Goodbye Palm Springs

I returned to Houston after fifty years, having lived in New York City, The Hamptons, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, CA. In 1963 the Exxon building was the tallest building in downtown Houston. Today, it’s lost among the giants that dominate the skyline.

Life in Palm Springs had become unbearable due to developer and vacation rental greed, corruption at the highest city level, lack of infrastructure, and non-stop tourists. After looking at real estate in Houston for some time, I decided to sell my historic condo and classic car and rent an apartment in a luxury high-rise. I missed cultural offerings and diversity that were sorely missing in Palm Springs. I’ve never looked back.

Hello Houston

I chose the Sovereign at Regent Square, a modern twenty-one-story high-rise oasis that towers over the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Allen Parkway, River Oaks, and downtown Houston. The visionary, master-planned city district expects to become the center of Houston’s vibrant urban scene.

The Sovereign provides majestic views and the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Amenities include a twenty-four-hour concierge and valet service, a 2,800 sq. ft. fitness center and yoga studio, a game room, screening room, organic and zen garden, and a 75′ lap pool with sun lounge.

The living room and bedroom provide panoramic views of the Houston skyline to the east and the Houston Medical Center to the south.

Buffalo Bayou

Approximately 18,000 years old, Buffalo Bayou is the site of Houston’s founding in 1836. The slow-moving 52-mile long bayou remains in its natural state. It is home to a diverse urban ecosystem that supports numerous native species of flora and fauna. The bayou is a destination for outdoor recreation, which include walking, hiking, running, and biking.

Buffalo Bayou is only a few blocks from my apartment. Every morning around 5:30 am I begin a 4-6 mile brisk walk along the Kinder foot path. When it’s not too hot and humid, I walk to the Wortham Center in downtown Houston. The walk is 3 miles in each direction. .

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

The Waugh Drive Bat Colony is home to several hundred thousand bats that emerge at sunset. The colony is located underneath the Waugh Drive Bridge (shown below) near Buffalo Bayou.

Tolerance Sculptures

Designed by Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa, Tolerance Sculptures of kneeling human figures, encourage Buffalo Bayou joggers and commuters on Allen Parkway to give pause and consider the city’s dynamic diversity. The sculptures are framed by the dramatic towering Houston skyline.

Astrodome

Designed by Hermon Lloyd & W. B. Morgan,
and Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson
Construction completed in 1965

The Astrodome, dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World,’ was home to the Houston Astros from 1965 to 1999. The masterpiece is currently the home of the world-renowned Houston Rodeo. The long-term fate of the iconic dome remains a mystery.

Wortham Tower

Designed by Lloyd, Morgan, and Jones
Construction completed in 1965

In the mid-1960s, I drove by the Wortham Tower regularly. The solo tower loomed over Allen Parkway, and there was nothing to compete in size anywhere in the immediate area. The rapidly expanding Houston skyline seemed to rise out of nowhere just after passing the tower.

I am relieved and happy that the Wortham Tower was repurposed and not demolished to make room for a skyscraper. Today, my apartment is only a few blocks behind this beautiful structure and is visible from my bedroom and living room balcony.

The photo below was taken on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. If you look closely, you’ll see the Sovereign at Regent Square behind the tower. Also shown are two parking garages, the AIG building and the Royalton at River Oaks.

Exxon Building

Designed by Welton Becker and Associates
Construction completed in 1963

In 1963 it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The top two floors housed the Petroleum Club. In 1964 I remember long lines waiting to take the elevator to the observation tower. Fortunately the iconic structure was repurposed, not demolished. Today it’s dwarfed by ubiquitous skyscrapers.

 

 

 

April 11, 2023