dbigtex56

Y'all! Don't you know when your leg's being pulled? Although...this "Gloria Trump" does bear more than a passing resemblance to the wife of a former mayor, the self-proclaimed "First Lady of Houston". You know, the one who thought re-lining the reflecting pool to look like Splashtown was a good idea. BUT anyhow, this thread is about Transco/Williams tower. Back on topic, please.

Perhaps this store could be marketed not only to downtown residents, but also as a convenience to people who commute. A half-hour spent shopping downtown after work would help avoid the very worst of the rush hour traffic, and eliminate the need to make a seperate trip to a suburban supermarket. The walk from nearby parking garages would be no further than one often encounters in 'sprawl' parking lots. If people can be persuaded to re-examine their routines, it might just work.

I walked past this site a few days ago, and while this may be heresy, it's not as bad as I feared it would be. Whether by accident or design, there are elements of this building which are sympathetic to other structures in the Montrose area (the arched and mullioned windows). As mentioned in a previous post, great effort has been taken to preserve the mature trees which surround this site. I also appreciate that the entrance is positioned to ease pedestrian access from Montrose (I hate walking through huge parking lots!). It could be worse. Perhaps the complaints about the Midtown CVS didn't fall on deaf ears after all.

Please click on above link for further discussion on this topic. Redundant thread - closed.

I concur that your best bets would probably be found on the East Side. One thing to consider: that side of town has lots of train traffic, and those suckers are loud. Depending on the site, soundproofing your studio may be problematic. I have a friend who had a studio on Center St. (same building as David Addicks') and every time the train passed, conversation had to cease.

I've taken a couple of courses at the Art League, and admit that I was saddened to hear that these houses/studios were being demolished. It's progress, I know, yet somehow these spaces seemed infused with the creative spirit. Their shabbiness and awkwardness somehow seemed to put me at ease. How wonderful that Dan Havel & co. have found a worthy last use for these beloved but outmoded structures. Mere bulldozing would have seemed disrespectful. It's a bit late in the game, I know, but perhaps some scraps of the existing buildings could be integrated into the new and improved structure(s)? A window here, a porch there...

Link to Houston Press's review of Montrose Diner is here. Haven't been there yet, and this review does nothing to encourage me to do so. If I want bad food and service, I'll just eat at home... Never thought I'd see the day that Charlie's would be missed. A word of advise to the management: if you can't get good waiters, at least make sure they're cute.

danex makes sense. It's terrifically hard to get folks off their couches and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We do have a democratic society. Unfortunately, people don't seem to realize that the slightest effort on your part can make a difference. Maybe an hour or two a month spent reading about issues which affect your neighborhood, and particiapting in the politial process could affect your quality of life more than you think. That you care enough to read this forum speaks well of you. Take it through to the next step; participate!

If I could offer a rather flat-footed reply... We're treading in delicate territory. When architecture is supposed to express spiritual beliefs, misunderstandings should be expected. As an example: the church in which I was raised decided that its current building (classic early 19th century New England) was inadequate. This was in the 60s. They presented various designs to the congregation, each of which was greeted with louder groans than the one before. The one which they eventually built was greeted with incredulity, scorn, and disappointment ("When are they going to finish it?" was a common comment). People expected a house of worship - hell, a CHURCH - to look like a church. Like many houses of worship built in the 60s, the emphasis was on the roofline. Some local farmers observed that the resulting building looked like a piece of cowshit which had been run over by dual tires. While the observation is true, the structure is striking. Regardless of its architectural merits, the congregation has come to accept (and love) this building. It will have a place in local architectural history. And weddings, funerals and services will be respectfully conducted within its walls. Churches are among of the few places where freedom of architectural expression is given few restraints. I hope that our local religious leaders will have the courage to commit to designs which inspire - for whichever reason.

Subdude is correct. Older residents of Houston might recall that there was a 20-something story building which used to occupy that lot which was demolished (circa 1983), built circa 1962. I was shocked when I first moved to Houston to see such a modern building demolished. Unfortunately, the mid-80's bust doomed the site; it still is a surface parking lot. Such is the pattern of Houston development. There was a particularly offensive piece of statuary which used to 'grace' the site; a semi-nude female bronze, straight out of a Frankie Avalon movie. It's been relocated downtown, somewhere; mercifully, I forget where.

WHEW! So it's not just me. I think the Sears Tower is about as attractive as a leg brace (and I hope no leg-brace wearers are offended). To take it a step further, it's pig ugly. The only redeeming things about Sears Tower is that it's an engineering feat, and it's tall; what a circus freak of a building. That being said, I still think Chicago has the best skyscrapers in America, but not necessarily the best skyline.

Since we all (presumably) share an interest in architecture, surely we find that we collect things - all sorts of things - that reflect this interest. My collection started when I was four years old, and a neighbor gave me a piggy bank. It was a scale model of the Rochester Savings Bank (in plastic), with a slot in the roof to accept coins. It was a faithful scale model of the McKim, Mead and White designed building which still stands in Rochester, NY. It has an opening in the back through which the collected coins can be emptied, and I used to peer through it and imagine how impressive it must be to be inside such a grand building. What a great solution to an awkward building site! I'm grateful that it's still standing. Another piece of architectural history that I possess is the original promotional poster for Transco Tower. In 1982 I met a guy who had one (his had been signed by both Johnson and Burgee) and I wanted it, badly. I managed to talk a public relations person at the rental office to give me one, and it's proudly framed in my living room. The poster shows Transco reflecting the sunset against a deep blue sky with spotlights crossing it - very 30's graphic references. It's not for sale. I also possess a terracotta bracket from one of the buildings on the Strand in Galveston, TX. A friend was helping to rennovate a building there, and snagged it from the scrap heap. At one time I knew from which building it came; it'll come back to me... There's also those cast-iron New Orleans decorative scrolls which came from who knows where. The person who gave them to me didn't offer any explaination. I wonder where he obtained them, and whether there's a way to return them to their proper place. So...what kind of 'junk' have you collected?

I think the Chronicle has shown considerable improvement over the past couple of years. The Op/Ed page has benefitted immensely - contrasting points of views are more in evidence. However, they still refuse to run Molly Ivins' column, which is sheer cowardance on their part. And the society columnist needs to grow some fangs; her butt-kissing has grown tiresome, and will give her chapped lips. Political coverage is still weak. The public would be better served by printing how elected officials vote on specific issues, rather than saying "the measure was defeated by three votes." , and not naming names. An informed electorate is democracy's best friend. More extensive and detailed crime reporting would be welcome, too. As others have previously noted, Houston has suffered from having become a one-newspaper town. In the 80's I recall how the Post and the Chronicle would cover the same event, yet each would impart its own bias. Is this a social reformer or a rabblerouser? A respected businessman or a crook? Good government or good ol' boy government? Depends on which paper you read. A question: is it just me, or does the Chronicle run about twice as many comic strips as other daily newspapers? How did the 'funny papers' get such a high priority? Oh, and one last gripe - the Chronilog sucks. I can think of no more descriptive word. Warner Cable increased the number of channels, and the Chronicle responded by reducing the size of its TV guide. They could do much better. With the exception of Ken Hoffman, the Chronicle has some excellent reporters and columnists. Here's hoping they contiunue to progress.

I stumbled (Googled) across HAIF last year while looking for information about the light rail on Main St. To my pleasure, I discovered that other people too are architecture/city planning nerds. Having an opportunity to share opinions and observations has validated and strengthened some of my beliefs. Viewing others' beliefs has challenged and altered my own, and have given me a better appreciation and respect for differing views. I'd like to see Houston become a more beautiful, efficient city while retaining its vitality and inclusiveness. We must balance a healthy business and industrial climate with quality of life issues. Sprawl and refineries built this city; they could bring it down, too. Neither the private sector nor the government exist in a vacuum. Property rights must be balanced with social responsibility. Homeowner and neighborhood associations have taken over much of what is accomplished by government in other cities; however, they too are capable of corruption and abuse of power. So long as people are educated, informed and involved, our tax dollars can be spent wisely, and sensible private investment rewarded.

I think that's the Reliant Energy building. Its former name escapes me - it used to have an angled atrium around the perimeter (on the ground/2nd floors), and was extensively altered about 10 years ago.

I've also heard that Gloria Trump blew her share of the family fortune expurging her name from Google searches, and died a broken woman.

Feb. 13th (Friday), 2004 I have no idea why I remember this...

So owning is "always, always, always" better? As an owner, I would expect no more -or less - than I already have. I'd require a desirable, safe, close-in location (preferably in an historic neighborhood). Stores, entertainment, professional services and public transportation must be within easy walking distance, so that owning a car is an option, not a necessity. If I do choose to get a car, covered parking will be provided. I also demand a swimming pool, landscaping, and kitchen appliances, all of which will be maintained free of charge. I do not want to pay for insurance, nor property taxes. I'll pay for electricity, but not for heat, water or water heating. Structural problems with the roof, the plumbing, the air conditioning (and anything else that can go wrong) is strictly someone else's responsibility. Oh, and I do not have money for a down payment, and my monthly note cannot exceed $500. I also want the option of getting out of this home with one month's notice, with no worries about finding a buyer or paying penalties. If you know of a property which matches this description, please PM me immediately. After all, an agent is "always, always, always" eager to earn a commission.

It might be worthwhile to hire a structural engineer to make an inspection. If (s)he says there's extensive structural damage, it will be money well spent, rather than finding yourself in over your head.

Interesting post, citykid09. The 'mummification' death did not occur at the Empire Cafe location. I think the urban legend has become a bit fuzzy. This site was occupied (in the 80s) by The Locker, the Different Drum and lastly by Chutes. While it's true that many eye-popping, eyebrow-raising events occured (and I should know - I was there), the death to which you refer sounds like the infamous "chicken-in-a-casket" scandal, which was in a townhome on Pacific Street, near JR's. A workman discovered the body of a young man (presumably a hustler) in a coffin on an upper floor. The townhome's occupant (Ted Lenze) was never charged, as he was dying from a brain tumor in a hospital at the time of the discovery. I take exception with describing EJ's as a 'skank' bar. Skank is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose, but it's worth noting that the owner maintains a koi pond and aviary on the patio. It also offers a stunning view of downtown Houston and the Westheimer strip from its upper level. While the patrons might politely be described as 'diverse', the management does 86 the worst elements. The frequent drag shows are low art or high camp, depending on your point of view. At any rate, these fund-raisers have contributed substantially to AFH and the Assistance Fund. I view it as an asset to the neighborhood.

Oh, and another thing: I was watching CNN, and the reporter was blah-blahing about the protesters in this case. Several people marched behind her, holding signs. The signs said "Keep your hands off my iPod", and "Save the Betamax!", among others. The reporters (and, apparently the rest of the media) were - and are - oblivious to the fact that they were being lampooned. There is no reporting any more, it seems - only a pack of dogs who are out to find 'hot-button' issues. How contemptable.

I'm just surprised that conservatives haven't found some way to blame this on "the homosexuals".

As I recall, a few years ago Texas City was named "most livable" or "family friendliest" or one of those vaguely reassuring terms. Apparently, safety issues with the petrochemical industries located there were not factored in...

Back in the 50s-60s, many subdivisions were built (with the encouragement of Houston Lighting and Power) as "all-electric" - no gas mains were installed. There was still the belief at that time that nuclear power would produce electricity so cheaply that gas would become obsolete. Alas. All-electric homes are cheaper to construct, since the expense of installing gas lines is avoided. In general, electricity is quite a lot more expensive than gas for heating, hot water and cooking. However, our mild winters allow us to use electric heating (which would be astronomical in the Northeast). If someone is intent on having a gas stove (and I wouldn't blame her), perhaps a propane/butane stove could be retrofitted. Give Hank Hill a call!

Mr. Pugh has made some thought-provoking choices. Certainly, any of the architects he named would contribute to Houston's architectural heritage. After the Enron scandal, will corporations have the confidence to spend stockholders' money on 'trophy' buildings? And will greedy CEOs allow money to be diverted from their golden parachutes? We've already discussed in another thread how the public seems to distrust good architecture being erected with tax dollars. There seems to be a misconception that attractive buildings are inherently more expensive than ugly ones. Now that the MFAH has received a huge endowment (oh, stop giggling) and can continue with their expansion program, let's hope they'll build something more inspiring than the Beck building. Private money seems to be our best hope for innovative architecture in Houston.