Highrise Tower

Cool history here!! I wanted to share with HAIF my research this week. Found a postcard, and then looked further into it. The website oscarwildeinamerica.org has an in depth write up that I will use as my source guide. https://www.oscarwildeinamerica.org/lectures-1882/june/0623-houston.html Gray's Opera House West side of Fannin Street, Houston, TX, between Congress and Preston Streets (now 320 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002, opposite the courthouse) Opened: c. 1860s (as Gray's Hall) Converted: May 1879 (Gray's Opera House) Seating capacity: 800-1000 Destroyed (fire): August 8, 1889 Replaced by: Sweeney and Coombs Opera House (opened November 3, 1890) which later became the Houston Theatre and The Prince. But this is not the same building as Gray's as sometimes suggested.

Found it!! I've been researching, and searching around, for months. I once read a federal company registration article, that mentioned the Colburn Bros. I expanded my research and read a newspaper from Alvin, TX! The Alvin Sun dated July 19, 1956: Oil Field Hauling General Oil Field Construction Colburn Bros. 24 Hour Service Phone MA 3-0605 11920 Old Main St. Rd. Houston Original finding, a few decades earlier dated in 1936: No. MC-F 6200. Authority sought by T. S. COLBURN. doing business as COLBURN BROS., 11920 Old Main Street Road, Houston, Texas, to lease the operating rights of L. A. NORRTS. doing business as L. A. NORRIS TRUCK LINE, 1543 Banks Street, Houston 6, Texas. Applicants' attorney, John H. Benckenstein, 915 Goodhue Building, Beaumont, Texas. Operating rights sought to be leased, oil field commodities, as a common carrier, over irregular routes between points in Louisiana and Texas. Vendee is authorized to operate in Texas under the second proviso of section 206a (1) of the act. Application has been filed for temporary authority under section 210a (b).

I was browsing the newspaper The Southwest Citizen dated August 8, 1947 and came across a cool advertisement. The company was Texas Insulating Co. was was located at 7231 Old Main Street Road. Looks like the business owner was O.K. Hughes. 36-Inch Lay-Down Fan Completely installed with Venetian Grille and special design ball-bearing motor Save on Fuel and Redecorating Cost Attie of five-room home insulated with four inches of A Grade White Rockwool... $90.00 It's Here - - Inquire regarding our central heating system. Completely new revolutionary. O.K. Hughes Texas Insulating Co. 7231 Old Main St. Rd. / L. 7855, K. 3-2123

I thought the Houston Negro Hospital was located at 3204 Ennis Street? Was this a new, or older, location? Very cool find! From a newspaper dated July 23, 1943: Harris County War Chest To prepare Negro nurses for local and war duty, a school of nursing opened this week at the Houston Negro Hospital, 2900 Elgin. The Harris County War Chest of the Houston Community Chest and Council recently gave the hospital a supplementary allotment of 6,122 for the operation for the school during the remainder of 1943. The Chest allotment to the hospital for the current year was $10,000. The school will be affiliated with Jefferson Davis Hospital and with the Houston College and with the Houston College for Negroes, and will follow the accelerated wartime plan outlined by the government. Josephine N. Post, educational director of Methodist Hospital, acted as consulted for the Houston Negro Hospital board of directors in working out plans for the establishment of the school, John R. Young, board president, said. Opening of the school will do much to relieve the acute need for nurses--

I discovered a new, to me, sanitarium this week and thought I would share with HAIF. I'll try and keep the information in chronological order. The Houston Post. dated July 24, 1910: The Colored Sanitarium Will Be Dedicated This Afternoon. The People's Sanitarium on German street has been completed and will be formally dedicated to its purpose- the free treatment of colored people- this afternoon at 3 o'clock at Mt. Zion Baptist church. The People's Sanitarium is designed as a charitable institution and general sanitarium for the people of the colored race. In addition a free dispensary will be established for the benefit of the poor, weak, disabled, and afflicted people, where they may receive proper medical and surgical treatment free or charge. It has been estimated by the promoters that there are approximate 30,000 colored people n and about the city of Houston with practically no faculties for their accommodation when sick and in distress. The board of directors of the institution is appealing for financial encouragement. The following program will be rendered at Mt. Zion Baptist Church this afternoon: Song- Mt. Zion choir, assisted by choirs from other churches. Prayer- Rev. J.E. Knox, D.D. Pastos, Bethal Baptist church. The need of a Colored Sanitarium in Houston- Dr. B.J. Covington. How should this Sanitarium be supported?- Dr. R.F. Ferrill. Board of Directors: Dr. E.B. Ramsey, president; Dr. J.B. Covington, treasurer; Dr. F.S. McDavid, secretary; Dr. E.A. Durham, Dr. J.D. Davis Edit: German Street was renamed Canal Street at the outbreak of the first World War and by 1920 The Houston Post. dated May 5, 1911: Colored Hospital Charter Issued for Institution in Second Ward. A charter has been issued for the "People's Sanitarium for Colored People," the institute being located in Houston. There is no capital stock. The incorporates are E.B. Ramsey, E.A. Durham, F.M. McDavid, B.J. Covington, and H. E. Lee. The institute has been in operation for some time and is located in a large two-story frame building on German street in the Second ward. One of the directors discussing the institution with a Poet representative stated that there are twenty rooms and that a great many negroes had been taken care of. When patients are able to pay, he stated, a nominal charge of $1 per day is made, but all worthy negroes who need attention and are not able to pay are taken care of. "The white people," he stated, "have been liberal with the directors, if it ha not been for the help of the white friends of the negro it is doubtful if we could have undertaken the work." The Houston Post. Dated October 29, 1914: Eight Fire Alarms On Opening of Cold Snap. Detective Flues Responsible for Several- Damages in Each Case Was Reported Slight. Eight fire alarms, four of them being registered with an hour's time, were turned in Wednesday with the coming the cold snap that arrived early Wednesday morning-- The explosion of a gas stove at the People's Sanitarium, 2314 German Street, slightly damaged the interior of the room at 7:45 o'clock, this being the first of the four alarms that came in within an hour--

Building was brought up this weekend. I took a photo for the thread. One of the last, original, hospitals of the TMC still standing? 1940s.

TMC Helix Park, once again, amazes me. Just all around spectacular. I noticed they put up green & tan construction screens. Not sure how I feel about this. I would assume a green lawn would be more appealing than a fence. Maybe they wanted to blend the colors? A green screen would blend with the green Helix Park. Sad to see Two Discovery Way being boarded up. The green bike lane intersection is just awesome!! Parcel G, site work: Parcel F, fenced with green screens: Parcel D, TDW, fenced with a green screen. Two Discovery Way: Parcel B, getting some site work!! Is something happening here? This was supposed to be the University of Houston parcel? Intersection: Helix Park, section 4 fenced with a tan screen: The water fall progress as well. Can't wait to see it turned on!! Mixed-Use Garage:

wow!!

Crawler crane on site!! Piling should start soon. This is going fast!!

Trailers on site!! More and more equipment will start arriving in the next few weeks. I expect ground breaking in 2 or 3 weeks. Really wish MDA's SCRB5 would join the new UTHealth SOPH building going up. Dual buildings would be awesome! I believe they will definitely overlap but there might be a 6 month delay. The funding sources are the same, we will hear more details soon!

Found another name for this racing track. Or maybe it's the proper name? Or maybe a whole different race track! A company's city directory of Houston in 1931 specifies the race track called Main Street Auto Speedway. Located at South Main & Brays Bayou. Morrison & Fourmy's Houston (Texas) City Directory 1931 - Main Street Auto Speedway, es Main 1 s Brays Bayou

I was reading a national medical directory dated in 1914 and came across this cool, unique, part of history. Any photos of this? Or the architect? Houston- City Emergency Home and Day Nursery, 611 Bagby. Est'd 1912. Supt. E.R. Baldry.

I recently had my car rummaged through. I don't leave anything valuable in my car. I thought a pair of sunglasses would be safe! Woke up and noticed my glove box was open and my sunglasses swiped. Terrible! I know the hospitals have an issue with car break ins and harassment. My friends at Anderson always tell me the latest parking garage drama. Other than that I don't particular notice a lot of crime in the TMC area. Riding the METRORail Redline can be an issue depending on the passengers. That's not crime per se, but it's something worth noting. When I had my sunglasses stolen, I left my car doors unlocked. I've heard in high crime areas (in every big city) it's a good idea to leave your doors unlocked, so they do not smash your window. Fast forward 5 days and one of my neighbors had their car window smashed! Maybe it was a smart idea I had at the time.

There's actually an organization that keeps progress of the South Main area. The company is called South Main Alliance. Not exactly a TIRZ per se. Maybe you can call it a Management District? https://www.southmainalliance.org/ The South Main Alliance (SMA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation formed in 1976 based on recommendations in a National Endowment for the Arts funded study conducted by Rice University titled Options for a Unique Texas Place, that urged the creating of a framework for collaboration to protect and enhance a special area with great diversity and quality of life. The South Main area is unique in Houston for its concentration of educational, cultural, health care, innovation and entertainment parks, campuses and institutions. Supported by memberships, SMA's Board of Directors holds joint meetings with the Main Street Coalition. The South Main Alliance seeks to elevate the quality of life experience of the South Main area for those who live, work and visit here. South Main Alliance engages area stakeholders to pursue those common goals that can best be accomplished working together.

I was browsing the newspaper The Bellaire Texan dated April 13, 1960 and came across this business advertisement. Does anyone remember this? Looks like it was yet another light-industrial development a long South Main and Willowbend. I believe a restaurant was eventually located here, but I'm not sure of the decade. Maybe the restaurant went in when the warehouses were demolished? Auction Sat. April 16th, 10 A.M. / Sun. April 17th, 10 A.M. Thousands of dollars new and used air condition units; complete contents bar-b-que stand and cafe including building; new and used radios; outboard motors; hardware; hand and power tools, marine paint; power lawn mowers; cabinets; lawn furniture, appliances. Inspection Thurs. and Fri., April 14, 15, 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Edw. B. Fabacher Auctioneers Col. Joe T. Presswood FA 3-9453 / CA 2-7546 / JA 9-5318 O.K. Air Conditioning Co. 10702 So. Main St. Houston, Texas To the Highest Bidders / Lots to Suit All Buyers

I've been researching this shopping center/retail center for a while. Thought I would create a dedicated thread for more exposure. Who was the developer? Who was the architect? Does anyone remember this shopping area on the corner of Holcolmbe & South Main? I bet someone on HAIF used to shop here. Would love to see some photos! This would have been active in the 1960s and was closed in the early 1970s. From the newspaper The Rice Thresher dated November 7, 1968: Sound Equipment 3118 Smith (Smith at Elgin) JA 6-3651 3727 Westheimer (E. of Highland Village) MI 4-7371 7227 Fondren (Next to H.M.T.) 771-5819 (Frontenac Plaza) 6800 S. Main A 6-0436 (Howard at Gulf Frwy.) 8404 Winkler MI 4-7371 (Spring Branch) 8343 Long Point HO 8-8646

I found an usual motel this week. I wanted to ask HAIF if anyone knew more about it. Mainly, the address. I'm unsure if the old hotel/motel is located on South Main Street, or Old Main Street Road (in this instance, South Old Main Street Road) I guess we can figure this out by the date? This was in 1957, so I believe OMSR was still an active road. If you notice, all the other motels are listed as "S. Main" whereas the last motel, Navarro Motel, is worded differently. Makes me think it's not the same as the others, not on South Main Street. Or perhaps, the writer/journalist/reporter did not know the exact location? Any photos of this historic motel? Any more details? From the publication Texas State Journal of Medicine 1957-12: Vol 53 Iss 12 The following motels are available: Alamotel Court, 8700 S. Main. Braeswood Motel, 2116 Holcombe. Buffalo Inn Hotel, 951 S. Main. Carlon Courts, 8200 S. Main. Nomad Motor Hotel, 10000 S. Main. Plaza Motel, 1700 Old Spanish Trail. Pioneer Motel, 2902 Old Spanish Trail. Rainbow Inn Motel, 3713 Old Spanish Trail. Ranger Motel, 2916 Old Spanish Trail. St. Francis Courts, 3615 Old Spanish Trail. Sun Valley Hotel, 1310 Old Spanish Trail. Wallcroft Gardens, 1857 Old Spanish Trail. Western Skies No. 1, 2806 Old Spanish Trail. King Motel, 9101 Main. Navarro Motel, South Main Street Road.

Never heard of this restaurant! I don't think you would find something like this at Westheimer & Fountain View today. Reminds me of that steakhouse on South Main that was demolished. Believe it was called The Stables? Does anyone have any memories here? Stagecoach Inn 6015 Westheimer, Houston, Texas Su 1-3213 Historic Stagecoach Inn of Salado, Texas; on Interstate 35, 50 miles north of Austin, has selected Houston for the second Inn to be developed by this more than 100 year old Restaurant Co. The Houston Inn features the same Award Winning Food that made the Original Inn Famous - Has been featured in Time, Life and Ford Ties Magazines

I recently discovered another Wyatt C. Hedrick and Gottlieb building that was built in the 1920s. Thought I would share this information regarding this old downtown bank. Very cool history here!!

Found a cool resturant located in Pasadena. Anyone ever been to this or have memories here?

Found this business advertisement in the publication Southern Medical Journal - Volume 9 dated 1919. South Houston Maternity Sanitarium Box 596, Houston, Texas Twenty-Five minute ride from Houston on the Interurban. Take car at Texas and Main streets. Long distance telephone in Sanitarium. To the Medical Profession: I desire to call attention to my private Maternity Home for patients before ad during confinement. This institution is home-like in every particular, screened throughout; hot and cold baths and all other customary conveniences. I will accept the guarantee of the regular medical profession and will ask no questions of patients treating such with the utmost courteous at all times. I am prepared to secure the adoption of infants into first-class homes, as I have applicants on hand from the best people at all times. I am in a position to secure the best medical service in the city, and have in constant attendance the necessary number of trained nurses. Patients are at liberty to use the physician of their choice, provided such physician is an ethical, legal practitioner. Interurban car line passes within a block of the Home. I will attend to baggage, etc. Full directions, and any further information by mail. Mrs. J.C. McDearmon, Matron

Found this in the publication Diseases of the Nervous System Volume 1 dated 1940. A little weird. I thought the Keightley Hospital was in Almeda On Anderson Road? I'm thinking it this was a second, more smaller location? I know Vivian Keightley started the company in Almeda, TX. Also, wasn't 1319 Richmond the original location of the Kinkaid School? I see the advertisement mentions new building under construction. I wonder if this was when Kinkaid moved out and sold their land? Okay, looking on HAIF I see the Kinkaid school was built in the 1920s, and was removed from directories in the 1940s. Keightley Hospital 1319 Richmond, Houston, Texas Jackson 21539 (New bldg. under construction) Member, Texas State Hospital Assn. Registered with A.M.A. Facilities for care of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Interesting story here. George Hermann and EN Gray could not come on terms with the land I believe This was never built. The hospital was built as Hermann Hospital instead. Can we identify the architects for the proposed hospital?

There is activity this week!! I noticed a fence being built a long the side of Buffalo Speedway. Behind the fence was a bright, blue, container. wow!! I wonder what's going on?? There was a CenterPoint Energy control panel 20 feet away. The address on the control panel read 13214-1/2 Buffalo Speedway.

When the news broke about a proposed NRG Park Mixed-Use Development, reporters took note the given area surrounding NRG Park. The reporters noticed the immediate area is littered with the standard, one-story basic retail strip centers. How could we improve the general retail in the southern Main Street corridor? I have noticed the independent owned restaurants can't survive so the national corporations come in to replace. The former Shell Technology Center located at 1500 Old Spanish Trail could become a vibrant, class-a retail district. Maybe that could be the starting point? I believe the TMC took control of the land from New Quest? So probably not. Given the area around the world-class Texas Medical Center, it would be a good idea to build better retail and restaurants. Thought I would create a thread about the retail market surround the TMC and NRG Park areas.