Artists' Lofts

As for the housekeeping bit. I was the tenant that was evicted for that. I assure you there were no housekeeping issues. As a matter of fact I had an actual housekeeper that would come in and clean my house once a week. When I went to europe for a 2 week stint and came back to found I had been given notice to move out due to uncleanliness.

I was shocked since I had a friend live there during those 2 weeks under the conditions that he would clean the house. The house was actually cleaner than I had ever seen it. Even cleaner than when I moved in.

The place had unfinished work on the cabinets. My cat actually got trapped and I had to remove part of the kitchen cabinets (the wall mounting part of it) in order to get her out. Electricity was out the roof. They say they installed energy efficient windows and appliances but my bill was still sky high. The elevator also hardly ever worked. I think it worked 2 weeks out of the 6 months I was there. And during the 2 weeks it did work the elevator smelled like urine as did many of the stair wells.

The insulation was horrible. I could hear everything my neighbors were doing. I didn't even have a shaft running through my loft like Cecelia did.

Several times they came into my apartment without leaving notice or even knocking. One time I was actually asleep on the couch. Though I can't prove anything there were several items missing from my loft. I am not saying it's an employee from Alpha Barnes, but I can't help but think that 1 + 1 = 2. If you see a person who's been shot and another person holding a smoking gun what would common sense tell you?

The people that did speak up are telling the truth. Alpha Barnes does try to intimidate it's tenants. I was very excited when I first moved in. By the time I left I was almost happy that they gave me notice to vacate. Living there had become a chore as opposed to a pleasure.

As for forcing people to stay on month to month and it being simple economics as Aaron stated; perhaps Aaron should take an actual economics class and then present his findings to the committee that regulates the rent there. If you know cost is going up or down then you can plan for it based off a trend and calculate accordingly for it and present your findings to your superiors. All the comments by Aaron Reece in this article just show me his lack of responsibility and commitment both to his job and to the tenants that live there.

I know everything that Cecelia went through. He states that she was a very emotional person and tries to pawn it off as being unreasonable. I don't feel it's unreasonable to abide by the contract that was signed upon moving in. I would think that in his profession he would know all the addendums and paragraphs in a lease agreement.

The people that did speak up are telling the truth in my opinion. I feel Alpha Barnes does try to intimidate it's tenants. I was very excited when I first moved in. By the time I left I was almost happy that they gave me notice to vacate. Living there had become a chore as opposed to a pleasure. I would not advise anyone to live here until the property management company has been changed.

I am choosing to remain anonymous. I welcome management to come in and comment, however I do not want my name released or referenced. Doing so will result in legal ramifications.

Cutting Edge Journalism? – NOT!

Dear Reporter, (I won’t use your name, since you were courteous enough not to involve me in your so called "article"–but generous enough to speak for me and the other people living in my building – it’s a respect thing, you understand) let me inform you of some facts because you didn’t bother to interview ANY ONE of the 27 other people who happily live here CURRENTLY at Elder St. Artist Lofts.

Did you tell your readers that the building is home to almost the exact group of people since the opening 2 years ago? At least the faces are the same - (it must be a terrible place to live)

What about the Katrina families? Did you ask how the ENTIRE building became family, friends and neighbors to each other? (What comes to mind is the word: COMMUNITY)

I never found the part in your riveting article that focused on the affordable rent that has allowed all of us to be a part of the American dream. To have a new home, to pay our own bills to have food in our fridge. (I’m sure its in there somewhere – I must have missed it)

Through the pages and pages of non-relating subject matter I didn’t find the part about our community garden. Did you mention the COMMUNITY PLANTED IT TOGETHER AND BUILT IT TOGETHER? Even Avenue CDC helped at least that’s what their memo said – (heartbreaking right?)

No good stuff like the tree trimming party, the Artcrawl show, 4th of July party, artists that DO have shows at the building, we had a big one a few weeks back. I have seen our intimidating management work on building problems after dark. That grren couch luke’s ass was on was picked out by the managers, so was the rest of the lobby stuff there was nothing there before. BTW it was bought for the artcrwel last year. I know this b/c they left us a memo, just like they always do (sometimes too many memos)but that's not a crime in my book. We get away with more crap then entire neighborhoods. At halloween those shitty managers hire police to keep ghost hunters and trespassers out of the building and keep us safe. They even had the balls to install new ceiling fans in everyone’s apartments (bastards!)

I don’t know about anyone being a favorite buddy, but I know Susie and Reese never pass anyone up without asking how we are doing. I think Reese has fixed more stuff than I will in a lifetime plus yours. About 5 people in the building DON’T listen to them and are crappy (no one is that blind), (didn’t you say that YOU interviewed 5 people in the building?) Now that’s news worthy – makes about as much sense as your article.

One last comment: the iron fist-non-artist-threating-evicting-keeping the man down management YOU trashed? Pick up the trash WE leave around the building everyday – lucky someone reported these two. Look out! They are cleaning! Thanks for the heads up.

Last but not least your golden girl that was treated so badly? All I can say is this, she has been GONE for over a year and half and SHE is STILL raising hell. SHE DOESN'T EVEN LIVE HERE! Neither does the other guy!

The building scarred? You got that all wrong, its the building is SCARED she would ever come back.

The history part was cool, probably the only real facts. Get your shit straight and do an informed article.

Signed,

1 of 27

Let me start by saying that I am more than slightly disturbed regarding the article which was written concerning The Elder Street Artist Lofts. How is it that a headlining article can be written solely based on the opinions of two disgruntled EX-tenants (whose stories were highly exaggerated)? Is Houston Press so desperate for a cover story that Mr. Polcek couldn’t take the time to interview the artists who actually LIVE here? I assure you the fact that no current tenants were quoted, did not go unnoticed…. at least none who have the balls to give their names. FYI, if you dig deep enough, you will always find a few disgruntled ex tenants who are ready and willing to run their mouths, for every apartment building in the country.

I have lived in this building since the doors first opened. My house in Montrose burned to the ground in 2005 (the house at the corner of Montrose and West Gray), and all of my paintings were destroyed, along with my inspiration to paint. When I heard that the old Jeff Davis Hospital had been renovated as artist lofts, I jumped at the chance to live here, having adored this building for years like so many others. I walked in off the street, knowing no one, and moved in to my fabulous dream loft 1 month later.

Since my arrival, this building has met my expectations in every way. There are many very talented artists within this building who are proud to call The Elder Street Artist Lofts their home. This is a very warm, comfortable, fun, and fair environment, filled with people who are all very creative in some way, and who I consider myself fortunate to have met. If you are skeptical, why don’t you stop by during the annual Houston Art Crawl, or when there’s a huge art opening in one of the gallery’s here, or when the mayor is here for the dedication of the new public sculpture which is soon to be erected on our back lot, near or community garden, by a resident artist with the help of a Houston Arts Alliance grant! Isn’t that that enough art for you?

I would also like to add that in the two years I have lived here I have never had any problems such as were mentioned by Cecelia Johnson. This building is very clean, quiet, and well kept, and my electric bill has never once been unreasonable. If fact, it rarely even reaches $100 and my husband and I live in a 1600 square foot apartment! I met my husband here, got married here, and recently found out that we are going to be starting a family here. If this place were so horrible, why on Earth would someone want to raise a child here?

In closing, I hope that in the future you will get all of your facts straight before publishing an article which concerns peoples lives. Perhaps Houston Press should stick to writing articles about things which are actually happening, instead of perpetuating unnecessary rumors.

Sincerely,
Maddy GalaziosP.S. Just because a person may not paint or sculpt, does not mean that they aren’t an artist.

My letter to the editor pretty much sums it up.

"Dear Editor,

As a concerned resident at Elder Street Artist Lofts, I not only find your article incredibly bias but insulting to those who call this place home. I'm extremely disappointed that you, as a Houston Press rep., would allow such one-sided content to be posted. Had you done your proper research you would have found that the majority of information given to you by these "residents" is false and/or inaccurate. I, for one, live in Cecelia Johnson's former apartment and moved in shortly after she left. I have lived here for a year and four months and have never had a $300 light bill and live very comfortably in my apartment. My bill has always been reasonable. The shaft that she was referring to was sealed off shortly after I moved in and never had a problem with noise coming from it. Any maintenance issues in my place have been dealt with appropriately. What you seem to have done is interviewed a disgruntled, spiteful group of individuals who have turned your article into a SLANDER-FEST! Had you interviewed the proper majority of residents rather than these "scandal-seekers", some being non-residents, this article would have a completely different perspective. Personally, Elder Street Artist Lofts has been the best place I've ever lived. It's unique architecture and history have drawn us all here and I find it hard to believe that ANY artist would not be inspired here. There are all kinds of artists here, not just painters and sculptor but also photographers, writers, and designers of all sorts. I feel like the majority of the residents are part of a huge family in which you would not see in a normal apartment complex. Suzie and Aaron have been nothing but excellent as building managers and always do a fantastic job in handling building affairs. There are many times in which they use money out of their own pockets to sponsor building activities which try and bring residents together. There are always the select few (you know who you are) that never seem to show up to any of the events and by that their actions speak louder than words. If they want to be a part of the community then they clearly need to step forward and get together with other artists in the building without trying to VICTIMIZE THEMSELVES! On that final note, editor, your article has done nothing but state false claims and accusations at an artist community and its management. The individuals you interviewed seemingly have nothing better in mind than to point fingers and "witch-hunt" at the very people who allowed them into the building in the first place. The next time you consider writing an article about Elder Street Artist Lofts you might want to further your research into the credibility of your scandal-seeking subjects. The REAL story of Elder Street residents consists of a community of people who've come from a variety of artistic backgrounds and are truly greatful to live in such a unique environment.

Regards,
Brad Currie of Elder Street Artist Lofts"

News Flash:

To the 5 UN-NAMED cry baby's - if it's so bad here - MOVE! Don't drag the whole building into your crap! Misery loves company so go where people are just like you. At least 5 more people would love the chance to live here.

Sincerely,

Sick of cry baby's

This article has about as much worth as that 'Fantastic Foreskin' article that keeps coming up next to it. Just throw this article out with that foreksin. TRASH!

Disturbed by such ramblings by Houston Press.

I'm in shock by this story. I have personally met both of the managers briefly when I was given a tour of a loft I wanted to lease. I made too much money and was turned down. I do not have any personal relationship with either, but was treated fairly and professionally. As a matter of fact, I have sent friends to the manager who do meet their requirements. The building was clean, bright and cheerful. You could sense the togetherness and a kind vibe. It's hard to describe, but if you ever get a chance to take a tour I highly recommend it. If she was any more perky-bubbly she may have exploded. She spoke to everyone in the building, and gave a nice tour. Is it possible that she is too nice? To the Houston Press, Keith Plocek to be exact, what are you down to? Going after decent people now? SHAME ON YOU! I agree with the previous comment, throw the article out with the foreskin. Now it makes perfect sense that you give that paper away for FREE-

I will be finding something else to read thank you very much.

I'm in shock by this story. I have personally met both of the managers briefly when I was given a tour of a loft I wanted to lease. I made too much money and was turned down. I do not have any personal relationship with either, but was treated fairly and professionally. As a matter of fact, I have sent friends to the manager who do meet their requirements. The building was clean, bright and cheerful. You could sense the togetherness and a kind vibe. It's hard to describe, but if you ever get a chance to take a tour I highly recommend it. If she was any more perky-bubbly she may have exploded. She spoke to everyone in the building, and gave a nice tour. Is it possible that she is too nice? To the Houston Press, Keith Plocek to be exact, what are you down to? Going after decent people now? SHAME ON YOU! I agree with the previous comment, throw the article out with the foreskin. Now it makes perfect sense that you give that paper away for FREE-

I will be finding something else to read thank you very much.

I'm in shock by this story. I have personally met both of the managers briefly when I was given a tour of a loft I wanted to lease. I made too much money and was turned down. I do not have any personal relationship with either, but was treated fairly and professionally. As a matter of fact, I have sent friends to the manager who do meet their requirements. The building was clean, bright and cheerful. You could sense the togetherness and a kind vibe. It's hard to describe, but if you ever get a chance to take a tour I highly recommend it. If she was any more perky-bubbly she may have exploded. She spoke to everyone in the building, and gave a nice tour. Is it possible that she is too nice? To the Houston Press, Keith Plocek to be exact, what are you down to? Going after decent people now? SHAME ON YOU! Is this how articles are put together by your paper? I agree with the previous comment, throw the article out with the foreskin. Now it makes perfect sense that you give that paper away for FREE-

I will be finding something else to read thank you very much.

I'm in shock by this story. I have personally met both of the managers briefly when I was given a tour of a loft I wanted to lease. I made too much money and was turned down. I do not have any personal relationship with either, but was treated fairly and professionally. As a matter of fact, I have sent friends to the manager who do meet their requirements. The building was clean, bright and cheerful. You could sense the togetherness and a kind vibe. It's hard to describe, but if you ever get a chance to take a tour I highly recommend it. If she was any more perky-bubbly she may have exploded. She spoke to everyone in the building, and gave a nice tour. Is it possible that she is too nice? To the Houston Press, Keith Plocek to be exact, what are you down to? Going after decent people now? SHAME ON YOU! I agree with the previous comment, throw the article out with the foreskin. Now it makes perfect sense that you give that paper away for FREE-

I will be finding something else to read thank you very much.

Yo Keith - get back to writing and quit screwing that chic - we don't want to hear about it. All the tail in Houston and you pick some crazy ass with a high electricity bill - Tell you what, I'll get you hooked up my man, HOLLA!

I found this article appalling for that entire house. You write and release an article that starts off with how there aren't many artists there, but you don't even back up your claim. You write on what seems to be over exaggerated claims that the place is a complete hell hole and no one involved in the project would help anyone there. You made it so that everyone in that house looks bad for even putting up with these unsubstantiated accusations. Just look at how many people before me have commented on how you know jack about this place and the people who live there. I actually looked at this place last Friday before this article came out. Guess what - I'm still going to sign a lease and move in on the 15th. Thanks for the libel article.

p.s. if you don't want to finish writing an article don't let your editor make you. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say I have a "feeling" that's what happened in this situation.

You're kidding right, there are only 5 crying artist in an building of artists? I'd say that building is doing pretty well then.

To the Editor of Houston Press & Keith Polcek -

Knowing these comments cannot been seen in your current bullshit issue, will you make an apology in your next issue? To the HAPPY people who live in a building? To the organizations that you threw mud on? To the managers of the building you were so rude to? I know people who live there, why would you publish such a terrible, untrue, full of holes, going no where article? Is this what the Houston Press does? I read your paper but now, I don't think I can trust your journalism - screwing up YOUR crediblity is one thing, dragging an entire building, its supporters and peoples reputations for a story that made no sense? If you could actually get to the end of it, my god! what were you all thinking?

You disgust me and the friends I know there - good job at becoming the most hated journalist in Houston.

Signed,

The President of the I HATE KEITH POLCEK CLUB 2007

To Mr. Clean comment #1

Hey Dude, don't push it - we remember you because we still live here. You were nasty.

The story is bullshit.

Leave us alone.

Happy at the 1101

Its the usual Houston Press reporting - they take some "story" and they already have a position on it before its written or researched, they find people who will support their position and rely on a handful of people who will support their story. I thought it was funny they contacted Wortham (Snyder) to ask her if "she was aware artists may not be living there" to which she said something like "Yeah, that's how it was presented - some artists would be there but not all. Idea was preservation of the building." I have no interest in the building here (not a tenant nor did I even know about this place beforehand), but this just reeks of the usual Houston Press reporting. They may be absolutely right, but the fact that the people they rely on are people who may reasonably or unreasonably have a bone to pick and pick no true impartial person to back it up. What a joke.

I think funniest line though was when Garcia was talking about his girlfriend Johnson moving in, he said this:

"She was going to have her independence," he says. "These ArtSpace people were going to support her."

Way it sounds like is that she has some financial support (way I'm reading it at least). When someone is supporting you, its not called independence, in fact its called dependence. Oh well, thought it was funny.

i feel like a thorn in your side, houston press. but that is only because you can't get anything right and i have to call you out on it!

i just moved in exactly a week ago. i know that isn't long. everywhere else i have lived, with the exception of the lamar house, i have lived there more than a year. my last place i lived at i was there 3+ years. in this first week at ESAL, i have met more of my neighbors than i ever did the entire time i've lived anywhere. and everyone has been very nice!

as for artists not living there, the first thing everyone asks me is what kind of art do i do. there is art all over the walls. and like everyone else has said, the place is very much a part of the art scene. it is a community.

but if you are not willing to put yourself out there anywhere, you're never going to be a part of any community. and that's what i think has happened to the people you interviewed.

speaking of interviewed, out of the 30+ units here, you got 2 people who don't live here anymore and some anonymous people. i seriously question the fact that those anonymous people are legitimate sources. either way though, did you even try to find people who are happy here?? that is a big tip off right there that you had a position on this and weren't interested in letting the other side come to light. btw, if any of the anonymous people actually exist, i'd like to see them post their problems here, they can still be chicken and not put their real names on here. prove you're real!

you're getting an overwhelming response here already, and they are pointing out how slanted this article is, but i must point at another fact and evidence of your intent. you kept going on about how there aren't any artists living here, or at least not many. you made it seem like it so obviously a sham, that the ESAL was anything but that. but then, you just gloss over the fact that it would be illegal, not to mention subjective, to rent only to artists. yes you mention, but it was almost a side note compared to how much you railed on it.

what a smear campagin. is there something personal rooted in this article? i understand the idea is to...oh wait, you don't sell papers. sell advertising? ok so you need to be popular. but a good writer is able to write articles that are factual and well balanced while being entertaining or whatever it is you are aiming to do. are you trying to be the local national enquirer? or have you been studying reporting from fox news?

i feel like a thorn in your side, houston press. but that is only because you can't get anything right and i have to call you out on it!

i just moved in exactly a week ago. i know that isn't long. everywhere else i have lived, with the exception of the lamar house, i have lived there more than a year. my last place i lived at i was there 3+ years. in this first week at ESAL, i have met more of my neighbors than i ever did the entire time i've lived anywhere. and everyone has been very nice!

as for artists not living there, the first thing everyone asks me is what kind of art do i do. there is art all over the walls. and like everyone else has said, the place is very much a part of the art scene. it is a community.

but if you are not willing to put yourself out there anywhere, you're never going to be a part of any community. and that's what i think has happened to the people you interviewed.

speaking of interviewed, out of the 30+ units here, you got 2 people who don't live here anymore and some anonymous people. i seriously question the fact that those anonymous people are legitimate sources. either way though, did you even try to find people who are happy here?? that is a big tip off right there that you had a position on this and weren't interested in letting the other side come to light. btw, if any of the anonymous people actually exist, i'd like to see them post their problems here, they can still be chicken and not put their real names on here. prove you're real!

you're getting an overwhelming response here already, and they are pointing out how slanted this article is, but i must point at another fact and evidence of your intent. you kept going on about how there aren't any artists living here, or at least not many. you made it seem like it so obviously a sham, that the ESAL was anything but that. but then, you just gloss over the fact that it would be illegal, not to mention subjective, to rent only to artists. yes you mention, but it was almost a side note compared to how much you railed on it.

what a smear campagin. is there something personal rooted in this article? i understand the idea is to...oh wait, you don't sell papers. sell advertising? ok so you need to be popular. but a good writer is able to write articles that are factual and well balanced while being entertaining or whatever it is you are aiming to do. are you trying to be the local national enquirer? or have you been studying reporting from fox news?

i feel like a thorn in your side, houston press. but that is only because you can't get anything right and i have to call you out on it!

i just moved in exactly a week ago. i know that isn't long. everywhere else i have lived, with the exception of the lamar house, i have lived there more than a year. my last place i lived at i was there 3+ years. in this first week at ESAL, i have met more of my neighbors than i ever did the entire time i've lived anywhere. and everyone has been very nice!

as for artists not living there, the first thing everyone asks me is what kind of art do i do. there is art all over the walls. and like everyone else has said, the place is very much a part of the art scene. it is a community.

but if you are not willing to put yourself out there anywhere, you're never going to be a part of any community. and that's what i think has happened to the people you interviewed.

speaking of interviewed, out of the 30+ units here, you got 2 people who don't live here anymore and some anonymous people. i seriously question the fact that those anonymous people are legitimate sources. either way though, did you even try to find people who are happy here?? that is a big tip off right there that you had a position on this and weren't interested in letting the other side come to light. btw, if any of the anonymous people actually exist, i'd like to see them post their problems here, they can still be chicken and not put their real names on here. prove you're real!

you're getting an overwhelming response here already, and they are pointing out how slanted this article is, but i must point at another fact and evidence of your intent. you kept going on about how there aren't any artists living here, or at least not many. you made it seem like it so obviously a sham, that the ESAL was anything but that. but then, you just gloss over the fact that it would be illegal, not to mention subjective, to rent only to artists. yes you mention, but it was almost a side note compared to how much you railed on it.

what a smear campagin. is there something personal rooted in this article? i understand the idea is to...oh wait, you don't sell papers. sell advertising? ok so you need to be popular. but a good writer is able to write articles that are factual and well balanced while being entertaining or whatever it is you are aiming to do. are you trying to be the local national enquirer? or have you been studying reporting from fox news?

I dont even know where to begin actually...I have been a resident at this beautiful building for a little over a year now. I am EXTREMELY disappointed the only people who seemed to be interviewed were 2 disgruntled EX-tenants one of which has been gone for way over a year. As for the 5 "anonymous" current residents, and trust me it isnt hard to figure out WHO you are, if its SO horrible here MOVE. Suzie and Aaron have gone above & beyond for this building AND its residents. I have never once felt "threatend" and have have seen both of them spend their own personal time and money on many things to make this building the wonderful community it is. I can promise you NONE of my other complex's and their management EVER took the time to do anything special for the residents or the community. I also have never seen anything CLOSE to a 300.00 a month electricity bill or heard any other "noises" that have kept me awake at night...next time you decide to write another article on a community i suggest you get more input from the majority of the residents not just the troublemakers who obviously have nothing else to do but whine about their horrible lives. I would also get your facts straight since the title of the article itself is ridiculous. 27 out of 34 units here are occupied by artists DO THE MATH thats over 90% of the units..........

How much is it to live there, anyway?

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Elder Street Artist Lofts and the readers outside of our community who lended their support after reading this article. I know it is clear from reading the public comments that Elder Street strives to meet the needs of its residents. While we have not achieved 100% satisfaction, that only gives us something for which to strive. I encourage everyone in the Elder Street community to continue to work together for the common good - to use this article to strengthen the community instead of tear it down.

Please indulge me as I ask those reading these comments to consider the following. Artspace and Avenue CDC supports the artist community in providing affordable housing opportunities that allow many to pursue their talents and gifts while living in an affordable housing community. There are limitations because the program in which we participate does not allow exclusive marketing to artists or any one group. The bigger issue is the need for more affordable housing in Houston.

Please support affordable housing communities in your neighborhood. Houston has a real need for affordable housing opportunities, and especially in the inner city areas. There are many Houston citizens holding jobs (or those unable to work) that don't afford them the opportunity to live in nice, crime-free, well-run affordable housing in the city. Don't allow your neighborhood or civic association to oppose affordable housing. Everyone and every family deserves the right to decent, clean, and safe housing opportunities in our city.

-Aaron Reece-

My ex-girlfriend and I were the very first people to live at Elder Street Artist Lofts and I'm proud of that. If it means anything I'm about to renew my lease to live there for a third year. As long as I'm in Houston I plan on living there and doing my artwork. Thanks Aaron and Suzie.