Located on the backside of the James Baker Institute for Public Policy on the campus of Rice University is this iconic piece of history. This part of the Berlin Wall stands as a monument to freedom and is a testament to the works of those involved to unify Germany’s peace and freedom.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Good News
Built in 1925 the Houston Light Guard Armory building has a very interesting story. Only used for 13 years housing the Light Guard, its original purpose, it was then deeded to the city. Long vacant and the victim of vagrants and hurricanes, it is now in the process of being refurbished and saved.
The Buffalo Soldier National Museum has stepped up and is raising funds to turn this treasure into their new home. Though initial clean-up and minor demolition is getting underway they are still a far cry from reaching their $4 million goal. Contribution to the reconstruction effort can be made HERE.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A Chip On His Shoulder
This remarkable work is an untitled work of Robert Fowler located in the Frank C. Weber Plaza near University of Texas Medical School in the Texas Medical Center. If that name sounds familiar it’s because another of his pieces was featured in a previous blog post HERE.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Holland Lodge #1
Holland Lodge #1 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Free Masons of Texas was the first Masonic Lodge in Texas. Originally formed in Brazoria in 1835, it relocated to Houston soon after the Battle of San Jacinto and the forming of the Republic of Texas. Their present lodge, built in 1954, is located in the Museum District on Montrose and sports this incredible structural mural.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
All Alone...
While this statue by Edd Hayes, entitled “In the Line of Fire” is quite striking, the odd thing is resides on an empty lot on the corner of Main St. at Hadley in the midtwon area.
It seems that eventually... the Houston Fire Museum will be located in a new building on this location. Until then he's on his own honoring our local firefighters.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Just Wait Until Summer
Not a lot going on along the banks of Lake Houston this time of year.
Unless you like the peace and quiet.
Which I do.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Taking A Step Back
To follow up yesterday's post, here is a step back to show the entire wall, giving you a glimpse of some of Daniel Anguilu‘s urban art.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
...and the walls bled
A sign of the apocalypse?
Well... not really.
The former Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority Building in Midtown has become a canvas for local urban artists and this is just a close up of one of its painted walls.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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”.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
What Does One Do?
When you reach a dead end?
Buy... or Sell?
Today's public service announcement was taken near the intersection of McKee and Lyons St. in the Fifth Ward area of town.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Empty Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is somewhat of a tourist destination in nearby Kemah. Developed by restaurant magnate, Tilman Fertitta, it contains a small amusement park and several eateries within its 42 acres just outside of the Kemah Causeway, seen in the background in today’s photo.
While vacant now… you should see it in the summer.
…or even on a some of the mild winter weekends we have been having lately.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Game Time
Big sporting day today as the Chevron Houston Marathon occurs this morning and later all eyes (well... maybe not ALL eyes) will be watching the hometown Houston Texans play in their NFL playoff game vs. the Baltimore Ravens.
Which segues into today's image (see how clever that was?). This relief is displayed on what used to be the athletic facility of the historic San Jacinot High School, which is now part of the Houston Community College system.
More on the history later, but for now??? Go Texans!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Give It A Name...
Located in Sue Barnett 43rd St. Park is this unknown titled piece of public art by an unknown artist.
Feel free to give it your own name.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Take A Guess...
As to where today's phot was taken.
I bet you didn't guess the old Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) facility on Richmond Ave. near St. Thomas University. Built in 1928 to serve the “assumption” the city would expand to the southwest (um… ya’ think?) and provided service to an additional 14,500 customers, the building itself is fairly non-descript and almost industrial in appearance.
This no longer used entry, however, is a completely different story don’t you think?
