lcman

Any idea on how the neighborhood would be rezoned if Love were actually to close?

My mistake, it was the Wachovia. Thanks for the info. Sorry to hear about the robbery but glad everyone is okay.

Ricco-I was strictly speaking of the recent crime activity at the shopping center. I have absolutely nothing against the 20th St. Kroger, I appreciate that it's there.

Does anyone have any information on what happened at Washington Mutual on Monday, July 6th? I finished grocery shopping at the 20th St. Kroger (I know, obviously not a very smart move considering the recent issues) at around noon and the Washington Mutual had yellow crime scene police tape all around it and there about 6 to 8 cop cars there. Thanks.

This is really disturbing. Thankfully it sounds like everyone is okay. H50, do you have any other info about it?

Off the orginal topic, but I appreciate the reference to the NOLA Whole Foods. I lived down the street from the store a few years back and was there when they were building it. You're right, being on a smallish lot didn't deter that place from making money. It was packed at every time of the day. There's so many similarities between the neighborhoods. Hopefully one day a Whole Foods/Central Market type store will take a chance in the Heights.

Does anyone know if this is directly across from the vacant HEB? I'd love to take on the project, but not if the vacant store covered in grafitti is right in front of me.

I too am in favor of a specialty ice cream shop in the neighborhood. Have you ever been to the Chocolate Bar? That place is amazing. It's open late and its always packed on the weekend nights.

That's what I gathered as well. Unfortunately the current structure looks like it is here to stay. I have serious doubts as to how the 'retooling' is going to come off, it almost looks worse now than before.

Here's an article on the development. 7/25/2006 GlobeSt.com Condo Developer Eyes Heights for $10M Plan By Amy Wolff Sorter HOUSTON-Going against a condo trend for larger projects, iCityCondo Inc. has built a $10-million pipeline of smaller-size developments in the Heights submarket. The rehab project for the 20-unit Melrose Park Condominiums will soon get underway. The Melrose, set to deliver in summer 2007 at 1447 Heights Blvd., is a $3-million retooling of a 1960s-era, 22-unit building bought two years ago for $700,000. In tandem with the Melrose, iCityCondo is planning a $7-million, ground-up development: a six-story building with 18 to 24 units. Details will follow as the developer advances the plan. The Melrose's units, ranging from 600 sf to 1,600 sf, will be marketed at $125,000 to $330,000. APD-Planning & Design LLC of Houston has done the building's redesign. Thomas Green Custom Homes, also from Houston, is the general contractor. "The goal is for us to be sold out by the time we get these done," Isaac Kyle, iCityCondo's CEO and founder, tells GlobeSt.com. He adds that the project already has generated a great deal of interest. "We ran a third-page ad in a local magazine and had a response rate of 260 people," he says. Kyle explains all iCityCondo's projects in the Heights area will be smaller ones. "A 300-unit project just doesn't fit well within that neighborhood," he says. "The smaller, low-rise buildings and residential settings work well for everyone." Kyle says it's a good time for condo development in the Heights neighborhood because the prices of single-family residences are increasing. "The cost of those start around $190,000," he says, "and that's just for a rehab. Melrose Park Condominiums is a good opportunity for someone to have an entry-level product in the neighborhood for far less than that."

After living in the Heights for just over a year, I have to agree that it's only going to get better. In the one year time frame I've lived there, I can't even count how many renovations and new homes have gone up in my immediate vicinity. With that said, there are several rundown apartment complexes all over the Heights and those are likely there for the long haul. The people that live there though are very nice, and I have to say that I like that I live somewhere where everyone isn't the exact same (i.e. some of the cookie cutter suburban communities). As far as I'm concerned, the new construction, although not completely ideal with regards to preserving history, is bringing in a great mix of young professionals, young families, and empty nesters. Everyone is happy to be in the neighborhood and friendly, which is what I find to be charming. The Heights is definately a wonderful place to live right now. I love it so much that I'm getting ready to extend my house so I can stay there a good 10-15 more years.