Join the Walking Tours Program in September as we say goodbye to one of downtown's few remaining intact historic blocks: the 800 block of Main Street, most of which is scheduled to be demolished to make way for a new skyscraper. The buildings slated for demolition include the 1913 Montagu Hotel, the 1912 Beatty-West Building and the 1940 Bond Clothes store, all of which are interesting both architecturally and historically.
The tour will not only discuss those buildings, but also the evolution of Rusk Avenue from one of Houston's most desirable residential addresses in the 19th century to a major commercial thoroughfare in the early 1900s. Along the way, we'll discuss the majestic Texas Co. Building and learn about the development of Houston Center, which was intended to be a massive piece of late-1960s urban renewal.
Tickets will be sold from 5:30 to 6 p.m. under the sidewalk arcade of the Texas Co. Building, San Jacinto at Rusk. [map] Street parking is free downtown on Sundays, and the Texas Co. Building is an easy walk from MetroRail's Main Street Square station. Please note that restrooms will not be available.
Days may be cloudy or sunny ...
In the event of inclement weather on the day of a tour, watch this page for the up-to-the-minute status of the tour and any changes dictated by the weather. Remember: GHPA walks, rain or shine!
