Jump to content

Search the Community

Showing results for tags 'downtown'.

  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Forums

  • General
    • Going Up!
    • Photographing Houston
    • Skyscrapers
    • Architects, Developers, Builders, and Designs
    • Historic Houston
    • Crater Houston Alliance
    • Holy Places
    • The Arts in Houston
    • Sports and Stadia
    • Moving to Houston
    • Community Announcements
  • Houston Area Neighborhoods and Places
    • Downtown
    • Midtown
    • Montrose
    • The Heights
    • Near Northside
    • Museum District/Hermann Park/Rice University area
    • River Oaks/Upper Kirby/Greenway Plaza/Bissonnet
    • Uptown and Galleria Area
    • Texas Medical Center
    • EaDo, the East End, and East Houston
    • Third Ward and University of Houston
    • Fifth Ward
    • Other Houston Neighborhoods
    • Houston Enclaves
    • Points North
    • Points Northeast
    • Points East
    • Points Southeast
    • Points South
    • Points Southwest
    • Katy and Points West
    • The Great Northwest
    • Galveston and the Gulf Islands
    • Coastal Prairie and Bay
  • Farther Afield
    • Bryan-College Station
    • San Antonio
    • Dallas/Fort Worth/Metroplex
    • Austin
    • Other Texas Places
    • New Orleans and Southern Louisiana
    • Meanwhile, In The Rest of the World...
  • Houston Issues
    • Traffic and Transportation
    • Houston Real Estate
    • Houston Construction, Home Repair, and Improvement
    • City Hall
    • Houston and the Environment
    • Houston and the Media
    • International Houston
    • Houston Area Dining, Shopping and Entertainment
  • Other
    • General Houston Discussions
    • The Weather
    • Off Topic
    • Way Off Topic
    • Classified Ads
    • HAIF on HAIF

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


Twitter


Skype


Jabber


Yahoo


ICQ


Website URL


MSN


AIM


Interests

  1. I just discovered this today. Can anyone date this business advertisement? By the way, S. would stand for Sidney, or Sid. From the book Pioneer Jewish Texans: their impact on Texas and American history for four hundred years, 1590-1990. Published in 1989. S. Westheimer & Bro. Livery Stable 102, 104, 106, 108 San Jacinto, St., cor. Commerce Ave. Houston, Texas Carriages with careful drivers furnished any hour, day or night. First-class rigs at reasonable prices.
  2. June 12, 1898. The original members of the Weingarten family started the retail business. The Cent Store 509-511 Travis Street Houston, TX 7002
  3. Never heard of this theater. Very cool, historical find here! I wonder an exact location, or even an address? Found this advertisement in the newspaper The Houston Post dated June 25, 1915. Given the date, I would assume this theatre was located in downtown Houston. Probably on Main, Frannin, Travis, etc. Since I've never heard of the theater, I wonder if this was a rename, and the original theater was already known? I'll see what else I can find. Top o' Houston Tonight - 2-Reel Victor - "The Storm" 1-Reel (Joker)- "The Refugees" Cabaret Music. Refreshments. Admission 10 cents.
  4. Very cool! Never knew about this hotel. I found this business advertisement in the newspaper The Houston Post dated September 1, 1914. The Newport Hotel 711 1-2 Preston Avenue LF. Grassmuck, Prop. Phone Pres. 3731 Nicely furnished rooms by the day week or month
  5. Found another, cool old Alfred C. Finn building! From the newspaper The Houston Post dated November 23, 1924. These Men Head Bank Here To these men go the credit for the rapid advancement made by Guaranty National Bank of Houston, one of the leading financial institutions in this section of the reliable banks in the Southwest. The new home of this institution will be formally opened Monday. John Dyer, President W.L. Dyer, Vice President E.C. Roberts, Vice President A.B. Jones, Cashier Miss E.L. Meyer, Assistant Cashier Guaranty National to Occupy New Quarters at 306 Main Street Houston Institution to have one of most modern homes in Southwest The removal of the Guaranty National Bank from the Hermann building to its own quarters in a new three-story structure at 306 Main street marks the partial culmination of plans for the institution's expansion, beginning back in 1914 when the present officials assumed control-- Plans for the new quarters were submitted by Alfred C. Finn, Houston architect, in competition with numerous Easter firms of architects and contractors--
  6. wow! Found a very old hotel that I never knew about. Thought I would share with HAIF. From Houston City directory for 1897-98. Denver Hotel, 1010 Preston ave, John Roessler, prop.
  7. I know HAIF has a few masonic temples, but I couldn't find anything on this cool building. Very cool! Is the structure still standing? From the newspaper The Houston Post dated October 7, 1923. Scottish Rite Cathedral Is Noteworthy Structure With brick and stone work finished and rapid strides being made in interior construction, another note worthy institution is fast being added to those already in Houston. It is the big new five-story Scottish Rite cathedral at Polk avenue and Caroline street, to cost, when completed and equipped, in the neighborhood of $500,000. Although this great cathedral is five stories in height, there will be but three floors inside for the two high-ceiling lodge halls will be two stories each. The structure is of granite, stone and brick. Alfred C. Finn is architect, the American Construction Company builders. The first floor will be devoted to club rooms, a long banquet hall, kitchens and other “feed” equipment. On one side of the second story is to be the main cathedral hall, and on the other a lodge room and other minor chambers. One half of the third floor is to be devoted to a balcony to the main cathedral hall, while the other side will be another lodge room, dressing rooms, leafing to the stage and quarters for the caretaker. The feature of the building, outside of the completeness and general modernity for fraternal purposes, will be the main cathedral hall or auditorium, seating 1200 persons on the main floor. Main floor and balcony and with stage elaborately equipped and lighted. It will be a model for Little Theater to copy for many a day. Scenery cost nearly $25,000 already has been ordered. Finest and most delicate stage lightning schemes will be made possible. ? Hoskins is chairman of the building committee, other members of the which are Max Taub, M.F. Waddell, M.M. Graves, and John H. ?
  8. Found this incredible Alfred C. Finn building that was built in Downtown in the 1920s. I searched and found only a single mention of Haverty some 16 years ago. Thought I would share my findings and information. From the newspaper The Houston Post dated October 30, 1921. Havery Furniture Co. to Have New 6-Story Home Work will start at once on big structure on Travis Street. Work will start immediately on a six-story concrete structure to be erected in between Capitol and Rusk avenues on the east side of Fannin street. When completed, the building will be the new home of the Haverty Furniture company. The announcement was made Saturday by J.J. Haverty, president of the company. The new building will be of the most modern constriction in every respect. Its dimensions will be 50x125 feet. The front of the structure will be finished in tapestry brick. The contract for the work has been awarded to the American Construction Company and the building is designed by Alfred C. Finn, a local architect. The total cost of the property and the building complete will be approximately $200,000. Top: Left- J.J. Haverty, president of the Haverty Furniture Company. Right- Fred T. Smith, manager of the Haverty Furniture Company store in Houston. Bottom- Architect's drawing of the new home of the Haverty Furniture Company.
  9. wow!! A rare Alfred C. Finn building that I never knew about. Great find here. From the newspaper The Houston Post dated May 24, 1914. The Proposed Finnigan Building on Main Street Located in the most commanding position on the southeast corner of Main street and Rusk avenue will be erected the new Finnigan building, the property of the John Finnigan estate. The building will cost approximately $90,000. This magnificent new structure will front 100 feet each way on Main street and Rusk avenue, and will be erected to supply he demand for the housing of the highest grade stores, in a building of unusual attractive architectural merit. The exterior of the building, as in shown in the above illustration, will be constructed of polished Georgia gray granite base, columns and carved granite capitols, and the entire remainder of the building in gray granite terra cotta. The second story spandrils and main tablature of the building will be embellished in a beautiful modeled designs, which is a triumph of architectural art. The display windows on the two street fronts will have statuary bronze finished framing and paneled oak background. The entire first and second floors have been arranged for stores and show rooms, with passenger elevators running from first to second floor, and every modern convenience known to the present-day. Building construction incorporated. Light, ventilation and heating have been mostly carefully considered and made a highly desirable feature throughout the building. Ground will be broken about June 6, and the building will be ready for occupancy about November 1. Plans for this new structure were drawn by Alfred C. Finn, architect, with offices in the Woodworth building.
  10. Found this in the newspaper The Houston Post dated March 8, 1914. Any renderings of this building? Three-Story Brick Apartment. L. Kaiser has employed Architect Joseph Finger to prepare plans and specifications for a three-story brick apartment house, which will be located at the corner of Rusk and Austin Streets.
  11. Awesome!! Wait. These two articles could be discussing different buildings? The time lines add up, and both were on the corner of Dallas street. One says Dallas and Crawford, the other says Dallas & Travis. The number of apartments seem to be different as well. 18 vs. 28. I'd say maybe incorrect reporting? The apartments are very similar! I unearthed a rare Joseph Finger building! Found in the newspaper The Houston Post. dated January 26, 1914. The Heidingsfelder Apartments The Heidingfelder Apartments to be erected by C.E. Heidingsfelder at the corner of Crawford and Dallas at a cost of approximately $50,000. The building will contain 18 apartments, all of the apartments being provided with hot water at all times. The building will be constructed of dark-colored pressed brick, richly ornamented with terra cotts. It is the intention of Mr. Heidingsfelder to erect a garage and servants' building in the rear of the apartments for the accommodation of those using the apartments who have autos or servants. The plans for the building were drawn by Joseph Finger, architect, 321 National Bank Building. A few months later, it appears the apartment building was called Lonoma. The Houston Post. dated March 8, 1914. Work Progressing Nicely. Work on the Lonoma apartment house, now under construction, corner of Travis and Dallas Avenue, will be resumed in a few days, Architect Joseph Finger predicts that the building will be ready for occupancy within the next six weeks. The building will contain 28 apartments have will be equipped with modern conveniences.
  12. I found the "original" Hermann Hospital! It was indeed planned to be on Fannin Street in the Texas Medical Center, but something changed and G.H. Hermann bought some land on Bagby & Rusk in Downtown and a proposal by Alfred C. Finn was drawn. From the newspaper The Houston Post dated July 22, 1917. Work to Begin Ninety Days on Hermann Hospital The dreams of Houston's benefactor, the late George Hermann, are about to be realized. Within a short period of time the Hermann Charity Hospital is to be built. After about seven months of consideration, the plans have been finally completed and further delay in building the structure will be unnecessary. It was the fulfillment of this dream, above all other hopes and aspirations, in which the late philanthropist was wrapped up and upon which he had set his heart. Years before his death, which occurred almost three years ago, the though uppermost in his mind was to provide an institution for the indigent sick. And finally, the piot has been designated, the plans have been approved an according to the architect, Afred C. Finn, bids will soon be advertisement for construction. The delay in the building of the hospital has been caused by the other of the executors and trustees to convert a large portion of the Hermann estate. Which was unproductive into income-bearing property. This has occasioned considerable time and effort but has resulted in creating an endowment sufficiently large to proceed with the project. Some of the property which has been disposed of to secure additional funds is the land in the oil fields at Humble. Hospital Grounds South of Hermann Park. The plot constituting the hospital grounds is just south of Hermann Park, it has a frontage of 72 feet on Main street and runs back o the park for a distance of 1278 feet, containing a total of 20-1/2 acres. It was this plot which Mr. Hermann set aside in his will “for the purpose of a hospital to be erected thereon to be known as the Hermann hospital.” The plans call for an institution comprising several structures or units, all of which will erected from a central structure or administration building. It is this building which will be built first. According to the present plans, work on the administration building will be started in 90 days. This building will be erected at a point 360 feet back from Main street. Midway between Main street and the building will be the Hermann monument. Administration Building Three Stories and Basement The administration building will be of three stories and a basement. The basement will, in realty, be a first floor. This building will accommodate 82 ward patients. It will have 18 private rooms and two children's wards that will care for be free. However, persons who are able to pay for treatment will inevitable wish take advantage of the accommodations of the hospital and will want to pay for them. The 18 private rooms are for the persons and for such cases as will demand isolation for reasons other than possible contagion. The building will be 160 feet long. In the part of the plat near Hermann park, well separated from the other buildings will be the contagious group. The six other units will be connected to the administration building by covered corridors. These will be erected as the patronage of the hospital requires them. Other buildings will be such as the superintendent's home, buildings for the nurses, the power house, the laundry building and the others indicated by numbers in the accompany picture. The trustees, T.J. Ewing, J.J. Settegast, Jr., and John S. Stewart, with the architect, Alfred C. Finn, all of Houston are being congratulated upon the result of the months of study. Operating Rooms On The Top Floor. On the top floor of the building a twin set of rooms for the care of patients who are to be operated upon; Two operating rooms will make it possible for two operations to be performed at the same time. A feature of this floor and all other-- Birdseye view of the proposed George H. Hermann Charity hospital buildings and grounds. The shows the grounds will look after all of the buildings of the hospital group are completed. The first unit or administration building is shown in the center of the picture. Work on it will start in ninety days. First unit or administration bundling of the George H. Hermann Charity Hospital group. From this building the other units of the group will be constructed as they are needed. Because of the difficult details in construction of hospital buildings it may require from eight to twelve months to complete the work on this first building of the group.
  13. Looks like George Hermann acquired this local electric company called Woods Electric Company. As the name states, the founder of the business was named ____ Woods. (Forgot his name, I'll need to look into this!) A little confusing. This was not the Baker-Meyer building in Market Square? I wonder if this was next door then. A Meyer business was, eventually, located in this same building. Maybe Joseph Meyer had two locations next door to each other? From the newspaper The Houston Post. dated April 21, 1907. In Bankruptcy. Two petitions, one involuntary and the other voluntary filed. In the Federal Court. The proceedings involve the Woods Electric Company of Houston and the Emanual Schwartz of Hallettsville. The petitioning credits in the involuntary case against the Woods Electric Company and the amounts due each are: George Hermann, $500; F.W. Heitmann Company, $26.66, and Fuller-Cook Hardware Company, $10.20. In the petition it is alleged that he directors of the company met on April 12 and adopted a resolution admitting the company's insolvency and its inability to pit its debts. This admission is alleged as an act of bankruptcy and upon it the petition as filed. The company, of which George H. Hermann is President and J.J. Settegast is Secretary, is engaged in trading and mercantile pursuits in Houston--
  14. I've only seen one mention of this bank, and it was 19 years ago. Thought I would create a dedicated thread for this cool, historic, Houston bank that was located in Downtown Houston. Oh! Maybe the reason why this bank was never discussed is because the merger/buyout? Second National Bank of Houston, a three-story brick building in downtown Houston. By 1923, the name Lumberman's National Bank did not accurately describe the bank you know today as the Bank of the Southwest. So, Lumberman's became the Second National Bank of Houston. Postcard: A decade later:
  15. I just found a rare, unknown, location of the Westheimer Transfer Company. I wanted to share with HAIF on this historical finding. Very cool!! From The Songs of the Rice Institute, together with the Yells, School Calendar and Football Schedule, Session 1915-1916. Trunks and Baggage Moved. Phones Preston Capitol 1366 Westheimer Transfer Company 203 San Jacinto St. We Move Anything We will move your trunk and baggage to the Rice Institute without banging it up. Ring 1366. We make schedule trips to and from the Rice Institute.
  16. wow!! This week I discovered the Westheimer Furniture Company was (once) located at 600 Travis Street in the heart of downtown! The only 600 Travis I know is the Hines building. I wonder if there are any images of the original 600 Travis building? Something to search for! Also, did the Westheimer family own the whole building in the early 1940s or did they lease space? Edit: I assume this was the company's business office? Or did they sell furniture here? From the newspaper Labor Messenger dated December 25, 1942. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years Westheimer Furniture Company 600 Travis / C. 4-2731
  17. I was browsing the publication The Texas Jewish Herald dated September 18, 1930 and came across this business advertisement. Never heard of this hotel so I thought I would share! Fox Hotel 1006 Dallas Between Main and Fannin "A friendly hotel with every convenience" Fire proof - steam heated Newly furnished throughout Rates moderate A.C. Lourvien, Manager Houston, Texas Fairfax 7358
  18. Can't seem to find where the popular internet image of the George Dickey business advertisement originated from. There wasn't a dedicated thread for George Dickey so I thought I would create one. This architect was amazing! I really liked his 1890s syle. The TSHA has a good write up about him: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/dickey-george-e George E. Dickey, Architect and Superintendent. Office- Over Savings Bank, Cor. Main and Congress, Houston. Twenty years experience in architecture (Capitol Hotel..) Large Building Construction a Specialty, References,
  19. I don't think this hotel was ever built? I know there was the Sterling Building located at 608 Fannin Street. Famous architects! Wyatt C. Hedrick was so cool! From the publication Greater Houston Texas and the Southwest, dated September 1929. The Sterling Hotel Mr. R.S. Sterling, Owner. Hedrick & Gottlieb, Architects, Houston, Texas.
  20. woah! I actually found an address to this incredible building! Now I wonder who the architect was? That's the next thing HAIF should figure out. I will ask, what exactly is this? A club of sorts? I never researched Knights. Photograph postcard dated 1898. Knights of Pythias Castle, Houston, Texas. Article in the newspaper The Houston Post January 1, 1919. Secret Societies Texas Lodge No. 1 Knights of Pythias. Castle Hall, 812 ½ Fannin Street. Meets tonight. Work in page rank. Installation of officers. Visiting Knights welcome. Jno M. Gribbin. C. C.; R. R. Redfield. K. of R.
  21. wow! I never knew there was an original Grand Central Station Depot designed by George Dickey. I only knew of the Southern Pacific Lines Grand Central Station Depot that was designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick. I definitely like the original design more! This photo/drawing is dated 1890.
  22. Cool find! I thought the Mercantile Building was in Dallas, TX? I guess there was two. Designed by Alfred C. Finn, this building looked like it took up a whole city block. I thought this would be one of the designs of the City Hall & Market. I couldn't match the two up. I don't think it was one of the old City Hall and Market buildings. A little confused. The builder was J.A. Baker? Wouldn't this be the old Meyer-Baker building on Travis Street? I believe that building in Market Square is still standing, so obviously no? Built in 1923.
  23. Very cool! Who would have thought the infamous architect Alfred C. Finn would design a service station? This is supposed to been have built in 1918. Drawing: Photograph:
  24. Believe I just found the original City Auditorium! The 1895 auditorium was built on Main Street at McGovern Street. The 1920 city auditorium was built at, or near 615 Louisiana St. Very cool history here!! I never even knew this existed!
  25. Very, very cool piece of history here! This was the original Foley store, and then they moved to 214-218 Travis Street. The building was built in the early 1900s, I believe 1909! Not to be confused with the Foley's Department Stores. This business was made by brothers Pat and James Foley, who ran a dry goods business referred to as W.L. Foley Dry Goods Co.
×
×
  • Create New...