Naked City

Naked City wanted to bestow that echoic nickname upon the Villas on Guadalupe before someone beat us to the punch. The controversial student housing project planned on the elongated triangle of land between the Drag and Hemphill Park -- supported by the neighborhood/business association University Area Partners and opposed by the Hemphill-area North University Neighborhood Association -- would include a four-story housing structure comprising 163 units and a parking garage for 395 cars, as well as new street lights, landscaping, and sidewalks. Rather than rule immediately, council members sent the case to mediation, with a vote officially scheduled for Nov. 29 -- although at press time opponents were concerned that the builders would attempt a quick decision at Thursday's meeting.

Villas supporters point to UT's skimpy housing resources, the site's proximity to campus, and the existing high-density residential flavor of the area. But in addition to the zoning density, NUNA worries that traffic and parking generated by the project's residents and guests will spill over onto Hemphill and 29th. The fight seems far from over. NUNA has already spent upwards of $3,500 to retain counsel, and high-powered lobbyist/attorney Richard Suttle is touting the Villas.