Palace Hotel
a.k.a. Askew Drug Store
216 La Branch, Houston, TX<p>The Palace Hotel, a cornerstone of Houston's early hospitality industry, opened its doors in 1893 amidst the city's burgeoning growth. Located in downtown Houston, it quickly became renowned for its opulent architecture and luxurious accommodations, attracting affluent travelers and business elites alike. Throughout its existence, the Palace underwent several expansions and renovations to keep pace with Houston's rapid development and increasing demand for upscale lodging.</p><p>The hotel played a pivotal role in Houston's social and cultural landscape, hosting important meetings, conventions, and high-profile events that shaped the city's history. As a symbol of prosperity and sophistication, the Palace Hotel stood as a testament to Houston's rise as a prominent urban center in the early 20th century. However, like many historic establishments, the Palace faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century as newer hotels emerged and travel patterns shifted. Despite its eventual closure in the 1980s and the demolition of its original building, the Palace Hotel remains a cherished memory among Houstonians and a significant part of the city's architectural and cultural heritage.</p>
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.