Ben Milam Hotel

As I searched Houston for my next project, I ended up wandering around downtown in awe of the contrast between our shiny skyline and the abandoned beauties that hover closer to the ground. I found myself at 1717 Texas Avenue where a 10-story building, with a thick coat of dust and grime, caught my attention. I photographed it and went to work on a series of bags that, when hung in a grid, create an image of the abandoned building.

After some research on the building I have learned that my intuitive decision to choose 1717 Texas Avenue may have more significance than I imagined.

This is the Ben Milam Hotel. 

Built in 1928, it was Houston's most luxurious hotel and a definite hot spot for visitors coming in from Union Station. Architect Joseph Finger also designed Houston's City Hall and opened the Ben Milam Hotel with 250 rooms that went for $2.00 - $2.50 a night.

The Ben Milam Hotel has a list of firsts: 

In 1932 it was the first hotel in Houston to be fully air conditioned.

In the 1950s it was the first hotel to have a TV in every room

and the first to have a rooftop swimming pool!

Now, the building is owned by Marvy Finger (apparently not related to the original architect, Joseph Finger) and is on the waiting list for demolition. The plan is to build an 8-story apartment house in its place; but who knows when, as the developer has other projects lined up ahead of the old Ben Milam Hotel.

To see the Ben Milam Hotel brought back to life, please join me at the opening of Menagerie, a group show at Winter Street Studios opening on July 6th.

The reception is from 7pm - 10pm.

I hope to see you there!

Postcard

Rooftop Swimming Pool

Ben Milam Cafe