Ron4tx

I'll have to verify it, but I think the street labeled M.D. Anderson Blvd has signs saying John Freeman Blvd. I have photos in the other direction also, facing Rice U. I'll post them in a different topic although they are related in that I was on the same roof.

Yes, the West Pavilion Center. Here's a link: http://seattle.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...19/daily45.html

Overlooking John Freeman and Fannin. Photos taken Oct 30, 2006

Here's a pic I dug up of Robert E. Lee High School in the early 1980s. It's all I have:

We need more people like your Aunt. I'm sure she was a role model to many.

I always enjoy reading your personal insights and experiences, WestUNative, you're an asset to the HAIF forums.

Don's Record Shop in Bellaire Peppermint Park The Sizzler Bonanza Hamburgers by Gourmet Good Tyme Charlie's on the 2nd floor of Sharpstown. Gabby's BBQ Luke's Hamburgers (They may still be in Pasadena but they were throughout Houston) Winn's Variety Stores (They were competitors of TG&Y) Sommer's Drugs Have these already been mentioned?

Many neighborhoods have a local community newspaper that informs its residence of store openings, police reports, local school events, and other local happenings. Does Downtown have such a paper?

All I can say publicly is that the Texaco Building will definitely be renovated. Major equipment was purchased two weeks ago. As for my sources, see the Milam Hotel topic for a general idea. http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...p?showtopic=120 I wish I could say more at this time.

I'm a Mechanical Engineer specializing in air conditioning design. My information is mainly through equipment vendors. For the Milam Hotel in particular, I spoke at length with the Construction Forman. I learned some interesting stories about obstacles in getting the hotel renovated. I forgot to mention that the hotel will include a historical area featuring some of the items saved. The hotel once held offices for illegal gambling. The area could only be accessed through a secret door. Though raided by police and shut down, the area has been untouched. Boards were still on the wall listing sporting events and scores. When the mirrors were removed from the hotel rooms it was discovered that newspaper was used as padding behind every mirror. All of the newspapers are in good condition and were saved. They are all from the year 1928 which was when the hotel was being constructed.

UPDATE: Just learned that the Texaco building is scheduled for renovation. The building was never scheduled for demolition but the construction was put on hold by the owner. New equipment is being purchased now.

UPDATE: The Ben Milam Hotel is now being renovated. All of the asbestos has been removed. A new chiller and cooling tower have been purchased. Tenants have already been signed to move in. On the first floor will be restaurants and a bank. An attorney's office will occupy some of the floors. Upper floors will be lofts. A parking garage is to be added adjacent to the building. I also learned that the Texaco building is also scheduled for renovations. Equipment is being purchased now. Current photos of the Ben Milam Hotel:

1980 in my opinion was the best year for Astroworld. The Dolphin show, the Sleigh snow ride, the sports car ride, the River of No Return were all still there plus the addition of Thunder River made 1980 a great family year.

Ricco67 is correct. The Texas Heart Institute At St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. The Denton A. Cooley Building. It's on Bertner St. next to the Methodist Hospital. I was working in the area today and walked over to the building. This is what it looks like from the ground. (not as impressive plus the clouds took away the color)

I'm going over there today and will post the building's name.