Historic Houston Demolished Buildings

[marmer]

Thought it'd be fun to come up with a list of places where a significant structure or business was demolished, and now it's just a vacant lot -- development didn't work out for some reason.

Astroworld

Carousel House

1Waverly (Glassman Shoemake Maldonado house)

State Grille/Confederate House/Black Angus

Any more?

[sevfiv]

Let's see, just off the top of my head:

William Penn Hotel (well, development worked out - for a parking lot):

Houck house (lot was subdivided but half is still empty I believe):

Rettig house (Cambridge Tower was going to be built here, but I think it is on hold/fell through?):

695 Rocky River:

2335 Underwood:

and of course the Cohen/Carousel house like mentioned above:

[editor]

the Ale House. Now the Border's parking lot.

[Montrose1100]

The empty block behind 1 Shell Plaza.

[Dan the Man]

Old Sears on Allen Parkway.

[flipper]

Stables restaurant on Main (I think that was the name).

flipper

[Subdude]

Medical Arts Building downtown by Houston Center

The Ballpark Place lot across from Minute Maid (former Metropole Hotel building)

The Gibraltar Building on Fannin torn down for a hotel that was never built.

[KinkaidAlum]

Oil + Gas Building on 706 Lamar St... not sure if anything is there now but nothing turned up on a google search.

Shamrock Hotel... isn't that still mostly surface parking?

Chrysler Showroom at 1414 Milam.

Recently, we lost the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant at 707 Live Oak. That was a really sad loss. I heard condos were going there but nothing came up on the search.

The downtown YMCA is about to meet the wrecking ball with no plans for development...

If this economic crunch gets worse, we'll add many more as we've seen quite a bit removed for BLVD Place, Regent Square, and the Sonoma.

[Subdude]

Oil + Gas Building on 706 Lamar St... not sure if anything is there now but nothing turned up on a google search.

Shamrock Hotel... isn't that still mostly surface parking?

Chrysler Showroom at 1414 Milam.

Recently, we lost the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant at 707 Live Oak. That was a really sad loss. I heard condos were going there but nothing came up on the search.

The downtown YMCA is about to meet the wrecking ball with no plans for development...

If this economic crunch gets worse, we'll add many more as we've seen quite a bit removed for BLVD Place, Regent Square, and the Sonoma.

Part of the Shamrock site was used for a building, but the section where the hotel itself was is now parking.

The Oil & Gas/Continental Oil building was torn down to construct 1100 Milam.

[mikeybob2]

Not Houston but close by... in Galveston.

Seahorse Motel (Thomas M. Price, 1956)

Moody Convention Center

SS Galveston Motel

The Seahorse and Moody convention center were bought by Fertitta and demolished. Once the lots were cleared, they were put back on the market. Some say it was because they were original Moody properties (some kind of power statement).

The SS Galveston was demolished to make way for condos that never happened.. all that remains on the property are a couple of palm trees.

I know all of these buildings were obsolete and deteriorating but I did hate to see them go.

Edited October 15, 2008 by mikeybob2

[roym]

Oh boy is this a depressing thread or what...

Good for documentation purposes though.

[roym]

That reminds me of an alternative title for this thread... "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Ba-ching!

[CoolBuddy06]

Stables restaurant on Main (I think that was the name).

flipper

Oh yeah I dined there once with my wife on a Sunday night. We had gone sightseeing and stopped by to try it out. She knew it wasn't there anymore when she was craving steak about a year later. She went up and down Main between Braeswood and Shamrock/Pressler twice before calling me for directions. Well...Stables' gone with the wind.

[Vertigo58]

Very depressing indeed!

I can think of 3 for now.

1. On Lawndale at Des Jardines across the street from where Stephanie's bar is, once stood a beautiful 2-3 story Edwardian turn of the century style palace. All that remains are the two big palms. They could have filmed movies there, no kidding.

2. Prince's Drive In at 45 and Cullen. All there is now are the two (sawn off by welders) posts of the sign that used to circle around and around luring worshippers like us to it.

3. On corner of Munger @ Dumble near Eastwood Transit center stood another magnificent Georgian/Palladian style 3-1/2 story mansion with large wrap around porch. Sure seemed like one. I remember playing in and around it since we knew the kid from class circa 1968. Torn down and there is a lousy gravel parking lot.

Man did Houston F up major, and we are still at it. Ok now I am angry.

[Dan the Man]

Did they ever build anything on the Valentine House lot in the 6th Ward?

[Subdude]

One well known example was the South Texas National Bank on Main. This was a Greek revival structure that was torn down in about 1982 to make way for a development that never happened. The site was used for parking for many years, but I think there may be something there now.

[infinite_jim]

The McDonalds slab at Main & Wheeler St.

[TexasVines]

that area where 695 RockRiver is is one of the most forgotten areas of Houston that is awesome....the location and the houses and the fact that it is right in the middle of so much yet is so "off the beaten path is really great

I had some friends that lived in that area and it is really nice and peaceful yet it is right in the heart of where so much is going on

[CoolBuddy06]

The gas station at the corner of Braeswood and Fannin in TMC. I'm sure it won't be vacant for long though.

[sevfiv]

Did they ever build anything on the Valentine House lot in the 6th Ward?

Nope - good catch

[NenaE]

The Delman Theater, by the Sears on S. Main.

[sevfiv]

The Delman Theater, by the Sears on S. Main.

Another good one - the terrazzo is still there, too.

Next door was the McDonalds (as mentioned by infinite_jim above), and the drive-thru paint and dining area tile are still visible.

[Vertigo58]

The Delman Theater, by the Sears on S. Main.

1. How can we forget The magnificent Broadway Theater on Broadway and what was supposed to be a new Frwy but it "simply never happened" grrrrrrrr See Bob Bailey pics and you will just plotz!

2. Princes Drive In on Main & Ruth street, just about 1 block from present (ugly) rail station. Its just a short field of grass. More grrrrrrr.

(Can still hear the juke box playing and aroma of a fresh cooked shrimp basket)

[IronTiger]

There was some elementary school between West University Place and The Galleria area...there was a fence surrounding it, there were even signs of how it was Above Average in TAKS etc., but there was green space, possibly to become commercial. Does anyone know what I'm talking about, since I don't live in Houston and thus not as inept at describing things?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&...mp;t=h&z=14

[sevfiv]

There was some elementary school between West University Place and The Galleria area...there was a fence surrounding it, there were even signs of how it was Above Average in TAKS etc., but there was green space, possibly to become commercial. Does anyone know what I'm talking about, since I don't live in Houston and thus not as inept at describing things?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&...mp;t=h&z=14

You may be thinking of Will Rogers Elementary which was demolished (along with the HISD building) to make way for Costco/Greenway Commons:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...?showtopic=2169

[rsb320]

The empty block behind 1 Shell Plaza.

That lot was to have been the tallest building in Houston, until the bottom fell out in the bust of the 80's. That building's design was really awesome and would still be so today.

[TexasVines]

Nope - good catch

looks like they built a run down RV there

[rsb320]

The gas station at the corner of Braeswood and Fannin in TMC. I'm sure it won't be vacant for long though.

Did they tear down that old fire station caddy corner from the Valero? What about the old Marriott Hotel Braeswood @ Greenbriar, on the bayou.

[KinkaidAlum]

All the food joints mentioned reminded me of the Rajun Cajun. Is anything there now?

Also, the historic church in the 4th ward that caught fire, was said to be waiting for rebuilding efforts, and then was torn down...

[Subdude]

A block on Main north of Calhoun was cleared in preparation for the Campeau skyscraper which was never built. There was a rendering of it posted a while back.

[CoolBuddy06]

Did they tear down that old fire station caddy corner from the Valero? What about the old Marriott Hotel Braeswood @ Greenbriar, on the bayou.

Fire station caddy: gone

Hotel: still standing last time I checked

[Vertigo58]

The whole Busch Gardens amusement park that existed until approx 1980? All rides were moved out or dismantled. Not sure if they even do the free beer tour anymore. Now Budweiser plant McCarty at 610/1-10 area or near to. Far East Houston

Dont ever recall the company even explaining to the public why it closed.

[Native Son]

On South Main:

Gateway Swimming Pool - a self storage place

Kiddie Wonderland - Kroger parking lot

Bowlaram on Braesmain - Target

Sonny Looks Sit Loin Inn - Russell and Smith parking lot

Angelo's Fisherman's Wharf- another self storage on S. Main

on Richmond Ave:

Windsor Cinerama - 24 Hr Fitness

those are just the ones that come to mind right now

[sevfiv]

Did they tear down that old fire station caddy corner from the Valero? What about the old Marriott Hotel Braeswood @ Greenbriar, on the bayou.

Fire Station 33 is still standing and vacant - I like that building, but is has been neglected for four years now. The new #33 is a block south on Fannin on the opposite side of the street:

Firehouse 33 helds the unique distinction of being one of the last stations to be housed in an original volunteer station—it being the city hall/fire station of the Brasewood section of Houston at the corner of Fannin and Brasewood and was annexed in 1950. Land for a new Fire Station 33 was acquired on block from the current station and the new station 33 opened in August 2004. The orginial station building is no longer owned by the City.

(nice spelling!)

http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/firestations/station33.html

[Vertigo58]

The original historic Rufus Cage Elementary School in Near East End, Telephone @ Lawndale. (has its own topic)

Is slowly or rather quickly deteriorating into oblivion. It was abandoned because it could no longer accommodate the growing student population to later become an HISD admin site then finally closed. The cafeteria and kitchen in back seems caved in already.

Hurricane Ike damaged the main building even worse now. I was glancing at the fun pics from around 1970-71. Happy, but saddened at the same time. Memories

Take your last pictures now.

Edited October 17, 2008 by Vertigo58

[musicman]

Fire Station 33 is still standing and vacant - I like that building, but is has been neglected for four years now.

that's an understatement. when the firefighters were there, they didn't have heating and had numerous other probs.

[NenaE]

Fire Station 33 is still standing and vacant - I like that building, but is has been neglected for four years now. The new #33 is a block south on Fannin on the opposite side of the street:

Firehouse 33 helds the unique distinction of being one of the last stations to be housed in an original volunteer station

[Vertigo58]

Nena! Can't forget the long forgotten Meadowbrook Arches on the East End. That nice gentleman was able to describe in wonderful detail of his recollections of climbing inside and gazing down at the cars below as a kid. Eventually removed with nada in place of them.

and how can we forget the mansions that once lined Main Street? The one I personally loved the most was a mere 15 years old and demolished for a, drum roll........tire shop. (breaking pencil in half)

[rsb320]

That old fire station always caught my eye...I saw a "firehouse dalmation" there, as well, many years ago (I worked in the area). There was a station similar to it at Winkler & Howard Dr. (SE side), had those louvered, frosted glass windows. There were also some cool 60's apartments to the north of that station, lining the street, on both sides, going to the med center, on Fannin. The hotel in the Braeswood area was cool, as well, 50's googie style, empty lot, last I saw, was close to the Stables restaurant. There was also a Mexican food restaurant that was around there, don't remember the name, faced the bayou, on the north side, around Fannin & Braeswood, had a tall neon old sign. It burned down some years ago.

Can't believe I forgot to mention the Broadway Theater. That interior was beautiful.

Oh yeah, the Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda, I think. It was at Main and N. Braeswood. It was still open until the late 90's or early 00's. There was also a great Chinese place on Main. I'm guessing it was about where Radio Shack, in the Target parking lot is now.

[wernicke]

Fire Station 33 is still standing and vacant - I like that building, but is has been neglected for four years now. The new #33 is a block south on Fannin on the opposite side of the street:

I believe this fire station (at Fannin and Braeswood) has been acquired by whoever runs/owns the Lanesborough apartments adjacent to the very large empty lot it sits on. This is a very large tract of land that seems prime for development... maybe someone knows something specific about plans for the site?

Also, the Valero at Fannin and Braeswood has been torn down... empty lot now, up for sale.

[marmer]

Oh yeah, the Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda, I think. It was at Main and N. Braeswood. It was still open until the late 90's or early 00's.

It changed names a few times. I believe it was Dos Gringos at one time. I went there fairly often in college -- it was pretty good and not too expensive.

There was also a great Chinese place on Main. I'm guessing it was about where Radio Shack, in the Target parking lot is now.

Lee's Den, I believe.

[Subdude]

It changed names a few times. I believe it was Dos Gringos at one time. I went there fairly often in college -- it was pretty good and not too expensive.

El Chico?

[Vertigo58]

Houston's FIRST Monorail built mid 1950's. Was built, dismanlted then scrapped...

Another big Houston up. We should be called the city that goes backwards in progress.

[rsb320]

El Chico?

No, El Chico was over where the Men's Wearhouse and Storage place are now, at S. Main, between S. Braeswood and Kirby.

[IronTiger]

You may be thinking of Will Rogers Elementary which was demolished (along with the HISD building) to make way for Costco/Greenway Commons:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...?showtopic=2169

I don't remember when it was first spotted by me. It wasn't last spring, so it must have been summer 2007 or something. What's the progress on it now? Has it been built yet? (again, really sorry for being out of touch with Houston)

[Dan the Man]

The Costco is supposed to open fairly soon, if it hasn't already.

[dbigtex56]

New Orleans Po' Boys, on South Main - now just part of the wasteland between Alabama and Richmond.

That stucco, Spanish/Mexican restaurant in the 3500(?) block of Main. At least this site is now in use, as an exceptionally ugly parking lot.

[robhan]

There are so many in downtown that have been several buildingsOne torn down to make way for another and then another and now vacant lots.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Houston's FIRST Monorail built mid 1950's. Was built, dismanlted then scrapped...

There was a previous thread here about the monorail. I didn

[EspersonBuildings]

That stucco, Spanish/Mexican restaurant in the 3500(?) block of Main. At least this site is now in use, as an exceptionally ugly parking lot.

That was at the northwest intersection of Main and Berry. It was last a Mexican restaurant called LaPlacca (I think). My mom worked as a bus girl there around 1949-1950 when it was Kelly's Restaurant. Like you said, it is now an exceptionally ugly parking lot.

Edited October 19, 2008 by EspersonBuildings