river oaks demolition to begin today
well, after an unprecedented amount of action - thousands of petition signatures, public outcry, and historic landmark designation from city council - Weingarten Realty is going forward with its plans to demolish the northern curved section of the River Oaks Shopping Center. this will be the new home for big-box anchor Barnes & Noble, who last year announced plans to vacate their Bookstop location at the Alabama Theater.
With the dwindling amount of 1930s-era art deco architecture in Houston, it is particularly sad to see Weingarten, which has significant roots in Houston, alter a shopping center that is unique - they also own the Alabama Theater/Shopping center which in itself endangers it.
photos and maybe some video updates to follow.