Almost all the metal siding that covered up the Midtown Sears building at 4201 Main has now been taken down, leaving behind rows of metal brackets used to mount the outer shell. Mayor Turner announced 2 months ago that the building would be turned into a startup incubation headquarters, and work to pull down the cladding began shortly after.
A few decorative details are now visible from the street, as shown below from Fannin:
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Former windows — including these at the southwest corner — remain barred by the brackets:
Some cladding remains in place around the corners visible from the building’s back parking lot:
A view from the northwest along Main:
And from the Wheeler Transit Center:
- Previously on Swamplot: Shuttered Midtown Sears Now Shedding Its Full Metal Jacket; Midtown Sears Closure Nets Rice 9 Acres Near the Wheeler Transit Center
Photos: Swamplox inbox
2401 Main
After my discharge from the Marine Corps in 1970 I spent the next 23 years working in the Sears service organization in Houston, Dallas, and Garland. It’s a shame to have observed the rampant mismanagement that occurred through the years even before Lambert. Replace merchants with financial people at your peril. A comment I remember from a long ago retail store manager “The only thing not for sale in this store is the front door”. Glad to see this proud lady unveiled and in use for the future.
Power wash that mofo, paint it white, fix the glass windows and you have a gorgeous building.
I don’t get it. Who owns the building? Who’s paying for this? Who’s the one turning it into office for startup (as I assume Mayor Turner isn’t writing a check out of his own bank account so I don’t know why he’s saying what it’ll be)
Previous stories have said this is owned by Rice. So that explains why they have the luxury of being able to throw cash at a project like this.
Well, Hooray Rice
The exterior of that Sears building was originally cream color stone (possibly limestone with shell imprints?). The corners of the building featured huge plate glass show windows with surrounds and accents of polished red granite. It will be interesting to see what can be restored.
Responding to Cody’s question about Mayor Turner’s involvement here – This property, along with adjoining properties also owned by Rice, are part of a project in conjunction with the C.O.H. that involves a swath of land through this part of the city being called the “Innovation Corridorâ€. So with this building becoming basically a ‘hub’ for this corridor, the mayor is of course deeply involved here, as he is with all city planning and development.
As I long time Houston resident & one who shopped at this Sears, I am glad to see they are renovating the building instead of tearing it down for yet another over priced highrise condo project that most of us cannot afford to purchase. Thank you Rice & the COH.
I second that, Ms. Evans.
Nice building. Coming back to it’s former glory.