Last Chance To See 600 sq mi: Hidden
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H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
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.
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All 42 presidents? Which one are we omitting?
I'm assuming she means the 42 whose terms have been completed ...
No one has been omitted! Grover Cleveland counts twice - 22nd and 24th. So George W. is President #43, but he's the 42nd man to serve as president.
Thank gawd I never go to Pearland!
I love those president heads. For the last few years they've been sitting outside next to David Adickes' warehouse studio on Sawyer (just south of that Target they just finished building).
I don't know if they've moved them to Pearland yet, but if not, I recommend stopping by. The lot is open; you can just drive in.
They are still there, and it is a fun place to stop by. I've been watching the progress on this last set for a year or so and recently there's been a greater influx of people coming to see them.