Unveiling the EarthQuest models

Like Disney World, only greener: An exclusive first look at the proposed ecotheme park

EarthQuest Adventures would span 1,600 acres.
Photo by Meredith Riddle
It would include a theme park, a water park, hotel, conference center, retailand office developments and, eventually, a residential phase.
Photo by Caroline Gallay
Pictured is a model of EarthQuest's Institute, a "an innovative new educationand research facility with hands-on exhibits dedicated to advancing ourawareness and appreciation of the environment."
Photo by Meredith Riddle

For those who, like me, were left with an insatiable black hole where AstroWorld used to be, fear not. Houston might (maybe!) be getting another theme park.

And it's not just any old theme park — in fact, its proposed sheer size (1,600 acres) makes AstroWorld look like the Delaware State Fair. The proposed EarthQuest Adventures is an "edutainment" resort that includes a theme park, water park, hotel, institute and perhaps even a residential component. The massive resort is proposed for Montgomery County about 30 miles north of downtown Houston (and 15 miles from IAH), and the expanse of its operations make it more comparable to Disney Word than to AstroWorld.

And that's fitting, because its founders are all ex-Disney execs. The connections run deep, too — one of the speakers at last night's private presentation at Kirksey Architecture to an audience of developers, architects and contractors was the voice of Dale the Chipmunk before he became an engineer. CultureMap was the only media outlet in the meeting.

These imagineers, as they call themselves, have dreamt up a world where eco-education is fun, and profitable.

Think themed zones like Sky (that's where the coasters come in), Water, Land, and Life. Think singing stalagmites and mid-ride conservation lessons. The expanse will even include a non-profit arm called the Institute, planned as an educational and research center promoting sustainability and natural resource conservation.

But let's get to the good stuff, like, how much will it cost? And how will it affect Houston?

Well, Phase I (of three with Phase I being the theme park) is projected to cost $600 million. The whole thing's got an estimated $2 billion in annual expenditures, an estimated two million visitors a year and projects to make the state $250 million in annual revenue, according to the developers.

Though it may seem far-fetched (their most generous approximate timeline is three years, and they're still rounding up financing), it seems considerable local support has already been thrown behind the project. Seven million dollars in bonds have already been committed, and representatives yesterday said they've been at work on the project for six years — including two trips to the legislature.

Will EarthQuest make Houston a viable tourist destination, a la Orlando? Is it kinda ironic to plant a 1,600-acre eco-resort on top of what used to be mostly green space?

Who cares. ROLLER COASTERS!

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A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

home-for-sale