the inner loop development mentality spreading outside the loop (Houston: apartment complexes, townhomes)

[thesouthwest]

Does anyone else find this fad kind of scary? The inner loop is an awesome place for food, shopping, and general living.

But at the same time, there is something inherently wrong with the townhome fad. Profit greedy developers are literally cramming in 6 three story monsters into one small lot. No yard, no trees, no greenery what so ever.

Now in the southwest side of Houston near the bellaire area, apartment complexes are being razed for the same style of homes. On one side, this is great and will bring in a more educated population, but on the other -- neighborhoods are beginning to lose their identity. Sitting outside in my spacious backyard with mature trees, green grass, and a feeling of nature within city limits has been very special too me.

Do you support townhome development?

also heres a video of what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7ajt-lO0L0

[modster]

Generally not a fan myself, obviously others feel different because the market drives it. If they are replacing run down complexes with them, I don't think you have lost any community identity. They can take a few complexes down around me and replace them with cookie cutter townhomes all they want.

[thesouthwest]

Originally Posted by modster

Generally not a fan myself, obviously others feel different because the market drives it. If they are replacing run down complexes with them, I don't think you have lost any community identity. They can take a few complexes down around me and replace them with cookie cutter townhomes all they want.

Yeah you're right. I just wish the development was more geared towards single family homes on actual lots. As tacky as the bellaire mcmansions are, they look nice and they do keep that neighborhood identity.

[houston-nomad]

What I object to is that horrible video. I have to go throw up now.

---

Okay, I'm back. I like urban density, even in Bellaire. Houston will always have other options, it will never get entirely built out. You'll always have the option, somewhere, for a yard. Plus, Bellaire is so fugly that those townhomes can't make it any worse.

[DJboutit]

There are like 10 complex just like this right near W Bellfort & S Main only 1 complex looks nice the one W Bellfort & Rail Road tracks all the rest look really junky & cheaply made

[Kenpar]

I pretty much agree with everyone here. I don't necessarily like the McMansions, because I like at least some lawn. But, if they take away from some of the run-down and neglected properties, then it makes a much better difference. Some McMansions with some green space are actually pretty cool, but they are few and far between. Most developers just seem to want to build the most cookie cutter model they can get, in the smallest lot they can get. They aren't to prevalent, so they don't bother me much. Unless they are in a all McMansion block, then they are hideous.

P.S. I actually have a dream of Houston becoming very green. Like some parts of Korea or like I saw some places in San Marcos. Basically, a major city in the forest.

[thesouthwest]

Originally Posted by DJboutit

There are like 10 complex just like this right near W Bellfort & S Main only 1 complex looks nice the one W Bellfort & Rail Road tracks all the rest look really junky & cheaply made

Yeah I know exactly where you mean. I think the developer is called contemporary garden homes. They pick the WORST locations, theres on community like literally next to 610 next to third ward.... ahhh.

[SouthernBoy205]

Those townhomes are sharp! I don't what y'all are talking bout!!!!

[DJboutit]

There is a fire station on S Main nobody wants to live 500ft or less from a fire station also 610 & S Main at night a lot of hookers & crackheads are walking around begging for money which is about 1/3 to 3/4 mile from most of these complexes. Another thing why build these complexes right next to some really ghetto apts I never understand this

[Trae713]

Not everyone wants, or needs a yard.