Lessons to be Learned

This water treatment along Metro's light rail line on Main St. downtown pretty much says it all: "As we build our city let us think that we are building forever."

Make a Wish

This wishing well, located in the courtyard on the backside of the recently reopened Juila Ideson Library is dedicated to the memory of Marget Skidmore, one of the founding members of the Preservation Committee that oversaw the building's rebirth.

Islamic Da'Wah Center

Now the Islamic Da'Wah Center, this building was originally the Houston National Bank built back in 1928. In 1994, local sports legend, Hakeem Olajuwon purchased the property in an effort to turn the building into an Islamic Educational Center. After years of extensive renovations the center finally opened to public in 2002. While not traditional in appearance, it is the only mosque in downtown Houston.

Behind the Scenes

Yet another piece by local artist David Adickes.

"The Virtuoso", located in front of downtown's Lyric Center, was previously shown HERE, but these three are actually displayed behind the larger sculpture.

Take a Step Back

from yesterday's photo (well... maybe more than just one step) and you will see the whole building.

Scales of Justice

This is a close up of a frieze on the newly renovated Harris County Courthouse depicting... yes, you guessed it...

The Scales of Justice

In-Spire-Ing

It may not be the largest or the most ornate, but the First Church of Christ Science does have a unique spire atop its building.

HALT!!

Who goes there??

Erected in 1908 and now located in Sam Houston Park, “The Spirit of the Confederacy” honors “…all heroes of the South who fought for the principles of states rights”.

Taking It To The Streets

Almost all office buildings will decorate their lobbies for the holidays, but few people other than those that work there can enjoy them.

Kudos to the Wells Fargo Plaza in downtown who has placed their tree outside, so all passerby can enjoy.

December Theme Day - Action Shot

This month's theme for the City Daily Photo community is Action Shot.

This might not be your “typical” action shot, but it captures the entrance to Tranquility Park in downtown, where Occupy Houston has set up camp. Regardless of your beliefs or political affiliation, there is no doubt that these people have definitely taken action.


Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Looking Up...

and trying not to get dizzy.

Just a different view of the Wells Fargo Bank Plaza in downtown.

Read Me A Story

Some may say the architecture of downtown's Central Library is boring, but the simple windowless building, built in 1975, protects the thousands of volumes in its care from the damages of the sun.

Meet Me At the Plaza

An interesting perspective of the outside entry plaza of downtown's Heritage Plaza. For more on the building, see my original post HERE and maybe HERE, too.

That Time of Year Again

When the downtown area near City Hall and Sam Houston Park is invaded by the annual Bayou City Arts Festival.

Art, food, drink and music is available for your enjoyment.

Who's the Leader of Our Club?

In this case it's Claes Oldenburg's "Geometric Mouse, Scale X" located in front of the Central Library. Over 20' tall, this painted steel sculpture was the first piece of public art in downtown Houston.

$5 Please

Inspired by the canal houses of The Netherlands, the gables of the Bank of America Center combine with the reddish hue of its Swedish granite making it one of downtown’s most noticeable structures. 56-stories tall and completed in 1983 it was built in the classic 1920’s style of skyscraper.

If I Were Taller...

You could tell that the shade pattern from this sunscreen just outside the Central Library downtown actually spells out Houston.

Since It's the Weekend...

It must be time to roll up the sidewalks.

This subtle, yet clever sculpture sits on the grounds of Continental Center (or is it now United Center?) in downtown.

They Were Serious...

I mentioned a while back that we were under Stage 2 water restrictions due to this year's drought.

Just ask my lawn... but this image was from this past weekend when the city obviously is doing their part by shutting off the Wortham Fountains in Tranquility Park.

See them HERE in their former glory.

And Then There Were None

First there was THIS and then there was THIS, and finally today's photo is all that is left of what was the Downtown YMCA.