Authors in Architecture

Authors in Architecture: November 2010

Hill Country Deco: Modernistic Architecture of Central Texas presented by David Bush and Jim Parsons.

Using a host of vibrant images, David Bush and Jim Parsons’ Hill Country Deco: Modernistic Architecture of Central Texas illustrates the history and evolution of the Art Deco, Art Moderne, and WPA Deco styles in Central Texas. The sweeping curves of the Alameda Theater in San Antonio exhibit over-the-top Art Moderne styling. Austin’s U. S. Court House incorporates the refined lines of Depression-era WPA Deco, and San Antonio’s Express News Building exemplifies the classic style of what most people today call Art Deco.

The authors examine and record the artistic elements and original economic purposes of each building in the book, offering insights into architectural preservation while providing an appreciative view of sometimes overlooked corners of Central Texas. Some buildings are obscured and hardly recognizable due to unsympathetic remodeling or neglect, while others have had their Deco designs maintained through the decades or restored as new appreciation for the style has emerged.

Bush and Parsons have made it a personal mission to ensure that the readers of Hill Country Deco will, upon viewing these beautiful buildings, yearn for a road trip to some of these sites to discover Art Deco history for themselves.

David Bush was born and raised in New Orleans, where his family encouraged his appreciation of historic architecture. He holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. He has worked in preservation since 1990 with organizations in Connecticut, Florida and Texas, spending most of his career with Galveston Historical Foundation and Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. With Jim Parsons, he is co-author of the book Houston Deco: Modernistic Architecture of the Texas Coast, released in 2008.

Jim Parsons, a native of Baytown, puts his lifelong interest in Texas history and architecture to use as director of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance's Museum of Houston and volunteer chairman of its Walking Tours Program. A freelance writer, editor and photographer, Jim is co-author with David Bush of the book Houston Deco: Modernistic Architecture of the Texas Coast, released in 2008.

6pm – Authors’ Presentations
7pm – Reception and Book Signing

Architecture Center Houston 315 Capitol, Suite 120 * Houston, Texas 77002

Debuting in January 2009, Authors in Architecture is a collaboration between the Houston Public Library Downtown and the Architecture Center Houston (ArCH). Our aim is to create a dialogue between these two cultural centers and their patrons. This series is free and open to the public.