Rusty Steam Engine cloaked in white sheets

THE NAU CENTER EXHIBIT THAT'S NOT BEING EXHIBITED 

Southern Pacific Locomotive No. 982 under wraps

The old Southern Pacific steam engine was donated decades ago and used to be parked on the shore of the lake in Hermann Park, quietly rusting away. It was only recently that it has been "gift-wrapped"; -- at its current interim resting place between the GRB Convention Center and the MinuteMaid Stadium. Presumably, it's all for good: To keep it from crumbling, while the Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, of which it was to be an exhibit, is on hold. In the meantime, the conventioneers and sundry out-of-towners must be wondering what's hidden under the big white sheets.  

The tourists must be wondering what's been hidden inside 

 Southern Pacific Locomotive No. 982 under wraps 

and in limbo (above); undergoing conservation

work in June 2014 (below). 

Locomotive with scaffolding before the wrapping: Summer 2014 

ARCHIVAL STEAM ENGINE PIC 

Southern Pacific Railroad Logo on RR Bridge in Memorial Park 

Meanwhile nearby another truly historic piece - a piece of significant architecture, rather than locomotive engineering - has been demolished: The Incarnate Word Academy Building, dating from 1905. 

  

At least the old house on Nau Center grounds itself has been spared such an ignominious fate. It sits there patiently, awaiting much-needed restoration work, with a section tarped (unlike the locomotive, its cover is black) and the chimney shored up ... while the high-rise residential and hotel construction frenzy proceeds unabated nearby. 

That Old House in front of the Minute Maid Ballpark 

What's on Lower Westheimer at Mulberry Street? - A popular spot to pose and have picture taken

Westheimer at Mulberry
Stop here and admire the biscuitpaintwall 

The biscuitpaintwall on Lower Westheimer 

Color photography at the Biscuit Paint Wall  

1435 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77006 Biscuit Home - Store front pic 

High-resolution pic of biscuitpaintwall at 1435 Westheimer Biscuit Store 

Buffalo Bayou riverwalk trails and green spaces on both sides in the Downtown Houston area

Buffalo Bayou access point with metal art work overhead 

Buffalo Bayou with Kayak port - Houston Ballet buildings
in background 

A major landmark overlooking Buffalo Bayou Downtown Houston: UHD aka
University of Houston Downtown, formerly M & M Building

Looking across Buffalo Bayou from the West near
Aquarium and Franklin Street Post Office

Descent to lower bayou bank with artistic boat-theme design

Preston Ave Bayou Bridge with artistic metal structures
at The Wortham Center 

Market Square Park in Downtown Houston Historic District in the Summer (photos)

 Clock Tower at Market Square

 Sidewalk water feature - Congress Ave at Market Square

looking East toward Hotel Icon and Clock Tower

Sculpture at Market Square against cloudy sky

Looking across Market Square from the South end

Restaurants in old buildings lining Travis Street at Market Squar

Colorful wall art at Treabeards Eatery

Sculptures of animals around town

One of two watch dogs a the historic
Pillot House in Sam Houston Park 

American Eagle at Federal Reserve Branch location on Allen Parkway

Dog sculpture at Market Square near enclosed section reserved
for dogs of various sizes and their owners; Niko Niko's in background

 Coyotes of the bronze variety in Sam Houston Park

Houston Rodeo Downtown Parade 2014 (photos)

McGovern Lake at Hermann Park with Water jet fountain at center

McGovern Lake on a nice day in March

Ducks and coots at Lake in Herman Park

Looking across the lake with Hotel Zaza in the distance

Sundown at the Lake

Ducks and Geese at McGovern Lake in Hermann Park

McGovern Lake at Hermann Park - panoramic view looking toward
Sam Houston Monument and Hotel Zaza