Things Are Looking Up

The 49 storied First City Tower was constructed in 1981. Its original occupants were the now defunct First City National Bank, but now is the home for the global headquarters of Waste Management.

The distinctive cutouts give an illusion of two puzzle pieces being put together, but to me resemble a very optimistic upward climbing profit graph.

I wish my retirement fund looked so promising.

It will also be the site of the May 21 Fight For Air Climb, a charity event that will see participants raising funds for the American Lung Association as they climb the stairs to the top.

That sound you hear is me… already gasping for my breath.

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love and hearts and stuff, but here’s a little different take. The American Heart Association has set up a display in Discovery Green to bring attention to something we should all be concerned with. Go Red for Women displays 48 red dress silhouettes that represent the 48 women who die each HOUR in the U.S. from heart disease and stroke.

So today… and everyday for that matter… cherish your mother, your sister, your wife or your daughter and make sure their heart takes care of themselves.

The Houston Firefighters Memorial

“The Rescue” is the centrepiece for the memorial dedicated to those that have lost their lives in the line of duty serving the Houston Fire Department. The Houston Firefighters Memorial Garden is located on the grounds of the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund office in north Houston and also includes the Wall of Honor that includes the names of those honoured.

Stepping Back a Bit

First discussed HERE, this is a more general view of Helen’s Park. If you look real hard, you can see the mosaic fountain that feeds this babbling stream.

I Hope I Never Need This

With the Harris County Civil Courthouse in the background, this is just one of several bail bonds businesses located in that area.

Hines College of Architecture

Designed by Philip Johnson and built in 1985, the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture Building on the campus of the University of Houston is one of the school’s marquee structures. Its Parthenon-esque cap actually has a glass floor that acts as the ceiling to the main building’s atrium.

Look REAL Close

The Houston Press Building is home to Houston’s free weekly paper. Located on Milam downtown it also uses a bit of architectural creativity. In 1994, artist Suzanne Sellers took the original rear walls and used it as a blank 12,000 square foot canvas. Windows, doors and even rain downspouts were painted to create a faux building front… well… back.

Up Close and Personal

IMG_9779, originally uploaded by lc_db.

The follow-up to yesterday’s post.

Each of the column’s 150 laser cut stainless steel panels were taken from the artwork of local schoolchildren that were born in 1986, which was the year Houston celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary. Depicting the themes of agriculture, energy, manufacturing, medicine, philanthropy, technology and transportation we get to see how Houston is seen through the eyes of our children.

The Seven Wonders

Part of Sesquicentennial Park along the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Mel Chin’s Seven Wonders transforms the east wall of the Wortham Center into a glittering canyon of public art. 70 ft. tall and cut from 150 different stainless steel panels that depict artwork from local school children, they highlight different parts of Houston’s history.

Tomorrow, I’ll post some of the highlights of these columns.

St. John Church

Just a brief walk from City Hall on the northern edge of downtown is Sam Houston Park, the city’s very first public park. Backlit by downtown’s skyscrapers and pinned in by major freeway arteries, these 20 acres house a collection of Houston’s past as several historic buildings have been relocated here and refurbished.

St. John Church was originally built in 1891 as the place of worship for a German speaking Evangelical congregation. In 1968 they donated it to the Heritage Society, and it was relocated here. It still has its original altar, pews and pulpit and highlights its simple neoclassic beauty.

False Advertising

Spring is no where in sight, as evident by the remaining ice from this past week's "winter event".

Beer and Burgers Friday

Here in Texas, “icehouses” have become somewhat of a cultural tradition. Basically... they are open air bars with overhead doors that open up to serve patrons ice cold beer on warm summer nights.

Last night however, we experienced a rarity in this part of the country: Freezing overnight temperatures and sleet giving way to today’s image.

At least the locals at Jimmy's Ice House in the Heights don’t have to worry about keeping their beer cold!!!

Thinking Outside of the Box... Car

The law offices of Tim Hootman are located on Pease St. just as you enter the south end of downtown. Combine a 1960’s boxcar, a 1920’s Pullman car and a Burlington caboose with several eclectic pieces of contemporary art, paint it all very brightly and… Voila!! Not only do you have one of the more unusual work places in town, you have one of the most recognized.

The Rothko Chapel

In 1971, Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil partnered with Mark Rothko to create one of Houston’s timeless landmarks, The Rothko Chapel. Fourteen of Rothko’s canvases adorn the walls of this interfaith place of meditation and reflection, and during this, its Fortieth Anniversary year, several events are scheduled.

Photos are not permitted inside, but this is an image shot across the reflecting pool where Barnett Newman’s “Broken Obelisk” resides. A visit here is a very moving, yet tranquil experience.

February Theme Day - Fountains

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

Located in the newly renovated Market Square Park, this fountain is the centerpiece for Lauren’s Garden, a memorial to a local passenger on United Flight 93. Honoring Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas and all those that perished in the 9/11 tragedy this soothing fountain also has a very unique “smoke” feature.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants