No zoning — like that’s a good thing
People move to Houston because they can get a job and afford a house.
They do not move here for the scenic beauty.
They may discover great restaurants, top-notch cultural amenities, awesome sports teams, and a welcoming and diverse population, but they are not moving here because they are great admirers of architecture or urban planning.
From too many vistas, our city looks like a jumble of on-ramps and off-ramps, billboards, utility towers, aging strip malls and industrial equipment. Towers go up next to houses. Warehouses get mixed in with hotels. And it floods here.
Many people here in Houston are proud of this. They think it’s what gives Houston its charm.
In today’s Texas Inc., we feature a roundtable discussion with four legendary real estate developers who each had a role in building modern day Houston, and who each benefited from the lack of restrictions. It’s a truly fascinating exchange between great men with long and successful track records.
“Houston is the only major city in the United States that has no barriers to entry,” says developer Marvin Finger. “We have no zoning requirements at all. Literally, you can take your dart and throw it at a map and go to that tract of land, draw the plans and build a warehouse, a hospital, a retail center or an apartment.”
All true, but guess what else? Much of the city is ugly.
Those of us who live here get used to it. Beauty — or the lack thereof — is in the eyes of the beholders. But ask visitors what they think, even if they’re only from another part of Texas. If they are more honest than polite, you’ll hear it.
At this point in the city’s evolution, this is not a problem to be solved. It’s only to be acknowledged as we tally strengths and weaknesses. And perhaps, going forward, developers and civic leaders can think about adding at least a little beauty and order to their projects.
I’d be interested in hearing what you think about our lack of zoning and its consequences, both positive and negative. Email me at al.lewis@chron.com or get me on Twitter at @tellittoal.