I see to the east of downtown Houston (probably a mile or two) is a group of buildings that appear to be railroad shop buildings. Looks like the concrete frame buildings are being removed. However, there appear to be peaked brick buildings behind those. Anybody have any info?

Also, did Houston ever have a Union Station? If so, could you provide more info?

God Bless,
Gerald W. Kopiasz

Gerald;

I can't comment on the shop buildings you saw, but I can tell you that Houston did/does have a Union Station. It is incorporated into one corner of Minutemaid park (the baseball field); this is the same ballpark that has a larger-than-life replica of a 4-4-0 that chugs down the top of one wall every time the Astros hit a home run.

One ancient brick building next to a yard filled with electrical switchgear (between Hwy 59 and Buffalo Bayou near I-10) is Gable Street Power Plant. It was first built in the 1800s; and had reciprocating engines driving generators; I think it was a streetcar plant. A massive railroad lift bridge with a huge concrete counterweight is right nearby on the other side of Hwy 59.

-James Hefner
Hebrews 10:20a

The area you are referring to is what was known for over a century as Southern Pacific Hardy Street shop complex. It has been sold to a developer to become "Hardy Place". Condos I think. The buildings and operating turntable have been scrapped within the last 2 years.