The Alabama's Transformation

An early look at the Trader Joe's in the Loop: The "skeleton" neon letters areback — and cleaner

This marks the return of the freshly-restored metal letters on vintage AlabamaTheatre sign.
Photo by Karen Burd
The narrow and hot confines of the vintage metal sign have not made it easy forlighting workers, who hope to complete the project by Friday afternoon.
Photo by Karen Burd
As of Thursday afternoon, new neon was in place at the top of the spire andthroughout the lettering.
Photo by Karen Burd
The vintage letters have a fresh coat of orage and white paint.
Photo by Karen Burd
Each of these small electrical boxes weigh more than 30 pounds — a heavy loadconsidering how high workers need to carry them up the four-story sign. Oh yeah. . . and there are about 40 of them to be installed.
Photo by Karen Burd
Inside, the original Art Deco decorations have been reattached.
Photo by Karen Burd
Fresh neon lights awaiting installation.
Photo by Karen Burd
The main corridor along the south wall has been dry-walled.
Photo by Karen Burd
Sets of pink and turquiose railing are stacked in the rear foyer.
Photo by Karen Burd
A small outdoor shelter is nearing completion.
Photo by Karen Burd
Original neon stands sag at the rear parking lot entrance, waiting to be eitherremoved or replaced.
Photo by Karen Burd

Weingarten Realty lived up to its promise as workers reinstalled the neon letters on the 1939 street sign that once marked the Alabama Theatre — the vintage movie house set to become the first Trader Joe's within the Loop.

CultureMap dropped by the site recently to watch the newly-restored landmark come back to life.

"We've been working on the sign from the top down," said lighting specialist John Otto from Coast Graphics and Signs, the company tasked with the lighting restoration. "Let me tell you, though, it's really hot up there. The sign's shaped like a chimney and all the heat rises right up to the top."

"Let me tell you, though, it's really hot up there,"lighting specialist John Otto said. "The sign's shaped like a chimney and all the heat rises right up to the top."

The workspace inside the tall metal sign is narrow, dark and incredibly warm. A ladder leads to the top of the spire, where workers pieced together the complicated wiring that will light the newly-installed neon..

As the were before, the letters will remain open to reveal the strips of light, a look Otto described as "skeleton neon." The inside surfaces of each letter have been painted bright white, while the exterior sides enjoy a fresh coat of orange.

Inside the old movie theater, dust continues to swirl on a massive interior renovation. The decorative Art Deco pieces that adorned the original cinema have been reattached and the fluted curves of the north wall have a fresh coat of plaster. The long hallway on the Whole Earth side of the space has been dry-walled on both sides, including the row of openings leading to what will be the main food aisles.

Pink and turquoise railings — not sure whether they were made for the theater or the bookstore that replaced it — are stacked in the large open foyer leading to the rear parking lot. At the moment, it remains to be seen how the metal banisters might be repurposed for the new grocery store or if they'll be reused at all.

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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.

home-for-sale