I didn't say that Houston should market itself as the "Texas City" I said that they should concentrate their architecture design to that style, rather than making buildings that look like the "Jetsons." That would be a mistake. Sure, the "Space" mantra is fine, "Houston, we have a problem." That will never change. But as far as building up the city, there needs to be a style/history that is special to only Houston. Right now, Houston looks like Atlanta. Miami has a feel/style that is unique to that city. Houston should have their own style. Sure, Texas cities might have some similarities. But I was going against the "Space look." You mentioned, San Fran, LA, St. Louis, NY landmarks/monuments... ...but the city IS NOT defined by monuments alone. Each city has a style/feel that is unique to that city. Houston needs that. Philly, as you would say, has "the Liberty Bell." Big woop-dee-dam-doo! Philly has HISTORY. It has a style that is truly PHILLY! The bell is only one single item. It doesn't define the city. The history of the city defines it. That's what I'm talking about. Sorry, I disagree. Novelties wear off, but a city's history lasts. P.S. And Hollywood is not a monument. It's a culture.
Houston needs to get rid of all those damn signs and billboards everywhere. Whenever I visit it's like sensory overload w/ all the ugly advertisements left & right - only HongKong is worse!! They need to retroactively legislate some zoning laws and get all those damn signs down!!!
Take your son to the new park and create memories for them to cherish. I myself, don't like the outside the the new park. But I love the way it looks inside! I do like the red brick. But that's because I'm partial to Oriole Park at Camden Yards here in Maryland (same designer, by the way). Reliant Stadium looks AWESOME from everyside, inside, sideways, etc....!
Mrs. Ref and I have big plans to take the kids (boys or girls) to the sports venues in Houston. I'm pretty sure their grandfather will weasel his way into those outings as well.
Oh my god, you bring up a good point!!!! Those billboards are soooooo TACKY!!! It's like Houston puts advertisements as number one priority at the expense of a cluttered/ugly city. When you look down Westhiemer at night, all you SHOULD see are bright lights and buildings. But those darn billboards are strewn about which makes the main boulevard look like a "Sears catalog!" The Hillcroft, Fondren, Richmond, Westhiemer area should be revamped. Yes, they need zoning laws.
Please note that I'm responding to DavidS and New Yorker in this post...I just didn't want to double post. While I agree that zoning laws will cure a lot of the ills, I just don't think it will fly. If zoning were enacted, many property owners would have to forfeit their property because it would be in the wrong zone. The Texas Constitution will not allow this. I wish it would, but it won't. Plus there are many Houstonians that feel that the lack of zoning is what gives this city its charm. They have a point, but I think charm could be found easily in other ways. The billboards need to go. Most people know where the topless clubs are without seeing billboards for Rick's. We agree on that. I was horrified when they announced the demolition of that hotel. The downtown redevelopment is the only thing that saved the Rice Hotel, but likely won't save the Ben Milam...how sad.
This is really getting off basketball here.... anyway maybe the space team isn't best, but Houston is a new city, so maybe it can use that to it's advantage. Everything in Houston is spaced out but it is a modern city. I have no idea. But I don't live there anymore, and the only reason I'd go back is for an Astros game or Rockets playoff game as I can catch them in Philly, Boston, or NJ (It's impossible to get Knicks tickets). You guys live there, and if enough people show their discontent, maybe the city planners will accomodate. I think if they use the new stadiums and arena as a way to revitalize downtown Houston, that would be cool. The convention center is really cool, that's the best thing they had built up until the time I left. It's a problem for the city though. Everyone I know who was not born there and moved there as a kid has left. I mean everyone. Parents remain, but all of us left to bigger cities I think because we were just culturally starved. I could never live in Houston again, but that's me. I'm not a big fan of texas either, but I always like San Marcos/Austin. That's why bringing Dream home is important. Those kinds of icons are good for your city. They give it character.
The ballpark and arena HAVE revitalized downtown. If you were to come back to Houston I guarantee you that the city you arrive in will only vaguely resemble the city you left. Downtown is vibrant and busy at night. People live there. There are clubs and restaurants where you can hear just about any kind of music you choose. I am so happy with the transformation Houston has undergone in such a short time. This goes to show that...sports matter.
LOL, Thats kind of funny that you said that. I know what you mean by not liking the outside of the park...but there is a little bit of info that most people don't know (not even a lot of people that work at MM park) about the new park. If you go directly out of the centerfield exit and look direct across the street at the white building you will see an ISF that nobody knows about. Thats right, South Texas Intermediate Sanctioning Facility. Its a prison that is minimum security for parole violators(still, there are some really hardcore criminals in there!) Its funny when I go there for my job and park right in front of the Park...hell the warden lets me park there on game days so I can just walk across the street to the front gate! Next time anyone goes there check it out! you'll be surprised.
That's what I'm hoping happens. It's starts with the people that live there. They are the ones that vote.
That's funny! What ever you do, never wear orange to a game. There might be a prison break, and you'll get nabed! Ha! Anyways, your parking reminds me of the days I had a motorcycle; you can always just park right up close the the Astrodome, Summit, and right next to the CEO's parking spot at work! Those are the perks of owning a motorcycle.
I lived in Houston for 21 years before I moved (too hot, not because it lacked this or that...). But since traveling the world and living in different cities around the US, I've gain perspective. Houston is my home and will always be. But, if Dallas, Baltimore, Miami, and Cleveland can reinvent themselves, I see no reason that Houston can't do the same. NewYorker is a little more forthcoming than I am, but overall I don't disagree with him. I know that Houston has gone through the most changes (structurally) in the last 7 years since they started renovating downtown Houston. This is just the start of some good things to come. On a side note. A few months ago a wrote a letter to one of the PR managers for the Rockets regarding the design of the new Rocket uniforms. I stressed the fact that we should eliminate the gimmicky/tacky uniforms (the current Rocket uniforms) for a more traditional look. He said that the Rockets front office has received thousands of letters about the new Rocket uniforms and he made it clear that this time the Rockets were going to get it right. They will plan the design of the new uniforms, something that wasn't done the last time (they rushed) the Rockets changed their uniforms. Remember, the Rocket will be moving into a new arena next year and the new uniforms will have to match the look and feel. From what I've read, the new uniforms will maintain a traditional look. Similar to the Astros. Not colorful or retro (Circa 80's Astros, Yuk!). But, sharp and classic, like the current Astros, Texans and Comets all of which look AWESOME!
off, maybe? Anyways, sorry if I'm a little harsh. I just hate it when someone comes to a basketball site based in HOUSTON and starts to trash the city. I don't know...call me crazy, but under those conditions it sounds like you are the one with the chip ON his shoulder. And so goes the ramblings of a "culturally starved" severe rockets fan
As a former resident for many years, I have every right to give my criticism of the city and it's fans. I didn't in anyway "trash" the city or it's fans. You're free to "trash" New York in anyway, as it doesn't bother me. I stated the reasons many people left the city, including myself. I didn't call Houstonians "culturally starved". We're trying to figure out why Houstons fans are fair-weathered, or any city for that matter like Atlanta. New York certainly has it's flaws. You aren't going to get your plot of grass to cut, or find parking for your car. It's more expensive, and more cramped. We get attacked by terrorists too although New York's safer then Houston overall. People are less fake in Houston, and less competitive, so there's no reason to get defensive ya know. Different cities suit different people. I needed to be around more variety, a city with more to offer in terms of culture, and I'm sorry, Houston doesn't even compare. That's just a fact, Houstons a younger, more isolated, and less diverse and populated city. There's no reason to take offense to that. If it were not the case I wouldn't have left. My criticism is that I just can't understand why the hell people don't go to playoff basketball games and baseball games to get excited about a preseason scimage for a team that's going to be abysmal. I wonder how many people still think the Texans victory over Dallas was that big of a deal.
Damn, this thread is like beating a dead horse.... NewYorker 77 posts came from this one damn thread!!
