Part of the River Oaks Shopping Center gets knocked down

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

(9/04/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- After 70 years, part of the River Oaks Shopping Center is no longer standing.

Crews began demolishing the building Tuesday around noon as supporters of historic preservation looked on and took pictures.

"I think there is a song called they tore down paradise to pave a parking lot," said area resident Tom Horan. "I think they could have saved it and remodeled it to fit their needs."

The building that was torn down once contained businesses like the Black Eyed Pea restaurant, Three Brothers Bakery and clothing stores. As the area is fully cleared, crews will begin building a national bookstore chain and parking garage.

Residents and supporters fear that the change robs the area of the original art deco architecture and design.

"It's an urban death. I feel like I am watching someone die here," said Sarah Gish of Save Our Landmarks. "It's part of our history, it's a part of our community fabric. Tearing into this part of the shopping center makes it not as historic as if this part was still standing."

Preservationists had hoped to be able to keep the building standing. The city of Houston even declared part of the area a landmark, which supporters say was a move in the right direction. Ultimately, the desire for improvement by the Weingarten Realty Investors, the land's owner, won out.

"We're tearing down historic buildings to build the same thing again," said David Bush of the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. "We're losing significant architecture to build sort of fake versions of significant architecture."

Next preservationists have their focus on the Landmark River Oaks Theatre and the old West Alabama Theater that is now a bookstore. They fear these areas could be next for development.

Officials from Weingarten Realty Investors who were at the demolition site had no comment.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

Get more News »