brijonmang Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 Photos courtesy of Bobruss: Sacrificing his own garage for the betterment of the Menil. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 More photos courtesy of Bobruss: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 (edited) Thanks to Brijonmang for posting these for me. In clarification about my garage. The reason it had to go along with my neighbors and my driveway was so that center point could get a really big truck down his driveway and place a new larger pole behind where the garage was. They didn't want a structure too close to this new pole and line. They are taking everything underground from my pole on so there will be no power lines above ground in the new section of the drawing center. I'm also getting a new garage and driveway. My neighbors driveway has to be built to center point specs structurally strong enough to hold this truck. They are also digging up my bocce court and a hedge of red tipped photenas I planted as a screen behind the pecan tree on the other side of the back yard. I can't wait to see this monster truck. Centerpoint has been over several times to make sure everything is as they want it. The Menil is taking care of the driveways and garage and moving my plants so I'm getting a new drive and garage out of the deal! Edited October 23, 2015 by bobruss 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WshfulThnkn Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Thank for the photo updates. I don't live in Houston and I'm really excited about the progress of this project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 Its been amazing to have a front row seat. Of course once this wall goes up above ground I'm going to lose this view but it really has been fun to watch up close. And I don't have to wear a hard hat. I've been sending short videos to the architecture firm in L.A. every few days so they can see the progress. They seem to enjoy the videos. I actually caught an interesting concrete pour mishap a few weeks ago on film of the hose blowing off the extender of the concrete pumping truck almost knocking one of the guys off the wall. It knocked his helmet off and gave him a concrete shower. I couldn't believe I caught it on film. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmitch94 Posted October 24, 2015 Share Posted October 24, 2015 You should post that video here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted October 24, 2015 Share Posted October 24, 2015 I'll send it to someone and see if they can post it. Its only 8 seconds long. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 More updates from Bobruss: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Thanks Brijongmang for posting these and the ROD pics. Does anyone know why they would put that PVC grid down on top of the concrete and then put a layer of crushed stone on top of it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbanize713 Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I have no idea but would guess a pump system of some sort? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 First floor forms going up for a concrete pour. Images courtesy of Bobruss: 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloud713 Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 Does anyone know why they would put that PVC grid down on top of theconcrete and then put a layer of crushed stone on top of it?My theory is some sort of thermal barrier/climate control for art storage in the basement so it doesn't get all humid in there..? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Crane updates courtesy of Bobruss: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Courtesy of Bobruss: 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Currently going on at the casa de Bobruss: Making the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of art in Houston. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Thanks to Brijonmang for posting these for me.In clarification about my garage. The reason it had to go along with my neighbors and my driveway was so that center point could get a really big truck down his driveway and place a new larger pole behind where the garage was. They didn't want a structure too close to this new pole and line. They are taking everything underground from my pole on so there will be no power lines aboveground in the new section of the drawing center. I'm also getting a new garage and driveway. My neighbors driveway has to bebuilt to center point specs structurally strong enough to hold this truck. They are also digging up my bocce court and a hedge of red tipped photenas I planted as a screen behind the pecan tree on the other side of the back yard. I can't wait to see this monster truck. Centerpoint has been over several times to make sure everything is as they want it. The Menil is taking care of thedriveways and garage and moving my plants so I'm getting a new drive and garage out of the deal! what about the bocce court? Thanks Brijongmang for posting these and the ROD pics. Does anyone know why they would put that PVC grid down on top of theconcrete and then put a layer of crushed stone on top of it? maybe a french drain? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 ^^^ wow! everything sounds so very COOL bobruss! congratulations on everything.... including you and brijonmang's illustrations... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 They pulled up my bocce court to take power lines below grade. They are also burying all of the other utilities and for that I am thankful. Once they finish with construction in my back yard the bocce court will be rebuilt and just in time for spring time some beer and bocce in the back yard.I can't wait. The vacuum truck that has been in front for the past week sucking up the water used to cut those trenches is extremely loud. All in all I can't complain., but I will be glad for the peace and quiet to return. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Do the power lines run underneath your property, or directly next to it? I'm curious why they had to go through your backyard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 We rent from the Menil. They can do whatever they want, which is fine with me. They have been very thoughtful and helpful in this process. I'm documenting this construction for a possible art project. Plus its been interesting to have a front row seat to all of the construction. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Oh I didn't know Me il owned houses over there. Are they specifically for artists? That's interesting 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 The Menil Foundation and Menil Properties own a substantial number of houses (and land) in and around the vicinity of the Menil Collection facility - HCAD shows 119 separate properties owned by one or the other of those entities. You can usually identify the houses easily as they're almost always painted in that distinctive shade of "Menil Grey". They're not exclusively rented to artists, but as long as I can remember there's been a waiting list for prospective tenants - people that live in one of their houses tend to really like the property, the neighborhood, and the landlord, so the turnover isn't very high. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 They own pretty much everything from Alabama to Richmond west of St. Thomas to Mandell. Right now they are also remodelingThe old DaCamera house which is just east of the Twombly and west of ours. I think it's going to be used for offices for the Menil, and I would guess for the drawing institute behind our house. They will be opening up the fence where the large oak tree sits in the small pocket park adjacent to the Twombly for a new southern walkway to the DMI. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Menil-owned apartments slated for wrecking ball Residents of the Richmont Square Apartments got notice on Monday that their units are set for the wrecking ball, making way for parks, art buildings and roadway improvements that are part of the Menil Collection's master plan in the Montrose area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Courtesy of Bobruss, from his backyard: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 do you plan on using your construction photos to put together an installation for the Menil? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobruss Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) It is my intention to use them in some sort of work related to this project. Whether the Menil takes interest only time will tell.That would be great. Edited February 1, 2016 by bobruss 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) Oh I didn't know Me il owned houses over there. Are they specifically for artists? That's interestingMenil owns practically every property in the area for blocks and blocks. It's why all the houses around Menil Collection are painted gray, to create a sense of place and atmosphere. There are very few holdout properties left. Rents are reasonable because Menil likes to have a stable and high occupancy rate, which helps to finance the free museum. I lived at 1525 W Main years ago, and my fiancee used to live in a 2 story on Branard. Menil is a great landlord who is very responsive. As a side benefit, they have a security officer who patrols all their properties.And when Menil wants to expand their campus, they just tear down one of their houses, or part of the Richmont Square Apartments. That's how we got the new restaurant, and the coming Drawing center. Expect the campus to get bigger and bigger in the coming years. Edited February 1, 2016 by kylejack 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Some more shots of the work going on around the Menil courtesy of your boy Bobruss: They're remodeling the DaCamera offices for Menil offices and widening sidewalks to 5 feet. These appear to be junction boxes but they are too close together for drainage...anyone know which utilities are most likely going in here? The 'COMM' diamond plates lead me to believe this is all for Google Fiber 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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