Last Chance To See 600 sq mi: Hidden
Missed Connections: Gefilte Fish...and "Chain Connections"
H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
Trees were cut down yesterday in order to make room for improvements in drainage and electrical systems for the replacement of part of the River Oaks Shopping Center, according to Weingarten Realty. After the property was recommended by the Houston Planning Commission to become a designated landmark (and don't forget the numerous letters, emails, and 25,000+ signature petition urging Weingarten not to demolish), Weingarten is still going forward with its big-box plans.
While we hoped there may have been a change of heart, we witnessed long-time tenants Three Brothers Bakery and the Black Eyed Pea among others ordered to be vacated by Weingarten in May, which was the beginning of the end for this part of the shopping center.
City Council has neglected to make a decision about the Planning Commission's recommendation, but even an approval would offer no additional protection because of Houston's notoriously abysmal preservation laws. The shopping center can (and probably will) face demolition as early as August 8th.
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Frankly, I was speechless when I saw that article in the Chronicle this morning.
I can wrap my head around the idea of them tearing down the building. I mean, I don't like it, but I'm at the point where I realize the futility of trying to save it.
However, tearing down trees, particularly those OLD trees is deplorable. I understand there were issues regarding drainage and the new infrastructure for the new building, but I am angered that they did not look for an alternative that didn't involve removing those trees.
... or, you know, an alternative that didn't involve removing the historic architecture. Just saying.
Ahhhh Houston. Sometimes I miss it. Then I read things like this.