523 NW 7th

[Pete]

This is a project that is well along but flew under the radar because it's a private residence.

3-stories with a rooftop deck. You'll see large buildings flanking it on either side in a couple of the renderings, which the architect describes as future development.

This is directly north of the under-renovation Emerson school. The boarded-up building to the east is owned by the Midtown Renaissance people who finally gave up trying to get it demolished, after their application was rejected multiple times.

SoSA District Projects.

[betts]

Ah, I'd wondered what that is. It's really odd-looking right now. I figured it was going to be a private residence but it's got a very unusal appearance since it currently has no windows or even obvious window openings and is an odd height for its width and depth.

[Spartan]

Wow, very reminiscent of David Wanzer's NW 5th project. SoSA is really booming. What's funny is the Emerson School will have a much better design, sense of place, and community context than the elementary school we literally had the chance to build to suit.

[metro]

Ah, I'd wondered what that is. It's really odd-looking right now. I figured it was going to be a private residence but it's got a very unusal appearance since it currently has no windows or even obvious window openings and is an odd height for its width and depth.

It has had windows (cutouts) the entire time, but you have to look close, because the house has been wrapped in Tyvek during the winter, most likely to keep the inside warm for the construction workers, and somewhat weather proof.

[Pete]

From shawnw:

[Urbanized]

I still don't get it. Fingers crossed.

[Garin]

Windows and doors are in. The owner used a wood/ clad product looks pretty good, has some extremely large sliding doors on the front.

[Pete]

Thanks to Metro for this photo:

[shawnw]

Have been meaning to snap an update, have walked by it several times this week...

[Garin]

The back side has some windows that go from the first floor all the way to the top.

[soonerguru]

I drove past this today and it is a bizarre structure. Not seeing the vision yet.

[catch22]

I drove past this today and it is a bizarre structure. Not seeing the vision yet.

Drinketh, young one. Thine eyes, the vision will be revealed.

[soonerguru]

Were I to drink, I would only see a blurrier and $hittier vision of the same building -- not attractive.

[catch22]

Drunk enough, and I'd sleep in any building. Big or small. Ugly or attractive.

[hoya]

Drunk enough, and I'd sleep in any building. Big or small. Ugly or attractive.

I am the same way with women.

[betts]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Hopefully the owners love it!

[Urbanized]

It makes more sense to me with the block walls up, and also after looking at the drawings, which seem to envision adjacent buildings at the same setback on either side. Still hoping to see the ugly duckling turn into a swan.

[shawnw]

I'd be okay if someone wanted to turn that block into the "block house" district or something. If someone wants to build me one, I'd totally live in it.

[Chitty]

I wonder how they'll feel about living so close to a known "trap house" that is the old run down lot directly behind it, to the north. 524 NW 8th St. Drugs, prostitution, etc. Looks abandoned at quick glance but it's supposed to.

[warreng88]

I wonder how they'll feel about living so close to a known "trap house" that is the old run down lot directly behind it, to the north. 524 NW 8th St. Drugs, prostitution, etc. Looks abandoned at quick glance but it's supposed to.

I believe that was the house Steve walked by and saw illegal activity going on at. Wonder who owns it and if they are willing to sell...

[Pete]

When they move in, they can merely keep close watch and be diligent about reporting any suspicious activity.

Bet it gets cleaned up pretty fast.

[Chitty]

I believe that was the house Steve walked by and saw illegal activity going on at. Wonder who owns it and if they are willing to sell...

County assessor lists "HNA ENTERPRISES LLC". The mailing address for that LLC is different and that leads to a Munir Ahref Khader and wife Nancy, and simultaneously to a Metro Performance Properties at the same address. It's a small run down strip mall on Penn near 23rd. OSCN search doesn't bring up anything criminal under his name. Anyways, I have a friend that lives in the apartments next door, directly to the east, and he says no one ever does anything about the obvious amount of activity, i.e. coming and goings at all hours of the day. Not sure what there is to be done without a search warrant.

[Chitty]

When they move in, they can merely keep close watch and be diligent about reporting any suspicious activity.

Bet it gets cleaned up pretty fast.

One would hope that it does change ownership soon... you'd think in the next 10 years at least. Cheers Pete! Looking forward to Arsenal this season? Getting close...

[Pete]

One would hope that it does change ownership soon... you'd think in the next 10 years at least. Cheers Pete! Looking forward to Arsenal this season? Getting close...

The reasons places like that get so bad is there are no motivated neighbors around them. That will change big-time when this couple moves in -- they will not only want to protect their quality of life but also their substantial investment. I bet that place gets emptied out soon.

Up the Gunners! We need to sign a bunch of players in the next few weeks!

[Chitty]

Yes very true, SOSA has come a long way and no doubt there is heavy momentum right now! The aforementioned apartment is kind of a dump too... no offense to my buddy but I could not live there.

Re: Arsenal... could be announcement tomorrow about Alexis Sanchez from Barca (and Chile) and/or Debuchy from Newcastle... both are looking likely... stay tuned!