rsb320 Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 rsb320, My sentiments exactly...I loved that era. Never realized til now that there was a stairway outside leading to a second story balcony/patio. Nice...even had ornamental trees. Was this the smoking area? Or was the whole store a smoking area? I know the postcard was an architectural rendering, wonder if the store actually had that patio. I wonder a lot. You could smoke in dept. stores until sometime in the early 80's or late 70's. It was probably an area for concessions like ice cream cones and snoballz - those would not have been allowed in finer anything wear. Notice that the B&W and Colorized shots are taken from different angles/corners. The B&W appears to be the southwest side and the color, the northwest side. Therefore, the balcony would have been a wrap around. Cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 You could smoke in dept. stores until sometime in the early 80's or late 70's. It was probably an area for concessions like ice cream cones and snoballz - those would not have been allowed in finer anything wear.Notice that the B&W and Colorized shots are taken from different angles/corners. The B&W appears to be the southwest side and the color, the northwest side. Therefore, the balcony would have been a wrap around. Cool.Cool...The Lisa Grey article mentioned above somewhere states that A.C. Finn, a well-known Houston architect who designed the Coliseum & Music Hall had influence in the Sears store design. Chicago architects Nimmons, Carr & Wright are credited along with Finn, but Finns style is so obvious in the style of the bldg. One early b/w Sears picture shown in the Art Deco link above shows a canopy extending over part of the balcony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Tbird Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Notice that the B&W and Colorized shots are taken from different angles/corners. The B&W appears to be the southwest side and the color, the northwest side. Therefore, the balcony would have been a wrap around. Cool.You're correct about the B&W photo taken of the SW corner, but I think the color shot is of the NE corner, since there was a parking area on the north side of the building between the main store and the auto repair center that was once there. That would be Fannin on the left of the store in the color picture. Locations are assuming that Main and Fannin run North-South. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 You're correct about the B&W photo taken of the SW corner, but I think the color shot is of the NE corner, since there was a parking area on the north side of the building between the main store and the auto repair center that was once there. That would be Fannin on the left of the store in the color picture. Locations are assuming that Main and Fannin run North-South. This one is from the north east corner. I'm pretty sure the colorized pic is from Main St. on the NW corner with the parking lot extending to the left toward Fannin. Notice the parking lot light poles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Tbird Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 This one is from the north east corner. I'm pretty sure the colorized pic is from Main St. on the NW corner with the parking lot extending to the left toward Fannin. Notice the parking lot light poles.That's the color shot I made reference to. I guess you were talking about the postcard picture of Sears. That is the NW corner. Sorry about the confusion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 So just for a location visual: the 2006 picture: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&...1&encType=1 The post-storm and B&W: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&...1&encType=1 and and the postcard http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&...1&encType=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 (edited) Here is another quick reference to the Sears stores, found in the Houston Deco link: starts with the older store built in 1929, click on "a new Art Moderne store" words to see the new 1939 store, lists facades with Fannin & S. Main addresses: http://www.houstondeco.org/1920s/sears.htmlI hadn't realized that the Chicago architects designed the first location (off Allen Parkway), as well as the *second one (* Houston architect A.C. Finn also designed). The second store location took into account the increasing popularity of the automobile, had ample parking. Edited September 25, 2008 by NenaE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Is it still boarded up like that? I don't believe such a bleak and dilapidated store will be able to stay open for long. Maybe Wal-Mart or Target should purchase it since they're both more likely to restore buildings to their art deco facades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Is it still boarded up like that? I don't believe such a bleak and dilapidated store will be able to stay open for long. Maybe Wal-Mart or Target should purchase it since they're both more likely to restore buildings to their art deco facades.not sure i've ever seen walmart and artdeco in the same sentence. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Is it still boarded up like that? I don't believe such a bleak and dilapidated store will be able to stay open for long. Maybe Wal-Mart or Target should purchase it since they're both more likely to restore buildings to their art deco facades. Don't say that ...how about Rice University buy the bldg. since they own the land. The 1950's Sears store location in Pasadena has a new generic Walmart sitting on it. The South Main Sears store was much grander than the Pasadena 1950's store was. It's a diamond in the rough. It will just kill me if it falls. Question: When was the Harrisburg at Wayside (East Side) Sears built? Was it at the same time as the Garden Oaks (North Side)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 not sure i've ever seen walmart and artdeco in the same sentence. I'm surprised you've never heard of the store in Baldwin Hills. I think it was an old Macy's from the 1940s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Is it still boarded up like that? I don't believe such a bleak and dilapidated store will be able to stay open for long. Maybe Wal-Mart or Target should purchase it since they're both more likely to restore buildings to their art deco facades.Urgh, they've installed shiny metal siding over the windows and doors. Are they just messing with us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 I'm surprised you've never heard of the store in Baldwin Hills.nah......not really a walmart shopper. where are the other art deco walmarts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 This was completely shocking when in the Centro Historico district of Mexico City. Lord and behold there was a Sears Dept store that was completely original Art Deco! I did not have time to go inside but they did update the displays but to my utter amazement exterior and interior light fixtures and sconces all seemed original! I SHOULD have taken a pic but maybe someting is on google? Woah! I am pretty sure this was it! It was a trip back in time (as was most of this area) The store was jam packed with crowds, just the way our own downtown used to be in the day. Yes, this is it we were just 2-3 blocks from this maddening crowd. Was like the Latin version of NYC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan the Man Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) I'm surprised you've never heard of the store in Baldwin Hills. I think it was an old Macy's from the 1940s. That building must be located in a Historic District, or have some sort of historical protection that prevents its demolition. Wal-Mart must have wanted the location bad enough to occupy the space. Typically, large commercial businesses will demolish existing buildings, so they can construct facilities that more closely reflect their branding. The old Main St. Sears is not protected by any law that prevents its demolition. If Wal-Mart or another corporate chain bought the building, it would probably be toast. Edited September 26, 2008 by Dan the Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 More amazing facts on Sears art deco era. There are several web links that pay homage, event the catalogs were art deco in design, cool stuff. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...l%3Den%26sa%3DN http://whatisee.org/mt/archives/entries/001277.html http://artdecoblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/se...gue-1930-7.html http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...757C0A96E948260 http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM2MJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 How shockingly modest. There's also an old Art Deco Sears in California near Santa Monica Place (http://www.labelscar.com/california/santa-monica-place). Even if the Art Deco is restored, it's still going to be the same old Sears inside...Craftsman tools, a large apparel section, jewelry, etc.What did Sears have in the "olde days" that it does not have now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 How shockingly modest. There's also an old Art Deco Sears in California near Santa Monica Place (http://www.labelscar.com/california/santa-monica-place). Even if the Art Deco is restored, it's still going to be the same old Sears inside...Craftsman tools, a large apparel section, jewelry, etc.What did Sears have in the "olde days" that it does not have now?IMO - If that building is restored it will most likely not be by Sears Roebuck & Co. They are not doing so well financially. I would like to see it turned into something functional, hotel, university apartments, etc.From my own experience, I would say they don't have very good customer service, not like it used to be. When I tried to reach a service dept. representative, I could never get a person on the phone line. Ever. I was not impressed. I stopped going there years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) IMO - If that building is restored it will most likely not be by Sears Roebuck & Co. They are not doing so well financially. I would like to see it turned into something functional, hotel, university apartments, etc.From my own experience, I would say they don't have very good customer service, not like it used to be. When I tried to reach a service dept. representative, I could never get a person on the phone line. Ever. I was not impressed. I stopped going there years ago.The South Main store?I posted the picture of the Wal-Mart because, while I don't like the company, I think what they did there was pretty friggin awesome. They even adapted their logo to the style. It makes wonder if the rest of the store is like that. From what I've heard, Wal-Mart wanted to build a store in Los Angeles for some time, but the neighborhood associations kept driving them away. The old store was a compromise.Sears has been replaced by Target and Wal-Mart so it makes sense that one of them would use the store. Target also has a history of remodeling old stores instead of abandoning them. Edited September 26, 2008 by westguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 The South Main store?I posted the picture of the Wal-Mart because, while I don't like the company, I think what they did there was pretty friggin awesome. They even adapted their logo to the style. It makes wonder if the rest of the store is like that. From what I've heard, Wal-Mart wanted to build a store in Los Angeles for some time, but the neighborhood associations kept driving them away. The old store was a compromise.Sears has been replaced by Target and Wal-Mart so it makes sense that one of them would use the store. Target also has a history of remodeling old stores instead of abandoning them.Oh, Yes, the South Main store.Your story is interesting, I had never heard of Target or Wal-mart using older bldgs. for their stores. Don't know of any in this city, in fact Target & Wal-mart frequently choose to build new facilities on different lots, probably because they need more space for Super-Sized stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 IMO - If that building is restored it will most likely not be by Sears Roebuck & Co. They are not doing so well financially. I would like to see it turned into something functional, hotel, university apartments, etc.From my own experience, I would say they don't have very good customer service, not like it used to be. When I tried to reach a service dept. representative, I could never get a person on the phone line. Ever. I was not impressed. I stopped going there years ago. I think it would be cooler, though, if it was restored, to be a new concept by Sears, actually reintroducing the old dept. store feel. It's not gonna happen, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsienk Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 (edited) Oh, Yes, the South Main store.Your story is interesting, I had never heard of Target or Wal-mart using older bldgs. for their stores. Don't know of any in this city, in fact Target & Wal-mart frequently choose to build new facilities on different lots, probably because they need more space for Super-Sized stores.The Target in the Crossroads Center in San Antonio (actually Balcones Heights) is a former Wards store. That mall, of course, is also the former Wonderland Mall. Likewise, there is a Target in San Diego's Mission Valley Center mall in a former Wards. Neither of these were cool old art-deco buildings, of course, more like aging 1960s facilities, and they (and their malls) do not retain the 60s look. Edited September 27, 2008 by bsienk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 The Target in the Crossroads Center in San Antonio (actually Balcones Heights) is a former Wards store. That mall, of course, is also the former Wonderland Mall. Likewise, there is a Target in San Diego's Mission Valley Center mall in a former Wards. Neither of these were cool old art-deco buildings, of course, more like aging 1960s facilities, and they (and their malls) do not retain the 60s look.Wrong. The Wards at Crossroads of San Antonio was partially demolished to make way for a brand-new SuperTarget, and the old Wards is actually a conference center now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I find it ironic, after reading this whole thread again, that Sears is owned by Kmart.Then you'll enjoy this tidbit:In Canada, Sears is not controlled by the American Sears, though Sears in America is attempting a takeover.Whereas in America Sears is a notch above Wal-Mart, in Canada Sears is considered on par with Saks Fifth Avenue and carries many of the same brands exclusively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 (edited) Then you'll enjoy this tidbit:In Canada, Sears is not controlled by the American Sears, though Sears in America is attempting a takeover.Whereas in America Sears is a notch above Wal-Mart, in Canada Sears is considered on par with Saks Fifth Avenue and carries many of the same brands exclusively.Got that feeling after spending a bit of time in Canada. Hudson's "The Bay" is one other dept. store I am familiar with. Also noticed the Sears stores were different after looking at the Sears Christmas Wish Books on Ebay a while back. Noticed Ebay sellers always specified whether the catalogs were Canadian or American versions. Edited September 28, 2008 by NenaE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plumber2 Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 (edited) ] How shockingly modest. There's also an old Art Deco Sears in California near Santa Monica Place (http://www.labelscar.com/california/santa-monica-place). Even if the Art Deco is restored, it's still going to be the same old Sears inside...Craftsman tools, a large apparel section, jewelry, etc. What did Sears have in the "olde days" that it does not have now? In 1953 they sold cars. The "Allstate" Edited September 28, 2008 by plumber2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 There's also an old Art Deco Sears in California near Santa Monica Place I cant believe it is still there! Used to catch my bus to Venice just across the street! Small world it is. The beach (and S Monica Pier is just about 4 blocks away) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyt7801 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 so has the missing siding been replaced yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houston1973 Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 so has the missing siding been replaced yet?no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted October 12, 2008 Share Posted October 12, 2008 (edited) Checked out the Sears (exterior) on Main yesterday...have to say I understand why so many people make negative comments about it. It's in such poor shape, can't understand why Sears has allowed it to stand for so long (although I'm glad they have), while they were so quick to gut the other Sears stores I grew up going to. Guess it has to do with the leasing of the land from Rice, and probably the revenue it brings in. I noticed that the store was fairly busy with customers. Looked like the "A" was the only letter remaining on the one Art Deco sign, protruding from the brick. Hopefully the other letters are laying on the awning below. The balcony area has some hidious cheap-looking plastic or glass, frosted, paneled sunroom looking thing on it. Poor building, tasteless patches everywhere. I can still see what it was. Edited October 12, 2008 by NenaE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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