As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What is the history of the downtown building that has been vacant for a long time and are there plans for its future? Answer: The abandoned building at 801 St. Joseph Parkway formerly served as multiple hotels. According to the report, the business closed, and by 1997 it was the Houston Downtown Plaza Hotel; however, was soon vacated after failing to meet city fire and building codes. AdAccording to Swamplot, the building’s third owner since its Maharishi-era was SFK Development, which purchased the property in 2012.