Readers are reporting to Swamplot that the end appears nigh for the 1906 Bullock-City Federation Mansion at 411 Lovett Blvd. in Montrose. Salvage and demolition crews have been at work there for much of the week, removing wood floors and gutting other pieces from the fancy interior. Portions of the garden (see photo at left) have been torn up to disconnect sewer lines. The new owners have reportedly said they have plans to build townhomes on the site once the existing building is demolished.

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Proudly touted as the first Houston home ever to be graced with central air conditioning (installed in 1926), the 8,000-sq.-ft. brick structure at the corner of Lovett and Taft St. had been fully restored and converted into office space in 2005, and later occupied by software development firm Idera. Decorative iron grates in the ceiling (with chandeliers hung from their centers) masking the AC vents were still left intact at that time. Earlier, it had served as the home of the City Federation of Women’s Clubs, and rented out frequently for wedding receptions and social events. The property sits on three-quarters of an acre next to the offices of radio station KPFT.

Photos: Wiley David Hodges (top); Swamplot inbox (all others)

Restored 2005, Demolished 2014