A reader sends in photos from the mudfest last week on the large block at Southmore and Caroline in the Museum District, where construction has at last begun on the new Texas Center headquarters building for the Asia Society. An elaborate groundbreaking ceremony for the 2-story, 38,000-sq.-ft. building featuring dancers, drummers, and noted local restaurateur Yao Ming took place more than 20 months ago. Meanwhile, architect Yoshio Taniguchi continued tinkering with the design, and the organization continued its fundraising efforts.
More muddy views of what’s going on, plus a look at the latest model:
Those little tree topper signs have been up throughout the larger neighborhood for a while now, but the new Boulevard Oaks Historic District was only approved by City Council this week. The designation means you’ll now have to wait 90 days before you can demolish that rambling South Blvd. mansion you just picked up. 
Comment of the Day: Here Come the Almeda Promoters
“Washington ave is already done. . . . Whats next you ask….Almeda (59 to med center)….two bars opening right now and four more planned on the way. Wide streets, lots of empty places to park, a community who wants the crowd and can handle it better than wash or mid town. The two bars that are going in are building out in empty spaces right now but more on the way with some new buildings planned. You will all want to know where I get my info but [ride] down and you will see for your self what I know.” [Dj Ashby, commenting on Comment of the Day: Reading the Washington Ave Crystal Ball]