Swamplot’s Daily Demolition Report lists buildings that received City of Houston demolition permits the previous weekday.
Some terrific buildings to knock down this time — won’t you join the fun?
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Commercial Structures
- Nick’s Shell, 5040 Old Spanish Trail 77021
- 7 Days Food Store, 5203 Griggs Rd. 77021 (L. Moore)
- Featherwood Affiliates, Office Building, 4219 Richmond Ave. 77027 (AC Reynolds)
Residences
- 915 Omar St. 77009 (info)
- 7919 Sealey St. 77088 (Highland)
Photo of courtyard, 4219 Richmond Ave.: Tarantino Properties
Built in 1958 and originally occupied by General Electric, 4219 Richmond is a Post-war Modern design building by the architectural firm Zimmerman & Bible. Originally a Class A building as developed by Gerald Hines, this two story property features a largely all glass façade with brick cladding — an additional 10K s.f. was added in 1960. This property is considered as “significant†with respect to Modernist architecture and “recent past” historic structures.
This property is considered as “significant†with respect to Modernist architecture and “recent past†historic structures.
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The only thing “significant” about it is that it obviously sits on very valuable land and the building no longer guarantees maximum profit for the owner. So it will be replaced by something that does.
Sooner or later someone is going to buy a building or a home with one of those “landmark” plaques and everyone will see how there is no such thing as historic preservation in Houston. Or even Texas.
I looked at leasing space here about 5 years ago (ironically, the 2nd floor suite shown in the picture) and can tell you that the building was in extremely poor condition. We took a quick look (and smell, kind of like a men’s locker room), turned around and ran out screaming when we saw the interior.
Matt Mystery – are you saying you think that one of these days someone will buy a “protected” building, tear it down anyway and not face any consequences? Your comment is a little vague, but if that’s what you’re getting at, sometimes the cynical side of me wonders the same thing.