Demolition of a Houston Landmark
A building in Houston’s Third Ward, which featured a mural of George Floyd, was recently demolished. The mural, which was painted on the side of the building, was a tribute to Floyd, who grew up in the Third Ward and was murdered by a police officer in Minnesota in 2020.
A Home for the Homeless
The building, which was located on the corner of Elgin and Ennis streets, had been a home for a man named Bobby for several years. Bobby, who is homeless, had been living in the abandoned laundromat and had grown attached to the mural. "They did such a fantastic job [painting the mural]," Bobby said. "I’m homeless and there was a laundromat there, so I was living inside. And now I’m more homeless."
A Tribute to George Floyd
The mural, which was painted by artist Zack Murray, took up the entire side of the building along Elgin Street. It featured a portrait of Floyd, as well as the names of two other Black women who died at the hands of police: Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland. Floyd’s murder sparked nationwide protests and renewed discussions about race relations and police brutality in the United States.
The Demolition
The demolition of the building came just days before the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death. The owner of the property could not be reached for comment, and online deed records indicate that the property was last sold in January 2020. The community was not given a chance to try and preserve the mural, which has sparked outrage among some residents.
Reaction from the Community
Raúl Ramos, an associate professor of history at the University of Houston, discussed the mural on Houston Matters and said it was tragic to see it demolished along with the building. "I think that it’s about an organic expression of grief and an expression of community in particular," Ramos said. "We’re looking for ways of representing our community, our neighbors, at a time when that feels unstable, it feels like it’s changing, and the mural had provided that kind of anchor."
The Impact on the Homeless
The demolition of the building has also raised concerns among the homeless community. Stevie Santiago, who occupies another dilapidated structure in the Third Ward, said he is worried that he could soon be without shelter. "I kind of always knew it was going to happen,” Santiago said. “You know, buildings condemn. Obviously, I didn’t plan to be on the streets this long. … Living there is better than the streets."
The Evolution of the Third Ward
The demolition is part of the ongoing evolution of the Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood. New structures have been built along Elgin Street, and other buildings, like the historic Riverside General Hospital, are being redeveloped. Preservation organizations and elected representatives have grappled over how to invest in the Third Ward without making sweeping changes to the historic neighborhood.
Conclusion
The demolition of the building featuring the George Floyd mural is a loss for the community. The mural was a tribute to Floyd and a symbol of the community’s grief and resilience. The demolition has also raised concerns among the homeless community, who are worried about their own shelter and stability. As the Third Ward continues to evolve, it is essential to find a balance between development and preservation, ensuring that the community’s history and culture are protected and respected.
