Houston House and Home - Index

Houston House and Home - houstonhouseandhome - Index

56
houston past
& present
IDESON LIBRARY BUILDING TO BE
RESTORED AND EXPANDED
NEW WING AND LOGGIA ORIGINALLY PLANNED IN 1930s FINALLY WILL BE BUILT
“The distinctive smell of old books, the touch of rare documents, set amongst the Ideson’s ornate
tiles and carvings, evokes an overwhelming sensation of historic significance.”
ABOVE: The exterior of the Julia Ideson Building shown in this 1926 photograph is
considered an important example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Photo courtesy
the Houston Metropolitan Research Center
TOP OF PAGE: A rendering of the new archival wing of the Julia Ideson Building
also includes a new outdoor reading room and south loggia. Part of the Houston Public
Library system, the building houses the Houston Metropolitan Research Center and its
extraordinary collection of books, maps and images of Houston. Photo courtesy Gensler
— Houston architect Barry Moore, senior associate at Gensler
house& home | February 2009 | house andhomeonline.com
Nestled in the shadows of towering contemporary
skyscrapers, the landmark Spanish Renaissance-style
Julia Ideson Building, part of the Houston Public
Library system, will soon undergo an ambitious,
comprehensive restoration and expansion project. The
result will be an architecturally compelling venue that, while remaining
true to its traditional style, will boast state-of-the-art, environmentally
sensitive archival storage and work areas.
For 50 years — between 1926 and 1976 — the building served as
Houston’s main public library. In 1976, the main library moved to a new
building across the street and the Ideson Building became the home of
the Houston Metropolitan Research Center. Its second-floor reading
room is home to the famed Texas Room, a grand room for research and
reading where anyone who has researched Houston business, buildings,
architecture and history in general has spent some time.
In addition to drawing people interested in its Houston Metropolitan
Research Center and its extraordinary collection of books, maps and
images, the Ideson will provide a historic venue for exhibits, meetings
and special events. Besides its inspiring indoor research and reading areas,
the Ideson will also get landscape upgrades and a unique outdoor reading
room that will further secure its place as one of Houston’s historic architectural
treasures.