Parking Garages We Love (and Hate)
Looking for the best parking garages in Houston: We found one at the Universityof St. Thomas
In a city where the car is king, parking garages are important. So why are there so many ugly ones?
With "Real Estate Confidential" as our theme this month, we decided to take a look at the lowly buildings that get no respect even though they shelter our prized possessions.
I had to look no further than a couple of blocks from my house to find a candidate for the best-looking parking garage in Houston.
A few years ago, when I heard that the University of St. Thomas was going to construct a multi-story parking garage at the corner of West Alabama and Graustark streets, I expected the worst. But the university constructed a building that fits right into the campus.
The tan brick follows the theme set by Philip Johnson when he designed the university's core. Instead of ugly openings, black mesh screens that look like windows dot the building. The garage, which also houses campus security and a bookstore, looks so good that it was named the W.T. and Louise J. Moran Center to honor prominent donors.
We should all be so lucky.
Got a nomination for best (or worst) parking garage in Houston? Snap a photo and tell us why. Send to submissions@culturemap.com