Rumors surround historic theater and shopping center

(7/28/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The city of Houston could have a fight on its hands. A group of concerned citizens doesn't want to see the River Oaks shopping center torn down. The owners may be planning to redevelop the land into a commercial and residential center. Neighbors say the center holds a lot of history and at least one council member agrees with them.

There is no shortage of emotion of those who visit the River Oaks shopping center -- especially when talking about rumored plans to tear down the center and the landmark River Oaks Theater, and redevelop the area.

"I don't think they ought to tear it down," shopper Brandi Picton said. "I think it's been here for over 100 years and I think it's our history."

Houston-based Weingarten Realty Investors controls the property and leases space to shop owners like Emily Pannier.

She said, "Weingarten is not committing to say that they're tearing it down. They are basically saying that they have plans in the works."

An online petition sponsored by the website Houstonist.com has so far gathered more than 15,000 signatures. Organizers want to save the theater and shopping center as is -- a movement city councilman Peter Brown supports.

"I would encourage my colleagues on city council to take some kind of action to delay the demolition permit," Brown suggested. "That's where we have authority. You can't get rid of this building unless you have a demolition permit."

Brown plans to submit the idea before council at the next meeting.

He said, "If you don't have rules, you're not going to get the quality that you want in the city. That's a major problem for Houston -- not just in historic preservation, but in the way we're developing our city."

Weingarten Realty issued this statement: "Weingarten Realty Investors has owned the River Oaks Shopping Center since 1971. We have made a significant investment in developing, managing and maintaining this valuable property to be an asset to our community.

As a responsible public company with roots in, and a commitment to Houston, we will continue to manage this asset with great care, taking into account its history and its future. We do not comment on market rumors and have no additional information or comments to provide at this time. We will publicly announce any developments that affect the River Oaks Shopping Center if and when they occur."
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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