The West Houston Archives

 

   Farm to Market road 1960 is a road in northwest Harris County that runs primarily east/west between US 290 and the town of Dayton, TX.  It officially begins on the west side at the US 290 freeway, but because of its seamless transition into State Highway 6 at this intersection, many assume SH6 and FM 1960 to be the same road, but they are actually separate.  From 290, the road travels east, intersecting with Tomball Parkway (249), Interstate 45, and US 59.  

   Before FM 1960, there was Jackrabbit Road, a two lane blacktop road that started at Spencer Rd. (now called FM 529), and ran north to Hempstead Highway, where it turned to the east.  The name was given to the road because of the abundance of jackrabbits that roamed wild in the area back in the early 20th century. So far as I can tell, the name Jackrabbit only applied to part of the corridor, everything west of FM 149 (now called 249, or Tomball Parkway).

   East of FM 149, the road had several different names as it crossed towns like Bammel, Atascocita, and Humble.  The actual FM 1960 designation did not come around until about 1951, though it took a while to stick.  Local residents used the name Jackrabbit Road for many decades after the inception of FM 1960.   The official western terminus of FM 1960 was Hempstead Rd., and the remainder of Jackrabbit Rd., which ran south to FM 529, was not included as part of FM 1960.  Around 1968, State Highway 6 was extended north to Hempstead Rd., where it finally merged seamlessly with FM 1960, leaving the small portion of Jackrabbit Road as a secondary street.  This is why the Jackrabbit Road you see today is still only two lanes wide.  Its only purpose is to serve a few residential and commercial establishments along the way.  

   Most of FM 1960 was still a two lane blacktop road through the 1960's and 70's, with relatively few traffic signals compared to today, but as residential areas like Champions and Ponderosa Forest began to grow, the road had to expand, and accommodate the multitude of new intersections crossing it.  By the 1980's, most of FM 1960 west of US 59 had become heavily developed, with shopping centers and other businesses lining both sides of the road for miles.  Today, there are a few small patches of forest and prairie on the sides of FM 1960, but the majority of the corridor is completely gridlocked with traffic.  Sometime around 2011, the local Chamber of Commerce decided to relabel part of FM 1960 as Cypress Creek Parkway, but many of the local residents did not agree with, or understand the need for this name change.  

   While I wished I could have found photos of FM 1960 before it was expanded into a six lane concrete corridor, I found almost nothing useful in the way of pictures for my web pages.  However, I did most of my photography between 2005 and 2012, capturing at least a small period of time for future viewers to see.  The missed opportunity to see this road in its early days is what prompted me to begin documenting roads like Barker Cypress and Fry, which are still in their infancy.

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Album 07 Pic 01.jpg : Chevron station at southeast corner of FM 1960 and US 290, March 2005.  This is the original gas station prior to rebuilding.

Album 07 Pic 02.jpg : The same Chevron station being reconstructed in early 2006.

Album 07 Pic 22.jpg : The new Chevron & Speedy Stop at FM 1960 and US 290, June 2009.

Album 07 Pic 29.jpg : Northeast corner of FM 1960 and US 290, undeveloped as of Jan. 2012.

Album 07 Pic 23.jpg : Crossroads McDonald's on FM 1960 near US 290, June 2009.

Album 07 Pic 30.jpg : Crossroads Academy sporting goods store, behind the McDonald's, Jan. 2012.  Also present in this shopping center is Staples office supplies, Mancuso Harley-Davidson, Luby's, and Carino's Country Italian Restaurant (formerly Johnny Carino's).

Album 07 Pic 34.jpg : Raceway (formerly Racetrac), a filling station and convenience store next to Denny's that opened in the mid 1990's.

Album 07 Pic 24.jpg : Crossroads Denny's Restaurant near Wortham Blvd., June 2009.

Album 07 Pic 25.jpg : Chase Bank at southwest corner of FM 1960 and Wortham Blvd., June 2009.  The building was built in the 1980's.

Album 07 Pic 03.jpg : Burger King, southeast corner of FM 1960 and Wortham Blvd., June 2009. This is the original building, which was demolished in November 2015.

Album 07 Pic 31.jpg : Holiday Inn Express & Suites, immediately neighboring Burger King to the east, Jan. 2012.

Album 07 Pic 32.jpg : Northeast corner of FM 1960 and Wortham Blvd., Jan. 2012.  In the photo are Brewski's Pub, Texadelphia Cheesesteaks (closed circa 2014), and Gametime Haircuts.  

Album 07 Pic 33.jpg : Blue Water Seafood Restaurant, at the same corner, Jan. 2012.  This space was previously occupied by Rico's Mexican restaurant in 2007.

Album 07 Pic 05.jpg : Crossroads Carwash, Nov. 2006.  This facility was torn down and replaced by "Eco Suds" several years later.

Album 07 Pic 06.jpg : Crossroads Carwash, Nov. 2006.  Facing east along FM 1960 towards Eldridge Parkway.

Apr 2005 007.jpg : FM 1960 facing east towards Eldridge, April 2005

Apr 2005 009.jpg : FM 1960 and Eldridge southwest corner, before Target and Home Depot were built, Apr. 2005.

Apr 2005 010.jpg : FM 1960 and Eldridge southwest corner, before Target and Home Depot were built, Apr. 2005.

Album 07 Pic 07.jpg : The future location of the Eldridge Target store, Feb. 2006.

Album 07 Pic 12.jpg : The Target store on Eldridge near FM 1960, shortly after its grand opening.

Album 07 Pic 08.jpg : The Home Depot on Eldridge & FM 1960 in its final construction phase, early 2006.

Album 07 Pic 09.jpg : The restaurant cluster being developed on the southwest corner of Eldridge & FM 1960, in 2006.  Looking west from Car Spa, this chain of restaurants would soon include a Sonic, Panda Express, and Steak & Shake (closed 2015).

SteakShake 003.jpg : The same restaurant cluster being developed in January 2007, before ground was broken on Steak 'N Shake.

SteakShake 012.jpg : The basic plywood phase of Steak & Shake under construction, early 2008.

SteakShake 008.jpg : Steak & Shake under construction, April 2008, facing FM 1960 from the rear of the property.

Album 07 Pic 27.jpg : Car Spa, southwest corner of FM 1960 and Eldridge, June 2009.  Car Spa opened in the year 2000.

CarSpa 019.jpg : The main entrance of Car Spa's store, March 2009.

Album 07 Pic 14.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 from Eldridge, March 2009.

Album 07 Pic 15.jpg : The northwest corner of FM 1960 and Eldridge, March 2009.  This Sound Fitness had a short lifespan as an Eckerd Drugstore before Eckerd went out of business, and from the 1980's until 2004, this corner was the original home of John Eagle Honda, which was the first business ever built at this intersection.

2000 057.jpg : A photo of mine from June 2000, traveling east on FM 1960 towards Eldridge, showing the original John Eagle Honda dealership on the left.

Jan 2014a 098.JPG : Windermere Lakes, a subdivision near FM 1960 and Eldridge, Jan. 2014.

Jan 2014a 099.JPG : Aerial photo of FM 1960 and Eldridge, facing north, Jan. 2014.

Dec 2008 014.jpg : Aftermath of a serious multi-vehicle accident at FM 1960 and Eldridge, Dec. 8, 2008. 

Dec 2008 020.jpg : Another photo from the same collision.

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Album 07 Pic 18.jpg : Jack in the Box at FM 1960 & Eldridge, June 2009.

Album 08 Pic 28.jpg : Kohl's Department Store, northeast corner of FM 1960 and Eldridge, Jan. 2012.

Album 08 Pic 33.jpg : Panera Bread, northeast corner of FM 1960 & Eldridge, Jan. 2012.

Album 07 Pic 20.jpg : Facing west along FM 1960 from Windermere Lakes Blvd., June 2009.

Album 07 Pic 21.jpg : Facing west along FM 1960, just east of Eldridge, June 2009.

Album 08 Pic 22.jpg : Taco Bell on FM 1960 near Windermere Lakes Blvd, in its first year of business. (July 2011)

Album 08 Pic 30.jpg : The lots immediately east of Taco Bell, Jan. 2012.  Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is under construction to the right.

Album 08 Pic 24.jpg : Southwest corner of FM 1960 & Windermere Lakes Blvd., July 2011.  In view is Firehouse Subs, and shuddered Guaranty Bank.

Album 08 Pic 32.jpg : Retail strip on the north side of FM 1960 and Windermere Lakes Blvd, Jan. 2012.  In view is an AT&T & Cricket Wireless outlet, H&R Block, Rooster's Barber Shop, Sugar Blossom Treats, and Pediatric Healthcare.  This strip was built around 2005.

Album 08 Pic 29.jpg : Pei Wei Asian Restaurant, in the same retail strip as previous photo.  Also pictured are Edible Arrangements, Lenny's Sandwich Shop, and Dahn Yoga.

Album 08 Pic 23.jpg : FM 1960 & Windermere Lakes Blvd., July 2011.

Album 08 Pic 31.jpg : Comerica Bank at FM 1960 & Windermere Lakes Blvd., Jan. 2012.

Album 08 Pic 03.jpg : Looking east along FM 1960 from Fallbrook Dr., June 2009.

Album 08 Pic 01.jpg: Shuddered car dealership on FM 1960 near Fallbrook, formerly the home of Texan Lincoln-Mercury. (March 2005)

Album 08 Pic 02.jpg : Another photo of the old Texan Lincoln-Mercury dealership. (March 2005)

Album 08 Pic 04.jpg : Beck & Masten GMC/Pontiac/Buick on FM 1960 near Fallbrook, Sept. 2008.  The dealership has been operating here since the early 1980's, and finally removed the Pontiac namesake from their signage in 2010 following the discontinuation of the brand.

Album 08 Pic 05.jpg : Beck & Masten, Sept. 2008.

Album 08 Pic 06.jpg : A row of brand new 2009 GMC Yukons at Beck & Masten, Sept. 2008.  Beck & Masten rebuilt the entire facility around 2012/2013.

Album 08 Pic 27.jpg : Formerly Vitulli's Italian Restaurant, this corner outlet on FM 1960 near Jones Rd. was most recently operating as "Cajun Tails" when photographed in July 2011.

Album 08 Pic 26.jpg : The Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant, on the southwest corner of FM 1960 & Jones Rd. in the Steeplechase shopping center, 2009.  The Black Eyed Pea had been in business at this location for over thirty years before it closed in November 2015.  During it's lifespan, it suffered a fire as well as a ceiling collapse.

Album 08 Pic 17.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 from the Dairy Queen parking lot near Jones Rd., May 2009.

Album 08 Pic 10.jpg : Steeplechase Dairy Queen, March 2005.  This is one of the first establishments at this intersection, opened in the early 1970's.

Album 08 Pic 11.jpg : Steeplechase Dairy Queen, March 2005, other angle.

Album 08 Pic 07.jpg : Looking northeast at FM 1960 and Jones Rd., Sept. 2008.  Taco Cabana is visible on the northwest corner.

Album 08 Pic 08.jpg: Steeplechase Target (now closed), still open for business when this photo was taken in March 2005.  It opened in the early 1980's.

Album 08 Pic 09.jpg : Steeplechase Target boarded up and closed, June 2009.  The newer Eldridge Target took over its duties in 2008.

Jan 2014a 097.JPG : Aerial photo of FM 1960 and Jones Rd. intersection, Jan. 2014.

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Jul 2012 103.jpg : Hobby Lobby & Walgreens at the SE corner of FM 1960 and Jones, July 2012.

Jul 2012 102.jpg : Wendy's, at the SE corner of FM 1960 and Jones, July 2012.

Album 09 Pic 27.jpg : Hartz Chicken Buffet on FM 1960 east of Jones Rd., July 2011.

Album 09 Pic 28.jpg : Taco Bell/Long John Silvers on FM 1960 east of Jones Rd., July 2011.

Jul 2012 105.jpg : The same building, July 2012, operating as Babe's.

 

 

Album 09 Pic 24.jpg : Looking east along FM 1960 from Perry Rd., with McDonald's restaurant in view. April 2009.

Album 09 Pic 40.jpg : Prime Time Steakhouse, on the south side of FM 1960, east of Perry Rd., July 2011.  This building began as a Red Lobster during the early 1980's, and the steakhouse took over operations during the 1990's.

Album 9A Pic 02.JPG : FM 1960 at Meadow Vista Ln., facing west, 2011.

Album 9A Pic 15.JPG : Binswanger Glass, at the corner of FM 1960 and Meadow Vista Ln., 2011.

   Meadow Vista Ln. was named for the subdivision it leads to, which was constructed during the 1950's.  Meadow Vista is an unusual blend of residential homes, industrial warehouses, and small business complexes.  The area had succumbed to urban decay during the 1980's, and became synonymous with Hispanic gang activity and drug trafficking during the 1990's.  In 2010, TxDOT acquired several tracts of land along the outer edges of Meadow Vista for replatting as commercial lots, which involved the demolition of several decaying mid-century homes.

Album 9A Pic 13.JPG : A sign posted near the entrance of Meadow Vista giving residents notice of a public hearing regarding the replatting of several lots for commercial development, 2010.

Album 9A Pic 14.JPG : One of the condemned houses in Meadow Vista, which backs up to FM 1960.  Home was still standing in July 2011.

Album 09 Pic 39.jpg : FM 1960, eastbound between Meadow Vista & Solon Rd., July 2011.    

Album 09 Pic 38.jpg : FM 1960, eastbound at Solon Rd., July 2011.

Album 09 Pic 37.jpg : Sports Authority sporting goods store, southwest corner of FM 1960 & Mills Rd, July 2011.  The store was originally Oshman's.

Album 09 Pic 43.jpg : FM 1960 & Mills Rd., facing southeast from Mills Rd., March 2010. The Burlington Coat Factory in the left of the photo was originally a Home Depot store, which opened in the 1980's on an otherwise empty lot.

Album 09 Pic 57.jpg : Northwest corner of FM 1960 & Mills Rd. undeveloped, March 2010.

Oct 2009 073.jpg : Approaching the FM 1960/SH 249 interchange from the west. (Oct. 2009). Auto Zone is visible on the far right.

   If you grew up along the 1960 corridor in the 60s or 70s, you may recall the auto salvage yard at the northeast corner of 1960 and Mills Rd., where there is now a Burlington Coat Factory and a LaQuinta Inn.  This was Proctor Brothers, which operated, according to old aerial imagery, from the late 1950's up through about 1980.  The 1981 imagery shows an empty lot with a few dozen cars, but the land was jam packed with auto corpses back in the 1960's and 70's.  New environmental constraints on facilities handling hazardous auto waste forced the randomly scattered junkyards to congregate in known salvage districts, and disappear from the back roads of Harris County. Until 2012, the original concrete slab from the salvage yard building was still visible in the empty field, but a LaQuinta was built over it.

Album 09 Pic 58.jpg : This concrete slab in an empty field along FM 1960 (between Mills Rd. & SH 249) is all that remains of Proctor Bros. Auto Salvage, a local junkyard that operated here between the mid 1960's and the late 70's.

Album 09 Pic 59.jpg : Another photo of the slab, which used to be the foundation for the office/warehouse at Proctor Bros. salvage yard.

Album 09 Pic 60.jpg : Another photo of the slab with FM 1960 in the background, July 2011.  

Album 09 Pic 78.jpg : A different view of the empty lot that was once Proctor Bros. Auto Salvage, facing west from the eastern side of the lot, June 2011.

Album 10 Pic 01.jpg : Circuit City, March 2009.  This was the newer location at the southwest corner of FM 1960 and SH 249, the original location being located on the opposite side of SH 249 along the northbound frontage road.

Oct 2009 075.jpg : Circuit City, Oct. 2009.

Oct 2009 076.jpg : Other stores on the southwest corner of FM 1960 and SH 249, including Pier 1, Pet Smart, and Golf Galaxy. (Oct. 2009)

Album 10 Pic 27.jpg : A bird's eye view of FM 1960, looking west from the SH 249 overpass, June 2011.  This intersection was completed in 1997 with FM 1960 passing underneath SH 249 below grade level.  Prior to 1997, all FM 1960 traffic had a stoplight at this intersection.

Aug 2013a 064.jpg : Aerial photo of FM 1960 and SH-249, facing west, August 2013.

Aug 2013a 065.jpg : Aerial photo of FM 1960 passing by Willowbrook Mall, August 2013.

Aug 2013a 066.jpg : Aerial photo of FM 1960 at SH-249, facing north along 249, August 2013.

Jan 2014a 094.JPG : Aerial photo of FM 1960 and Mills Rd. intersection, facing west, Jan. 2014. New gas station being built at the corner.

Jan 2014a 095.JPG : Aerial photo of FM 1960, facing west from Mills Rd., Jan. 2014.

Jan 2014a 096.JPG : One of the few undeveloped tracts of land along FM 1960 between US 290 and SH 249. (Jan. 2014)

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WILLOWBROOK MALL  

 Willowbrook Mall was constructed in 1980 near the southeast corner of FM 1960 and SH 249 to cater to the rapid development of subdivisions growing around the FM 1960 corridor.  The mall officially opened in 1981 with over a hundred individual retail outlets, a movie theater, and four anchor stores, Foley's, Joske's, Sears, and Montgomery Ward.  Three years later in 1984, Macy's opened as the fifth anchor store for the mall.

   In 1992, Willowbrook mall underwent major renovations, getting rid of the stained glass windows in the food court, and a giant brass sculpture that resembled a partially constructed "Death Star" from the original Star Wars trilogy.   The department store anchors did some trading, swapping, adding, and subtracting over the years, and this is my account of those changes.

-Macy's opened in 1984, and then sold their space to Dillard's in 1997.  Dillard's continues to operate in the original Macy's building.

-Montgomery Ward opened in 1981, but went out of business in 2001.  Their building later became Macy's Men's & Home Department in 2006.

-Sears opened in 1981, and continues to operate from its original location.

-Joske's was replaced by Lord & Taylor in 1992, and Lord & Taylor went out of business in 2003.  The building was demolished in early 2004.

-JC Penney opened in 1992.

-Foley's opened in 1981, and lasted until 2003.  In 2006, it was taken over by Macy's.

-The Cinema theater closed around 1999, and was located near the food court.

 

Album 10 Pic 5.jpg : Sears Department Store at Willowbrook Mall, Aug. 2008.  This is the only surviving anchor store in its original location.

Album 10 Pic 6.jpg : The parking lot near the food court at Willowbrook Mall, Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 7.jpg : Macy's Department Store at Willowbrook Mall, which was originally Foley's when the mall opened in 1981.

Apr 2012 085.jpg : One of the west entrances to the mall with a built in Los Cucos restaurant.  The restaurant space was previously occupied by Casa Ole'.

Apr 2012 086.jpg : Another photo of Macy's exterior.

Album 10 Pic 12.jpg : The old marquee sign for the Willowbrook Cinema, which still stands along FM 1960 near the railroad crossing, Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 9.jpg : A free-standing bank building on FM 1960 in front of Willowbrook Mall that has since been demolished, Aug. 2008.

Mar 2012 014.jpg : The Olive Garden, built on the mall side of FM 1960 during the 1980's.

Album 10 Pic 24.jpg : The north side of FM 1960 across the street from Willowbrook Mall, July 2011.  In this photo are Panda Express, Beck's Prime, and Al's Formal Wear.  This shopping center was also the original location of the AMC Willowbrook Cinema until the new location was built in 2001 on the other side of SH 249.  

Mar 2012 008.jpg : The March 2012 demolition of the old AMC Theater, and the adjacent building in the shopping plaza directly behind the Chipotle/Starbucks.

Mar 2012 009.jpg : Another photo of the demolition.

Mar 2012 010.jpg : The Room Store, also defunct as of early 2012.  This space was once occupied by Children's Palace, a discount toy store that used to sell slightly older toys than the big name stores.  

Mar 2012 012.jpg : The Chipotle burrito restaurant in Willowbrook, Mar. 2012.

Ike 34.jpg : This photo, taken during the morning after Hurricane Ike made landfall on Sept. 13, 2008, shows a fallen power pole in the middle of FM 1960 across from Willowbrook Mall.  Most of the traffic signals along FM 1960 were out for many days following the hurricane.

Album 10 Pic 10.jpg : FM 1960, looking east from the intersection of Breton Ridge Dr., June 2009.  The Jared jewelry store at this intersection started life as a "Two Pesos" restaurant, which was similar to Taco Cabana.

Album 10 Pic 26.jpg : Looking south along the railroad where it crosses FM 1960 near Willowbrook Mall, July 2011.

Album 10 Pic 16.jpg : Looking north along the railroad where it crosses FM 1960, March 2009.

Album 10 Pic 15.jpg : The Willowbrook Toys 'R Us on FM 1960, which opened around 1982.  In 2011, they moved to a new location along the SH 249 frontage road, and Big Lots took over the lease on the thirty year old building.  Photo from Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 25.jpg : Willowbrook Best Buy, on the north side of FM 1960 at the railroad crossing, July 2011.  Before there was Best Buy, this lot of land was occupied by 84 Lumber, which lasted into the late 1980's.  Best Buy rebuilt their store around 2002, recognizing a need for increased parking capacity.

Album 10 Pic 18.jpg : Whataburger, next door to Best Buy, Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 19.jpg : Willowbrook Pappasitos & Pappadeaux restaurants, Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 20.jpg : Willowbrook Star Furniture outlet, opened around 1980. Photo Aug. 2008.

Album 10 Pic 21.jpg : Willowbrook Chik-Fil-A, at the southwest corner of FM 1960 and Cutten Rd., Aug. 2008.

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Album 11 Pic 03.jpg : Today's Vision, Champions Park Plaza. (March 2009)

Album 11 Pic 04.jpg : SRO Sports Bar & Cafe, Champions Park Plaza, Aug. 2008.  This business has closed.

Album 11 Pic 05.jpg : Robbins Bros. engagement ring store, FM 1960 near Cutten Rd., May 2009.  This photo was taken during a police response. 

Album 11 Pic 06.jpg : Three small businesses on the south side of FM 1960 east of Cutten Rd., Sept. 2008.  Soon after this photo was taken, they were demolished, and I am still in the process of figuring out what they were, and how long they had been standing.  I would estimate since the 1970's, when the area developed.

Album 11 Pic 07.jpg : Golden Bank, FM 1960 near Shiloh Church Rd., Apr. 2009.  The empty lot in the foreground used to be a truck accessory store, and behind it was the original location of Pinnacle Auto Body, which later moved to Veterans Memorial Drive.

Oct 2009 069.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 near Shiloh Church Rd. (Oct. 2009)

Album 11 Pic 36.jpg : Mister Car Wash, which opened during the 1970's on FM 1960 near Cutten Rd. (Aug. 2008)

Album 11 Pic 38.jpg : Mister Car Wash.  The posts on the roof of the building once held huge yellow glass lanterns, but after enough of them broke or were damaged by storms, the car wash replaced them with the far less regal red and blue flags. (Aug. 2008)

Jul 2012 051.jpg : This building was once a music store for the Champions area, built in the 1970's near the northwest corner of FM 1960 and Champions Dr.  Today it is still in use by other tenants.

Jul 2012 054.jpg : This Verizon store, formerly Washington Mutual Bank, was once the home of Panjo's Pizza, a favorite eatery for residents of the Champions area during the 1970's.

Jul 2012 055.jpg : Clementine's Restaurant at FM 1960 and Champions Dr., which has been open since the 1970's. (July 2012)

Jul 2012 056.jpg : This Party City was once a Gerland's Food Fair. (July 2012)

Album 11 Pic 08.jpg : An easy recognizable sign for Joe's Golf House, on the north side of FM 1960 near Champions Dr. (Aug. 2008).  This business has since closed or moved.

Jul 2012 057.jpg : Facing west along FM 1960 near Champions Dr. (July 2012)

Jul 2012 059.jpg : The NW corner of FM 1960 and Champions Dr. (July 2012).  Before this Walgreens existed, there was an Exxon station here that was around since the 1970's.

Jul 2012 058.jpg : FM 1960 at Champions Dr., where the Champions Golf Course begins. (July 2012)

Jul 2012 060.jpg : FM 1960 at Champions Dr. facing east along FM 1960. (July 2012)

Album 11 Pic 10.jpg : Firestone repair shop on the south side of FM 1960 near Duncan Rd. (Aug. 2008)

Jul 2012 165.jpg : Aerial photograph of FM 1960 over Champions Golf Course, circa 2009.  Also visible in this photo are some of the businesses along 1960, including Brake Check, Mr. Sticker, and Blue Water Seafood.

Album 11 Pic 11.jpg : The Lighting Gallery, at the corner of FM 1960 and Duncan Rd. (now called Hollister Rd.), August 2008.  Obvious 1970's architectural design.

Album 11 Pic 09.jpg : Looking east along FM 1960 from Duncan Rd., (Aug. 2008)

Album 11 Pic 14.jpg : This restaurant on FM 1960 east of Duncan Rd. originally began as Ignacio's Mexican Restaurant.  When this April 2009 photo was taken, it was operating as Floyd's Seafood. After Floyd's closed down, the building went up for lease but was vandalized repeatedly.

Album 11 Pic 13.jpg : Blue Water Seafood, in the Champion West Shopping Center, June 2009.  Blue Water was made from an old Hartz Chicken Buffet. Also visible in the photo is Hot Rod's Bar, a small pub with a muscle car & motorcycle theme that opened around 2007.

Album 11 Pic 15.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 at a trio of businesses, Mr. Sticker, Brake Check, Floyd's Seafood, and in the distance is the Champion West Shopping Center.  The Brake Check, which was built in 2006, was previously the site of Texas Grand Prize BBQ.  Texas Grand Prize opened up their restaurant out of an old Pizza Hut, and during the early 1990's, my mom sang in a duet at the restaurant on Friday nights.  This photo was taken in Aug. 2008.

Album 11 Pic 16.jpg : Mr. Sticker, a vehicle inspection station on FM 1960 that previously operated as a fast-lube oil change business.  It was opened in 1987 as "Minit Lube", and was later changed to Q-Lube.  This station no longer performs oil changes, and the lower bays have been closed off. (Jul. 2007)

Album 11 Pic 28.jpg : Cycle Spectrum, on the north side of FM 1960 bordering Champions Golf Course. (Aug. 2008)

Album 11 Pic 29.jpg : Alma Latina Mexican Restaurant, next door to Cycle Spectrum. (Aug. 2008) Alma Latina closed in 2009.

Album 11 Pic 31.jpg : A vintage gas station at the northwest corner of FM 1960 and Paradise Valley Dr., Aug. 2008.  This station is one of only a few on FM 1960 that have not been torn down and rebuilt as a bigger store.  This shop specializes in auto repairs, and has a very minimal inventory of foods & beverages, unlike most modern stations.

 

Album 11 Pic 32.jpg : International House of Pancakes, near Champions Forest Dr. (Aug. 2008)

Jul 2012 062.jpg : International House of Pancakes (July 2012).

Album 11 Pic 33.jpg : Mattress Giant, located in the same strip as the IHOP. (Aug. 2008)

Album 11 Pic 34.jpg : Outback Steakhouse, located in the same strip as the IHOP. (Aug. 2008)

Album 11 Pic 35.jpg : Northwest corner of FM 1960 and Champions Forest Dr. (March 2009)  This Ben & Jerry's used to be a floral shop.

Jul 2012 061.jpg : The Wells Fargo Bank building near FM 1960 and Champion Forest Dr. (July 2012)

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Album 12 Pic 04.jpg : Doneraki Mexican Restaurant, in the same shopping center, Aug. 2008.  Doneraki closed down in 2012.

Album 12 Pic 06.jpg : Another view of Doneraki Mexican Restaurant. (Aug. 2008)

Album 12 Pic 07.jpg : Stonegate Prime Steaks & Seafood, which was already shuddered in this 2008 photo, later became Orioli's.

Album 12 Pic 02.jpg : Jiffy Lube, at the corner of FM 1960 and Glen Erica Dr. (Aug. 2008)

Oct 2009 065.jpg : Blockbuster Video (and Pei-Wei) on FM 1960 & Glen Erica Dr. (Oct. 2009)

Album 12 Pic 08.jpg : Feng Ling Chinese Restaurant, near the corner of FM 1960 and Greenwood Forest Dr. (Aug. 2008)

Album 12 Pic 09.jpg : Shell station at the southwest corner of FM 1960 and Greenwood Forest Dr. (March 2009)

Album 12 Pic 11.jpg : Spec's Liquor, on the north side of FM 1960 at Greenwood Forest Dr. (March 2009). Spec's has since moved, and the building exterior was renovated in Summer 2012.

Album 12 Pic 12.jpg : The Greenwood Forest Apartments at the southeast corner of FM 1960 and Greenwood Forest Dr. The apartments were built in 1994.

Album 12 Pic 14.jpg : Walgreens, at the corner of FM 1960 and Wunderlich Dr. (Aug. 2008)

Ike 67.jpg : This building on the north side of FM 1960 at Wunderlich Dr. suffered some damage from Hurricane Ike. (Sept. 2008)

Jul 2012 063.jpg : The south side of FM 1960 just west of Breck Rd.  This space was formerly occupied by LePeep restaurant. (July 2012)

Jul 2012 064.jpg : SW corner of FM 1960 and Breck, showing Arby's, which replaced Fazoli's fast food Italian sometime around 2007. (July 2012 photo)

Jul 2012 066.jpg : This building, now called Performance Bicycle, once operated as a high-dollar import auto dealership during the 1980's. (July 2012)

   During the 1970's, the southwest corner of FM 1960 and Stuebner-Airline, also known as North Oaks Mall, was a popular hangout on weekends for young people in the Champions area.  The shopping center was laid out like a modern strip mall, and featured a cinema which still operates to this day as a discount theater.  Today, it looks just like any other strip center, but it once stood out as a center of activity and socializing.

Jul 2012 065.jpg : North Oaks Shopping Center, viewed from Breck Rd. (July 2012)

Jul 2012 070.jpg : Another view of North Oaks Shopping Center from the parking lot (July 2012).

Jul 2012 071.jpg : The Cinema at North Oaks Shopping Center (July 2012).

Jul 2012 072.jpg : "Cruisin the strip" of North Oaks Shopping Center (July 2012)

Album 12 Pic 18.jpg : Club Hydrate, a defunct club from the 90's that sits just west of Stuebner-Airline Rd. (Aug. 2008).  The building was torn down in early 2012.

Album 12 Pic 19.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 at the Stuebner-Airline intersection. (Aug. 2008)

Ike 101.jpg : Aftermath of a car accident at FM 1960 and Stuebner-Airline Rd. (Sept. 25, 2008)

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Album 13 Pic 01.jpg : Washington Mutual Bank on FM 1960 at Falling Creek, Aug. 2008.

Album 13 Pic 02.jpg : Patio 1 Furniture, a familiar landmark along FM 1960 near Kuykendahl, Aug. 2008.

Jul 2012 047.jpg : Entrance to Ponderosa Forest subdivision, FM 1960 & Sugar Pine Dr., 2012.

Jul 2012 044.jpg : Older Denny's restaurant, FM 1960 & Butte Creek Dr., July 2012.

Jul 2012 045.jpg : FM 1960 at Butte Creek Dr., looking west, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 043.jpg : Binswanger Glass, FM 1960 at Butte Creek Dr., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 041.jpg : Jack in the Box, FM 1960 at Rolling Creek Dr., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 039.jpg : Leslie's Pool Supplies, FM 1960 at Rolling Creek Dr., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 038.jpg : FM 1960 and Rolling Creek Dr., Ponderosa Forest area, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 040.jpg : Closed down Krystal Burger, FM 1960 at Rolling Creek, Jul. 2012.  This short-lived restaurant in the Ponderosa Forest area made small burgers similar to White Castle's famous sliders, but with mustard & pickles.

Jul 2012 031.jpg : Entrance to Ponderosa Forest at FM 1960 and Ella Blvd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 032.jpg : Older 2-story building on northeast corner of FM 1960 and Ella, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 033.jpg : Another angle of the 2-story building at FM 1960 and Ella.

Jul 2012 034.jpg : Aamco transmission shop at FM 1960 & Ella, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 035.jpg : Entering Ponderosa Forest subdivision from Ella Blvd, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 030.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 from Ella Blvd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 023.jpg : Entrance to Westador subdivision, FM 1960 & Nanes Rd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 029.jpg : Westador entrance, FM 1960 & Nanes Rd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 028.jpg : An old 1970's corner store at FM 1960 & Nanes Rd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 026.jpg : Older shopping center, northwest corner of FM 1960 & Nanes Rd.

Jul 2012 024.jpg : Looking west along FM 1960 from Nanes Rd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 021.jpg : Space Liquor store, formerly Spec's, at FM 1960 & Nanes Rd.

Jul 2012 022.jpg : The sign for Space Liquor, which clearly resembles Spec's design.

 

Jul 2012 019.jpg : Older shopping center at FM 1960 and Red Oak, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 017.jpg : Older shopping center at FM 1960 and Red Oak, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 016.jpg : Older shopping center at FM 1960 and Red Oak, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 018.jpg : A marquee sign for all the businesses in the 1960/Red Oak shopping center.

Jul 2012 020.jpg : PRN Uniforms, a store at FM 1960 & Red Oak that sells uniforms for hospital and clinic personnel. (Jul. 2012)

Jul 2012 015.jpg : H&H Music on FM 1960 near Westador subdivision, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 014.jpg : Office building & Luby's, FM 1960 at Cali Rd. near I-45, Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 013.jpg : Pappa's BBQ at FM 1960 & Cali Rd., Jul. 2012.

Jul 2012 012.jpg : FM 1960 and I-45, where FM 1960 passes beneath the freeway., Jul. 2012.

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