Julia Ideson Building

I was here for a reception. It’s a pretty building inside with a nice courtyard.

The historic room has historic photograph collections that would really surprise you and maps of the city from way back that often tell you what business a particular lot in downtown or elsewhere was actually used for.
Historians come here to do actual historical research so you have to be quiet, but they enjoy showing people around who are interested just want to check it out.
You can also buy reproductions from the photograph and map collection.’

As a college student back home in Houston for the summer, I wanted to find a spot that reminded me of the college libraries I loved so much on campus in order to study for one of my summer school classes in peace. Any self-​respecting Longhorn will know that the UT Life Science Library is commonly referred to as «that library that looks like Hogwarts», and it was this sort of bookish and elegant atmosphere that I was searching for in Houston.
Luckily, I stumbled across a small link on Houston Public Library website with information on this same building. After looking up photos of the inside of the building, I knew that this place was a perfect match to my beloved Life Science Library back in Austin.
The building is surrounded by beautiful gates and a lovely courtyard that leads you to the front glass door. Once inside, I always love to take a deep breath of the faint old book smell that lingers in the air. The first floor contains old historic Texas maps and photography equipment on display similar to a museum that you’re allowed to explore on your own. I also believe there are guided tours of the building that you can ask the front desk about.
The second floor contains beautiful artwork on the ceiling of the foyer, with gorgeous tiny details that make this building so unique. My favorite part of this building, however, has got to be the study area on the second floor, with a high-​rise ceiling, long wood tables, antique-​style lamps, and inviting couches perfect for studying or curling up with a book. There’s also a door off the side of the study room that leads to an adorable little patio area complete with tables and chairs. Although I have yet to go up there, I believe that the third floor contains a room that can be rented out for private events, and based on the first and second floor, I bet that the third floor is just as gorgeous.
The only downside: it feels like Antarctica inside the building, so bring a jacket if you (like myself) get cold easily.

You cannot pick a better venue for any elegant event. The view, the décor and the pure beauty is enough to sell itself. However, I will say the staff and service made this venue THE premier venue in Houston.
I looked for a venue for my wedding for months. My criteria was to fit 200 people, architecturally beautiful, downtown and something fairly new. I searched high and low, far and wide and came upon this venue from a friend who read about it in the Chronicle. How lucky am I? I did not want to write a review about this place until now since I recently got married here, but now that its done and over with, I could not be anymore pleased! If you are so fortunate to have the same staff and same experience you will have an unforgettable night.

I was wandering Buffalo Bayou Park with a friend and, after crossing over the Sabine-​to-​Bagby promenade toTranquility Park, found ourselves near City Hall. I had often seen this yellow-​brick building but never realized that it was open to the public until we approached the front door.
It turns out that this building was formerly the Central Library for the Houston Public Library system until it moved to the more-​modern and bigger building right across from it. You can either do a tour or walk the around the inside on your own. The first and second floors were open for visitors, and apparently the third floor can be rented out for private events (we listened in on an event planner walking her clients around to discuss plans).
The first floor has the Texas room which contained archives of Houston and Texas history. The second floor’s reading room was gorgeous, and across from it was an exhibit room which apparently changes every few months (visitors aren’t allowed to take pictures, unfortunately). Definitely a must-​see in a tour of historic buildings downtown!

The best thing about Houston is: you could be on your lunch break wandering aimlessly through the concrete jungle that is Houston, and like a mirage you stumble upon this amazing architectual wonder that has been beautifully restored, hidden with barely anyone in it like a secret just for you.
This building is otherwise known as the Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC). Here are some photos I’ve found online:

Don’t be afraid to explore, this building has so many wonderful corners to be discovered:
— first level: Texas room has old Texas maps beautifully sketched by hand; some old photography equipment is behind the receptionist; there’s also a large study room filled with antique Children’s books, my personal favorite /​paradise;
— second level: the hall way is stunning, study room is beautiful, and a permanet exhibit section that’s well planned;
— third level: the beautiful ceiling is a must see.
Wikipedia says:” Designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram and Ferguson, Boston, the Ideson Building opened in 1926 as the Central Library for HPL; the building, exhibiting a Spanish Revival style, replaced a prior Carnegie building. The building received listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Lana Berkowitz of the Houston Chronicle stated that there are legends of the Ideson Building being haunted by the ghost of Jacob Frank Cramer, a library caretaker, and Petey, his dog.“
Here’s a link to a fascinating article about the building and the person it’s named after in honor of:

PS there are 50 min tours of the building on Thursdays at 12 and 1.