| Address | 5200 Pine St., Bellaire TX |
| Year Built | 1961 |
| Status | Demolished |
| Style | Polynesian Modern |
| Architect | Arthur Kotch |
| Notes | This notable house in Bellaire was torn down (and its small hill flattened) around 2012 to make way for the 8,200 square foot boxy lot-filler seen below. |
According to an article in the January 23, 1963 issue of the Bellaire Texan, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carek, owners of the Houston Pen Shop, built this modern Polynesian-styled house on a corner lot in Bellaire and used recycled materials for some of the construction. Stone for walkways and part of a courtyard were from a recently demolished Southern Pacific Railroad Station, and a seven foot tall hill was constructed in the front yard to act as a screen and was formed by scrap pieces of concrete salvaged from a truck headed to the dump.
The driver did [dump the cement pieces at the house] – with considerable misgivings, however – and that’s how the Careks got the foundation for the only hill in Bellaire.
The Carek’s home was also featured in the 1983 Holiday Festival with Friends Home Tour. According to an article in the November 16, 1983 issue of The Texan,
Built in the 1950s¹, this home was considered by many to be designed and constructed long before its time. The living area opens onto the back yard via a wall of sliding glass doors; a balcony over the den conceals a room that is currently used as an artist’s studio. In the dining room, custom china cabinets complement the antique chandelier. The owners have furnished their very unusual home with Oriental objects and decor purchased when in China. Christmas decorations will include a nativity scene by Hummel. Attractively landscaped, this house is easily recognized by its landmark, a large berm on the corner of the property.
¹The article has 1950s, however we believe the house was constructed closer to 1961.