Exclusive Photos

See the Alabama Theater being turned into a Trader Joe's: Shopping cart areasprepared; missing sign letters vow made

At the back entrance, crews are laying fresh concrete ramps.
Photo by Karen Burd
The ghostly shapes of the "Alabama" letters remain, as Weingarten oversees arestoration project that will restore the landmark sign to its original 1939glory.
Photo by Karen Burd
Workers are removing lights from the topside of the marque and laying metalflashing along the edges of the roofline.
Photo by Karen Burd
As workers plaster the interior walls, decorative pieces from the former theaterhave been detached.
Photo by Karen Burd
Thankfully, much of the theater's original exterior detailing remains.
Photo by Karen Burd
Weingarten told CultureMap the lettering will get new neon and a fresh coat ofpaint.
Photo by Karen Burd
Though the interior looks as gutted as it did in late March, the walls of theold theater have a more finished quality to them.
Photo by Karen Burd
Openings to an east-west hallway are now in place, helping to give shape to howthe gourmet grocer will use the space.
Photo by Karen Burd

Houston preservationists feared the worst Tuesday afternoon as workers removed the neon letters from the historic street sign marking the former Alabama Theatre.

Weingarten Realty, which owns the shopping center where the historic cinema space is located, is overseeing a current renovation project that will convert the old theater from its last incarnation as a bookstore into one of the city's first Trader Joe's. The "Alabama" sign has been an area landmark since the late 1930s, and the realty company assures Houstonians that the iconic neon letters are simply being refurbished.

"No worries — it'll look exactly the same," Weingarten marketing manager Carrie Murray says.

"There's no need to panic," Weingarten marketing manager Carrie Murray tells CultureMap. "We're just changing out some of the neon lights that were broken and touching up the paint on the letters.

"The whole process is easier to do when the letters are removed. No worries — it'll look exactly the same."

While Coast Graphics & Signs restores the lettering at its workshop in Stafford, construction crews continue to built out the dark and cavernous interior of the vintage theater, which seems as gutted as it was during CultureMap's late March visit. Pieces of the large turquoise wall hangings sit on the floor as workers plaster the walls.

Plastering was well under way on Wednesday, while crews on scaffolding covered portions of the south wall above openings to a hallway that bisects the building. Natural light only enters the space on the east and west sides of the shopping center, so industrial lights are needed for most of the work. (Personally, it seems like the interior could use some skylights.)

Several electricians at the site prepared the space for Trader Joe's countless refrigeration units, as concrete experts laid rebar for a gently sloping ramps leading into the building from the rear parking lot. Clusters of metal supports at either side of the back entrance appear to be future shopping cart areas.

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room for horses, too

Katy compound with custom chicken coop hits the market at $4.5 million

Photo by Home Capture, courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy is on the market for $4.5 million.

Many homebuyers want more than just a house. They seek somewhere that provides ample room for family and friends, in a space that has modern amenities as well as serenity.

Those homebuyers want 3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy. Listed at $4.5 million, it’s the most expensive home on the market in the bustling Houston suburb and is represented by Kim Rensimer of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

Photo by Home Capture, courtesy Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

3113 Saddlebrook Lane in Katy is on the market for $4.5 million.

With a main house, guest house, pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and space for RV parking, this 3.82-acre property offers a lot to love.

The main residence offers 5,947 square feet of living space across two stories, with an impressive amount of natural light, six bedrooms, and four full baths. Coming through the double-door entry, it’s clear this space was made to impress. The entry’s travertine flooring offers an elegant welcome. A wine room is tucked under the main staircase. The living room’s neutral-toned walls are offset by dark wood exposed beams, creating a cozy space to unwind. Built-in shelves offer storage and display space.

The state-of-the-art kitchen is both a gathering space and a home cook’s dream, with Thermador and Liebherr appliances, a pot filler, dual sinks, quartz countertops, a breakfast nook, built-in desk, and views of the backyard. Just off the kitchen is the laundry room, with access to the three-car garage and a powder room.

The home's primary suite has its own sitting area, built-in speakers, large windows, space for a private study, and a spa-like bath. Upstairs, find four bedrooms with oversized walk-in closets.

This exquisite estate is surrounded by lush green spaces, majestic oak trees, and a serene pond, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Horses are allowed. 3113 Saddlebrook Lane also has a custom chicken coop and custom-designed garden.

Inside and out, this Katy home has much to offer its next owners. There’s easy access to both 99 and I-10, and the home is zoned to Katy ISD. Those seeking a spot that blends modern life with rural serenity would be wise to look closely at 3113 Saddlebrook Lane.