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1st Pasadena State Bank At 1001 East Southmore Ave.


SpaceAge

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http://www.citywideofficespace.com/tmaps/A121080-013mt.jpg

1001 East Southmore Avenue

Pasadena, Texas

This is Pasadena's only skyscraper and it may be in danger. It has a chainlink fence around it and looks empty. Does anyone know its status?

According to Stephen Fox in the AIA Houston Architectural Guide, it was designed by MacKie & Kamrath with Lloyd Borget and Doughtie & Porterfield and built in 1962. It is described as a distinctive 12-story tower consisting of a glass-curtained shaft that appears to project forward from a brick-faced spine containing the stairs, elevators and toilets.

It would be tragic for Pasadena to loose this landmark. It is the only positive image I have of Pasadena architecture.

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  • 3 weeks later...
i drive by this building every day on my way to work. it is an architectual gem and i hope it's not in danger.

I heard that it will be replaced by a Super Target. Don't think that I have seen that in print - just word of mouth.

Don't diss Pasadena Town Square - it's no Galleria - but for heaven's sake, it has Foleys, Sears and Dillards, and a Mervyn's across the street. I'm really surprised...since I can't think of any other mall that is not located next to a freeway.

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  • 1 month later...

The only skyscraper ever designed by MacKie-Kamrath, in Pasadena, Texas is in danger of demolition!

http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/719.php

This website has photos of the building and a nice description.

A CVS Pharmacy recently opened opposite this incredible building...so you know what THAT means!

Walgreens is buying the old Bank Building with plans to tear it down and build another Walgreens.

What can we do????? :angry:

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Back when I moved to Houston in 1981 there was a 7-11 or Circle-K on everyother corner. Now it seem as if there is a CVX or Walgreens on every other corner. I suspect what happend is that all the folks who ate at the 7-11 and Circle-K are sick, thus the demand for drug stores. Soon they will be all dead and it shall pass and we can get on with something new on every other corner.

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  • 2 months later...
From the 12-21 Pasadena Citizen:

Demolition permit issued for building

The Bank One building, looming 12-stories high over 1001 Southmore, has recently been the topic of much local discussion, following rumors that surfaced regarding the demolition of the icon....

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=...id=532238&rfi=6

dammit :angry2:

i took pictures two weeks ago...glad i did now -_-

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From the 12-21 Pasadena Citizen:

Demolition permit issued for building

The Bank One building, looming 12-stories high over 1001 Southmore, has recently been the topic of much local discussion, following rumors that surfaced regarding the demolition of the icon....

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=...id=532238&rfi=6

I'm so sad. What a great building and landmark. Couldn't they at least save the great glass feature along the roof?

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I went today to take some pictures of this gem. I encourage everyone to go for a look and a walk around the perimeter before it is gone. Buildings like this one come along so rarely.

Pasadena will not be the same without it. It's probably the only decent building in the town. I'm sure there is a story behind its construction - enlightened management of the bank providing an architectural gift to the local city or something of the sort.

The exterior details are well worth the extra attention. Note the 1963 plaque near the entrance with the names of the architects in a little square...very Frank Lloyd Wright. I wish I could get inside to see the spaces within!

Go now, before its gone! :(

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  • 2 months later...
A121080-013mt.jpg

1001 East Southmore Avenue

Pasadena, Texas

damn.

saw the title of this thread and knew exactly which building

you were refering to, although i've only seen it once. i hope

that this is a hoax... how upsetting!

Edited by torvald
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Say it ain't so!

I didn't see this thread before...I was just down the street from it an hour ago, but didn't know it was in danger, so I didn't even look. Is the building still there?

I remember marching past Pasadena's "skyscraper" in the Strawberry Festival Parade as a member of the Beverly Hills Bears marching band.

I was born right down the street at Pasadena Bayshore.

Funny, as I drove around Pasadena tonight a lot of memories came back. I really like Pasadena. One of the best parts of Houston, in my opinion. Definitely an underappreciated city.

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I totally agree with everyone. I used to work in that building, and it was almost totally empty (to the point of being creepy). I think that it's an awesome example of mod architecture and that it should be preserved. But on the other hand, this IS the Houston area, and if there wasn't already a CVS across the street (or a Wal-Mart down the street) from it, I'm sure that they would have built one there.

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I didn't see this thread before...I was just down the street from it an hour ago, but didn't know it was in danger, so I didn't even look. Is the building still there?

yes, still there for sale and waiting...for something to happen

i have been periodically checking on it for the last few months or so...who knows :unsure:

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