In a surprise move, Houston Archeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) will consider designating the River Oaks Shopping Center, River Oaks Theater and Alabama Theater/Bookstop as City of Houston Landmarks without the approval of Weingarten Realty Investors, which owns the buildings. If passed, this would be the first time the Commission has designated an existing building on its own initiative, even though HAHC has had the legal authority to designate landmarks without owner approval since City Council enacted the Preservation Ordinance in 1995.
