By now, you've likely seen the news that the James & Jessie West Mansion on Clear Lake has been demolished. The house was completed in 1930, was designed by Joseph Finger and for many years housed the Lunar Science Institute (later the Lunar and Planetary Institute). Its architectural and historical significance was never in doubt, so how could it be torn down?
Chevron's demolition of historic Shelor Motor Company Building downtown appears imminent
With permits in place and the site fenced off, Chevron is moving forward with the demolition of one of the last remnants of downtown Houston's automobile row of the 1920s. Architectural historian Stephen Fox has written an article for the Houston Chronicle's Gray Matters explaining why the energy corporation should preserve the former Shelor Motor Company (1928), 1621 Milam at Pease. Preservation Houston has contacted Chevron encouraging the company to halt the demolition.
New owner to rehab former Spaghetti Warehouse building
A new owner has purchased the Desel-Boettcher Building (1912) at 901 Commerce Avenue in the Main Street/Market Square Historic District and plans to rehabilitate the building, which was damaged last year in the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The property was the home of the Old Spaghetti Warehouse for more than four decades.
Kirby Mansion in Midtown could be demolished
Preservation Houston has learned of a threat to the Kirby Mansion, 2006 Smith Street in Midtown. Reliable sources indicate the historic house is under contract and that the new owner does not intend to retain the building. Preservation Houston has been working behind the scenes to promote the restoration and repurposing of the historic property.