Houston developer thinks big is beautiful

Houston developer Richard Browne is planning a mixed-use center near Pearland, combining commercial and residential spaces with a 30-acre lake - oh, and giant busts of all 42 presidents. Browne has spent $5.5 million buying 50 acres and the 42 18-foot-tall statues from Houston artist David Adickes in an effort to create what he calls the "Venice of Houston." The development is called the WaterLights District and will be located just southwest of the Beltway and 288.

Pearland officials said they expect the presidential busts to be a big tourist attraction. There are two other sets, one located in Williamsburg, VA, and the other in South Dakota. But Pearland's set will be a little different - Adickes has committed to making a bust of our 44th president, who will be elected in 2008, for this one. Browne hopes the development will be up and running by next summer and expects 2 million visitors a year. That's a pretty ambitious figure, but we're sure the president heads can draw a crowd.

Right now, David Adickes is finishing his towering Beatles statues, and, at 79, it is probable that Pearland's set of president heads is his last. According to the Chronicle, he is thrilled that this set has found a place close to home.

Photo from Flickr user mjecker.