River Oaks petition tops 10,000 signatures

We've tried to think of something memorable to say in celebration of getting 10,000 signatures on our petition opposing the demolition of the River Oaks Shopping Center and the former Alabama Theater this afternoon, but all we can come up with is, "Wow." Thanks to everyone who has signed the petition and passed it around to friends, neighbors, concerned Houstonians and even people in other parts of the country who don't want to see architecturally and historically significant buildings get torn down to make way for big-box retail and high-rise residential projects. You guys rock.

If you haven't signed the petition yet, go sign it and register your opposition to losing these important pieces of Houston's fabric (if you're scratching your head, wondering what all the fuss is about, here's some background). If you have already signed, thanks — now pass the word on to everyone you know. You might also want to write directly to some of the key players, including Weingarten and Barnes & Noble brass; Greater Houston Preservation Alliance has contact info on its website.

No matter what you might hear people say, preservation isn't a lost cause in Houston. Make sure Weingarten Realty knows that.

- From GHPA, you can download a full-sized version of the "Save This Landmark!" image above, courtesy of the Documentary Alliance — just right for printing to show your support!