A reader from the Heights sends in photos documenting only the latest scene in Houston’s long and theatrical history of commingled real estate and political ambition. If you like, say, the pricing on the homes Karen Derr’s former company sells — like this one at 946 Arlington St. — you’ll certainly want to see Derr join city council!
But what’s with that part in red letters? Maybe just to let voters know she’s a little less favorably disposed toward freeform demolition than, say, former candidate/broker Michael Berry was. Writes our reader and snapshooter:
I am guessing that Karen Derr’s office rec’d so many calls as to the future of this house- one the few remaining 19th century homes in the Heights, that she had the “Remodel” sign made and stuck atop her broker sign. . . . Karen used to be on the board of the Houston Heights Association and she is locally active and running for office, so she does not want to piss off too much of her long time neighbors.
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Of course, the minute it went on the market, her campaign signs did as well – I dog walk this block quite often. When the builder signs went up, I tried to find out details about the builder and got nada, but did make notice that the ink colors on the builder sign and the campaign signs were identical. A coincidence?
Clearly, Derr supports the conservation of Houston’s natural resources:
Also – note that the position Karen is running for is on a sticker. She was going to run in District H but claims she failed to file her paperwork in time, so now she is at large and frugally reusing the signs.
- 946 Arlington St. [HAR]
- Previously on Swamplot: Ready for the Next Race, The Realtor and the Missing Paperwork
Photos: Swamplot inbox
Oh really? You know the old Heights housing stock as is would be perfectly sized for empty nesters, childless couples and singles, but all the huge shitty fake Victorians that have metastasized throughout the Heights have jacked up property prices and taxes so high, that it hardly makes economic sense to renovate a small old house.
And who’s responsible for that?
You need to be more worried about the builder for the remodel, 7677 Homes. They have a history for not being able to pass inspections repeatedly.
This isn’t the only Heights bungalow recently acquired by 7677. They do not have a history of remodeling, having built a gated development in the Washington Ave. area.
The “remodel” sign went up shortly after a group of 40 supporters of the Friends of Houston Heights Historic Districts sent a letter to 7677 urging no demolition. The letter also provided the new owners with the recent history on this property, which residents brokered a deal to save from the bulldozers on the day it was to be demoed by Allegro Builders three years ago. Allegro was rumored to be the number one income producer for Karen Derr Realty until the economy fell apart. Its new construction and that of several other builders cozy with KDR during the scraping heydays of 2005 to 2008 built upon the bones of bungalows in the heart of the historic Heights.
7677 appears to be the newest developer to target the Heights for the benefit of their pocketbook. Let’s hope they respect the historic character of the neighborhood in which they have chosen to attempt to make a buck by maintaining the architectural integrity of that sweet little bungalow. Let’s hope the bungalow doesn’t become the humongalow that ate the 900 block of Arlington. Most importantly, let’s hope the promise of a remodel isn’t forgotten once the votes are counted.
Most importantly, let’s hope the promise of a remodel isn’t forgotten once the votes are counted.
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Let’s hope when the votes are counted Karen Derr can go back to being a realtor.
After the votes are counted, Karen Derr and Bulldozer Bill’s signs will return to: “Condo Heights.â€
The 7677 on Cortlandt 1800 block has a remodel sign on it, too, and they remodeled a home on Waverly. I think this has a lot more to do with them than Derr. Conspiracy much?
Bill has saved and represented as many historic bungalows as he has listed new homes — which is the business he is in. 946 Arlington wouldn’t exist today if not for his tireless vigilance to find buyers (on two separate occasions) that would agree to renovate the historic home rather than re-build.
Please be wary of this builder, 7677 Homes. It might be worth checking out their history and how 7677 Homes’ current homeowners are enjoying their houses built by 7677 Homes. Just a good piece of advice.
Isn’t that just good generic advice for anyone looking to hire a builder?
Well now you may have Stephen Costello. If you want a Perry Home next to your house, Stephen Costello is your man