Back to life

Gloriously restored Julia Ideson Library completes its five-year journey back tothe 1920s

The Tudor Gallery inside the Julia Ideson Library
The Tudor Gallery inside Julia Ideson Library is one of the newly restoredspaces available for private event rentals.
Photo by Jenny Antill
Reading Room inside the Julia Ideson Library
Newly restored ceiling inside the Julia Ideson Library
Exterior of the restored Julia Ideson Library
Photo by Jenny Antill
New exhibit Hall inside the restored Julia Ideson Library
Photo by Jenny Antill
Detail of the Julia Ideson Library's newly restored coffered ceiling
Photo by Joel Draut/Houston Metropolitan Research Center
Column, ceiling detail inside Julia Ideson Library

Novelty-sized scissors in hand, Mayor Annise Parker cut the red ribbon at Monday's dedication ceremony for the newly-renovated Julia Ideson Library. More than 100 guests filled a restored main hall on the second floor of the Spanish Revival building, which first opened its doors to the public in 1926.

"I've spent a lot time here researching my historic home — or my historic money pit, as I like to call it," Parker joked with the audience.

In 2010, the library completed the first phase of the project — a new 21,000 square-foot south wing to house the extensive archival holdings of Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC) as well as a rear garden space. Phase two, the conservation of the original building's interior space, winds down this month with only the cosmetics on a refurbished auditorium left to complete.

"The city needed a place that was truly worthy of the magnificent archives we have assembled," Parker said. "This building now not only preserves them properly, but it also makes them accessible to scholars, researchers and even the average homeowner."

"It was like the building was asleep for 85 years and it's coming back to life," said lead architect Barry Moore, a former University of Houston historic preservation professor who is senior associate with Gensler Architecture, the design firm directing the renovation.

Moore told CultureMap the MMRC expansion was a rather unique project for preservationists in that the library's architect, Ralph Adams Cram, who designed New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine as well as the Rice University master plan, had devised detailed architectural drawings for a southern extension, which was scrapped from the original construction plans as the Great Depression unravelled.

"It was like the building was asleep for 85 years and it's coming back to life," said lead architect Barry Moore.

Several rooms on the ground floor also faced substantial renovation work: an auditorium, conference rooms and the popular children's reading area, the Meldrum Room. The second-floor spaces as well as the Meldrum Room and garden areas will be available to lease for private events.

Mark Crippen, senior project manager for Balfour Beatty Construction, led a tour of three restored spaces on the second floor: a reading room, an exhibition space, and a formal reception hall where the dedication took place.

Researchers scraped away years of paint to locate the original colors that now cover the walls. Cork flooring, which was originally used throughout the building, was installed once again, helping to earn points for the building's LEED Silver certification.

In 2006, at the request of Mayor Bill White, historic preservationists Phoebe Tudor and Minnette Boesel joined former Museum of Fine Arts, Houston development director Margaret Skidmore to create the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners to raise funds for the project and oversee renovation plans. The organization collected $32 million in contributions.

"Both Bill White and Annise Parker are huge history buffs," said Tudor, who chaired the capital campaign. "The past few years were just the right time for the project. In spite of the bad economy, we had two mayors behind it as well as a number of council members. We wanted to do this while we had the right political climate in place."

Tudor — a graduate of Columbia University's historic preservation program and a former architectural historian for the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission — said fundraising went smoothly thanks to the number of people who have used the iconic library over its decades of history.

"This is a much loved building in Houston," she said. "Many people involved in the project, from donors to construction workers, told us how much they've enjoyed this unique opportunity to restore such a magnificent building."

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Closure News

American Freight furniture chain closing all 7 Houston-area stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes seven stores in the Houston area.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas, including 7 in the Houston area:

19750 North Fwy, Spring
3267 E Broadway St #16, Pearland
11051 East Freeway, Houston
20750 Gulf Fwy, Webster
5901 Griggs Rd, Houston
11687 Westheimer Rd, Houston
1002 TX-340 Loop, Bellmead

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

american freight closings