A Modernist Skyscraper Falls in South Texas

It was built in 1962 by a locally owned bank. It was a community-marking achievement — a symbol — for its place and time. It was also filled with asbestos and went through multiple owners toward the end of its productive period. Eventually, it was scooped up by a speculator and fell into a state of disrepair. At its last official County assessment, it was valued at just $100.

In the end, it cost the taxpayers of Pasadena, Texas $2.5 million to tear it down.

Does this sound familiar? It should. Much of the history of the First Pasadena State Bank building — short of the taxpayer funded demolition — is remarkably similar to Minot’s Big ‘M’ building.

For more on the story, check out the architectural history of the First Pasadena State Bank building in this article from CityLab. Houston real estate website Swamplot has more details on the final days and demolition of the building here.