tuscany2004

That relatively small building in orange stands out like a sore thumb, especially seen from I-45. I saw it very recently while driving and had to look it up online. As it turns out I saw it mentioned here in the 2011 thread. That is why I posted the comment now.

If the construction is as shoddy as the design, don't worry about it lasting 50 years! Architecture has become so 'democratic' in its expression that it truly has come to reflect the base qualities of our society...ugly, cheap, faux, and temporary,

The design faux pas of this fire station is so typical of Houston. Rather than thinking about a design that works in an urban setting surrounded by sleek mid to late 20th century skyscrapers, the architects and their clients (City of Houston) put up a suburban-style building that very cheaply references architecture of the 19th century without incorporating its interesting detailing and craftsmanship. I agree that this looks like a Jiffy Lube, CVS, Dollar Tree (pick your favorite kitschy, disposable box retailer).