Welcome To Case's Column
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.
In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
Lubbock's Future: What Could It Have?
[This is the first installment in a series of blogs about a West Texas city I really care about: Lubbock.]
I've spent some time sharing on the Texas threads some tidbits, dreams, ideas, and observations on the city of Lubbock, Texas. For a number of years, I've had a special affinity for that place much in the same way that I've had a strong affinity for the Houston area. But Lubbock is a special place no matter how you slice it. There's just something that I feel the city needs to have to be more of a city. They call the place 'The Hub City', and it has a history of its own. It's a hub for commerce, industry, medicine, and transportation in the Llano Estacado region. Our City-Data aficionados and yours truly have offered opinions, some positive, and others, well, not ---- when it comes to the city. I think it's time I shared some ideas right here of a what a future Lubbock might be like. Keep in mind that when I share things like this, nothing is set in stone. They are what they are: ideas.
I'll start with some things like the following:
(1) Depot Plaza. The Depot District needs more night life. And more day life, too. It should be an all-around gathering thing and not one-dimensional. I'll bet that Marc McDougal might have an idea up his sleeve, as the prominent Lubbock developer has plans underway for downtown redevelopment.
(2) WesTex Tower. Imagine a 46-story office tower with a revolving restaurant and observation deck to give views of the city, not to mention a West Texas sunset. At the bottom level on the ground, there would a large lobby with retail and other offices. There would also be an antenna with a beacon light on top, and other exterior light designs to make the building light up at night. That could happen with what could be the tallest building in West Texas and a potential crown jewel in the Lubbock cityscape. That is not the final name; just a working title only.
(3) The Lubbock Zoo. Why not? They don't have one, and kids don't need to go two hours to Amarillo to see cute animals. The question now is location. I doubt they could have room on the site of the present Wonderland Park (which I feel needs to be demolished - I'll explain next). Another potential location would be an area near Buddy Holly and Avenue Q and north of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. So what, pray tell, would replace Wonderland Park?
(4) Wild West City. It could be the next great amusement park in Texas. It's a combination of rides, entertainment, exhibits, and a Wild West showdown with figures from the Old West. The location could be in a new area in West Lubbock, possibly off a future outer Beltway expected to encircle what, at the moment, are Lubbock's outskirts.
(5) European Gardens. Where can you go to experience great dining, architecture, ambience, and shopping with a European flair?? This place can offer that for Lubbockites. It would be an area with ample acreage and a park setting, with multiple buildings containing restaurants catering to German, Italian, British, Irish, Norwegian, and French cultures. There would be a few shops, as well as an art gallery. Possible southwest Lubbock location is most likely.
(6) Lubbock-Reese International Airport. Don't any of you laugh now. It could happen. The current airport is good and will suffice for now, but the location is just too close to downtown. I realize it will take more population, demand, and business to make this new venture a reality, but why not dream?? I picked Reese because that should be the general area of where a new Lubbock airport should go. Reese Air Force Base, you remember, had been closed down years ago, but in its place now is the new Reese Technology Center. The new airport should be in the area just north of that location; I doubt that the old runways will be used for airlines due to the RTC's location. The property should be about three times the size of the current airport and can have an easily-expandable design for its terminal. There could eventually be service for new airlines not currently running at LPSIA. This would be great for West Texas. What would become of the current airport? How about a commuter/city airport for private planes and business usage?
(7) Expansion of Lubbock's freeway network. It's inevitable. It just hasn't happened yet, that's all. Right now, I-27 and Loop 289 are all you have, in addition to a small portion of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. But here could be some more items for your transportation needs: I-34, for starters. The Northwest Freeway would essentially replace the current Clovis Highway. I predict that the Shallowater/Northwest Lubbock corridor will be the next hot area in Lubbock. The road would direct-connect from the Loop and extend through Clovis and on to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where it would connect with I-40. I-18 would be aligned in the southeast area of Lubbock, connecting with I-27 and extending to places like Post, Abilene, Austin, and on to Houston. It'd be what I'd consider the most important link to many other Texas cities and locales. I-44 would be extended from Wichita Falls to El Paso. It would include the Marsha Sharp Freeway in the central and west and Parkway Drive in the east, possibly in a trench. It would be on ground level outside the loop. This can be an important link to Mexico and Mid-America and can also provide a route to D/FW, which I believe many folks crave. Loop 289 would be redesignated I-427. I-27, the South Freeway, can be extended down to San Angelo and I-10, and a new beltway (which is actually being discussed) can encircle Lubbock's outskirts and provide new links to new areas. That's likely where some of the growth will eventually be. It would likely become Lubbock's only toll road (I know, I know - TXDOT's out of money, but anytime there's a potential for interstate status, the feds can always come through. You can always write to your congressman). I'll give it the working name of Beltway 5. In addition, the aforementioned Reese airport idea could also include its main entry and exit as a freeway connector that would link up with the possible Clovis Highway replacement freeway for easy access.
Anyway, I have much more, but I'll share them later on. I've used enough space right here. This will do for now. You can ponder these things over. All you Lubbockites and West Texans out there can feel free to share your thoughts here.
I've spent some time sharing on the Texas threads some tidbits, dreams, ideas, and observations on the city of Lubbock, Texas. For a number of years, I've had a special affinity for that place much in the same way that I've had a strong affinity for the Houston area. But Lubbock is a special place no matter how you slice it. There's just something that I feel the city needs to have to be more of a city. They call the place 'The Hub City', and it has a history of its own. It's a hub for commerce, industry, medicine, and transportation in the Llano Estacado region. Our City-Data aficionados and yours truly have offered opinions, some positive, and others, well, not
---- when it comes to the city. I think it's time I shared some ideas right here of a what a future Lubbock might be like. Keep in mind that when I share things like this, nothing is set in stone. They are what they are: ideas. I'll start with some things like the following:
(1) Depot Plaza. The Depot District needs more night life. And more day life, too. It should be an all-around gathering thing and not one-dimensional. I'll bet that Marc McDougal might have an idea up his sleeve, as the prominent Lubbock developer has plans underway for downtown redevelopment.
(2) WesTex Tower. Imagine a 46-story office tower with a revolving restaurant and observation deck to give views of the city, not to mention a West Texas sunset. At the bottom level on the ground, there would a large lobby with retail and other offices. There would also be an antenna with a beacon light on top, and other exterior light designs to make the building light up at night. That could happen with what could be the tallest building in West Texas and a potential crown jewel in the Lubbock cityscape. That is not the final name; just a working title only.
(3) The Lubbock Zoo. Why not? They don't have one, and kids don't need to go two hours to Amarillo to see cute animals. The question now is location. I doubt they could have room on the site of the present Wonderland Park (which I feel needs to be demolished - I'll explain next). Another potential location would be an area near Buddy Holly and Avenue Q and north of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. So what, pray tell, would replace Wonderland Park?
(4) Wild West City. It could be the next great amusement park in Texas. It's a combination of rides, entertainment, exhibits, and a Wild West showdown with figures from the Old West. The location could be in a new area in West Lubbock, possibly off a future outer Beltway expected to encircle what, at the moment, are Lubbock's outskirts.
(5) European Gardens. Where can you go to experience great dining, architecture, ambience, and shopping with a European flair?? This place can offer that for Lubbockites. It would be an area with ample acreage and a park setting, with multiple buildings containing restaurants catering to German, Italian, British, Irish, Norwegian, and French cultures. There would be a few shops, as well as an art gallery. Possible southwest Lubbock location is most likely.
(6) Lubbock-Reese International Airport. Don't any of you laugh now. It could happen. The current airport is good and will suffice for now, but the location is just too close to downtown. I realize it will take more population, demand, and business to make this new venture a reality, but why not dream?? I picked Reese because that should be the general area of where a new Lubbock airport should go. Reese Air Force Base, you remember, had been closed down years ago, but in its place now is the new Reese Technology Center. The new airport should be in the area just north of that location; I doubt that the old runways will be used for airlines due to the RTC's location. The property should be about three times the size of the current airport and can have an easily-expandable design for its terminal. There could eventually be service for new airlines not currently running at LPSIA. This would be great for West Texas. What would become of the current airport? How about a commuter/city airport for private planes and business usage?
(7) Expansion of Lubbock's freeway network. It's inevitable. It just hasn't happened yet, that's all. Right now, I-27 and Loop 289 are all you have, in addition to a small portion of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. But here could be some more items for your transportation needs: I-34, for starters. The Northwest Freeway would essentially replace the current Clovis Highway. I predict that the Shallowater/Northwest Lubbock corridor will be the next hot area in Lubbock. The road would direct-connect from the Loop and extend through Clovis and on to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where it would connect with I-40. I-18 would be aligned in the southeast area of Lubbock, connecting with I-27 and extending to places like Post, Abilene, Austin, and on to Houston. It'd be what I'd consider the most important link to many other Texas cities and locales. I-44 would be extended from Wichita Falls to El Paso. It would include the Marsha Sharp Freeway in the central and west and Parkway Drive in the east, possibly in a trench. It would be on ground level outside the loop. This can be an important link to Mexico and Mid-America and can also provide a route to D/FW, which I believe many folks crave. Loop 289 would be redesignated I-427. I-27, the South Freeway, can be extended down to San Angelo and I-10, and a new beltway (which is actually being discussed) can encircle Lubbock's outskirts and provide new links to new areas. That's likely where some of the growth will eventually be. It would likely become Lubbock's only toll road (I know, I know - TXDOT's out of money, but anytime there's a potential for interstate status, the feds can always come through. You can always write to your congressman). I'll give it the working name of Beltway 5.
In addition, the aforementioned Reese airport idea could also include its main entry and exit as a freeway connector that would link up with the possible Clovis Highway replacement freeway for easy access.Anyway, I have much more, but I'll share them later on. I've used enough space right here.
This will do for now. You can ponder these things over. All you Lubbockites and West Texans out there can feel free to share your thoughts here.Total Comments 16
Comments
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You have some grand plans for Lubbock and it would be great if some of them were achieved in some form or fashion. One question about the WesTex Tower. Is there any reason for choosing 46 stories? Would the observation deck and restaurant be 4 stories giving a total of 50?Posted 11-08-2008 at 09:16 PM by Jerryltx
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46 just seemed like a nice number. 50 would be better, but I wouldn't think that Lubbock would want anything quite that high. And if there's a beacon on an antenna, that's just icing on the cake. I also envision a few other high-rises between 20 and 35 stories, but the one I mentioned in the blog should be the tallest one. I'll expound on that soon. The 46 I envision will include the restaurant, observation deck, and an office above the restaurant that may occupy a radio station.Posted 11-08-2008 at 10:19 PM by case44
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Very nice. All very good ideas.
In order to make the downtown tower work, you'd prob. have to demolish some existing buildings and include residential living in it, plus increase the occupancy in the rest of downtown. All of which takes time, money, etc.Posted 11-08-2008 at 10:23 PM by shoe01
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Evidently, they'd have to clear out some land. That's obvious. You can't really rule out a combination of uses, but I think the tallest building should be mostly for office. Other high-rises can have a combination or strictly office or strictly lofts. But office space needs to come first. Future residents are going to have to have a place to work.Posted 11-09-2008 at 08:14 AM by case44
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Very interesting ideas Case! I'm just curious, how did you become interested in LubbockPosted 11-23-2008 at 03:17 PM by Westerner92
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After my first visit.
It's just that when I go there, I have this vision for the city. There's way too much potential for something not to happen. I'm going to write some more installments on my blog about Lubbock and its future real soon, so watch for them. There are many ideas of how to make a good city an even better city. Can Lubbock move forward from where it's at now? Yes, it definitely can. I wish I could be a developer or something like that so I can put actual images with the words. Yes, it's pretty ambitious, but it's also not impossible.Posted 11-23-2008 at 07:57 PM by case44
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We have been in the Dallas area 20+ years now, but I was born and raised in Lubbock. I also still have an affinity for it, case!
Posted 12-03-2008 at 08:03 AM by kaykay
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It's got a ways to go, kaykay. It won't be another Houston or Dallas, but it can be large. I've envisioned Lubbock as the crown jewel of West Texas, and there is much work to be done. El Paso will always be larger, but I think the location of Lubbock is just right --- and ripe --- for a mid-sized metro. I'm reminded of how small Austin used to be, so you can make a pretty good comparison here, even though it will take time for Wolfforth and Shallowater to catch up to Round Rock.Posted 12-03-2008 at 04:29 PM by case44
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I wonder if Lubbock will keep going on its promise to improve downtown, so will they? You have to wonder, with the shape of our nation's economy, if we'll be seeing new high-rise office space in downtown Lubbock??? You know that I do want to see such new projects bear fruit so Lubbock can stop having such a boring skyline. Will we???
Posted 03-07-2009 at 07:42 AM by case44
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Seeing how there are nice houses right next to downtown, I believe that there are ingredients to put life back into it. IF the Fed chairman is right, the slowdown might be over by January 2010. Plus, Lubbock's unemployment is 4.7%, lower than most cities.
Just a few reasons to be semi-optimistic.Posted 03-07-2009 at 08:34 AM by shoe01
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Well, I feel better already........Posted 03-07-2009 at 08:06 PM by case44
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Glad to help.Posted 03-09-2009 at 05:02 AM by shoe01
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Lubbock's Future?
Lubbock's future is dried up. There is no water here and people cannot afford the water rates because all you can make at a job here is less than minimum wage!! Why bother with growth of this place--we should all leave it and go where things are greener, cheaper, and calmer. Lubbock is hell's waiting room!Posted 04-02-2009 at 07:20 AM by uglubbock
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Lake Alan Henry (future water source) is pretty big. Plus there are other sources.Posted 04-02-2009 at 10:54 AM by shoe01
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For your information, uglubbock, I live in Dallas, not Lubbock. I do a lot of Texas travel and have been nearly everywhere in our state and have enjoyed nearly every place I've been. I am aware of Lubbock's water issues, but I am optimistic the city will get it all fixed. These things won't stop me from making suggestions and ideas. That's fine if you want to live elsewhere. We can always agree to disagree. And what's wrong with visions of things bigger than they are?Posted 04-04-2009 at 05:46 AM by case44
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Lubbock should bring back their old old hockey team, the Cotton Kings. Every american city needs a hockey team yes?
Does Lubbock have a minor-league baseball team by any chance? I'm sure Texas Tech does but still.Posted 04-14-2009 at 08:11 PM by Canes2006Champs
