Swamplot’s Daily Demolition Report lists buildings that received City of Houston demolition permits the previous weekday.
The former Norris of Houston building gets its last haircut ever, and it’s a buzz.
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Commercial Structures
- Houston Medical Imaging, 3303 Audley St. 77098 (Mayfair 1st; more info)
Residences
- 2709 Hardy St. 77009
- 126 E. 43rd St. 77018 (3 buildings)
Photo of 3303 Audley St.: Norris of Houston, via Spencer Howard
Wow, that Norris Womack was quite the guy. Here’s a copy paste of the details on the building.
By 1974, his new flagship super-shop had opened at 3303 Audley near Greenway Plaza. By far his largest barber shop at over 6,000 square feet with 60 chairs all in private booths. It was designed by renowned architect Walter Barrineau III (best known for his futuristic design of the DFW International Airport air traffic control tower). The architecture was unlike any of his previous shops. The building form was progressive and the use of natural light was inventive.
While his shop on Post Oak garnered immense local press upon opening, the Audley location caught the attention of national and international media. Soon the Guinness Book of World Records was knocking on his door to include the business in their latest edition under a new category: The Largest Barber Shop in the World.
The view of the building from the street is almost completely obscured by the surrounding foliage. I’ve driven by dozens of times but never noticed it there, for shame.
This barber shop did not have 60 chairs. There were no moo ore than 15 chairs for barbers. I know tbis because I opened the shop for Norris Womack as assistant manager. The other managers were Sandy Tilson…now deceased..and Walter (not recalling his last name) I worked for Norris for 10 years and loved every minute of it. We were dear and close friends for over 40 years even up until his death. We visited a lot the last three years he was alive. I can honestly say that among a handfu of others…including Forrest Prince the Artist…I knew him better than anyone. We were that close.