Gingrich Associates Architects for the renovation of 3843 N. Braeswood Blvd., a 1960 modern office building

Other winners 2010 Kane, an 1890s "Folk Victorian" house in Old Sixth Ward 2337 Blue Bonnet, a 1937 International Style residence 2421 Brentwood, a 1929 Katharine Mott-designed home 201 Main, the former First National Bank Building Spire Realty Group for its commitment to preservation downtown 1600 Westheimer, the former Imperial Plumbing Supply Building 3842 N. Braeswood, a 1960 modern office building 4916 Main, the former Weldon Cafeteria Keck Hall (Chemistry Building), Rice University Girl Scout Troop 12357, San Jacinto Council, for research and assistance at Glenwood Cemetery John L. Nau III for his leadership in preservation AIA 25 year award: Mies van der Rohe additions to the Museum of Fine Arts Gingrich Associates Architects removed years' worth of inappropriate alterations to reveal this 1960 office building's design: a Bauhaus-inspired glass box floating on a base of stone walls and steel pipe columns. (Photo by Janice E. Ashton) More photos from this project > The project for which Gingrich Associates Architects is being honored, 3843 N. Braeswood Blvd., is an office building whose style of architecture permeated Houston in the 1960s. It became so familiar that it is taken for granted by most Houstonians. You may be surprised to learn that Houston has lost many of these 1960s icons, and many more are endangered. Kerry Gingrich, of Gingrich Associates Architects, has designed many historical renovations in Houston and in Galveston. He realized that the time had come to save some of the disappearing reminders of an important chapter in Houston's commercial history. Studying the building at 3843 N. Braeswood, he recognized the original structure — a Bauhaus-influenced glass box floating above a first floor of stone walls and steel pipe columns. Gingrich stripped away the inappropriate additions that had been made to the design through the years and returned the building to the essence of 1960s modern Houston architecture. Care was taken not only in the design, but in choosing materials characteristic of Houston in that time period. Thanks to his efforts, this beautifully restored building will provide 21st century businesses with the same attractive and efficient office space enjoyed by Houstonians almost 50 years ago. Kerry Gingrich has demonstrated his foresight and vision in stepping up to save this architectural style so closely associated with an exciting time in Houston's history. Greater Houston Preservation Alliance awards him this Good Brick in the hope that others will follow his example. See more photos from this project > Next winner: 4916 Main > Text: Martha Peterson Copyright 2003, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance This year's sponsors > GHPA home >