Swamplot Archives by Tag: West University

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Small, Stylish, and Already Sold: Design-y Inner Loop Home Bargains You Missed

August 11, 2009 – 9:01 pm

“I do always seem to be showing you houses that few of us can really afford,” Houston interior-design blogger Joni Webb admits to her readers:

But the secret truth is, nothing gets me more excited than seeing a house which is NOT expensive yet looks like it was designed by a professional! Nothing is better because it affirms what I fully believe, style is not about money.

So Webb sets out to find a few inside-the-Loop homes dressed to meet her style standards — and priced between $300K and $500K. How long does it take her? Two days, poring through “hundreds, if not thousands” of HAR listings.

What does she find?

Continue Reading This Story >

9:01 pm | 21 Comments | Read more about Home Decor, Homes for Sale, Interiors, Neighborhoods: Galleria, Neighborhoods: Greenbriar, Neighborhoods: Montrose, Neighborhoods: Southampton, Neighborhoods: Upper Kirby, Neighborhoods: West University, Staging
Read more about: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Friday, August 7, 2009

What H-E-B Got That Kroger Don’t Got: Working All the Angles in the West U Grocery Showdown

August 7, 2009 – 10:10 am
   

Reporting live from the Battle of Buffalo Speedway, Allison Wollam scrutinizes the new Buffalo Market arsenal: “’We are based in Texas so we have certain items that we know Texans eat,’ [H-E-B Houston president] McClelland says. ‘We have an inherent advantage because we know how Texans think better than a grocer based …. anywhere else would know.’ For example, McClelland points out that H-E-B carries a brisket that can be fully cooked in 45 minutes that garnered more than $25 million in revenue for the chain last year. The grocer also offers crawfish sushi as well as Texas-shaped cheese and hamburgers.” Plus, why campus might seem a bit tighter this year: “Because parking is also limited, the grocer has reached an agreement with nearby Rice University to allow its employees and vendors to park on the campus parking lot and be shuttled to the store.” [Houston Business Journal; previously on Swamplot]

10:10 am | 40 Comments | Read more about Neighborhoods: Rice University, Neighborhoods: West University, Parking, Quicklink, Retail
Read more about: , , , , ,
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Opening Day: H-E-B Buffalo Market Stampede Begins

August 5, 2009 – 5:28 pm

Fresh from a first visit to the new butterfly-roofed, design-pedigreed H-E-B Market on Buffalo Speedway at Bissonnet — which opened to the public bright and early at 6 o’clock this morning — a reader writes in with a report:

There were uniformed traffic directing cops with loud whistles herding eager shoppers into the parking lot. In the entry way, I was greeted by HEB Buddy, some kind of a brown bag cartoon character. The store was packed and had a carnival-like atmosphere. HEB was well-prepared with quadruple staff greeting and answering questions. The buffalo speedway side seems to be more of the Central Market stuff, like Cafe On the Run, bakery, fish market, etc. And the rest of the store feels more like an HEB with Central Market products integrated throughout. As a regular shopper at Central Market, I think having some cheaper alternatives nearby will save me money.

More photos, plus . . . the downside:

Continue Reading This Story >

5:28 pm | 33 Comments | Read more about Neighborhoods: West University, New Construction, Openings and Closings, Retail
Read more about: , , , , , , , ,
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

And July Is Meat Candy Month

July 7, 2009 – 12:22 pm
   

Its first Houston store (at Main and Kirby) apparently a patty-smashing success, 3 new Smashburgers are now ready to open in a few other strip centers: “First up is a restaurant in the Westchase area at 10705 Westheimer, Suite C, opening on July 15. A second will open July 22 in the Energy Corridor at 1635 Eldridge (Eldridge and Briar Forest). And a third, located at 5520 Buffalo Speedway (Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet) in the West University area, will open July 29.” [Eating Our Words; previously on Swamplot]

12:22 pm | 16 Comments | Read more about Neighborhoods: Energy Corridor, Neighborhoods: West University, Neighborhoods: Westchase, Openings and Closings, Quicklink, Restaurants, Strip Centers
Read more about: , , , , , , , ,
Thursday, July 2, 2009

Buffalo Modern: The New H-E-B in West U

July 2, 2009 – 9:17 am

Two new buildings designed by regional architecture stars Lake/Flato Architects will open in Houston in the next couple of months: Rice University’s new swimming-pool and palm-tree festooned Wellness Center . . . and this sleek new H-E-B on Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet.

Strangely, the San Antonio architecture firm didn’t get the late-nineties memo that specified an Alamo flavored Mission Revival strip and shopping center style for the inner Westpark corridor, and opted instead for a modern-looking hangar with a reflective butterfly roof, lots of glass, and a bunch of eco-features. Plus, fancy foods:

Buffalo Market will feature a Central Market Cafe on the Run, offering gourmet to-go items; a cheese shop with, for example, 54 varieties of bleu cheese; 2,000 varieties of wine; and a sushi and cooking demo station.

Half of the 68,000-square-foot H-E-B store will be devoted to perishables. Typically, supermarkets give perishables about one-third of the store space, [H-E-B and Central Market President Scott] McClelland said. There will be less general merchandise.

Buffalo Market will be similar to the H-E-B/Central Market hybrid in The Woodlands, only it will be an updated version, he said.

A few more photos sent in by a reader:

Continue Reading This Story >

9:17 am | 43 Comments | Read more about Neighborhoods: West University, New Construction, Retail, Shopping Centers
Read more about: , , , , , , , ,
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

No Local Sprinkler Controls for Texas

June 30, 2009 – 2:37 pm
   

That ordinance passed by West University’s city council that would have required sprinklers in all new West U homes won’t go into effect — despite the lobbying efforts of local fire chiefs. Earlier this month Governor Perry went ahead and signed a bill that takes away the right of local municipalities to create sprinkler requirements. An amendment to the bill was added shortly after West U’s ordinance passed, but is retroactive to the first of the year. [Off the Kuff; previously on Swamplot]

2:37 pm | 4 Comments | Read more about Development Regulations, Neighborhoods: West University, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , ,
Tuesday, June 9, 2009

West U’s Short-Lived Sprinkler Requirement

June 9, 2009 – 2:34 pm
   

Late last month the West University City Council passed an ordinance requiring all new homes built in the city to have fire-protection sprinklers. This apparently did not sit well with Texas Rep. John Otto, who represents Dayton, a small town in Liberty County more than 40 miles to the northeast. An amendment to a bill sponsored by Otto, which was originally meant to address the licensing of plumbers, takes away the right of a municipality to require sprinklers — retroactive to the first of this year. The bill passed the legislature shortly after the West U ordinance: “The bill, not yet signed by Gov. Rick Perry, was created at the urging of the Texas Association of Builders, citing potentially increased home costs. Monday, [West U Fire Chief Steve] Ralls was flanked by fire chiefs from Austin and Dallas, along with city of Houston Assistant Chief Karen Dupont, at an event one block away from the Governor’s Mansion, which was devastated by fire one year ago. ‘We’ll do whatever it takes to make our ordinance stick,’ said Ralls. [West University Examiner; more at Texas Politics]

2:34 pm | 1 Comment | Read more about Development Regulations, Neighborhoods: West University, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , ,
Wednesday, June 3, 2009

West U Treatment: Now Even More Safe and Smelly

June 3, 2009 – 2:00 pm
   

Noticing anything different about the area around Brays Bayou and Kirby Dr.? “‘It smells like raw sewage,’ said [nearby homeowner Hector] Caram. ‘That’s what it smells like.’ Last month, the city of West University Place cut down the thick crop of trees surrounding its sewage treatment plant on Kirby and North Braeswood within Houston city limits. And for neighbors who live, work or jog around there, the difference is jarring. “You noticed it right away,” said jogger Lauren Cozad. ‘You said, “Oh, why’d they take those trees down,” because we didn’t even know there was anything back there.’ But West University Public Works Director Chris Peifer says his city didn’t have a choice. ‘It is a secure facility,’ said Peifer. Peiffer told us the state ordered the city to clear the fence line here and increase visibility, so security guards can more easily spot anyone trying to break in there. He says it’s a matter of homeland security.” [abc13]

Update: As commenter Carol notes below, the Chronicle has more on the story here.

2:00 pm | 12 Comments | Read more about Air Quality, Hazards, Neighborhoods: Braes Terrace, Neighborhoods: West University, Quicklink, Water Quality
Read more about: , , , ,
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Another Take on Greenwood King: Feeling for the Edge

May 14, 2009 – 11:48 am

More comments on Greenwood King’s April market report, which focuses on real estate activity in Houston’s higher-end neighborhoods. A second reader focuses on prices, determined to find storm clouds in the report’s silver lining:

While some avg. sales prices are higher, this is most likely due to builders no longer buying lots to build on for b/t 400 and 500k.

Last week you had a poster ask to see the evidence of price declines and an eroding market. Here is further evidence of a declining market. Moreover, the poster requested to see comps that show declines. I think I have proof. Can we get a Realtor to confirm that a prime West U. property–3128 Lafayette–sold for 700,000 over two years ago and now has been recently reduced to 699,000. Welcome back to 2007–[how] much further do we have to go?

One problem with finding these declining comp examples (and I think there are more, and more on the way), is that the Realtors control all of the data and are reluctant to admit that the prime inner loop area that has been so good to them is begining to substantially turn negative.

Photo of 3128 Lafayette St. in West University: HAR

11:48 am | 20 Comments | Read more about Buying and Selling, Forecasts, Homes for Sale, Houston Data, Neighborhoods: West University, Price Trends
Read more about: , , , , , ,
Monday, March 30, 2009

Comment of the Day: Movin’ On Up!

March 30, 2009 – 8:15 pm
   

“The Upper East Side of Manhattan was once all single family mansions and townhouses (after it was farmland). Most of them are now gone, replaced with highrises; some of the most expensive on Earth. I’m sure most people in West U, Southampton, Broad Acres, etc . can’t imagine Bissonnet, North, South, or Sunset being lined with highrises some day, but I’m equally sure that the residents of Fifth, Park, and Madison didn’t imagine it either.” [John, commenting on Ashby Highrise: The 9th Is the Time for Charm]

8:15 pm | 2 Comments | Read more about Comments, Forecasts, Highrises, Neighborhoods: Broadacres, Neighborhoods: Southampton, Neighborhoods: West University, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , , , , ,
Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Great Inner-Loop Teardown Backup

March 25, 2009 – 11:53 am
   

“Since builders cannot get credit to build spec homes right now, they are not buying older “tear-down” homes in West U and Bellaire. As a result, the $400K-$499K price range in West U and Bellaire is a strong buyer’s market with inventories stacking up.” [Strictly a Buyer's Agent]

11:53 am | 6 Comments | Read more about Demolitions, Homes for Sale, Neighborhoods: Bellaire, Neighborhoods: West University, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , , ,
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

New West U Buffalo Parkway

March 24, 2009 – 9:54 am
   

“West University Place’s Zoning and Planning Commission recommended a proposal Monday night to be sent to City Council, which includes a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow driveway stubs and parking areas in front of homes on Buffalo Speedway. A 2003 amendment allowed such driveways on Kirby, Bellaire/Holcombe and Bissonnet, but not Buffalo Speedway. Upon moving to West University Place from the Champions area, [Belma] de Berardinis immediately forecasted a traffic snarl in front of her home and tore up her front lawn with the intent of building a paved maneuvering area. City officials delivered the news that, under West U. law, this was not permitted. De Berardinis had the lawn replaced and every morning . . . confronted angry motorists as she made the dangerous drive in reverse onto traffic.” [West University Examiner]

9:54 am | 5 Comments | Read more about Development Restrictions, Neighborhoods: West University, Parking, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , ,
Monday, March 16, 2009

Openings and Closings: Chili’s Chills, Movie Munchies, Green Performers

March 16, 2009 – 5:23 pm

Hey, what happened to Monday? Swamplot spent most of it fighting off a few tech demons. But hey, here’s some news!

  • Opened: The new and expanded Children’s Museum had its grand opening this weekend. Now twice its original size, the 90,000 sq. ft. museum features exhibits of children in various states of play. Also inside: an expanded branch of the Houston Public Library.
  • Opening: Backe’s Bullpen, a fine drinking establishment in Dickinson, will open with the backing of Astros pitcher Brandon Backe, reports the Galveston Daily News’s Laura Elder. Last October, Backe was arrested after a run-in with police at a Galveston bar.
  • Closed: Mike McGuff notices that the Meyer Park Chili’s, once “the big teen hangout in southwest Houston,” shut down in February.

Continue Reading This Story >

5:23 pm | Add a Comment | Read more about Attractions, Neighborhoods: Dickinson, Neighborhoods: East Downtown, Neighborhoods: Meyerland, Neighborhoods: Museum District, Neighborhoods: West University, Nightlife, Openings and Closings, Restaurants, Retail
Read more about: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Comment of the Day: West University Homes for Sale

March 10, 2009 – 5:46 pm
   

“You can see the collapse happening in West U. Noticed what I thought were an unusually high number of for sale/for rent signs there in late January, so started keeping an eye on the number of listings. (There’s an easy link on the chron.com site and then you can click on a neighborhood.) At the beginning of Feb. there were 297 residences listed. It has climbed more or less steadily over the past 6 weeks and stood at 353 today. A drive down Edloe from Westpark towards Holcombe is almost scary. There is a combination of developers finishing the last of the giant McMansions for this cycle and likely reseting of adjustable rate mortgages and job losses. There will probably be a cascading effect as very expensive places that can’t be sold get reduced and put pressure on prices of smaller places that have to be cut in turn. . . .” [MikeRG, commenting on Those Wet and Wild Houston Mortgages: 18 Percent Now Underwater, 7 Percent More Still Paddling for Air]

5:46 pm | 25 Comments | Read more about Comments, Homes for Sale, Neighborhoods: West University, Price Trends, Quicklink
Read more about: , , , ,
Monday, January 5, 2009

Kirby Parcel: Act Fast or Sleep on It?

January 5, 2009 – 9:14 am

Here’s a 15,000-sq.-ft. plot of West U. land at the corner of Kirby and Plumb across the street from Rice Village, offered in 2 separate parcels for a total of $750,000.

We know what you’re wondering: Is there a closeup of the property?

And you’re in luck! The HAR listing provides one:

Continue Reading This Story >

9:14 am | Add a Comment | Read more about Land for Sale, Neighborhoods: West University, Real Estate Marketing
Read more about: , , ,