What is that building?

[mrsrice22]

If you're heading towards Kemah on Nasa Rd 1, right past the Hilton on the left (Space Center Blvd and Nasa Rd1) is this gorgeous old historic looking building, what is it? Do they ever open it to the public? Is it a landmark? I would LOOOOOVE to get some shots of it but it seems like the signs on the property are for other businesses and not tied to it.

Anyone know?

[Daniel W.]

That's the West mansion and it's completely off limits, private property. Supposedly it's owned by Hakeem Olajuwan curently and is protected from destruction until 2012. Portions of it have been removed, it used to have much more towards the body of water, but what's left is still obviously gorgeous.

http://www.preservedintime.org/Houst...%20Article.htm

Nearly very photographer in CL I've met has either at one time wanted to or still wants to shoot there. I've lived in Clear Lake since I was born and only once I've seen people actually shooting there once in 19 years (about 6-7 years ago). Folks (high school students) have snuck on property, and when caught they're asked to leave (yes, there is person living there)... not sure when they're not caught. But it is private property and off limits.

There's not much as far as something similar in the area, Tuscan Lakes maybe something faux-vintage, but you should try the Heritage Society homes at Sam Houston Park. It's not as a good, but they have some neat areas, and being so close to SHP you can work multiple looks in one trip.

[mrsrice22]

What? Why would they want to destroy it, that's too bad. I've never seen anything like that. Colorado has it's historical sites/buildings but man nothing like that. Reminds me of something from Gone with the Wind, lol.

[mrsrice22]

Just googled and it figures it's goign to be destroyed for money, ugh.

[Steelsun]

Yep - prime real estate. Would not doubt a hotel going in there.

[mrsrice22]

bleh, there's a hotel across the street! lol.

[Daniel W.]

Agreed, and one down the road (South Shore). Hopefully it stays but...who knows. If I owned it I'd operate bits of it just for shooting and events... Places that are a generic-building steel structure on the outside and over-decorated on the inside is...egh. And then they try to provide a "picturesque" outdoor area, while trying to hide that they're next to a oil or muffler shop...

Maybe give a call to White House Ranch in Friendswood... not the same but close-ish.