At the corner of Montrose and Allen Parkway
For years I’ve been driving past the southeast corner of Montrose Boulevard and Allen Parkway and seeing the hulking Robinson Warehouse and wondering, “What’s up with that property?” With all kinds of development going on inside the loop (and in Montrose in particular) it was surprising to me to see that big plot of land sitting unused.
Well, as has been reported, the warehouse is coming down, and will be replaced by a Muslim Ismaili center. And while it’s always a shame to see an old building disappearing, apparently the developer of the center, the Aga Khan Foundation, has given the world some great architecture in previous projects:
The new project will be similar to other Ismaili centers in Vancouver, London and Lisbon.
It will include facilities for lectures and conferences relating to the Aga Khan Development Network as well as for recitals and exhibitions to educate the public about Islam’s heritage. The building will also contain a prayer hall, classrooms and offices.
The new property is also expected to have gardens and other green spaces. Still, the design concept and timeline for development have not been determined.
David Bush, director of programs and information for the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, said the group has seen some of the Aga Khan’s other projects and “the designs have been outstanding.”
“Even though we regret losing a historic building, at least this time it may be replaced by some truly exceptional architecture,” Bush said.
I’m just glad that we’re not going to have yet another lookalike garden apartment complex there. It’s a very visible spot, and deserves something interesting.
If you pass by that intersection, you can see the progress. If you don’t, Charles Kuffner is providing photographic updates at Off the Kuff.
Pictures of old building being demolished for High Profile Jamat Khana to be built on its place.
Ismailimail 