Heritage, Fall 2006 Page: 19
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Buildings listed on the National Register can qualify for state and
federal tax incentives for renovation, but being part of the list does
not automatically prevent a structure from being demolished.
Properties cannot be listed on the NR without the approval of
the owner.
Larry Oaks, THC executive director, said that he believes that
in addition to the shopping center, the Alabama Theater might
also be eligible for National Register status. In a letter to Weingarten
Realty, Oaks called the company's 1980's rehabilitation
of the Alabama Theater "a testament to corporate America's
successful adaptive re-use...". Oaks went on to say, "Because
of the tremendous architectural value these buildings possess,
we join the local preservation contingency urging you not to demolish
or negatively alter these important historic resources." In
its response to the THC, Weingarten's promised to give the comments
about tax and other incentives that could result from a National
Register listing "consideration as we formulate long-term
plans for the centers."
The Houston Archeological and Historical Commission, part of
the City of Houston's Planning and Development Department,
also weighed in on the controversy. In a letter dated August 25,
the commission said, "The River Oaks Shopping Center, the River
Oaks Theater, and the Alabama Theater are more than just buildings.
Each one reflects our city's part in a notable way. When theshopping center was built, it was considered a veritable icon for
both its architectural and commercial uniqueness. Its construction
received national attention due to its design, with special accolades
paid to the curving segments which now seem slated to
disappear."
The letter continued, "Those of us who advocate for historic
preservation are not just about saving structures. We are intent
on preserving our city's heritage in a visible way. Our built environment
gives us a sense of place...that spans the generations.
We...hope that Weingarten Realty will join us in declaring that
it is important to preserve these landmark buildings so that future
generations will understand how our city became the vibrant place
it is today."
Still, with all of this support, the future of the Houston buildings
is cloudy. GHPA's Bush says that speaking out publicly
and drawing attention to the possible demolition is about
all that can be done to save the old theaters and shopping center.
"If the owners don't want to preserve the buildings, we don't have
many options."
Concerned citizens can sign an electronic petition (www. ipetitions.
com/petition/riveroaks) that will be delivered to the CEOs of Weingartens
and Barnes & Noble, the Houston mayor, and city council
members.I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Fall 2006
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Texas Historical Foundation. Heritage, Fall 2006, periodical, Autumn 2006; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth45367/m1/19/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Historical Foundation.