Battelstein's

Battelstein's is a historic commercial skyscraper located in downtown Houston, Texas, originally established as a department store in 1924 by Jewish immigrant Philip Battelstein. The building, which started as a two-story structure, was expanded to ten stories between 1934 and 1950, showcasing a blend of Modern and International architectural styles designed by notable architects Joseph Finger and George Rustay. Once a thriving retail hub, Battelstein's faced decline in the 1970s due to increased crime and competition from suburban malls, leading to its closure in 1981. After years of vacancy and various uses, it was purchased by a neighboring hotel in 2019. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, making it a significant landmark for both tourists and researchers interested in Houston's commercial history.