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I was reading the newspaper The Bellaire Texan dated June 22, 1950 and came across Tobias Sakowitz's residential home. Tobias Sakowitz, 2620 Riverside Drive, president of Sakowitz Bros., presided at traditional "rising of the tree" at new $8 million Sakowitz Bros. store. His quests: construction workers. Refreshments: beer and sandwiches.

I was looking at the Houstonhistorymagazine's Riverside Terrace and Environs: An Architectural Tour and notice the Abe Battelstein home designed by Joseph Finger.

I was reading the newspaper The Bellaire Citizen dated March 23, 1950 and came across a school listing for the Southland Elementary School located at 3535 Dixie Dr. The ad was for a religous meeting from minister E.C. Coffman of The Riverside Church of Christ. It goes on to say a "new" location of the Southland Elementary School. I know Southland Elementary (Now Thompson Elementary?) has been located at several locations around the South/Southwest/Southeast side of Houston. They can't seem to find a permanent location!

I was browsing the newspaper The Jewish Herald-Voice dated September 22, 1938 and came across a Happy New Year ad from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Levit and Family - 2612 Wheeler. I assume this was where Joe Levit lived back in 1938. Back then, they used to include a residential address to go a long with the news article, or photograph. The Hines Life Science development called Levit Green is named after Joe Levit and his family. Very cool!

July Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, July 25, 2021 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for this outstanding vintage modern home located in Riverside Terrace, about five miles southeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 4505 N. Roseneath Drive, Riverside Terrace, Section 15, Houston, TX 77021 HAR Link | Google Map Boldly contrasting horizontal and vertical elements make the P. R. Daniel house, 4505 North Roseneath Drive, one of the most memorable in the Riverside Terrace area. Henry MacGregor developed Riverside Terrace starting in 1924 on picturesque rolling terrain along the banks of Braes Bayou between Hermann and MacGregor Parks. Architect Bailey Swenson designed the Daniel house in 1949 and construction began in early 1950 situated on a half-acre plus site. Swenson is known for his uniquely inventive combination of organic and international styles of architecture. Even though one story spreading houses were desired in the 1950s, the neighborhood deed restrictions required houses to have two stories so the mother-in-law pop-up room was created. The house is composed of stone, brick and redwood and features an impressive array of built-in furnishings and a large abstract mural by prominent artist Jacques de la Marre who worked with Swenson on several projects. Bailey Allen Swenson (1907-1979) was from Houston and graduated from Rice University in 1932 with a BA in Architecture. He married Kathryn Thomas in 1949. She operated the first art gallery in Houston and he had an architectural office, both at their live/work home at 3106 Brazos Street. Swenson designed KSOX (1950) in Harlingen and KNUZ TV 39 (1953) which became KTRK 13 and later KUHT 8 located at 4513 Cullen Boulevard in Houston. He designed the Western Skies Motel (1952, demolished) at 2806 Old Spanish Trail described as opulent, luxurious and Houston's swankiest motel. Two of his earlier residential designs, 2330 Dryden Road (1936, demolished) and 2506 Riverside Drive (1936) had art deco styling. The heaviest concentration of his known work is more modern and located in the Riverside Terrace area including: 3934 Roseneath Drive (1949, especially fantastic), 4619 N. Roseneath Drive (1953), 3315 N. MacGregor Way (1948, demolished), 3126 S. MacGregor Way (1952), 3448 S. MacGregor Way (1952), 3819 S. MacGregor Way (1954, demolished, built for motel developer Leon Green), 3403 Charleston Street (1954), 3417 Charleston Street (1950) and 4216 Fernwood Drive (1948, endangered). In Galveston, Swenson designed 4402 Caduceus Place which is similar to the July Mod of the Month. For his church, St. Matthew Lutheran, he designed the parish hall (1942) located at 5315 Main Street. The AIA Houston Architectural Guide by Stephen Fox has more information about this area. Take the Riverside Terrace and Environs Architectural Tour by Stephen Fox for Cite Magazine here. If you have more information about these, or other vintage modern houses and/or architects, please contact Houston Mod so we can include it in our Modern Houston Index on our new website. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas, Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at our website. News & Upcoming Events A handsome mod for sale in Galveston, 59 minutes southeast of downtown Houston: 124 Strand Street. Sadly, the Rice Media Center (1970), given to Houston by John and Dominique de Menil and designed by architects Howard Barnstone and Gene Aubry has been demolished this week. How should the Astrodome be reused? Please help our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy by taking their Future Dome survey. The AIA 2021 Silent Auction is open for bidding on some wonderful items including a Houston Mod Family Membership and complete collection of Houston Mod publications. Bid now. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single Docomomo US Domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal.

I saw this album cover on Facebook and immediately recognized the house as being a home on N. MacGregor near Burkett. Makes sense as Little Junior Parker was on Don Robey's Duke Label. Duke was a subsidiary of 5th Ward based Peacock Records, and from what I've been told, Don Robey lived in a home not far away from the home pictured here at the corner of Southmore and Hancock. As for the N. MacGregor home, it's still standing. It was almost lost to a fire about 4-5 years ago, but it was repaired. Some of the original mod touch is gone as a result of the repairs, but I believe the original bricks still remain on the house, and you can still tell that it's a 1950s design. https://www.google.com/maps/@29.71056,-95.365294,3a,75y,354.33h,68.87t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sY7CM2K5YfwHYeAD1PUdnsA!2e0

There's a proposal for Riverside Terrace to become a Historic district, but some residents are not happy with that idea. I thought this proposal would help preserve the area while also slowing gentrification. https://abc13.com/riverside-terrace-third-ward-historic-district-proposal-civic-association/11842455/

According to Slotboom's Houston Freeways, "In the late 1960s right-of-clearance for the wide South Freeway corridor was underway. Jack Caesar’s house was relocated to south Houston and occupied by another owner." Does anyone know where it went? Does anyone know where Caesar went? (There is a small amount of background information about Caesar and Riverside Terrace here). This is the warranty deed with the State of Texas for the property: File No: C831056 Grantor:CAESAR JACK ETAL Grantee:STATE OF TEX FC: 100292481 Date:19681217 Type:W/D Desc:RIVERSIDE TER 01L0011B0001PT/LT Vol-Page:7444379 And this is the only other Riverside Terrace entry for Caesar - a deed of trust - so maybe JW Robinson is the one who got the house? File No: C697236 Grantor:CAESAR JACK JR Grantee:ROBINSON J W FC: 092331699 Date:19680425 Type:D/T Desc:RIVERSIDE TER L0001B0011 Vol-Page:6339454 Then, the next year there was a lis pendens on the property: File No: D000320 Grantee:CAESAR JACK JR ETAL Grantor:HARRIS CTY ETAL FC: 110252446 Date:19691014 Type:L/P Desc:RIVERSIDE TER Section:01 Lot:L0001 Block:B0011 Vol-Page:0037083 and here's the civil case against Caesar: Docket number: 178391 Defendant: CAESAR JACK JR ETAL Plaintiff: STATE OF TEX ETAL Nature of proceedings: CONDEMN Date opened: 01-22-1970 Docket number: 178391 Defendant: CAESAR JACK JR ETAL Plaintiff: COUNTY OF HARRIS ETAL Nature of proceedings: CONDEMN Date opened: 01-22-1970

Noticed a sewer disconnect demo permit.

Anyone remember Southmore Lanes? On Southmore near Almeda.

My fiance and I will be moving from DC to Houston in May. She is originally from Houston, and while I am not, I was fortunate enough to spend several weeks in Houston this summer. We're both extremely excited to be leaving DC, and moving to a city where two young professionals will not be priced out of the housing market. I did quite a bit of exploring in the downtown vicinity during my time in Houston and I really like what I saw. In particular, I'm very intrigued by the Binz neighborhood for its proximity to Hermann Park, the Museums, and downtown. This area appears to be in the midst of being redeveloped and it seems like a tremendous bargain compared to properties just west of Main. I also like Washington Terrace, Riverside Terrace, and the other close neighborhoods east of 288. While I realized these areas are a bit sketchy, the architecture is great and all things considered the price seems right. My impression is that property crime (which I can tolerate) is more of an issue than violent crime (which I cannot), but I was hoping that some of you might be able offer a bit of insight on this. Likewise, I would greatly appreciate any advice that you might have regarding these neighborhoods. Thanks.

Will be a great addition for the neighborhood especially the medical center and UH!!!

The intersection of MacGregor and Almeda is in dire need of some retail though. I know there's the gas station and a couple spots in the Mosaic, but there's a bunch of apartments nearby already. A little market would be nice. Maybe a deli/ taqueria. Coffee shop. Nothing too fancy... but at least a little bit fancy.

Does anyone have experience with the Texas Medical Center affiliated (through Texas Children's Hospital) The Rise School located at 5618 H. Mark Crosswell, Jr. A friend was doing some research. Figured I could ask HAIF since we know everything about Houston schools and buildings.

Patrick Feller has added a photo to the pool: 3204 Ennis Opened in 1926 Later, Riverside General Hospital View the full article

We didn't have a thread for this TMC campus. There is one, oddly shaped, parcel left for development. The parcel is vacant and is next to Highway 288. There is also the TMC surface lot (LAV Lot) that will be developed within time as space runs out. Tenants/Buildings of the Leland Anderson Campus includes: Texas Hearing Institute At 3100 Shenandoah St. Texas Medical Center Surface Parking Lot (LAV Lot) with an (incorrect) address of 3002 S. MacGregor Way The Rise School At 5618 H. Mark Crosswell, Jr. St. UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center At 2800 S. MacGregor Way UTHealth John Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center At 5615 H. Mark Crosswell Jr. St. YMCA Texas Medical Center At 5614 H. Mark Crosswell Jr. St. The campus was formally home to: METRO pickup/drop off surface lot At 5615 H. Mark Crosswell Jr. St. Michael E. DeBakey High School For Health Professions At 3100 Shenandoah St.

Crappy photo, but gets the job done. This house had been for sale for quite a while, and I thought was as good as gone. But the sign out front is gone, and it appears to be saved for the time being. You'll remember that this house was originally painted that dark red that typefies the work of Bailey Swenson, Len Gebhart and one Bolton & Barnstone house in Riverside Terrace. Hopefully they won't discover any problems with it.

August Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, August 7, 2016 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2-4 PM. Please join us to help find a new preservation-minded owner for this vintage contemporary home. This month's event takes place in the University Oaks subdivision of Houston, located about 3 miles southeast of downtown. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. Save the date for the next MODern Market on April 21-23, 2017! 4345 North MacGregor Way, University Oaks, Houston, TX 77004 This 1950s contemporary home, recently saved from demolition and updated, is in need of a new owner to continue its preservation. The house is situated on a spacious tree shaded site viewing the picturesque Brays Bayou and is minutes away from Hermann Park, the Medical Center, the University of Houston, and the new MetroRail southeast purple line. The spacious, light filled house has a free flowing plan opening to an expansive patio and swimming pool. The daughter of the original owner reports her father, Paul Brochstein, designed and built the house. Brochstein's brothers, Harry and I.H., built and lived in the two houses to the east of 4345. All three families moved to Meyerland about 1963. HAR Link Riverside Terrace is filled with history and significant architecture. Stephen Fox wrote about the area in a 1987 Cite Magazine article, "Riverside Terrace and Environs: An Architectural Tour". Click the link to view a PDF with architectural descriptions and tour map, then explore the neighborhood this weekend to see what has changed and what remains and may be preserved. Search HoustonMod.org to learn more about the mod architecture in the area including the University of Houston and Texas Southern University campuses. The Houston Mod exhibition brochure, "Endangered Modern - The Real Story" features a description of the area and will be available at Sunday's event. Other News & Events This WAS Contemporary Art is now open at the Heritage Society Museum Gallery at Sam Houston Park. Learn about what was happening in Houston in art, architecture, and design from the 1940s-1960s! On view Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4pm through October 15, 2016. Houston Mod members, board members and Master Mods have contributed to this high quality exhibition. Admission is free of charge. _________________________________________ Do you shop at Amazon.com? Donate a small percentage of your purchases at no cost to you by adding Houston Mod as your charitable organization of choice at Amazon Smile. Join the Houston Mod Facebook Page and Houston Mod Discussion Forum for more mod-minded fun. Support future Houston Mod events by becoming a member. Houston Mod publications will be available at the event. Houston Mod is dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas and advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy, seeking support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal.

Weingarten/Lavinghousez Mansion - Natural Burial Cemetery? Saw this bulletin over the weekend surrounding the Kuhlmann Family Cemetery. Apparently, Terry Ward is trying to buy both adjacent properties and transform everything into a "Remembrance Park". Anyone have any insider scoop? http://indigofields.com/

http://www.news4landscape.com/email/hm10year.jpg December Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, December 7, 2014 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. A vintage 1950s modern/contemporary style house situated just east of Hermann Park and two miles south of downtown Houston is featured. The house is in need of new preservation-minded owners. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 3226 North MacGregor Way, North MacGregor Oaks, Houston, TX 77004 The nationally acclaimed architecture firm of MacKie & Kamrath designed this one and two story house in 1951, about five years after principal designer Karl Kamrath developed a firindship with Frank Lloyd Wright, who's concepts greatly influenced his work. Contrasting horizontal and vertical elements of the design are reinforced with bands of ribbon windows and a dramatic double volume corner window siding the open tread stairs. The house is prominately situated on an almost half acre corner near a picturesque bend in Brays Bayou where recent landscaped trails connect to Hermann Park. The firm of MacKie & Kamrath was established in Houston in 1937 by Frederick MacKie, Jr. (1905-1984) and Karl Kamrath (1911-1988), both architects and graduates of the University of Texas. They were among the first Houston architects to design modernist buildings. Visit the Houston Mod website for examples of their work. HAR Link Discuss this house and over 800 other mod topics at the Houston Mod Discussion Forum. Support future Mod events by becoming a member of Houston Mod. Houston Mod is planning several members-only and members get-in-free events. If you need to check your membership status, please e-mail info@houstonmod.org Houston Mod publications make excellent gifts and will be sold at Sunday's event. We hope to see you Sunday at Mod of the Month!

Can anyone provide me with documentable information about how and why Kuhlman Gully got its name? And why is it also listed as Belmont Gully? Would appreciate any and all information.

Anyone have photos of this house? I found the one in the Architectural Guide. Looks like it was a great house.

Anyone know more about this house? I've been surprised its sat on the market with how quickly homes have been going. I don't think its perfect by any means as is, but even some of the fixer uppers in Eastwood have been moving quickly. It says its originally from 1928, did the remodel in 2000 change much of the exterior? Does this house have flood issues?

I have no affiliation with the sellers. One is listed as a 1949 build for $799k. http://search.har.com/engine/3448-Macgregor-Wa-Houston-TX-77021_HAR19139843.htm The other is a 1966 build for $195k. http://search.har.com/engine/3807-Macgregor-Wa-Houston-TX-77021_HAR65524056.htm

On the way home the other day I passed by a heap of rubble on South MacGregor between Cullen and Calhoun (street number 4334 from checking the permits later). The trees prevent good images from Google streetview or MSN bird's eye view - does anyone know anything about this house (or maybe even have a picture)? http://maps.google.com/maps?q=29.710481,-95.34568&num=1&sll=29.712764,-95.371356&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&ll=29.709432,-95.345557&spn=0.013996,0.01929&z=16