dbigtex56

When the next earthquake reduces San Francisco to a smoldering heap of rubble, how 'sustainable' will it be? This is social commentary defended with junk science.

updates: A neighbor has confirmed that the property was recently sold. This would seem to put it on a fast-track for development. Also, the view depicted on the website (looking east, towards Midtown) will be very different. TXDOT has started installing noise retention walls. They feature a brick surface (facing Burlington St.), and I'm told that after construction on Spur 527 is complete that the walls will be landscaped with climbing plants. Should be quite attractive.

It's about time. And maybe in another 10 years or so, Steve Wasserman can start running Last Call with Carson Daly after Conan - like the rest of the country...

hi rudy44 and welcome to HAIF. Sorry, I have no info on that particular house - but have you considered knocking on their door and asking? I bet the owner would be pleased to hear his house is admired. And if he's not pleased, you'll have an interesting cocktail party story.

Congratulations, Parrothead! Prepare for life to go into fast-forward...seems like only yesterday my little neice was born, and I attended her wedding last week. Treasure every moment.

That crossed my mind too, dal. I guess the best way to verify it would be to call that number yourself, ask a couple of questions, and see what sort of response you get. That being said, it does pass the "smell test" (unfortunately). As a not-especially effeminate Montrose resident, I've been subjected to this sort of behavior many times, up to and including physical assault. I'm not going to let it wreck my life - but it's no fun, either.

Someone needs to print up a bumper sticker for Miss Maree's Hummer: "I Have A Very Very Small Penis"

For those who are unfamiliar with the term (as I was) - EIFS is an acronym for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (had to Google it). As an aside, the first Google sponsored ad next to the results was for a law firm...guess EIFS are not universally beloved.

Agreed. As an aside, perhaps the new residents will be an incentive for someone to open the Deco Diner.

Well. I expressed myself to the best of my ability in the above posts. You're welcome to reread them. I doubt if a PM would clarify matters, and I'm sure that you nor anyone else will persuade me to abandon my defense of the First Amendment. All the best, and I'll see you on the "On Topic" pages.

They see no incentive to understand or care. Laws are passed based on the wishes of those who make the greatest campaign contributions. They have a saying in Austin: "You dance with them what brung you." In other words, don't expect consumer protection from a candidate who's supported by the Texas Homebuilders Association. This is a valuable thing to keep in mind on Election Day.

Good points, RedScare. My Irish ancestors came to the US via Canada circa 1849. You might say that the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers were the Rio Grande(s) of the North. In the South, Irish were literally used as ballast in ships coming to New Orleans to pick up their cargos of cotton. Brutal conditions, but at least they didn't have to deal with present-day Immigration and Naturalization Service. I have a couple of friends from other countries (one's Mexican, the other Irish) and immigrating legally "by the book" is a long, drawn-out, expensive and chance-y process. Until we adequately fund the INS, and re-examine some of their policies, we will continue to alienate some of the best immigrants and be subjected to some of the worst. President Bush's idea about guest workers would grant some legitimacy to those who currently are working here illegally, and their employers. If it's coupled with strict enforcement of current laws, many problems could be solved. However, I'd prefer that those who plan to remain in the US for the remainder of their lives become true citizens, not second-class ones. Two-tiered societies seem inconsistant with democracy.

Not to nit-pick, but that was a question, not a statement. And since you have the opportunity, why not straighten everyone out? I'd be eager to hear what, exactly, is not being understood. Here's a fact: President Bush's "town hall" participants are carefully screened. Only his most rabid, butt-kissing followers are allowed in. Opposing points of view, or hard questions simply are not allowed. This creates a false impression that tout le monde eagerly embrace his policies. And it bugs the hell out of me. For some reason, it appears that you want to exercise similar control over this forum. If free speech bothers you so much then don't read this thread! To suggest that others shouldn't be allowed to express their (not 'there') opinions is the worst sort of arrogance. I'd even call it un-American, military service notwithstanding. Like it or not, politics permeate life, including architecture and city planning. Long-time Houstonians with good memories can tell you about the heated battles regarding rail based mass transit fought on a political level. The same applies to height restrictions, zoning, historic preservation, transportation, flood control...need I go on? I too joined this forum because of my interest in architecture. I too would like to see more posts which reflect others' interest in, and knowlege about, this subject. I want to become more educated on the subject, and to help others in a modest way when I can. (Incidentally, here's a great website describing architectural terms. It's been helpful to me when I want to use the correct word, rather than 'that thing...' ) The Way-Off Topic section was established as a place to blow off steam and exchange ideas not pertaining to architecture. Many Forum-ers have interesting ideas about architecture, and it follows that their remarks about other matters might also be of interest. If not...then don't read this thread!

Really? Political ignorance and apathy bother me. Those who do not (or will not) enter into political discourse don't deserve to live in a democracy. I agree that much of what passes as debate (both in the media and online) often turns into shouting matches which neither enlighten nor persuade. Did anyone else here see Jon Stewart's "Crossfire" appearance? He summed up what many of us (regardless of our political leanings) have wanted to say for years; that shouting matches are meaningless, and that there is power in reasoned debate between reasonable people. Easy? Never. Painless? Not always. Vital? You betcha.

If this is so, it probably spells doom for that liquor store that opened last year at Commonwealth & Westheimer. Probably won't do Fairway (on Fairview) much good, either... At any rate, Spec's seems like a good neighbor. They treat their employees well, and therefore the employees treat the customers well. I think they'll be a welcome addition.

Part of the problem is that the current system suits many people - some quite influential - just fine. Part of the reason that housing in Houston is so affordable is that illegal aliens (undocumented workers, whatever) work "under the table" to perform dirty, dangerous work for low wages, while enjoying little or no protection under the law. This seems uncomfortably close to a system we had in this country 140 years ago. To equate illegal aliens with slavery is an imperfect analogy - that people in this country bought and sold human beings is a permanant blot on our history. Yet, we have in our midst a subclass of people who do the dirty work, but do not share the protection - or obligations - of those who live here legally. Little wonder that some of these workers have such antipathy to their neighborhoods . Why bother contributing to a community that can, at any moment, bodily and forceably remove you at any time? Rather than putting the blame entirely on those who come to this country illegally, those who aid and abet them must also be held accountable. It's rather like prostitution; arrest both the whores AND the 'johns'. Maybe if we were to toss a few high-profile homebuilders in the slammer for knowingly using illegal labor, the practice would lose some of its appeal.

Deed restrictions forbid businesses in Westmoreland. Even the apartment complexes are there by a stretch of the imagination (originally a provision was made for servants' quarters, which in the 50s was interpreted liberally to allow construction of apartments).

The developer touts the tree-lined streets of Westmoreland. However, if the footprint of the proposed project is as depicted, it will destroy one of the finest (if not the finest) trees in Montrose. A magnificant oak currently occupies this site. It's huge. The property owner has been working with developers to try to preserve this tree while getting his money's worth out of some very expensive land. I hope a better solution can be found.

I think the HAIF members largely do a good job of policing themselves. As moderators, we try to not get too heavy-handed; only in instances of 'flame wars' breaking out, overtly offensive comments, or spam do we delete posts and warn members. Your imput is appreciated.

I doubt if the Super Bowl would have much influence on the construction of new buildings. However, it did have a great influence on what should be routine maintenance. Vacant lots were mown, litter was picked up, trees and landscaping were planted. Shouldn't we always put our best face forward, regardless of special events?

I wish channel 13 would expose this sort of arrogance. Or is this behavior now the norm? To me, avoiding the media is in itself a story, and those who are in a position of trust should be held accountable.

Such a bizarre prediction. Spanish language theaters are long overdue, considering the potential customer base.

"Shut up, he explained." (Ring Lardner, from The Young Immigrunts) Even if you follow the letter of the law, it's all up to the judge, and they almost always side with the landlord. Who do you think finance judicial campaigns? Hint: there's not a big renters' rights movement in Texas. I had a friend whose landlord attempted to keep his security deposit; under law, the landlord was in violation every which way, and should have been required to pay him triple damages. When this was pointed out to the judge, well... see the Ring Lardner quote.

Something like Rothko Chapel, but perhaps on a larger scale, and not quite so dark?