Texaco Building At 1111 Rusk St.

[editor]

HOUSTON (GlobeSt.com)

[Houston19514]

I'm just curious... was this building ever really renamed ChevronTexaco Tower? I was under the impression they had never bothered with renaming it since ChevronTexaco pretty much moved out when the merger occurred.

[The New Juniper]

I understand the Texaco Building is under contract. Does anyone know who has it or what they intend to do with it? I thought that I knew the plan over there, but now it is unclear and all involved are very tight lipped.

I figure if any group will know, this board will.

Thanks and Happy Easter.

TNJ

[LTAWACS]

what do you mean?

[The New Juniper]

I mean does anyone know who has the building under contract.

[Trophy Property]

I mean does anyone know who has the building under contract.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am somewhat in the know and I have heard nothing about this !!! If anyone knows differently, please post.

[Ron4tx]

Anyone have any historic photos of the Texas Company building?

Built in 1915, it was one of the three tallest buildings in Houston (13 stories) at that time. The 11-story Scanlan Building, and the 13 story Union National Bank Building were the other two.

We can attribute its existence to Joseph S. Cullinan and Jesse H. Jones. Cullinan, for relocating The Texas Company (Texaco) from New York to Houston, and Jones for constructing the building.

The building is proposed to be converted into an upscale hotel and apartments;

[gonzo1976]

I always thought it was a beautiful building. Glad to see something is being done with it.

I tried a quick search of some of Bob Bailey's photos over here, but I couldn't find anything going back to its heyday on that site.

[sevfiv]

I always thought it was a beautiful building. Glad to see something is being done with it.

I tried a quick search of some of Bob Bailey's photos over here, but I couldn't find anything going back to its heyday on that site.

there are some bob bailey texas co. pictures in a miscellaneous folder, but nothing too old:

http://www.cah.utexas.edu/db/dmr/dmr_resul...ed&folder=1

i have an old postcard at home - i'll post it later

____________________

ooh - there is a neat picture of the construction of the melrose building - texaco, montagu and stowers are in the background:

http://www.cah.utexas.edu/db/dmr/image_lgs...iable=e_bb_1349

Edited September 19, 2006 by sevfiv

[Subdude]

Early 1920s:

Is that still intended for a hotel conversion? They stopped work on it a few years ago and nothing has been announced since. I just assumed that because of the weakness in the downtown hotel market, the project had been abandoned.

[Ron4tx]

Early 1920s:

Is that still intended for a hotel conversion? They stopped work on it a few years ago and nothing has been announced since. I just assumed that because of the weakness in the downtown hotel market, the project had been abandoned.

Maybe the project was postponed.

It's still listed as a project on the Kirksey website:

http://www.kirksey.com/ProjectMain.asp?ID_...p;ID_Project=66

Hopefully, someone can shed some light on the building's future.

And also, thanks for the great photo!

[WestUNative]

The Texas Company building was brilliant! When walking around downtown, we relished hitting this block for the welcome (and beautiful) colonnade and its wonderful shade. We used to ponder why other buildings had not the foresight to include something akin in the blistering hot box that is Houston.

[Gilder]

Here's another link on this building that has some interesting information.

http://www.gomainst.com/houston/historic/history4mm.htm

[sevfiv]

Early 1920s:

Is that still intended for a hotel conversion? They stopped work on it a few years ago and nothing has been announced since. I just assumed that because of the weakness in the downtown hotel market, the project had been abandoned.

i *think* that is the postcard i have - i'll check on that

there were signs taped to some of the windows of the building referring to the hotel project, but they were at least a couple of years old.

there is still a trailer on site (and someone in it i think), so who knows...

otherwise, there has been little to no activity there

Edited September 19, 2006 by sevfiv

[Subdude]

This has been a difficult building to redevelop, which is a shame because it is so nice. At one point it was going to be a condo-hotel project called "Triomphe", then Ritz-Carlton, then Renaissance. They made it as far as demolishing the old Gibraltar Savings building and gutting the interior of the remaining structures. The wing on the Fannin side had asbestos. I'm not sure if the abatement was completed or not. I hope the owners don't decide that the ceilings are too low to preserve it.

The Texas Company building was brilliant! When walking around downtown, we relished hitting this block for the welcome (and beautiful) colonnade and its wonderful shade. We used to ponder why other buildings had not the foresight to include something akin in the blistering hot box that is Houston.

True about the colonnade. Partly they went out of architectural fashion, but they also became less necessary as the tunnel system was developed.

[Ron4tx]

UPDATE:

Just learned that the Texaco building is scheduled for renovation.

The building was never scheduled for demolition but the construction was put on hold by the owner.

New equipment is being purchased now.

[Houstonian in Iraq]

UPDATE:

Just learned that the Texaco building is scheduled for renovation.

The building was never scheduled for demolition but the construction was put on hold by the owner.

New equipment is being purchased now.

Cool once again thanks for the Update?

I love this building, back in Aug I saw pressure washing being done, I wasn't sure if it was just routine or they were actually about to start something. I couldn't remember the name of the building so I never posted the pressure wash. I knew there was a thread open I just didn't bother.

Same questions as the Ben Milam building if you don't mind Ron4Tx

[sevfiv]

UPDATE:

Just learned that the Texaco building is scheduled for renovation.

The building was never scheduled for demolition but the construction was put on hold by the owner.

New equipment is being purchased now.

good to hear - is this information out there somewhere, or do you have inside connections?

Same questions as the Ben Milam building if you don't mind Ron4Tx

yeah, i'd like to know what is really going on there

last i went by, things were kind of at a stand-still - again

Edited September 28, 2006 by sevfiv

[Ron4tx]

good to hear - is this information out there somewhere, or do you have inside connections?

yeah, i'd like to know what is really going on there

last i went by, things were kind of at a stand-still - again

All I can say publicly is that the Texaco Building will definitely be renovated.

Major equipment was purchased two weeks ago.

As for my sources, see the Milam Hotel topic for a general idea.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...p?showtopic=120

I wish I could say more at this time.

[houston1973]

All I can say publicly is that the Texaco Building will definitely be renovated.

Major equipment was purchased two weeks ago.

As for my sources, see the Milam Hotel topic for a general idea.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/i...p?showtopic=120

I wish I could say more at this time.

thanks Ron4tx. read your post on the ben milam. wish they had pics of that room when it was unboarded.

[Bear_P_I]

My Dad worked for Texaco for 37 years. He was transfered from the Canal Street office in New Orleans to the Rusk Building in Houston when I was 4 years old. That was 1964. He worked in that building until he retired in '87, with only a brief stint at the Bellaire Texaco Building.

I also worked in the Rusk Texaco Building in the summers of '78 through '81 while I was at A&M. One year I worked in the file storage department with a bunch of other guys my age. That was the best summer I ever had.

My Dad watched out his window as Cassius Clay was taken into the Post Office building across the street to be inducted into the service. I remember there used to be a Roy Roger's sandwich shop across the street that my Dad used to take us to eat at whenever we'd go downtown to visit him on Christmas or summer break.

I now work for a company in Dallas that fabricates and installs lightweight precast concrete panels. Somewhere around 8 or 9 years ago, I was pricing some facade renovations to the Fannin Building. It's the one behind the Texaco Building. However, both buildings are connected . Anyway, it was an Architect in Baton Rouge and they were going to update the Fannin Building with Cornices and ornate columns to match the Texaco Building. The whole project was going to be a Ritz Carlton Hotel, but it fizzled out after a few years.

[SunKing]

I found a thread on the 'Urban Explorer' forum where someone made it into the building recently, and took a bunch of pictures:

http://www.uer.ca/forum_showthread.asp?fid...=1&pp#post0

.....Interesting stuff.

[sevfiv]

I found a thread on the 'Urban Explorer' forum where someone made it into the building recently, and took a bunch of pictures:

http://www.uer.ca/forum_showthread.asp?fid...=1&pp#post0

.....Interesting stuff.

the building was/is interesting inside, but that guy is kind of a goofball (last picture)

[Guest correction_fluid]

;)http://houston.arch-ive.org/tex.html

most of the pictures looked familar to me.. maybe they should look this up..

[sevfiv]

;)http://houston.arch-ive.org/tex.html

most of the pictures looked familar to me.. maybe they should look this up..

gee, they look really familiar to me

[DMac]

Maybe the project was postponed.

It's still listed as a project on the Kirksey website:

http://www.kirksey.com/ProjectMain.asp?ID_...p;ID_Project=66

Hopefully, someone can shed some light on the building's future.

And also, thanks for the great photo!

The Kirksey site stated that of the 3 Bldg's {1915, 1959, & 1962} the '62 Bldg wasn't consider historic {44 years is not historic?} and was razed for watt else, parking etc.

I guess the # of years attached to the word 'HISTORIC' is judgemental.

Respectfully

Danny

[Subdude]

Another redevelopment plan in the works?

Houston Pavilions won't have a residential component as once envisioned, but another nearby property

[Houstonian in Iraq]

Another redevelopment plan in the works?

Houston Chronicle article

I don't remember, how far is this building from the future HP? does it boarder it?

If not it's still great to hear that this building will be back in use and better yet it will be residential

[sevfiv]

^ the closest corner of Texaco to HP would be at San Jacinto/Fannin and Rusk, about four blocks north

noticed that the metal plates on the columns were tied - any ideas?

Edited April 5, 2007 by sevfiv

[Subdude]

Interesting. Didn't those metal plates have the Texaco logo?

[dbigtex56]

noticed that the metal plates on the columns were tied - any ideas?

Theft deterrent?

I imagine a big slab of bronze would probably be worth quite a lot.

[sevfiv]

Interesting. Didn't those metal plates have the Texaco logo?

they still have the outline of the emblem on the sides facing the street, but some of the "Texacos" have been removed now, if i remember correctly

in this image (taken several years ago) you can see where something has been taken away above the "Ts":

Theft deterrent?

I imagine a big slab of bronze would probably be worth quite a lot.

yeah, i was thinking that, too, but geez...after all these years?!

_____________

also noticed that Ron4Tx's photos taken above have the bands around the columns, too

Edited April 5, 2007 by sevfiv

[Vertigo58]

Wish someone had snapped photos of what appeared to be imbedded flower beds or for shrubs? There are several right beneath or next to those columns. I caught my park-n-ride across the street for years and we often had that view to gaze at while waiting. So the mind wonders "what was". The beds are irregular in shape if memory serves well. They are almost like a triangle but elongated and rounded at edges. This pertains to the building so please don't scream "Hi-jack" moderator. Homeless people love to sleep under all along here too. Perfect shelter.

[northbeaumont]

My Dad worked for Texaco for 37 years. He was transfered from the Canal Street office in New Orleans to the Rusk Building in Houston when I was 4 years old. That was 1964. He worked in that building until he retired in '87, with only a brief stint at the Bellaire Texaco Building.

I also worked in the Rusk Texaco Building in the summers of '78 through '81 while I was at A&M. One year I worked in the file storage department with a bunch of other guys my age. That was the best summer I ever had.

My Dad watched out his window as Cassius Clay was taken into the Post Office building across the street to be inducted into the service. I remember there used to be a Roy Roger's sandwich shop across the street that my Dad used to take us to eat at whenever we'd go downtown to visit him on Christmas or summer break.

I now work for a company in Dallas that fabricates and installs lightweight precast concrete panels. Somewhere around 8 or 9 years ago, I was pricing some facade renovations to the Fannin Building. It's the one behind the Texaco Building. However, both buildings are connected . Anyway, it was an Architect in Baton Rouge and they were going to update the Fannin Building with Cornices and ornate columns to match the Texaco Building. The whole project was going to be a Ritz Carlton Hotel, but it fizzled out after a few years.

My neighbor's brother worked for Texaco Credit in Houston. His name was Richard Earl Jaetzold. He and some of his co-workers were killed in a plane crash in Mexico back in 1969 on a business trip. I assume that it was the division that handled Texaco credit cards.

[musicman]

Theft deterrent?

I imagine a big slab of bronze would probably be worth quite a lot.

yeah i know the fountains in the market square area have had the metal stolen several times as well as those by the rice garage.

[northbeaumont]

Interesting. Didn't those metal plates have the Texaco logo?

Now I remember the oil company acronyms:

TEXACO--Texas Company

CONOCO--Continental Oil Company

ARCO--Atlantic Richfield Company (formerly SINCLAIR)

ENCO--ENgery COmpany

Maybe someone out there knows some more of them. I also remember a station that had just a sign of a finger pointing down that had the word GAS in it, no brand name. I guess that today's generic equivalent would be RACEWAY/SPEEDWAY.

[Nate99]

I walked by there yesterday and noticed that there were some welders constructing what looked to be steel catwalks (not sure what you would call them) along one side of the big hole in the ground next to the old abandoned Texaco building at Fannin/Capitol. Anyone know what is going on there? It is the first activity that I have seen there in years. A construction company had its banner sign on one of the chain link fences, but I don't remember the name.

[Nate99]

Posted in Downtown forum also, but thought I'd put it here as well...

I walked by there yesterday and noticed that there were some welders constructing what looked to be steel catwalks (not sure what you would call them) along one side of the big hole in the ground next to the old abandoned Texaco building at Fannin/Capitol. Anyone know what is going on there? It is the first activity that I have seen there in years. A construction company had its banner sign on one of the chain link fences, but I don't remember the name.

[editor]

Merged topics.

[Nate99]

I went back and looked again, and if I had to guess, I would say it looked like they were putting in a permanent walkway where the hole in the ground encroached on whatever right of way is required for the sidewalks downtown. I know that there had previously been a wooden structure there that is now gone, replaced by the steel structure that is now being built.

The construction company is GT Leach. Based on their website, it doesn't look like they would just be doing remediation of an abandoned site to keep it from being a code violation, but who knows. The structure looks like it would be permanent, something along the lines of what you would see supporting a steel stadium bleacher.

[Nate99]

Took this pic today. Doesn't look like anyone is working on anything else at the site. I guess they were just building a workable sidewalk.

[Jax]

What's up with that big hole? I've always wondered...

[sevfiv]

Was parking back in the day..

[kylejack]

There has been significant streetwork going on right in the middle of Rusk right here as well. They dug a giant hole right in the middle of the street. I peeked in a window of the Texaco building about a week ago and there was a desk set up against a wall with a lamp on, but I didn't see anybody.

[ttuchris]

Didn't this building go up for sale this summer? I have been searching for articles on it, but I can't find anything. What a great building. It really needs to be saved.

[JJVilla]

I was trying to imagine what this building looked like but realized it was before my time or before I went in that area so I found the following picture:

Texaco Building?

What this it?

Never mind, found it: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/Building/2216/Texaco-Building.php

Edited October 21, 2010 by JJVilla

[Nate99]

This "catwalk" (for lack of a better descriptor) seems like an awful lot of work for an empty property. It's hard to imagine a circumstance where an owner would be able to put that kind of money in to something that has no indication of an ability to generate revenue for them at the moment, so that was why I suspected that, perhaps, something might be in the works for the whole site. Maybe the code violation penalties were severe enough that condemnation and seizure of the property was threatened, form my non-real estate background, that would seem to be the only reason an owner would be motivated to do this.

There is an old RV trailer there to the left of the hole in my picture that I think someone lives in to serve as a security guard for the building, but that has been there for a long time.

The hole in the street might have something to do with the new light rail lines, one of the workers was wearing a hard hat with the HRT logo on it.

[sevfiv]

^Yep - this should be a more current, similar view (Kress building lower right):

[kylejack]

St. Germain Lofts is two buildings that were fused together by Randall Davis and made into condos, the original 8 story Kress building that fronts Main Street and Capitol Street and the newer 5 story building with a garage facing Fannin. Does anyone know when this second building was built? I looked at some old photos and it wasn't there into the 70s, but then there's a gap in time that I've not been able to fill, so I don't know what it was before the Randall Davis rehab that began in 1983. Were the buildings always connected, or did this happen during the 1983 renovation? If separate, what was the name of the building before the renovation?

The buildings are connected on floors 1 and 2, and also on 5/5.5 via a patio.

[ricco67]

The hole has been there forever and precedes even the THOUGHT of light rail in the area.

Nate could be correct as far as the penalties goes, you don't do that much work unless there is an incentive to do so, then again, it could be part of the rail line since the lines are going to be running along the south side of capital.