Save the River Oaks / Alabama Theaters

There are so many things to love about Houston from its quirky neighborhoods, to its fantastic arts scene, to the fabulous restaurants that cover the city. One thing that I don't love about Houston is its penchant for destroying its past.

If you haven't heard the word or didn't see the article in the Chronicle, the River Oaks Shopping Center and the Alabama Theater have both been declared endangered by the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. From the Save the River Oaks/Alabama Theater petition text:

Weingarten Realty Investors, which owns the landmark 1937 River Oaks Shopping Center at West Gray and Shepherd in Houston, Texas, has notified tenants in the center that it plans to demolish parts of the center, including the architecturally significant curved wings facing Shepherd Drive and the 1939 River Oaks Theater, to make room for a chain bookstore and a high-rise residential building. Houston preservationists are afraid that, if Weingarten goes through with its plans, it could also demolish the Art Deco-style Alabama Theater center at Shepherd and Alabama, which now houses a Bookstop and other retail stores.

I don't have to tell you that this would be a devastating loss to Houston, not to mention these are two beautiful landmarks that are wonderful to photograph.

Lots of links below, but I hope you will definitely do two things and consider the third.

First, sign the petition to Save the River Oaks Shopping Center / Alabama Theater and pass the link around to friends. The petition will be presented to the developers by the end of the year.

Second, go and photograph these beautiful structures. Inside and out. Day and night. Take their pictures, preserve their history and hopefully through your photos spread the word. Please post a link in the comments section to any photos you take. Next month's Assignment: Houston group at Flickr will focus on these endangered buildings so please add any photos taken in August to that group.

Third, if preservation is something that moves you, consider joining the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. GHPA will be at the forefront of this, and any other, fight that involves preserving Houston's history. Memberships are $35 for individuals.

Links:
Petition: Save the River Oaks Shopping Center & Alabama Theater Petition
Chronicle Article: Curtain could close on Houston landmarks
GHPA: Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
Cool Photo: Vintage photo of the River Oaks theater
Cinema Treasures: Alabama Theater
Cinema Treasures: River Oaks Theater

River Oaks Theater photo by Flickr user osbornb

Comments

[Phototainable]

It is ironic then, that the Houston Chronicle should list River Oaks theatre number 2 in it's top 20 cool things about Houston!

[laanba]

What is ironic is that Weingarten is a Houston based company!

Great link.

[Kristina]

I too saw that in the Houston Chronicle...quite ironic, indeed. I'm glad you're spotlighting this! I can't say I've ever been, but this makes me want to enjoy it before it might be destroyed.

[laanba]

Definitely stop in at both the Bookstop on Shephard (Alabama Theater) and the River Oaks Shopping Center including the Theater. And of course take your camera!

[tejasgurl]

Besides writing to Weingarten, the mayor, etc. We might want to write Barnes & Noble too. See http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com for info. We can work off the facts that they are proud of their history and the original store is still standing in NYC and their mission includes listening to the communities they serve. And we are being greatly served by them just 1 mile away in the Alabama Theater Bookstop [which we love very much]. See below for lifts from their website regarding history and mission.
History
The Original Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble's beginnings can be traced to 1873, when Charles M. Barnes started a book business from his home in Wheaton, Illinois. In 1917, his son, William, went to New York to join G. Clifford Noble in establishing Barnes & Noble. During the height of the Great Depression, what later became the Barnes & Noble flagship store was opened on Fifth Avenue at 18th Street in New York City, where it still resides today. This store developed a worldwide reputation for excellence by serving millions of customers with its comprehensive selection of general trade books, academic titles and textbooks, and medical books.
Mission
Above all, we expect to be a credit to the communities we serve, a valuable resource to our customers, and a place where our dedicated booksellers can grow and prosper. Toward this end we will not only listen to our customers and booksellers but embrace the idea that the Company is at their service.

Thanks for caring and doing!

[Tigerlily]

Columnist Leon Hale has written about this in his blog today. Maybe it will bring in more signatures and support.

[mary armenia]

I can remember seeing so many wonderful foreign films as well as attending special events at the River Oaks theatre. I can't imagine Houston without it's "historical lankmark", The River Oaks Theatre! We must stop the insanity and greed!

[Joe]

Also consider that Houston is gearing up for a serious bid in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

How can we ever expect to win if places like this are being torn down? Not that these places alone would help us win - but how can a city be considered "world class" when its historical buildings are being torn down to build chain bookstores and high rise condos?

It's not a good precedent to set.