The unique architecture and reasonable pricing of Glenbrook Valley is turning the community into a popular spot.
Glenbrook Valley is steadily regaining popularity and growing into one of the city’s up-and-coming communities. The neighborhood, located on Houston’s southeast side, was marked as a historic designation earlier this summer. Residents say they are drawn towards the mid-century modern architecture and modern pricing.
Glenbrook Valley was built in the 1950s, situated near the Hobby Airport and Gulfgate shopping center. The neighborhood gained popularity throughout the 1960s with the construction of the Johnson Space Center in the Clear Lake area. However the neighborhood lost some its charm in the 1980s as the George Bush Intercontinental Airport grew, taking business away from Hobby, and because residents were displeased with the air pollution from nearby refineries.
The area has, in recent years, become popular with professors, architects, interior designers and other professionals who desire the character the homes provide without the Inner Loup price tags. The homes have been the source of a creative outlet for many who are willing to put the time, effort, and money into making their house into the home of their dreams.
Sean Evans said about his girlfriend Dalia Olivia, both of whom who are moving into the neighborhood, “When she sees a home, her mind goes on overdrive on what she can do, how she can remodel, how it can look normal on the outside but have that ‘wow’ factor inside.” Olivia is a student who has studied architecture and has degrees in interior design.
The architecture and style of the homes include Arts and Crafts Movement bungalows, brick cottages and sprawling ranches with amenities ranging from large yards to terrazzo floors and pools nestled beside palm trees.
Residents have noticed downsides about the neighborhood too. Real estate agent and homeowner, Cathy Spacek, said that, “these homes are definitely not energy efficient. There are plumbing, electrical and foundation issues that have to be addressed.”
Other residents have pointed out that retail options are limited, as are grocery shopping and dining venues. “We stand alone over here,” said Robert Searcy, a real estate agent, “We don’t have a Meyerland next door, or a Heights.” Resident Kathy Heard said, “A lot of homes need major work.”
These sort of considerations have kept the housing market in this area from taking off in recent years, but real estate agents believe that the historic designation, tied together with unbeatable prices and trendy crowds will give this community the edge it needs to prosper.
While the homes in Glenbrook Valley may need some work, they are not unlike many homes in the Houston built before 1960. I’d say that you can find homes in any neighborhood with the same problems; new or old. (They don’t build like they use to) Foundation issues come with territory of living on the coastal plain. Gumbo, clay soil is not the most stable substrate.
And while we may not have a Meyerland over here, Gulfgate has made a little bit of a comeback – There’s an HEB, Marshalls, Foot Action, Al’s Formal wear – just to name a few. You are just as likely to get run down by flash mob of kids knocking over a store in Meyerland as you would at Gulgate.
Restaurants? We’ve got the best mobile taco stands (roach coaches) in town. Hardly limited, I’d say. In fact, the only area with more roach coaches IS the Heights! Near Glenbrook we’ve got a Ninfa’s. It ain’t so bad. Plus, Don Carlos, 888 Chinese, Kelly’s Country Kitchen etc. There ARE a few places around here without margaritas but I never go there. Why? Thanks to those who contributed.
I agree with Chris Kimble!