4 G t e Spring 1986
Cholines Pillot Building Rescued
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Pillot Building l Photo by Paul Hester)
The Pillot Building, important in the developers expressed interest, the panel historical and architectural development drafted a ground lease for the "footprint." of Houston, will see new life during 1986 that is. the exterior perimeter of the after a long period of decline and several building, for a 50-year term This close brushes with destruction. agreement will allow the structure to be preserved and returned to active use by a Ginstructed opposite Giurthouse Square developer with no expenditure of public during the Civil War era, the structure is funds. one of the oldest commercial buildings in Houston. The Pillot Building was acquired During August 1985, the Harris G>unty by Harris County in 1975. After Commissioners Court accepted the unsuccessful attempts to destroy it for highest bid from the City Partnership, construction of the Harris County Ltd of Houston, which retained Barry Administration Building, the County Moore Architects to design an G)mmissioners Court allowed the architectural restoration and building to reach SII advanced a state of reconstruction of the partially demolished deterioration that in 1982, the roof, the building. The lease between the county south wall, and the interior fabric were and the developer was signed during dismantled, leaving only three of the four September, and in November a schematic exterior walls intact. Then, in 1984, presentation of proposed architectural Harris Giumy applied for permits to work was made to the Texas Historical demolish the building, which is listed in G>mmission, in accordance with the terms the National Register of Historic Places of the lease. The proposal calls for and is a State Archeological landmark. As restoration of the facades to their original occurred during previous attempts to appearance, retention of the original demolish, this action was protested by three-floor design, rebuilding of the community and professional interior structure in steel, and the addition organizations, individual citizens, and in a of a new service core along the south rear more organized way by the Greater wall. Houston Preservation Alliance The Texas Antiquities Committee refused the City Partnership, Ltd. is pursuing leases in request for a demolition permit in the hospitality industry, planning for a January 1985, and created a panel to restaurant on one-half of the ground flixir oversee the search for possible developers, and a private club to use the remaining This panel was composed of space in the strucrure. It expects to representatives of the Texas Historical execute teases early in 1986, and public Gimmission, the Greater Houston announcements will be forthcoming. Preservation Alliance, and of the offices of the Harris G>unty judge, Engineer, and Michael E. Wilson Attorney After several Houston +H- %
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Pillot Building in 1869 (Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library) Gte Spring 1986 5 The Zephyr, Inside and Out
In terms (if its streamlined sophistication angle of the openings, Clusters of flat- and kinesthetic appeal, Arquitectonica's black ceramic tile, facetiously simulating latest building in Houston is hard to rustication and seemingly agitated by the match. Both categories might be more effect of the "speeding" building, are appropriate in discussing a product of dispersed about its exterior surfaces. industrial design rather than a building, but the svelte aplomb embodied in the Five galleries, with strong avante-garde building's simple, strong, and systematic inclinations, currently occupy the lines is, nevertheless, reminiscent of a premises. These are: Davis/McClain, manufactured sleekness. The Perception, Trinkets, Exvoto, and Atelier. Arquitectonica designed one lease space in consequential naming of the building The interiors of the first three, designed the building, thar of Atelier's. The "The Zephyr." after the first of a series of by Howard Barnstone, Robert Pahnke, conventional, rectangular-shaped room is powerful, streamlined, self-propelled and owner Kathy Wetmore, respectively, made to exude a warmth reminiscent of a trains of the late 1930s is, therefore, are similar in that they are appropriately plant nursery. The walls, bathed in a rose justified. and reassuringly unobtrusive. Their Zolarone tint (a process whereby a pristine interiors allow works, ranging polychromatic coating, consisting of a The diminutive building, originally a from sculpture to ceramics ro jewelry, to combination of separate pigmented warehouse, has been transformed into a be seen to their best advantage. On the particles, is applied to a wall surface) are "Center for Art, Fashion, and Design," other hand, Exvoro's interior, designed by the primary cause of this appealing and and is located on Colquitt Street at Lake architect Yahya Fuizi, is considerably thoroughly pleasant effect. Likewise, the Street Seen against the neutral backdrop more charged. For Exvoto's recent grey carper is interwoven with fibers of of white-washed brick, the building's exhibition entitled "Angels, Virgins, and numerous colors achieving a rich, subtle, unique fenestration, which is by far its Madonnas," the walls of the gallery were dimensional effect. The engaging most prominent feature, achieves painted a brotxling grey and the ceiling simplicity of this space befits the nature maximum effect. Abandoning the accoutrements iducts and structure) a of the gallery, which carries children's customary orthogonal arrangement of navy blue. Spots of gold paint adorn the media (as well as a substantial selection of openings, Arquitectonica opts, instead, for dark and barren concrete floor. In the compact discs). There is a delicate 14 large, equally sized parallelogram- middle of the room is a large, resonance between the galleries and the shaped voids, comprising both doors and freestanding altar-like structure upon building they occupy. Thoroughly urbane, windows. This slight geometrical which objects pertaining to the exhibition yet exotic at the same time, both building deviation is drastically effective in are displayed. A few steps behind it is a and galleries appear mutually conveying the illusion of movement. Each straight flight of stairs framed by a complementary. opening is delineated with a generous symbolic arched entryway, dramatizing band of verde antique marble, and the the short ascent that terminates in a Arquitectonica's uncompromising deftness standard aluminum frames have been display surrounded by mirrored mosaics. and purposeful theatrics continue to make Top: The Zephyr, 1985. Arquitectonica, spray-painted gold. Together with the The staircase itself is faced with these its buildings easily recognizable and architect, detail of typical hay. Above: metallic gold overhang, these materials same mosaics, which are the work of Erin unfailingly provocative. The Zephyr is no Exvoto, 1985. Yahya Fuizi, architect, affect a moderne opulence. In sharp Adams. Altogether, the effect is quite exception, and though devoid (perhaps interior detail (Photos by Paul Hester) contrast to the rigorous seriality of the primordial. For an upcoming exhibition thankfully) of Arquitectonica's distinctly facade are the functioning, fire-engine red of nude and erotic photographs which torrid palette, it nevertheless demands a drain pipes which sinuously wind their purports to develop an offbeat and response from us and is likely to enjoy a way down the face of the building to the provocative perspective on the human well-deserved succes de scandale'. sidewalk, where expansion joints have form and sexuality, the decor will alter been set on the diagonal, echoing the accordingly. Wolde-Ghiorghis Ayele
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MARTHA TURNER wend— NANCY OWENS r »PROPERTIE P D r * T » r D T S mi WESTHEIMER- HOUSTON, TEXAS77098 • 713-520-1981 6 Cite Spring 1986 CRAUBART RUDY Rosenthal Baccarat Aiessi Visions of Houston CRAUBART RUDY Kosta Boda Bucceiiati orrefors The 1985 Houston Chapter of the Houston and the means to achieve that American Institute of Architects' annual vision by 2000. He stressed that the city CRAUBART RUDY Urban Design Symposium, cosponsored government is a critical factor in this by the Houston Economic Development process. Mayor KarhrynJ Whitmire Royal Copenhagen Dorothy Hafner Council and the Linbeck Construction spoke of past accomplishments and future Gimpany, was held 22 November 1985. initiatives in planning, capital The theme, "Visions for Houston," improvements programming, and CRAUBART RUDY focused on the interrelated issues of building the city's infrastructure. quality of life and economic development; Chrlstofle ceorg Jensen Oggettl setting goals for the future, taking new What does all of this add u p to? It was initiatives in comprehensive city generally agreed that now is the time to planning, transportation, and act. Not only must a vision for Houston CRAUBART RUDY infrastructure improvements; and be defined but the means to achieve it by formulating an effective economic 2000 have to be determined. Houston Fine China, Crystal and Flatware development strategy should initiate a program similar to River oaks Center • 1985 w. Cray * Houston, Texas 77019 • 521-1397 "Goals for Dallas" and San Antonio's Mayor Frank Cooksey of Austin, a former "Target '90" to define the city's priority Houstonian, provided some Lincolnesque requirements and design programs that advice to the city's decision-makers. can ensure their realization. Cooksey pointed out that quality-of-life issues do affect economic vitality and the Although there was lack of agreement o n Terra Surveying Company- ability to rebound from recession. several key issues, including the need for Houston should and can improve its additional development standards and quatity-of-life amenities. The city must providing a full range of land surveying controls, the role the MTA should play in begin a serious, comprehensive planning defining the form of the city, stronger process, with the land-use controls and leadership from the public sector, the services to Houston and Austin's coordination procedures necessary to need of a broad program of urban enforce the plan. Cooksey suggested that beautification, and the role of the private architectural community: Houston's assets - basic economic sector in initiating city planning, "Visions opportunities in space commercialization; for Houston" made believers out of a lot trade and the Port of Houston expansion; Development Plats • TopographiTopograp c Surveys of skeptical people. There was an energy and petrochemicals; agriculture; encouraging consensus among the Tree Surveys and medical technology - should be speakers and audience reflecting a strong Boundary Surveys • Tree Sun actively promoted Cooksey urged that the desire for dramatic improvement in the city upgrade the quality of higher Completion Surveys quality of the urban environment in education in Houston, especially at the Houston. University of Houston Finally, Cooksey said that transporation and improvement Peter H. Brown of public services and infrastructure are 9020 Capital of Texas 4900 Woodway critical to the future of Houston, and that Highway Tenth Floor the city should capitalize on the benefics Suite 348 Houston, Texas TERRA of linking Houston and Galveston with a 77056 Austin, Texas 78759 SURVEYING high-speed rail line. (713) 993-0327 (512) 343-6205 COMPANY, I N C . Other speakers discussed city-wide urban systems. F.fraim S. Garcia, director of Planning and Development, spoke on his proposed Compendium of Plans, John King, chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, described urban planning and design opportunities BRAZOS BOOKSTORE rhat will reshape Houston's public infrastructure; and Dun Moyer, president of the Houston Economic Envelopment Council, described strategic economic development planning now under way at HEDC Walter Mischer, Jr. presented an 11-point proposal calling for a private- sector "super-group" to determine basic goals, interagency coordination, a Brazos Bookstore comprehensive planning approach, and economic development initiatives for the city. Houston City Giuncilmember George welcomes two distinguished authors t o Greanias called for a strong public-private partnership to define a future vision for Rice University Diverse Works: IB. JACKSON Cullinan Visiting Professor, Fourth Ward School of Architecture
and Diverse Works opened a major, month- found in Fourth Ward, and Peterson long exhibition "Architecture and Culture; Littenberg Architects displayed drawings Fourth Ward" on 25 January which of its plan for the rehabilitation of Lake ANN BEATTIE focused on the history, architecture, West public housing in Dallas. traditions, and people of the oldest black Visiting Autrey Professor, community in Houston, Organized by In addition to a lively opening (featuring Neil Printz, with Diverse Works staff U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland, Carolyn Department of English members Charles Gallagher, Michael Farb, a truly diverse crowd, and the choir Pcranteau, and Caroline Huber, the of Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist exhibition featured historical documents Church, which shook the heavy-timbered and images of the community - which frame of Diverse Works's gallery in the began in 1865 as the place where old W. L. Foley department store near emancipated slaves congregated in Market Square with pulsating Gospel The books of both writers Houston - from the Houston music), a series of special events occured Metropolitan Research Center and during the course of the exhibition. These are available from Brazos Bookstore numerous private collections. were intended to increase public Contributing to the exhibition were awareness of the value of preserving photographers Paul Hester, Sally Gall, Fourth Ward and the adjacent Allen Geoff Winningham, Phyllis Moore, Doe Parkway Village from destruction and Doherty, Earlie Hudnall, and Rob Ziebell redevelopment. and artists John Biggers, Vanzant Driver, Jack Massing, Elizabeth Ward, and Naomi Polk. Inshik Lee produced an engaging scries of shadow-box models and Doug 2314 BISSONNET STREET (713) 523-0701 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77005 Sprunt a series of analytical drawings describing characteristic house types Gte Spring 1986 7 Moving In: 75 Moore u in Austin m €3 Right: Moore Houses, 198), Charles W. u Moore, architect, diagrammatic sketch plan of existing house and neu addition (Courtesy Charles W. Moore). Below: Moore House, living room I Photo by Scott Poole) V
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II Charles W. Moore's new home in deepened by tight that washes the space Mother Nature's magical touch Austin is less witry and overtly allusive I rum a large-scale window facing the has transformed Speedby's than some of his earlier work, it is no less courtyard. Another acquired object, a into a garden impure. Designed in collaboration with Kilim, serves both as a floor covering and of earthly delights. Arthur Andtrsson, this courtyard complex as a source of inspiration for the rich Let us help you of tWO houses tod .i studio is J weave of colors of the already animated room. hand-pick a Spring bouautt the old and new that revels in both the for your home. dental of expectation and in the adjacency Andersson's house also borrows from the of dissimilar things. secret life of objects, juxtaposing an 18th- Lewis A century portal from Ireland with the The exterior of the house and studio otherwise abstract space of his living complex is unpretentious, reflecting room, increasing through contrast the Flacks Glorious 19th Century Moore's fascination with ordinary scale and texture of the space. Here the European & English materials and their capacity to recall geometry of the elipse is overlayed on familiar imagery. This prosaic exterior, new construction in the form of a faceted Botanicals suggestive of ranch houses and barns, livtng-room wall that is defined by two PAINTING hardly reveals the high level of energy skylight cannons and a wall of windows Hand-Colored and intensity found in the interior spaces. which face the courtyard, reinforcing the dialogue with Moore's house. From Tiny to Large An elipse superimposed on the site l # establishes an order between the public The clear, light, abstract space of the A ffordably Priced realms of the two houses and the studio reflects more the restraint of at $10. and up courtyard, As the elipse passes through Andersson's new house than the Moore's remodeling of the existing house exuberant vocabulary of volumes in built in 1936, tension develops between Moore's remodeled house. Unlike the two references the rectilinear enclosure of the house and houses, however, the studio defers to abound £SS®r§5: the curve of the elipse. This detached more practical considerations, but layer of wall, described by two-foot-wide nevertheless uses light, like the houses, to 4A ) pilasters, creates multiple layers of define the unity of the space. enclosure that are enhanced by dramatic OLD PR NTS effects of scale, light, and color. Though metaphors characteristic of Moore's species of eclecticism abound, These intimate leftover spaces local events are underplayed, creating a 2015-F West Gray simultaneously modify light and serve as balance between the particularities of the River Oaks Center repositories for a fraction of Moore's two houses and the integrity of the overall Houston, Texas 77019 expansive collection of books and folk-art order. 522-3047 (713)521-9652 objects. The diminutive scale of these "lues.-Sat. 10am-5pm objects increases the apparent size of the Scott Poole modest living room, already widened and
Rice Design Alliance which runs through 19 March. From 24 The Rice Design Alliance has in progress March until 19 April "Antonio Sant Elia: a series of lectures, organized by Drexel Italian Futurist Drawings" will be shown. Turner and Richard Keating, called "The This exhibition was organized by the City: Memory and invention." Speakers Cooper-Hewitt Museum and contains r include Kurt Forster on Schinkel's Berlin over 70 drawings. The Farish Gallery is (teuri In, jrrulr M M t i a V n (5 March), Eduard Sekler on Turn-of-the- located in Anderson Hall on the campus cenrury Vienna (12 March), David Van of Rice University. It is open daily during 7-init-n on Haussmann's Paris (19 exhibitions from noon until 5 PH. March), and Alex Krieger on Burnham's Admission free. For information, a riassir^natpriat telephone 713/527-4864. MuonrykuMuK America (24 March). All lectures are held Houslon-GAfvislor, at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 629-6024 and begin at 8 PM. Admission charged; School of Architecture, Rice University f reservations suggested. The concluding lectures by J. B.Jackson, Craig Francis Cullinan Visiting Professor To celebrate the completion of the at Rice University, occur at 8 ra on Architecture Building at the Universiry of Monday, 10 March, and Monday, 17 Houston, the RDA will stage a benefit March, at Sewall Hall, Room 301, on the gala there on Wednesday, 26 March. campus of Rice University. Jackson's topic Burdette Keeland and Mrs. Stewart G. is "Vernacular Landscape." Admission Masterson are organizing the event. free. Tickets are $100 per person; reservations required, Center for the Study of American Architecture On 31 May the RDA will commence a The Center for the Study of American six-day architectural tour of Savannah and Architecture at The University of Texas Charleston. Barrie Scardino and John at Austin will stage its third symposium Ungley of IES Travel Group are on Thursday and Friday, 24-25 April, at organizing the tour, which is limited to 40 Jessen Auditorium on the university people. Reservations required by 15 campus. The topic is "New Regionalism: Ma rch. Tradition, Adaptation, Invention." Participants include Robert A. M. Stern, The Rice Design Alliance's Annual Kenneth Frampton, Taft Architects, Meeting will be held in May, time and Ricardo Legoretta, Charles W. Moore, location to be announced. Lawrence W. Speck, Elizabeth Plater- Zyberk, and UT Architecture Dean Hal For information on any of these activities, Box. Pre-registration fee is $15 for all telephone the Rice Design Alliance at three sessions. For information, telephone 71 J/527-6297. the center at 512/471-1922. zels Farish Gallery Due in the fall are the third volume of the Wil Currently on display at ihe Farish Gallery center's journal, CENTER, and an is an exhibition organized by Drexel exhibition to be held at the university's Turner for the gallery, "Paul Hester: Archer M. Huntington Gallery on "New Photographs of Texas Monuments," Architecture For Texas."
Young Architects Forum
Young Architects Forum, in collaboration Greanias, John Hansen and Michael with Diverse Works, planned a string of Underhill. HOUSTON events this spring to make visible the invisible city and reintegrate latent Although the effects of an event of this psychic and physical fragments into type are difficult to assess in the short Houston's urban character. In conjunction term, the Young Architects Forum is to with Diverse Works's "Architecture and be applauded for elevating vision to an Culture: The Fourth Ward" exhibition, art. the forum sponsored a city-wide Design IN THE SAKS CENTER FASHION MALL Charrette on 22 February entitled In the coming weeks the forum will 1800 POST OAK BOULEVARD 713/627-7495 "Transformations: Neighborhoods in present a lecture series called "Four From Transition or Jeopardy?" Ad-hoc teams of Texas," featuring young and articulate Beautiful Jewelry from the World's Finest Artists. architects and artists spent a weekend Texas architects from outside Houston. envisioning ways to sustain the Fourth For more information, telephone the Ward's cultural and architectural integrity, office of the Houston Chapter AIA at The schemes were juried by a panel which 713/622-2081. included Steven K. Peterson, Diane Y. Ghirardo, Gty Councilman George Jan O'Brien Gte Spring 1986
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• ; Hard Rock Cafe. 1985, Tigerman Fugman McCurry, architects, (above) drawing of front elevation, (left) drawing of side elevation (Courtesy Tigerman Fugman McCurry)
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What do London, New York, Chicago, The rather staid, very "southern," LA., Honolulu, and Houston have in classically ordered exterior with its common? A love of great home cooking veranda and shuttered French doors and rock and roll, according to Peter seems an unlikely home for Elvis Presley's Morton, owner of the Hard Rock Cafe cape and Z.Z. Top's guitar, but Mr. opening this September on Kirby Drive, Morton is willing to bet that aging baby Custom built Founded in 1971 in London, the boomers prefer their nostalgia mixed with Wesign specifications "Smithsonian of Rock and Roll" is big mahogany. He also is placing his money business, and not a cookie-cutrer chain. on Tigerman, who is designing the \J|^pf finish materials Each building is a separately Chicago and Honolulu restaurants as well. •^^Hand Residential commissioned work; Houston's was designed by Stanley Tigerman of Jan O'Brien Tigerman Fugman McCurry with Ray bailey Architects as associate architect.
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