Goodbye Palm Springs

I returned to Houston after fifty years, having lived in New York City, The Hamptons, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, CA. In 1963 the Exxon building was the tallest building in downtown Houston. Today, it’s lost among the giants that dominate the skyline.

Life in Palm Springs had become unbearable due to developer and vacation rental greed, corruption at the highest city level, lack of infrastructure, and non-stop tourists. After looking at real estate in Houston for some time, I decided to sell my historic condo and classic car and rent an apartment in a luxury high-rise. I missed cultural offerings and diversity that were sorely missing in Palm Springs. I’ve never looked back.

Hello Houston

I chose the Sovereign at Regent Square, a modern twenty-one-story high-rise oasis that towers over the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Allen Parkway, River Oaks, and downtown Houston. The visionary, master-planned city district expects to become the center of Houston’s vibrant urban scene.

The Sovereign provides majestic views and the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Amenities include a twenty-four-hour concierge and valet service, a 2,800 sq. ft. fitness center and yoga studio, a game room, screening room, organic and zen garden, and a 75′ lap pool with sun lounge.

The living room and bedroom provide panoramic views of the Houston skyline to the east and the Houston Medical Center to the south.

Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou, a tranquil oasis that has remained natural for approximately 18,000 years, was the site of Houston’s founding in 1836. This slow-moving, 52-mile-long bayou is a haven for a diverse urban ecosystem, supporting numerous native species of flora and fauna. It beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its serene atmosphere, offering walking, hiking, running, and biking activities.

Buffalo Bayou, a mere stone’s throw from my apartment, is my go-to spot for getting in my required daily steps. Every day, around 5:30 a.m., I embark on a walk along the Kinder footpath. On pleasant days, I extend my walk to the Wortham Center in downtown Houston, a 3-mile journey in each direction, a 4-6 mile journey.

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

The Waugh Drive Bat Colony is home to several hundred thousand bats that emerge at sunset. The colony is located underneath the Waugh Drive Bridge (shown below) near Buffalo Bayou.

 

Tolerance Sculptures

Designed by Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa, Tolerance Sculptures of kneeling human figures encourage Buffalo Bayou joggers and commuters on Allen Parkway to give pause and consider the city’s dynamic diversity. The sculptures are framed by the dramatic towering Houston skyline.

Astrodome

Designed by Hermon Lloyd & W. B. Morgan,
and Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson
Construction completed in 1965

The Astrodome, dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World,’ was home to the Houston Astros from 1965 to 1999. The masterpiece is currently the home of the world-renowned Houston Rodeo. The long-term fate of the iconic dome remains a mystery.

Wortham Tower

Designed by Lloyd, Morgan, and Jones
Construction completed in 1965

During the 1960s, the Wortham Tower was a solitary giant, dominating the Allen Parkway skyline. Its unique design and towering presence were unmatched in the immediate area. As I drove by, the rapidly expanding Houston skyline seemed to materialize out of thin air, a testament to the city’s relentless growth.

I am relieved and happy that the Wortham Tower was repurposed and not demolished to make way for a skyscraper. Today, my apartment is only a few blocks behind this beautiful structure, which is visible from my bedroom and living room balcony.

The photo below was taken on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. Behind the tower is the Sovereign at Regent Square. Two parking garages, the AIG building and the Royalton at River Oaks, are also shown.

Exxon Building

Designed by Welton Becker and Associates
Construction completed in 1963

In 1963, the Exxon Building proudly stood as the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Its top two floors housed the prestigious Petroleum Club, a symbol of Houston’s thriving oil industry. Despite the rise of towering skyscrapers, the Exxon Building still stands tall, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

 

 

 

 

April 11, 2023

May 18, 2024