Former Alabama Theater's Pastel Modernistic Forehead Browned Out
by Christine Gerbode
The front of Weingarten Realty's Alabama Shepherd Shopping Center now sports some big dark blocks on its Shepherd-facing facade, Houstorian James Glassman notes in a drive-by of the scene this afternoon. The gradated yellow vertical fluting above the movie-theater-turned-bookstore-turned-sandbox-turned-grocery store's marquee sign (which the city's landmark designation writeup says is made of enameled steel) has been done over in a single swath of brown, matching the shade applied above the formerly tan Petsmart facade as well. Marketing materials on Weingarten's website for the shopping center still show the old color scheme:
Alabama Theater coverage [Swamplot]
Photos: James Glassman (top), Weingarten Realty (bottom)
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bill_b January 31, 2017 at 6:30 pm
OK! Who's old enough to have watched a movie there?
Old School February 1, 2017 at 8:22 am
Seems like it is a Weingarten strategy to progressively make their historic properties progressively uglier in the hopes that eventually people will lose interest and not care when they try to demolish them.
MrEction February 1, 2017 at 9:04 am
Not sure if it counts but the Bookstop there used to play the occasional movie in the background on the wall.
I 'member
Memebag February 1, 2017 at 9:35 am
@bill_b: Lots of us, I imagine. I saw "Empire Strikes Back" and "Rocky Horror Picture Show" dozens of times. It was the best place for "Rocky", since they had a stage and spotlight. That was a fun group.
the other bill b February 1, 2017 at 9:37 am
Old School, I think you're right.
bill_b, I saw Rocky Horror there many times. Lots of fun.
marmer February 1, 2017 at 10:26 am
I saw _The Empire Strikes Back_ for the first time there. One or two other movies, if I recall correctly.
Ed February 1, 2017 at 10:59 am
Horrible choice of color! The dark red and blue in both retail signs just blend into the dark brown color now. The signage stood out more with the previous yellows.
Henrietta February 1, 2017 at 11:04 am
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
jrd February 1, 2017 at 11:42 am
bill_b: "Who's old enough to have watched a movie there?"
I am. I watched the movie Grease there in the summer of 1978 while on my honeymoon.
@ Old School: Yes, yes, yes. I think you are right about Weingarten.
marmer February 1, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Was it the Houston exclusive for the premiere of _The Empire Strikes Back?_ And how could I forget Rocky Horror? Rocky Horror and Cactus Music open until midnight. Good times at Shepherd and Alabama in the 70s and 80s.
Cathi Normand February 1, 2017 at 12:51 pm
I think the new color looks great. It gives the center a refreshing look and makes the fascia sign's pop. The color is also a dark grey not a brown.
DRB February 1, 2017 at 3:15 pm
"More brown and grey all over the place…that's what Houston needs…less color…something less interesting…" said no one ever.
Tangyjoe February 2, 2017 at 5:38 pm
My elementary school class (can't remember which grade) saw Romeo and Juliet there. The one with Olivia Hussey as Juliet. I remember the seats were velvet and rocked. If you kicked the seat in front of you really hard it sent the person's popcorn flying for several rows.
marmer February 6, 2017 at 9:34 am
@Tangyjoe
Wow. Heady stuff for an elementary school class. Bloody swordfighting and a pretty darn sexy (and revealing) bedroom scene.
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