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 sp ecialist 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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Where to Live Now

Houston high-rise's 2-story penthouse hits the market at $11 million

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

For those looking to move on up to a deluxe penthouse in the sky — the new $11 million listing at 1275 S. Post Oak Lane, Unit 2502 hits the right note.

At nearly 9,000 square feet, Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two floors of the 26-story high rise.

"The team that created Penthouse 2502 offers Houston something exceptionally rare: a brand-new, never-occupied, two-story residence with custom-caliber design atop an established luxury tower," said Justin Dugat of Douglas Elliman, co-listing agent with Misty Meredith, in a statement.

The penthouse underwent a full build-out in the past seven months under the guidance of Jeffrey Fawaz and Mike Elaridi of Fratelli Companies with Ghandi Saad and Salim Obeid of RSG Development Group.

“From the beginning, we saw the opportunity to create something truly elevated; not just in design, but in experience,” Fawaz said. “Every detail was approached with intention, and the result is a space that reflects both luxury and functionality in a seamless way.”

$\u200bPenthouse 2502 at The Belfiore$

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

What was once a blank concrete shell is now an 8,689-square-foot home with five bedrooms, including two primaries and a dedicated 680-square-foot dressing room, along with three full and three half bathrooms.

The home’s two floors are connected via both an interior lift and a floating staircase that serves as a sculptural centerpiece. Multiple entertaining spaces include a media room, office, wet bar, massage room, and a wine cellar.

The views are a luxury of their own, with floor-to-ceiling windows and two corner terraces offering panoramas of the east, west, and south.

The list of elevated features is extensive, including an automated designer lighting system by Lutron and appliances from La Cornue and Gaggenau. Venetian plaster, Italian marble countertops, European cabinetry, and custom white oak herringbone flooring throughout highlight the attention to craftsmanship.

The Belfiore’s amenities add to the penthouse’s appeal, with a 24-hour concierge and valet, swimming pool, athletic club, private dog park, and — perhaps most enticing in Houston — industrial generators. The perks come with a hefty monthly maintenance fee of $11,157.

The 45-residence building, completed in 2016, was originally developed by Giorgio Borlenghi of The Interfin Companies alongside McNair Interests, the investment entity of late Texans owner Bob McNair.

“Houston’s luxury high-rise condo market is gaining momentum, driven by demand for a lock-and-leave, full-service lifestyle,” Dugat said. “As more wealth flows into the city, buyers are prioritizing efficiency, design, and the ability to spend more time living and less time managing a traditional home.”

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