Tax Credit Program Highlight: Stowers Building

Houston, Harris County

1913

Designation	Individually listed in the National Register
Historic Use	Furniture warehouse and showroom
Current Use	Hotel
Total Rehabilitation Cost	$24,640,000
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses	$23,520,000
Date Certified	February 15, 2017
	Certified for state and federal rehabilitation tax credits.

History

The Stowers building was constructed for the still-operating G.A. Stowers Furniture company in 1913. Architecturally, the 10-story building is an excellent remaining example of early 20th century high-rise commercial buildings. Its reinforced concrete structure, glazed white brick veneer, projecting metal cornice, and double-hung wood windows were common features of similar downtown buildings throughout the country. The furniture company used the 10 floors of space for a variety of functions. The first and second floors were public furniture showrooms and featured ornate egg-and-dart plaster moldings throughout, while the upper floors (used for storage and manufacturing) were more utilitarian in finish.

Rehabilitation Project

This project reimagined the vacant furniture building as a slick, modern Aloft Hotel. The majority of the modern touches required for the hotel brand were brought in with carpet, light fixtures, furnishings, and textiles, while the key architectural moldings, historic windows, and other significant features present throughout the building are still visible in place. The industrial feel of the warehouse floors was also a natural match for the funky modern style desired by the applicants. Due to the height of the building and a large parapet at the roof, the developers were able to create a rooftop swimming pool, bar, and deck that are invisible from the street, making sure nothing distracts from the building’s impressive roofline.