Built in 1939

Will Trader Joe's listen? Historical Commission promotes plan to save theAlabama Theatre's entrance

The developer had initially said that the original terrazzo, pictured here,would have to be removed to comply with ADA requirements. Not so, says the TexasHistorical Commission.
Photo by David Bush
Concerns exist about the removal of the original murals flanking the old stage,among other things.
Photo by Jim Parsons
Preservationists hope to maintain as many of the theater's distinctive art decodetails as possible.
Photo by Jackson Meyers

The Alabama Theatre's original entrance can be preserved, according to the Texas Historical Commission, if only the developer is willing to work with them.

The historic Alabama Theatre, which has sat empty since 2009, is set to become the site of a new Trader Joe's grocery store. While fans of the grocer are elated, there are concerns about how to best preserve the interior of one of Houston's last remaining art deco theaters.

Built in 1939, the Alabama has remained relatively intact through its tenure as a Barnes & Noble Bookstop.

Initial plans to update the exterior of the building have been approved by the Houston Archaeological and Historical commission, but the THC is now saying that the theater's original terrazzo — a decorative marble floor treatment — might not have to be removed as originally thought.

In a press release that went out Thursday to Greater Houston Preservation Alliance members, the GHPA revealed that the THC had crafted an alternative to removing the terrazzo by applying for a variance in light of the Alabama's eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The developer, local Weingarten Realty, has previously told the GHPA that the terrazzo would have to be removed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards — the act says that a building's entrance can have no more than a 2 percent slope; the theater's entrance is 2.5 percent.

At the GHPA's request, the THC has provided information about the possible variance both to Weingarten and to the architect, Dallas-based Don Sopranzi. The THC has also offered to consult with the builders and assist in the variance application.

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How Sweet

Sugar Land's first new apartment complex in 13 years breaks ground

Pearl Lake Pointe luxury apartment complex Sugar Land.

Rendering Courtesy of Morgan

Pearl Lake Pointe is a 376-unit luxury apartment complex slated for early summer 2027 in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land is welcoming its first new apartment development in more than a decade. Pearl Lake Pointe, a 376-unit luxury community from developers Morgan and Carlyle, is underway at 16435 Creekbend Drive.

Construction began in November, with an official groundbreaking held this week. “The groundbreaking of Pearl Lake Pointe marks an exciting new chapter for the Lake Pointe peninsula,” Sugar Land Mayor Carol K. McCutcheon said in a statement. “After years of planning and collaboration with Morgan, this project delivers much-needed, high-quality multifamily housing and strengthens our long-term vision for a vibrant, connected district. This milestone will help drive continued reinvestment and momentum throughout Lake Pointe and across Sugar Land.”

Set across 6.46 acres, the five-story complex will feature five live-work units, a six-story parking garage, and 9,940 square feet of commercial office space. Fitness centers, a resort-inspired pool, a golf simulator, a sky lounge, and a cafe are among the planned amenities.

Inside the residences, features include open-concept floor plans, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, washers and dryers, and balconies in select units.

“Pearl Lake Pointe is a unique opportunity to elevate the living experience and set a new benchmark for luxury in Sugar Land,” Kase Pappert, Morgan senior development manager, said. “We are grateful for the City’s partnership and look forward to helping re-energize the Lake Pointe peninsula with a welcoming community that feels like home and connects residents to the amenities right outside their door.”

Roughly 20 miles from downtown Houston, the site has views of Brooks Lake and is adjacent to the former Fluor corporate campus currently being transformed into the Lake Pointe Green mixed-use development.

The first Pearl Lake Pointe units are slated for delivery in early summer 2027. Morgan and Carlyle will own and manage the community, with project financing provided by Texas Capital Bank.

“With Pearl Lake Pointe, Carlyle and Morgan are redefining multifamily living and adding meaningful momentum to address the demand for high-quality housing in the Sugar Land submarket,” said Adam Buchwald, Carlyle managing director and partner. “Partnering with Morgan — an accomplished developer with a strong track record — makes this project even more exciting, and Pearl Lake Pointe is a standout addition to Carlyle’s portfolio of high-quality multifamily developments.”

construction groundbreaking apartments