My Development Manifesto

MY DEVELOPMENT MANIFESTO

When Houston experienced its initial oil boom at the early 20^th century, it was the matrons of the wealthy oil families that were instrumental in bringing art and design to consideration of value in booming Houston.  Ima Hogg, the never married daughter of one of the Governors of Texas, was one of the most well-known to encourage art and culture in early Houston.  She was a generous and prime donor to the arts, including the Houston Museum of Fine Arts .  She and other female socialites with appreciation for the finer things in life brought a bit of civility to the developing Houston that otherwise may have been oblivious to the benefit of the introduction of culture.  Houston can look back in appreciation for the efforts of Ima and others who catalyzed the Houston arts scene.

 In the market economy wherein we thrive today, promoting creativity is as important as ever.  It is still considerations for the virtues such as art, culture, and design that add a bit of interest and charm to the otherwise purely engineer-centric structures around us.  Good design creates more attractive communities and adds quality of life.   Unfortunately “function” and “status quo” seem to often be the standard of residential and suburban design and structure.  It was noted on NPR that Houston still lags far behind most, if not all cities when ranked on quality of life.  Noted Rice University sociologist Stephen Kleinburg said: “This city has no prayer of making it as a major city in the 21st century economy if it is perceived by people outside Houston to be not only flat and hot for much of the year but also ugly and dangerously polluted. Forget it. And the business community knows that. We all know that.” (http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1364465621-Rice-Sociologist-Improving-Quality-Of-Life-Crucial-For-Houstons-Economic-Future.html )   Mr. Kleinburg goes on to talk about how one of the recent upgrades to the city in the effort to transform our solely functional concrete bayous into “linear parks” is an effort in the right direction.  This specific re-development has a price tag of nearly $250 million dollars, and one cannot help but wonder why the option for a dual use was not even considered when the initial plan was in development. How much money could have been saved without the cost and effort to change something from functional to beautiful and functional?  Despite this seemingly easy lesson to learn, we seem to repeat ourselves in the design of too many elements of our communities where adding aesthetic and charm is at best an afterthought, if taken into consideration at all.  

Ultimately much that is interesting or beautiful is not considered to be justified by “the bottom line” by those who run the markets, and thereby not included. In my opinion, the greater Houston market has become conditioned and satisfied with aesthetic mediocrity.  From a seller’s perspective, if the demand is satisfied with pure functionality, why add anything more?  Give the minimum required but not an iota more… Now that is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but not much.  Just as noted by Mr. Kleinburg, there is an obvious deficit in the aesthetic of Houston, especially when compared to other cites. 

 Here is the solution  We to tap into power, persuasion and social force of the members of our community who more resemble the persona of Ima Hogg.  Members of our society who have an appreciation of quality design, artistic communication, and intrinsic beauty. Members who have the social weight as well lead the effort to adjust the dialogue.   Members who recognize that good design has value, and will provide a strong return on investment.  And note that many, perhaps most, though not all, of the members of this social force are women.

As I have worked on the business plan for thoughtful design centered development, I have hit many roadblocks from lenders, investors and banks.  What is most interesting are some of the side comments that are made during the conversation.   The roadblocks are often paired with some type of offhand comment about building with the effort to creating “standard proven tract home communities”, or working with a “large production home builder” as the direction I inevitably must be aiming for if I want to be successful in this endeavor.  This assumption to me is humorous as if this is the only track to success because it’s simply following the track that everyone always takes…  That’s kind of the exact opposite I am going for and I will never be able to explain this to someone who cannot look outside the proverbial box of “if its not broke, don’t fix it.” 

This approach is understandable, but it is also unfortunate.  Consider the following as a comparison While we are on the brink of amazing technological breakthroughs in electronics, communication, and transportation, the product of “neighborhood” and “community” has evolved into a “fast food joint” type of business.  Our homes, which our typically our most expensive purchase, can be compared to a processed assembly line production. Even many of the expensive tract home builders, are still production builders—perhaps more of a “Olive Garden” than an McDonalds, but nonetheless not a home that is made to reflect the people who live inside.  These places are consistent, functional, and not bad, but not memorable, nostalgic or timeless.  Ultimately we are missing opportunities for innovation and the creation of tomorrows classics today.

In complete disclosure, let me clarify what I propose as an alternative.  I am going to respectfully copy someone elses ideas.  Multiple ideas from various other developers and designers.  That may sound hypocritical considering the previous rant, but we do not have to reinvent the wheel here. Many other communities are great at designing attractive neighborhoods with a timeless quality.  And many of these developers innovate some modern considerations on some already proven timeless designs. I propose that good ideas, proven from other developments and endeavors, incorporated locally with local flavors, artists, and implementations will sell, excel, and become an iconic destination representing the greater community stand equal or above any surrounding development. Slight modification and evolution on a proven idea is my formula for success in this endeavor.  A bit of review will find that most if not all of my proposed implementations can be seen successfully implemented in established designer communities. The home designs will reflect considerations proven in Seabrook WA, the Florida Panhandle, and even the Houston Heights.  The sustainability efforts will reflect efforts already proven in Las Vegas NV and Portland OR.  The community activities focused around an agrarian element will mirror that which is seen in Serenbe GA and Prairie Crossing IL.  The combined harmonies of proven community implementations will create a iconic community that will be not only completely unexpected for the Houston Metroplex, but ultimately revered and praised…Just as were the originally undervalued efforts of Ima Hogg.

This proposal will take work, dedicated oversight, and strong values in the face of many who will not get the vision and question the validity of the effort.  My team needs to not only have the vision, but own it.  They need to believe it in the effort and act in their role as if the success of the entire project hinges on their individual action.  This will be an effort that will be exciting, fulfilling, attention grabbing, community changing, and financially lucrative. It will succeed because we will meticulously plan, tirelessly execute, and generously compensate.  It is going to change everything.