A dumpster was spotted last week loitering around the Travis St. entrance of the Mod-ish Brutal-ish teal-ish former Christian Science church downtown, which, per the language on a building permit issued this month, is now being converted into a nightclub. The name listed on the permit (Club Spire) marks something of a shift in the tone previously set by the new owners this spring, when the group connected to Clé bar sought a TABC permit for the building under the name 1720 Main Reception Hall.
A curious reader sends the Friday afternoon shot above, along with an inquiry as to the fate of any interior furnishings and materials to be stripped away (the outside being fairly naked already, save for the gold-and-blue soon-to-be-eponymous spire). Here’s a last look from inside, around, and on top of the church’s sanctuary and courtyard as it was just prior to the finalization of the sale this spring — the elongated diamond-slash-triangle motif that covers the area behind the altar is carried through much of the rest of the building, from the stained-glass windows to the furniture:Â
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The panel at the front of the altar reflects the pattern behind it:
So do some of the narrow stained glass windows:
Some of the interior stained-glass has been passed along to other churches, including this round ceiling piece:
Here’s the hole that panel came out of, near one of the Main St. entrances:
The diamond motif shows up in some of the altar furniture:
The altar chairs’ shape, in turn, echoes the pitch of the building’s roof:
The spire itself is composed of the same triangle shapes; a close up of the tilework at the base shows that it matches the tile in the interior courtyard:
More diamonds in the gate toward Main St., as well as the relief in the courtyard floor and the sidewalk:
- Previously on Swamplot:TABC Permit in the Works for the Brutalist Christian Science Church on Main St.;Â A Closeup of That Downtown Sci-Fi Christian Science Church the AIA Tried to Buy; Golden Spired 1960s Mod Church Awaits Sale Closure and Fate Downtown
Photos: Swamplot inbox
More churches should be converted into bars, bars are more useful and are easier on your wallet.
Nah, should be able to do both at the same time. Those pulpits already make good DJ booths.
If the Settegast Kopf funeral home that was on Kirby could survive as Roak for a handful of years I’m sure Club Spire can do it too.
HERE is where we can rock the Kasbah!
or pretend to
Anyone know who bought it?
They should name it Limelight.
I used to hang out at a bar called Freud in Oxford (it’s facebook page says it’s closed for renovation since April 1) that was in an old church. It was a great place to hang out and dance etc. etc. Here’s hoping this works!
I use to come to my church, the service was in Spanish, my kids enjoy it and learn about God and Christ. I learn real church is spiritual and you bring it to every one in your Dayli life, so for now enjoy your night club. The material bulding.