On November 23, 1965 a line of cars parked along the feeder road of the Gulf Freeway near the Almeda-Genoa overpass to stand around a large empty field on a warm, sunny day.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6430
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
At the time, the field was punctuated only by a small makeshift stage and a large sign announcing the coming excitement.
Less than a year later, that field had been turned into this:
September 28, 1966
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6421
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
There was no Almeda Mall, just "Foley's Fourth" (the third satellite store).
At the time, it was officially known as Foley's Almeda-Genoa.
October 2, 1966
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6427
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Here's the coverage for the Houston Chamber of Commerce magazine in October, 1966:
Foley's Almeda-Genoa -- Foley's fourth store and third suburban branch -- opened in early October with a ceremony attended by a large group of businessman, city dignitaries, Foley's officials and other guests. A "ribbon" of azaleas was snipped by Mayor Louis Welch at the grand opening.
The two-story, 209,000-square-foot store -- set in a grove of transplanted palms -- is the first building to be constructed in the proposed Almeda-Genoa Shopping City which will occupy a 56-acre tract at Gulf Freeway and Almeda-Genoa Road (approximately 12 miles from downtown Houston).
The "contemporary Southwest" exterior of the store was designed by Lloyd, Morgan & Wright. The architectural firm said it combined all the influences that are the heritage of Texas - Indian, Spanish and French -- to achieve a look that is "singularly Southwest." The brick facade is the color of adobe and strikingly simple. A series of tall, narrow classic archways -- 24 in all -- parallel three sides of the store. Each archway is hung with an enormous turquoise awning especially designed by the architects.
The fourth side of the store will ultimately open into a 200,000-square foot mall which will be lined with shops and stores. J.C. Penney Company will construct the department store at the other end of the mall.
President Milton Berman of Foley's -- pointing out that studies have shown there are approximately 35,000 persons residing within 15 minutes driving time of the site -- said, "The population within this 15-minute driving time radius increased at an average annual rate of 18.1% from 1950 to 1960, as compared with the average annual growth of 5.4% for Harris County during the same period."
The completion of the Almeda-Genoa store gives Foley's a total of about two million square feet of floor space in the downtown store and three branches. Foley's is now preparing to begin construction of a fourth branch store -- Foley's Northwest -- which again will be the anchor for a regional shopping city.
Foley's Almeda Genoa consists of five shopping areas -- women's fashions and accessories, men's wear, children's wear, smallwares (including records and radios) and home furnishings (including furniture, carpets, draperies and housewares).
A 100-seat auditorium on the first floor will be the setting for programs, fashion shows, and meetings. The store also has a beauty salon, bridal salon, pharmacy, ticket center and watch repair shop. A post office sub-station will open soon.
The Terrace -- a restaurant with a Caribbean decor -- combines a dining room and coffee ship on the second floor.
In addition to the store, there will be a Foley's tire and auto accessories center constructed on the site. "
Bob Bailey photographed the interior of the store, as well. I wish you were able to get as zoomed in as I'm able to see the amazing detail.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6422
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
The jewelry counter, with Mr. Bailey's back to the wall that would eventually lead into the mall. The escalator sign is far right. Sadly, there were no photographs of the mural over the escalator among the negatives.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6423
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Upstairs, among the built-in arches and canopies, is an expansive view of "Domestics" including at left, Linens, at right China, and, back center, Silver.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6424
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Another corner of Domestics with a better view of the aztec sun motif (carried out in the mural over the escalator that I cannot find a photograph of... yet). Side note: we need to bring back the wearing of hats, everywhere, all the time.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6425
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
What surprised me is that there are no photographs of The Terrace. More digging needed.
But, of course, the best find of all, and even though they've been featured in their own post, two lovely photographs of the Children's Shoe Department.
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6420
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
by permission, Bob Bailey Studios Photographic Archive, e_bb_6426
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
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