City commission OKs landmark designation for River Oaks, Alabama

The city's Planning Commission on Thursday recommended landmark designation for the River Oaks Shopping Center and Alabama Theater/Bookstop, meaning the two structures are a step closer to preservation — or as close as Houston ever really gets to preservation, which is far enough away to be sure the city doesn't piss off any developers with deep pockets.

As we noted when the landmark designation process began back in April, the next step in designation is approval by City Council. If councilmembers give their OK to the designation, Weingarten Realty Investors — the company that owns, and plans to demolish, both the River Oaks Shopping Center and the Alabama Theater — will be eligible for tax breaks if it preserves the properties. But even if the landmark designation goes through, there will be absolutely no protection for the structures: Weingarten may still demolish them anytime it wants to, after a 90-day waiting period. That means the date at which Weingarten may legally begin demolition is Aug. 8, and we're willing to bet we'll see the wrecking crews move in that day.

Even though the landmark designation ultimately doesn't mean much, a dozen speakers, including leaders of Houston's preservation groups, two City Councilmembers and architectural historian Stephen Fox, urged the Planning Commission yesterday to recommend it. "Even though this doesn't ensure that the buildings will be preserved, it does send a message that this city really cares about its history and the built environment," Councilman Peter Brown said. Sure, Mr. Brown, the city may care — but it's too bad the folks who own the historic buildings don't.