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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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spacious memorial mansion

Striking French-inspired Houston estate hits market for $12.5 million

TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

412 Timberwilde Lane sits on more than two acres in Hunters Creek Village and is on the market for $12.5 million

A magnificent estate awaits in one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods. 412 Timberwilde Lane is a stunning brick and limestone home, inspired by French country manor houses. It’s on the market for $12.5 million and represented by Jay Monroe and Stephen Warrell ofMartha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled on nearly 2.5 acres of meticulously manicured grounds in exclusive Hunters Creek Village, this home blends old world elegance with modern amenities, including 24/7 private security. The grand foyer’s soaring ceiling sets the tone upon entry, announcing that 412 Timberwilde Lane is something special.

Consider the formal library, with its rich, paneled walls and cross-beam ceiling, and the spacious dining room with its cozy fireplace. The living room offers breathtaking views of the rear gardens, pool, cabana, and tennis courts. Just off the kitchen, a light-filled breakfast room is a perfect place for morning coffee and admiring the grounds.

The primary suite is the embodiment of luxury, with dual bathrooms and ample closet space, ensuring comfort and convenience. This private oasis is a place to unwind and relax.

The home’s second floor offers a floor plan that can be tailored to suit any lifestyle. The bedrooms are generously sized with large closets and private baths. A playroom with a built-in playhouse castle makes for a perfect spot for kids’ imaginations to run wild. Other rooms could be utilized for a second home office, exercise room, yoga retreat, crafting space, or whatever else a family might need.

The third floor offers a game room featuring a wet bar, billiards area, and a big-screen TV, making it the ultimate place to relax and have fun with family and friends. The outdoor areas include an in-ground pool and summer kitchen, perfect places.

This one-of-a-kind estate offers an array of amenities for living and entertaining. Its location is both convenient to the city and a restful retreat.

Photo by TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

412 Timberwilde Lane sits on more than two acres in Hunters Creek Village and is on the market for $12.5 million.

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