Spotlight

Building: THE WEST MANSION (1929)

Updates:

1/15/07 – The West Mansion and its grounds have been added to the GHPA’s Endangered Buildings list because the property was recently purchased and placed immediately back on the market, for sale as subdivided lots. Structuring the sale of the property in this manner increases the chances that the home and its grounds will be detroyed, although Olajuwon’s realtor recently said that some potential buyers have suggested they would retain the structure. Obstacles to the preservation of the West Mansion include: (1) it is located on Clear Lake, and thus perhaps not as prominent on the minds of Houstonians as inner-loop structures, and (2) the current owner is popular former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwan (who currently resides in Jordan, and so may not be aware of the historical and architectural significance of the property). However, the fact that the current owner is a private individual may also be a plus – Olajuwan cannot make the argument that public companies like Weingarten make, i.e., that it is obligated to its shareholders to maximize its profit.

Cushman & Wakefield property listing
1/13/06 Houston Chronicle update
10/25/06 Houston Chronicle article
12/6/06 New York Times article on Olajuwon’s real estate investing
Texas Historical Commission entry, including write-up from National Register of Historic places