New Articles about Amarillo, Texas Neighborhoods

I am currently doing the research to do my next article on another interesting Amarillo, Texas neighborhood. I will be writing on another historic neighborhood and expect to have the article completed soon. Also, my interest has been revived by a chance meeting with a great older couple, to do an extensive article on Pleasant Valley soon. I have a great deal of research done on that older part of north Amarillo, but have been sidetracked working on articles about neighborhoods closer to the center of Amarillo. I continue to be drawn back toward recording the history of Pleasant Valley because of the wonderful stories I have been hearing from some of the folks whose parents settled the area and from older folks who have lived in Pleasant Valley since the 1940's and 1950's. Great stuff!!!! Those of you who read my articles here and in the Amarillo Uptown know I do not post daily or weekly but use this forum as an outlet for more detailed writings about the great neighborhoods in Amarillo. Thanks for reading my work and looking forward to new articles.
Best Regards,
Christine

Bivins Addition - Original Version by Christine Wyly

The Bivins Addition subdivision is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Amarillo, Texas. One of the great joys of my real estate business is the privilege of visiting neighborhoods I love. The Bivins Addition is one of those neighborhoods. Its beauty and my love of the city’s history make trips to the Bivins area of Amarillo a delightful outing rather than a workday chore. The Amarillo Association of Realtors generally defines the “Bivins Area” as bounded by Georgia Street on the west, Interstate 40 on the South, S.W. 8th (or the old Rock Island Railroad tracks) on the north, and Washington (Adams) on the East. The area is actually made up of several additions according to plat maps and the Potter-Randall Appraisal District. Those additions include the original Bivins Addition which was amended and enlarged over the years and Bivins Estate. There are others on the east side of the development such as the John Dees Addition, the Madden Annex, and the Academy Courts Addition.The Bivins Addition was the first subdivision in Amarillo to extend toward the southwest, a trend that continues to the present. The Bivins Addition was platted in 1926. It was named after Texas Panhandle pioneer Lee Bivins who was a prominent area rancher and businessman at the time. Betty Teel Bivins Lovell who was the granddaughter-in-law of Lee Bivins still lived in the neighborhood in a stately home that was built in the early 1930’s until her death just recently. The area had previously been the home of Bivins Field, Amarillo’s first airport, where Amarillo’s first flying service owned by H. E. Fuqua and Lee Bivins was headquartered. The Bivins Field hangar had been located at 15th and Crockett and was moved when the airport was relocated to the northeast side of the city. The east and west runways became the east and west lanes of Julian Boulevard and the “Y” on Julian Boulevard is where the “Bivins” strip crossed. The tips of the “Y” that were the ends of the runway are the location of the historic gates at two entrances to the Bivins neighborhood. One of those gates is located at S.W. 10th and Travis St. and the other is located at S.W. 15th and Travis St.The Bivins neighborhood is anchored by St. Andrews Episcopal Church founded by Lee and Betty Bivins on the southwest of the addition and St. Mary’s Catholic Church on the northeast boundary. Julian Boulevard, named after the son of Lee and Mary E. Bivins runs through the heart of the Bivins Addition. The area is characterized by tree lined streets and a park-like atmosphere where the chimes from St. Andrews Episcopal Church and First Church of Christ, Scientist.can be heard. The architectural styles in the neighborhood vary from traditional, ranch, English Tudor, and cottage style. Those styles, along with the spacious townhomes at Bryan Place provide a delightful, eclectic mixture of residences that offer something for everyone. The upper end, higher priced homes tend to be located in the heart of Bivins on Julian Boulevard, on the streets adjacent to Julian Boulevard, and the north and south streets extending from Julian Boulevard toward Interstate 40. Homes in lower price ranges occupied by first time homebuyers and folks who rent or lease are generally located east of Travis St. and west of Washington St. The residences north of S.W. 10th St. and south of S.W. 8th St. also are somewhat smaller and are home to smaller families and first time homebuyers.Home prices tend to be lower for the traditional, square tract type houses, moderate for cottage and ranch style homes, and higher for the English Tudor and neoclassical style homes. For a better understanding of styles, a resource for residential styles can be accessed through the christinewyly.com website. According to the Amarillo Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, sales statistics for residences sold in the “Bivins Area” show the average sales price of residences in the last year to be $95,866 and the median sales price to be $84,850. The type of closed and active listings in the last 12 months since October 1, 2006 range from $25,000 to $30, 000 one bedroom traditional style fixer-uppers on the east side of the development to four to five bedroom upper end homes listed for $375,000 to $400,000 along Julian Boulevard. The majority of homes listed and sold in the neighborhood are those in the $95,000 to $135, 000 price range. First time homebuyers are finding that homes in that moderate price range are good bargains because some are charming older, roomy, well built homes that simply need updating.I love the Bivins Addition for it’s beauty, it’s charm, and it’s central location. The neighborhood is close to Wolflin Villlage shopping center, downtown Amarillo, Interstate 40, Interstate 27, restaurants, banks, and so much more. The history of the neighborhood intrigues me, speaks to my curiosity of how this city came to be and how it has survived. Its diversity tells the story of what makes Amarillo the city that it is.Please comment – post your thoughts about this great neighborhood or post comments regarding my observations. While researching for this essay, I found myself so immersed in the history of just this one Amarillo neighborhood, I am very much looking forward to continuing to the next neighborhood essay. In the mean time, let me hear from you.Sources for this article are the Amarillo Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the National Association of Realtors, The Handbook of Texas Online, and the Amarillo Globe News.

Potential Real Estate Deed Scan Circulating in Amarillo, Texas

The following is information received from Chip Staniswalis at Chicago Title in Amarillo, Texas. I am passing on this information with his written permission.
Best Regards,
Christine

A company named National Deed Service is (via the USPO) advising Amarillo residents to have an official or certified copy of the deed to their house on hand to verify the title to the property was transferred into their name. They will do this for the incredible price of $59.50.

You may remember a similar scam from a couple of years ago by a company who offered to file a homeowner's "Homestead" exemption with the Potter/Randall County Appraisal District for a similar fee. As you know, there is no charge for this homestead service by PRAD.

Anyway, after a property is "closed" with an Amarillo Title company, the deed is sent to the courthouse for recording with instructions to return the original deed to the owner. So, the owner should be in possession of the deed already.

In the event a homeowner needs a copy of the deed it can easily be obtained at the courthouse (by anyone, since it is a public document) for a nominal fee of $1.00 (in either Potter or Randall County). If you want a "certified" copy from the clerk (which is as good as the original), then there is an additional $5.00 charge.

Thought you might be interested in this confidence trick. If you have any questions, please call any Chicago Title office about how we can assist the public in obtaining deed information at little or no cost.

Thanks.

Chip Staniswalis
Chicago Title

Country & Horse Properties in Amarillo & Canyon Texas

NEW LISTINGS IN THE COUNTRY!

THIS ONE IS SOLD, SOLD, SOLD, SOLD!!!!!!!!
6705 Susie Rd, Amarillo, Texas 79118
Kent Meyer and Christine Wyly just listed this EXCEPTIONAL HOME in the country south of Amarillo. It is a beautifully kept manufactured home with parklike grounds surrounding the house w/ Kentucky 31 fescue grass & mature trees. It sits on one acre, is totally fenced with an additional privacy fence at house. The house has upgraded tile, and marble countertops. It has new exterior paint as of 6/08 and well pump & motor as of 5/08. Additionally there is an insulated 24X40 shop with a 1 stall door & 2 stall door. The property is all electric; gas lines are present but not in use. The price on this wonderful country home is only $120,000!!

8000 Raburn Ln, Canyon, Texas 79015
Lots of room for the big house on the prairie! 1 acre - prime building site in new home construction area in Lake Ridge between Canyon, Texas and Amarillo, Texas. This 1 acre tract sits at the edge of a cul-de-sac - not much traffic! Please drive out and take a look, then give us a call; let's make a deal! Price - $22,500.

14601 Ortega Rd., Amarillo, TX 79118
Kent Meyer and Christine Wyly just listed a horse property south of Amarillo consisting of 5 acres & nice updated manufactured home that qualifies to go FHA. Outbuildings include horse stalls/tack room, fencing, mature trees & storm cellar. The home has hot water heater, dishwasher, stove, fridge, microwave all less than one year old - that all convey to the new owner with the sale of the property. The home has new carpet, tile, cabinets, countertops, & new inside components of htg-a/c unit. Also the home has a 20' X 30' deck with 8 person hot tub with 63 jets & a stereo system. House, outbuildings, and 5 acres all priced at just $120,000.

Bivins Addition - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

The Bivins Addition subdivision is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Amarillo, Texas. One of the great joys of my real estate business is the privilege of visiting neighborhoods I love. The Bivins Addition is one of those neighborhoods. Its beauty and my love of the city’s history make trips to the Bivins area of Amarillo a delightful outing rather than a workday chore. The Amarillo Association of Realtors generally defines the “Bivins Area” as bounded by Georgia Street on the west, Interstate 40 on the South, S.W. 8th (or the old Rock Island Railroad tracks) on the north, and Washington (Adams) on the East. The area is actually made up of several additions according to plat maps and the Potter-Randall Appraisal District. Those additions include the original Bivins Addition which was amended and enlarged over the years and Bivins Estate. There are others on the east side of the development such as the John Dees Addition, the Madden Annex, and the Academy Courts Addition.The Bivins Addition was the first subdivision in Amarillo to extend toward the southwest, a trend that continues to the present. The Bivins Addition was platted in 1926. It was named after Texas Panhandle pioneer Lee Bivins who was a prominent area rancher and businessman at the time. Betty Teel Bivins Lovell who was the granddaughter-in-law of Lee Bivins still lived in the neighborhood in a stately home that was built in the early 1930’s until her death just recently. The area had previously been the home of Bivins Field, Amarillo’s first airport, where Amarillo’s first flying service owned by H. E. Fuqua and Lee Bivins was headquartered. The Bivins Field hangar had been located at 15th and Crockett and was moved when the airport was relocated to the northeast side of the city. The east and west runways became the east and west lanes of Julian Boulevard and the “Y” on Julian Boulevard is where the “Bivins” strip crossed. The tips of the “Y” that were the ends of the runway are the location of the historic gates at two entrances to the Bivins neighborhood. One of those gates is located at S.W. 10th and Travis St. and the other is located at S.W. 15th and Travis St.The Bivins neighborhood is anchored by St. Andrews Episcopal Church founded by Lee and Betty Bivins on the southwest of the addition and St. Mary’s Catholic Church on the northeast boundary. Julian Boulevard, named after the son of Lee and Mary E. Bivins runs through the heart of the Bivins Addition. The area is characterized by tree lined streets and a park-like atmosphere where the chimes from St. Andrews Episcopal Church and First Church of Christ, Scientist.can be heard. The architectural styles in the neighborhood vary from traditional, ranch, English Tudor, and cottage style. Those styles, along with the spacious townhomes at Bryan Place provide a delightful, eclectic mixture of residences that offer something for everyone. The upper end, higher priced homes tend to be located in the heart of Bivins on Julian Boulevard, on the streets adjacent to Julian Boulevard, and the north and south streets extending from Julian Boulevard toward Interstate 40. Homes in lower price ranges occupied by first time homebuyers and folks who rent or lease are generally located east of Travis St. and west of Washington St. The residences north of S.W. 10th St. and south of S.W. 8th St. also are somewhat smaller and are home to smaller families and first time homebuyers.Home prices tend to be lower for the traditional, square tract type houses, moderate for cottage and ranch style homes, and higher for the English Tudor and neoclassical style homes. For a better understanding of styles, a resource for residential styles can be accessed through the christinewyly.com website. According to the Amarillo Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, sales statistics for residences sold in the “Bivins Area” show the average sales price of residences in the last year to be $95,866 and the median sales price to be $84,850. The type of closed and active listings in the last 12 months since October 1, 2006 range from $25,000 to $30, 000 one bedroom traditional style fixer-uppers on the east side of the development to four to five bedroom upper end homes listed for $375,000 to $400,000 along Julian Boulevard. The majority of homes listed and sold in the neighborhood are those in the $95,000 to $135, 000 price range. First time homebuyers are finding that homes in that moderate price range are good bargains because some are charming older, roomy, well built homes that simply need updating.I love the Bivins Addition for it’s beauty, it’s charm, and it’s central location. The neighborhood is close to Wolflin Villlage shopping center, downtown Amarillo, Interstate 40, Interstate 27, restaurants, banks, and so much more. The history of the neighborhood intrigues me, speaks to my curiosity of how this city came to be and how it has survived. Its diversity tells the story of what makes Amarillo the city that it is.Please comment – post your thoughts about this great neighborhood or post comments regarding my observations. While researching for this essay, I found myself so immersed in the history of just this one Amarillo neighborhood, I am very much looking forward to continuing to the next neighborhood essay. In the mean time, let me hear from you.


Sources for this article are the Amarillo Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the National Association of Realtors, The Handbook of Texas Online, and the Amarillo Globe News.

The Wolflin Addition - Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

In 1927 an oasis began to rise up in the middle of the Llano Estacado, the barren high plains of the Texas Panhandle. That oasis is what is now called the Wolflin Historic District of Amarillo, Texas. Variant names for this unique area in Amarillo are Wolflin Estates, Wolflin Place, the Wolflin Addition, and the northwest quadrant, Wolflin Terrace. The neighborhood is home to brick streets, huge elm trees, and stately homes with diverse architectural styles. The Wolflin Historic District, entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, is roughly bounded by Wolflin Ave., Washington St., SW 34th Ave., Parker St., SW 30th Ave., and Lipscomb St. The area deemed to be the Wolflin Historic District consists of Wolflin Place, which was actually platted in 1923 and expanded in 1926 and Wolflin Estates platted in 1927. The Wolflin Place platting was done in the gridiron plan common to most American cities laid out in the latter half of the nineteenth century, but the Woflin Estates section, which is known for it’s tree lined avenues and grand homes was platted with a radial plan which tended to make use of a circular core area, often park-like, with wide side avenues emanating from the center. The renowned architects and residential designers Hare and Hare, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, were hired to design the layout of the streets at and around the area of what is now known as Oldham Circle.

The Wolflin Addition was developed by the Wolflin family. Charles Oldham Wolflin was instrumental in opening the subdivision hence the street name of “Oldham Circle” at the heart of Wolflin Estates. Many of the streets in the addition are named after Texas Alamo heroes such as Fannin, Travis, Crockett, and Bowie. The Hughes, Ong, and Hayden Streets were named after early Amarillo law enforcement officers, one of which was J. E. Hughes who was the grandfather of Sybil Harrington. The Wolflin neighborhood has been home to early pioneer families such as the Wares, ranchers and farmers like the Millers, oil tycoons, bankers, and is now a popular area to live for more than a few physicians and other successful business owners. The addition seems to either cultivate or attract people who have served as mayor of Amarillo. In fact, the current mayor of Amarillo, Debra McCartt lives in the neighborhood.

The residential architectural styles in the Wolfin Addition are as varied as the people who live there. Generally, the architectural styles at the heart of Wolflin Estates are Mission, Craftsman, Bungalow, Classical Revival, and Spanish Revival. However, the Oldham Circle area is dotted with other styles such as Tudor Revival, Italian and Mediterranean Revival, Federal, and Colonial. There are many styles of homes, but the flow of the neighborhood is not broken by random unique styles such as the art deco home on Ong Street because of the continuity of the brick streets and stately elm trees throughout the subdivision. The western edge of the Wolflin area generally known as Wolfin Terrace tends to be populated with homes built in the mid-century or ranch style mode as they were built in the post World War II days, many in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

The building and expansion of the Wolflin Addition has ebbed and flowed with the fortunes of the Texas Panhandle. The 1920’s were the days of the oil boom that helped to lay the foundation for the area’s economy but the depression slowed Wolflin’s progress in the 1930’s. After World War II, the Wolflin Addition grew along with many subdivisions in other areas of the country. Today, the Wolfin area thrives. Not only is the area is an extremely desirable neighborhood to live in, but the Woflin Village/Wolflin Square shopping area to the west on Georgia Street is booming with increased traffic and business. Initially, the shopping center, once at the outskirts of town when it was built in the 1950’s, boomed. However, as Amarillo grew south and west the shopping area experienced a period of decline with the building of Westgate Mall and other shopping centers. Currently though, the Wolflin Village/Wolflin Square shopping area is experiencing a resurgence of business. The area has new banking centers, trendy shops, coffee stores, and restaurants. The re-emergence of a vital area of commerce adjacent to the Woflin Addition has contributed to the increased desirability of the neighborhood as a wonderful place to live. The convenience of the Wolflin Addition’s location is greatly enhanced by its proximity to downtown Amarillo and the interchange of two major interstate highways. Just a few blocks away, the beautiful campus of Amarillo College sits adjacent to Memorial Park.

Current real estate values in the Wolfin subdivisions have risen from an average of $135,027 at $67.12 per square ft. in 2001 to $183,763 at $89.98 per square ft. in 2007. The Wolfin Addition tends to have the most houses sold among the city’s subdivisions in recent years. The days a home in the Wolflin area sits on the market tends to be less than in other subdivisions in the city also. The location, historic qualities of the homes, and the beauty of the tree lined brick streets makes Woflin an attractive place to live. The shady avenues attract charitable endeavors such as the Multiple Sclerosis Walk in the warmer months. In the wintertime the neighborhood has been a Christmas wonderland for many residents of Amarillo who visit in automobiles, wagons, and carriages. The magnificent Christmas lighting at many of the homes and the flags flying to commemorate the Fourth of July and Memorial Day are just some of the neighborhood displays of sense of community. The allure of Woflin is more than it’s charm and elegance. The spirit of Wolflin is a reflection of the spirit of Amarillo, love of community, love of country, and love of Texas.

Sources for this article are the Amarillo Globe News, Amarillo Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Registration System, WHMC-KC University of Missouri, ASLA.org (American Association of Landscape Architects), and The Handbook of Texas Online,

Amarillo, TX Chamber of Commerce Business Connection

Business Connection is almost here! The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Business Connection will be at the Amarillo, Texas Civic Center downtown on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. It will be open to the general public from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Latham Hometown Realty will have the same booth as in previous years in the South Exhibit Hall. Please come see us! My associate, Kent Meyer and I will be there with information about the Amarillo, Texas real estate market. We will also have some giveaways too! Don't forget to stop at our table and sign up to win! Please come meet us; let us visit with you about your real estate needs. We look forward to seeing you.

Beautiful Home in Estacado Addition in Amarillo, Texas

One of the new listings I and my associate Kent Meyer have recently put on the market is a great home in the Estacado Addition of Amarillo, Texas. The seller has updated wall texture and colors along with installing custom blinds. This house is light, bright, clean, and is move in ready. It is 1,679 square ft., has 10 ft. ceilings in the living room, has a security system, gutters, storage building. We would love to show it! Please contact us at 331-3737 for an appointment!

DON'T BELIEVE IT!

Don't believe everything you see on the national news about the real estate market! Some parts of the country are having problems, but not in our area here in Amarillo, Texas. The Amarillo, Texas real estate market is one of the strongest in the country. 2006 was a record year and 2007 finished just 5% off that pace. Interest rates are good, inventory is good, and sales are strong. Rumor is that foreclosures are up. NOT HERE! Foreclosures in Amarillo, Texas are numbering either the same or less than this time last year. My associate, Kent Meyer and I are pleased to be able to help you participate in this great market. If you need to buy or sell real estate in Amarillo or Canyon, Texas. Please call us at (806)331-3737 or visit my website - christinewyly.com - We office in the Wolflin area to be close to the center of Amarillo. We love the Wolflin neighborhood and are looking forward to serving the Wolflin neighborhood as well as other folks in the Amarillo and Canyon area as the market heats up in the upcoming months!

Amarillo, Texas Yesterday, Today, and Tommorrow

Amarillo, Texas was established by merchants in 1887 close to a large playa lake known as Amarillo or Wild Horse Lake. The name Amarillo came from the nearby lake and creek and means “yellow” in Spanish. On August 30, 1887 it was officially chosen to be the Potter County seat and became the region’s main trade center with the help of the building of the railroad. Today the city continues to grow and extends from Potter County south into Randall County. The railroad is still an important facet of Amarillo commerce in part because Amarillo has been one of the world’s busiest cattle shipping points since 1890. Amarillo industry and commerce has historically centered around ranching, farming, and oil and gas exploration and production. In recent years the diversification of industry has kept Amarillo alive and growing. Today, Amarillo is home to a Bell Helicopter assembly plant for the Osprey aircraft, the Amarillo Copper Refinery, a Tyson Fresh Meat plant, an Owens-Corning Fiberglass plant, the Pantex nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly plant, and has state of the art medical facilities that attract clientele from the surrounding rural Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas areas. The population of Amarillo according to the 2000 census was 173,000 and the city has expanded significantly since that time. Along with population and economic growth, Amarillo has seen the growth of the performing and visual arts. The Panhandle Plains Museum in nearby Canyon, Texas on the campus of West Texas A&M University is Texas’ largest history museum and Amarillo College hosts the Amarillo Museum of Arts. Residents of Amarillo also enjoy the Amarillo Symphony, the Amarillo Opera, the Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Little Theatre, and the use of a beautiful new Amarillo Globe News Center for the Performing Arts for many cultural events. Nature supplies the most beauty for the area providing mostly sunny skies and making Amarillo home to stunning sunsets. Amarillo has a neighborly spirit and a pioneer attitude that has endured throughout its history. Amarillo’s western heritage compiled with a progressive mindset has kept it alive and growing regardless of dust storms, war, and economic depression and will continue to carry the city toward a positive future

Amarillo Texas Real Estate Amarillo, TX Real Estate

Amarillo, Texas real estate prices are great, interest rates are down, and the inventory of available homes is diverse. It's a great time to buy a home. My associate at Latham Hometown Realty, Kent Meyer and I are in the process of forming a team to better serve our Amarillo, Texas real estate clients. In addition, Kent will be specializing in serving the folks in Canyon, Texas with their real estate needs. Look for more joint marketing projects from Kent and I announcing our upcoming plans to serve our clients better by teaming up! I invite you to visit my website - christinewyly.com to find more information about me. I enjoy working with buyers because I consider it a priviledge to help people find a new home. Please contact me and let me visit with you; I look forward to hearing from you.

Amarillo, Texas Wildires February 13, 2008

• I have lived in my home in the Hetrick Acres subdivision for almost 32 years. I never dreamed I would have a day like this past Wednesday; leaving that home amidst billowing smoke, not knowing if I would ever see it standing again. I am so grateful to the Amarillo Fire Department, Potter County Fire Department, and the countless firefighters we saw racing from other Panhandle towns to help us. I also appreciate the law enforcement officials who efficiently, kindly, and professionally handled the evacuation process. I am thankful to Mayor Debra McCartt and Judge Arthur Ware for signing the emergency orders promptly so as to expedite the process of handling the emergency. Most of all I want to express deep gratitude to all those who called, those who offered to help me evacuate, and the many people who prayed for my safety and for God to spare my home and my neighbors’ homes. I am greatly blessed to live in Amarillo, Texas.