Take in this nice long view of the gleaming spire atop the part-Modernist-part-Brutalist-part-Islamic-part-1960s-science-fiction sanctuary of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, which was listed on HAR and now seems to be circling in on a finalized deal. The church received a large number of offers on the property despite a short bid period, and the Houston AIA chapter’s hopes to buy the building as its new headquarters were dashed over the weekend.
Once the church changes hands, members of the congregation will move to any of the other CS branches in the Greater Houston area (which number at least 7). While the sale wraps up, a service is still being held on the first Sunday of each month in the turquoise glow of the inner sanctum:
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Design details inside the church carry through across the entire complex, all the way out to the triangular sidewalk pattern in front of the Travis St. entrance (as visible across the bottom of the shot below):
- Previously on Swamplot: Golden Spired 1960s Mod Church Awaits Sale Closure and Fate Downtown
Photos: Houston in Pics (spire), HAR (others)
I am afraid this will end up being another sad loss in the architectural history of Houston. Such a fun building. I wish AIA had managed to get it. We wouldn’t be having to say goodbye to another interesting building. Might it be saved? It will be a miracle!
I’d love to get hold of the steeple on the cheap …. sooo many possibilities art-wise
So…when a “first church” is demoed, does they all bump down one (i.e. the “second” becomes the “first” etc.)?