If you've been waiting with bated breath to see what happens to Harold's old store front, here is some info. This flyer was passed to me tonight and I am both sighing with relief and feeling underwhelmed at the same time.
Obviously it is wonderful to see most of the original building facade remain the same. This is smart redevelopment that moves forward but also respects the past. I do love that about it.
My problem is I am just so "meh" about Torchy's. An Austin chain putting a second location right in the heart of the Heights. It's not bad enough to be disappointing, but I can't get excited about it either.
My big question now is: What about the signs? Those red signs, that retro font, iconic in the neighborhood. Harold's was so special to the Heights. Harold kept the faith in the Heights when others wouldn't let their daughters north of I10.
So, the last literal signs of an institution. Where do they go? The Wiesenthal family might want them, but wouldn't they have taken them already? My vote would be to donate them to a well established gallery or to the Heights Association. I would love the HHA to hang it in the first floor of the firestation... What would you suggest happen to the signs?
who cares they are signs. move on.
ReplyDeleteThey are not just signs...they are part of the Heights community and heritage. I think the idea with the fire station is great!
ReplyDeleteThey are just signs. Old, useless signs. Trash them like you do your garbage.
ReplyDeleteTorchy's is the best thing that could happen to this location. Period! Torchy's food and atmosphere are amazing and will do wonders to this neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteBlair St here - There is NO WAY you live in the Heights because if you did you would feel differently. I like Torchy's but the best thing for the neighborhood, I think not.
DeleteAs to the signs, I hope they are preserved and have reached out to a dear friend to has a love for old neon signs and a degree in Historic Preservation. I hope she has some pointers.
Why not just leave the signs on the building - for nostalgia? And I also like Torchy's. We will eat there for sure.
ReplyDeleteI think Torchy's want to put their own signs up there. Someone did suggest naming the building something with Harold's in it and they could use one of the signs for that!
DeleteI absolutely agree that something should be done with the signs to preserve them for Heights residents- they're an important part of our local history and one of the establishments, like Kaplan's, that made the Heights special. People in my parents generation that grew up in the Heights have a lot of fond memories of Harolds and it would be a shame to see one more piece of their history thrown into a dumpster.
ReplyDeleteI do have to say that I love Torchy's tacos and would absolutely love them here. For the record, Torchy's may be based in Austin but Mike Rypka (Mr. Torchy) spent many years here in Houston and is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
Thanks, Fred.
DeleteThanks Fred! Mr torchy here. We hope to become a part of the neighborhood and community there. We are very open to all and welcome suggestions. Send us an email at torchy@torchystacos.com. Can't wait to meet my new neighbors:):)
ReplyDeleteConsidering the large amount of families with young children in the heights, I think it would be great if there was a play area for kids. Mission Burrito on West Alabama is a great example. We love to sit on the patio and have drinks/chat and still bring the kids.
ReplyDeleteWhy not call it Torchy's at Harrolds in the Heights and reuse the signs?
ReplyDeletePlay area for kids? No!!!!! Who wants to hear a bunch of kids screaming while you are trying to eat! That's what Chuckie Cheese and McDonalds is for. You had the kids, don't interject them into everyone else's lives!
ReplyDeletei am part of the family and would love the signs
ReplyDelete