 
Update, 1/31: A few readers noticed some TABC notices across the street — more here.
A reader noted the recent earth-scraping on the now-largely-grassless corner lot at 1634 Westheimer Rd. (shown above in last week’s aquatic trappings). The long-empty land, across Kuester St. from Buffalo Exchange, is listed as the former site of Kewpie’s Cleaners and Dyers, and was previously tapped as the intended site of a 5-story Bunkhouse hotel. The midrise plan fell through, though, freeing the land to become the future site of the Edmont. That plan also fell through: Only a temporary version of the woulda-been restaurant was ever built, for a 1-night fundraiser supporting a foundation started in memory of chef and Edmont co-founder Grant Gordon.
Recently issued city permits suggest the space is turning to the parking industry for now. Here’s another shot, facing southwest through the fence toward interior design shop Merchant & Market, exterior design shop Houston Ink Society, and smoke shop High End:
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- Previously on Swamplot: An Extremely Temporary Restaurant Going Up Now on Lower Westheimer Will Be Open for One Night Only; The Empty Lot on Westheimer Where the Edmont Will Land; Daily Demolition Report: Stuck in the Mud; 1634 Westheimer: New Bunkhouse Hotel in Montrose
Images: Jake Mase
well done everyone, well done. who’s taking odds, 5yrs before we see retail development on this site?
pave that mofo. install a meter at each spot…. become a tech age trend setter. invest capital in a quarter dollar car wash. kaboosh! explode minds!
What a waste. Had decently high hopes for some type or retail or bar concepts on this site.
Pave it over, Houston has too much land for simply absorbing runoff water. Permeable surfaces are overrated.
I’ve noticed another permit at 2531 Kuester St. which is just around the corner on the unpaved portion of the street. It’s the same contractor and the client’s name in Goodnight Charlies. Permit is dated January 4, 2017. Could these two permits be connected??
Great! The area could use more off-street parking. Now, after it is built put up “no parking” signs all along Westheimer …. one person turning left thru this area backs up the entire street, and the people playing Frogger between the parked cars is dangerous.
Good catch, Mark! We just posted something about that: http://swamplot.com/honky-tonk-signage-spotted-on-small-triangle-of-open-range-behind-buffalo-exchange/2017-01-31/
Just what the “main street” of our most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood needs: Another freaking parking lot.