Friday, December 22, 2017

2017 San Fernando Hotel in Brownsville, Texas

The City of Brownsville commission recently approved $75,000 award to improve facade of the San Fernando building.  Some work has already been completed to balcony and doors (at right) previous to being awarded additional funds.  The building was built in 1877 and completed in 1886.  The add-on structure makes for an interesting tour in this building with many small rooms and areas.
 As you enter the luxurious building you encounter a bombastic cornucopia of pastel colors 


 Artwork is exhibited directly on historic brick painted walls.

There's no elevator so you'll have to take the stairs.  In fact, there are very few working elevators in many of these buildings which makes the prospect of actually renovating some of these buildings for residential living too costly to begin.  
 Looking across E Adams at the Fernandez Hide Yard building which is now the Half Moon Salon where jazz and blues can be heard.  


 There are several rooms on the second floor.

 Balcony doors.
 Top of Stairway



WoW Such complex and perfectly balance color coordinating could only be achieved by the distinction of a upscale interior decorator from New York or maybe Paris, Texas?
This looks like a game-room but looks suitable for ex-con needing to readjust to society?




 This space would make an ideal open patio on top of the building if that could be possibly done.
They used to call this the Magic Valley because it's so rich in greenery and things grow year-round.
 A wood-frame storage shed or utility room apart from complex sits on roof of building

This beautiful Victorian corner bathroom sink adds elegance to the hotel.
 There are plenty of windows in this building to let in the hot bright summer rays during our hottest summers or to allow fresh gulf breezes during the warm winter days.
Bathroom facilities are equipped to accommodate Men and "Liades" which are basically anything other than men; solving the whole "LGBT" bathroom issue before it was an "issue."
Open hallway on 2nd floor from stairs leading to room with lavatory at right-rear

These photos were taken on a whim without interviewing people to get information about what to expect once the fascade improvement is complete.  While the inside may look horrible, at least the outside will be treated to further enhance and help boost the rehabilitation of Market Square and surrounding building businesses which we hope will prosper very soon.  Additional funds will probably come from additional applications to the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation or similar funding organization.

Henry Salinas The comments seem to be "mocking" the whole concept of the building, or is it jut me being sensitive.
Brownsville Station You're being sensitive. I dont figure too many readers read it but if they do - let's see if they can grasp it. It's really about photos and seeing what's inside. Maybe I'm just not funny 
Henry Salinas Brownsville Station no problemo, I get it now......I should lighten up.

Alex Flores They are having fun with the pictures. It’s humor!
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Henry Salinas Ok , I'll buy that for now.
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Brownsville Station We post offensive things here so complaining later m,ay not be of help to you but have at it
Cande Aguilar Very cool, I remember going in there when it was occupied by an artist, her first name was, Celina, I forgot her last name. It was nice!! Probably 13-15 year ago.
Brownsville Station It looks like tenants lived in one bedroom apts and shared a sink and toilet. There might have been a bathtub in there but I didnt see it. Maybe they shared a kitchen. It would be very interesting to study the evolution of the building and how parts were added on and how it was used throughout its life. It will be given new life someday 
Cande Aguilar i believe at the time I went in there it seemed like she was taking up the whole upstairs area, not sure though
Brownsville Station Now that would be really nice to fix that up for single residence. Really nice if you love downtown that is. 
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Cande Aguilar Brownsville Station one can only dream

Jorge Lerma There should be some consideration to keeping the color layers intact with a light sanding and thick clearcoat.
Brownsville Station It depends on the restorer I guess. I think the patina looks fine on some walls. I recently saw inside of large dining room in 1870s home downtown and the restorer preserved all wood paneling except on one wall he left exposed of brick after having to effect repairs from water damage. It would be nice to see that style or preference more often rather than trying to make everything look more "modern" or brand new
Jorge Lerma Good point.
Brownsville Station Like Cande above mentioned an artist living there -- it could have been her who painted it all those colors. If it was up to me I would work with those colors when restoring and applying final touches
Michaelangelo Carmona Once restored would make for a great regional local artist museum.
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Brownsville Station Brownsville has too many artists and museums and very little people to support them but if you're thinking long into the future then YES! 
Michaelangelo Carmona Its a great space. Any idea what it will be used as?
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Brownsville Station No idea but my guesstimate since it is now owned by City of Brownsville is that they will utilize space best to serve and enhance activity at Market Square. That section on right is already suitable for a small business and up until a few months ago t...See More
Brownsville Station Dont tell them because they know that already and still work hard to change that