historic...ts_brochure.pdf
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Houston Heights has been selected as one of the best places to buy a historic house. This Old House and Preservation Directory agree with what many of us already know...Houston Heights is special! We are ranked right up there with the lower garden district of New Orleans. Cool! Check it out! http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,...0634053,00.html
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You're Invited!
Meet and Greet for City Council At-Large Position One Candidate Stephen Costello
When: Thursday, July 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Where: 501 E 16th St
Hosts: Janice Evans-Davis and Bart Truxillo
It's a city election year and that means it's time to get familiar with the candidates so you'll be able to make informed decisions in November. We are holding a neighborhood meet and greet for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 Candidate Stephen Costello Thursday, July 9 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Stephen is President and co-founder of Costello, Inc., a full-service civil engineering firm based in Houston, and a 13-year board member and 4-year board chairman of the Memorial Park Conservancy. He brings a unique backgrond to the campaign: an expertise in drainage and flood issues, working with City Hall to improve and expand our green spaces, and working to keep more police on the streets.
We encourage any Heights resident to drop by with any questions you may have about city and community topics that are important to you or your family. For more on Stephen and his background check out his Website at: http://www.stephencostelloforcouncil.org
Houston Fire Station No. 14 At 107 W. 12th St.
in The Heights
Posted
City Council this week approved the sale to HHA for $350,000.