For Preservation The Newsletter of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
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Volume 16, No. 2
Fall 2005
Houston City Council amends Preservation Ordinance relocation and unsympathetic alteration for Houston's irreplaceable historic resources. Mayor Bill White demonstrated his public commitment to historic preservation by providing strong leadership in this matter. Council Members Pam Holm and Adrian Garcia successfully crafted a workable amendment that recognizes the unique challenges of preservation in Houston. This is the first time that provisions of the Preservation Ordinance have been changed since Council first enacted the law in 1995. As the proposed amendment was working its way toward approval, GHPA staff members auendeu public sessions of the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission (HAHC), Planning Commission and City Council to speak on behalf of Houston City Council has designated City Hall (1939) a the changes. GHPA Pmtccted Landmar/1 under the newly amended Preservation Ordinance. A complete list of the City-owned Protected members received Landmarks is on page 2 of this news/cUcr. On Wednesday, August 17, Houston City Council unanimously voted to amend the Historic Preservation Ordinance and create a new category of historic designation: Protected Landmark. GHPA strongly supported this measure, which, for the first time, provides real protection from demolition,
regular e-mail updates and were encouraged to contact their Council representatives in suppon of the amendment. During the public discussion before City Council, GHPA Executive Director Ramona Davis said, "This is a real gift to the city. Our staff has carefully studied the amendment and it addresses many preservation concerns. We are very happy to support it." In response, Mayor White made a request of Davis, "We need your help to bring fonh as many people as possible. People who want to enhance their properties and preserve their properties using the provisions of this amendment." Toward that end, GHPA has posted the application form and criteria for City Landmark and Protected Landmark designation on its Web site, wwwghpa.orglupdate.
Amendment Summary Property owners may now elect to permanently protect their historic buildings from relocation, demolition or unsympathetic alteration by having their property designated a Protected Landmark. Protected Landmarks may still be rehabilitated or restored with a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HAHC, as reqUired for all currently designated City
Landmarks. The property owner must request Protected Landmark status; the designation cannot be imposed by any City officials or agencies. Protected Landmark status will travel with the land and remain in place even if the property is sold. Owners of historic propenies that have been previously designated as City Landmarks may apply to HAHC to have their properties designated as Protected Landmarks, thus affording their properties additional protection. To qualify as a Protected Landmark, a historic propeny must: • Meet three of the eight criteria for designation as a City Landmark in the current Municipal Code, or • Have been constructed before 1905,or • Be individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or be a comributing building in a National Register historic district, or • Be an individually designated Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Additional information is available on the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Web site,
http://wwwhoustontx.govlplanning.
GHPA, RHCDC share a vision for the Third Ward Greater Houston Preservation Alliance is assisting Row House Community Development Corp. (RHCDC) in realizing its vision of creating a distinctive, masterplanned neighborhood in the historic Third Ward. Volunteers from GHPA's Historic Neighborhoods Council (HNC) are documenting the historic resources in the 35-block target area and researching properties that may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The research will be used to create an interactive, online map of the Row House District to teach residents and visitors about the predominantly African-American neighborhood and its rich culture. "This project was a perfect match for us," said HNC Director Thomas McWhorter. "HNC's mission to promote neighborhood preservation and revitalization through cooperation and shared effort dovetails with RHCDC's mission to preserve and protect the cultural legacy and historic character of the Third Ward." RHCDC envisions a diverse
community of households attracted to quality, affordable homes in a planned environment with the unique appeal of history and the arts. The comprehensive community campus will include major institutions, shops and stores, churches, schools, parks and a careful blend of restored historic houses and architecturallycompatible new residences offered affordably for rent and for sale. The community will be woven together with streetscape promenades and pedestrian greenways emphasizing the area's historic and artistic character. "RHCDC deeply appreciates the spirit of collaboration that GHPA brings to this endeavor," said RHCDC Executive Director Deborah Grotfeldt. "We are extremely grateful for the GHPA volunteers who have begun researching the homes in the Row House District." Originally settled by former slaves follOwing the Civil War, the Third Ward was a thriving mixed-income neighborhood with an indigenous arts and music culture. The end of
houses on Bastrop Street are among the historic resources that volunteers from GHPAS Historic Neighborhoods Council are documenting in cooperation with Row House CDC.
housing segregation in the 1960s led to the gradual departure of upper- and middle-income African-American families. Row House CDC is an outgrowth of Project Row Houses, the internationally acclaimed arts and cultural organization. In 1993, Project Row Houses began renovating 22 historic shotgunstyle houses in the Third Ward in a project that connects the work of artists with community revitalization efforts. RHCDC projects are designed to complement the
work of its parent organization by filling a critical gap in local housing needs. RHCDC recently completed construction of eight very-low-income rental units and 25 rental housing units for qualified low-income residents. Anyone interested in volunteering to assist in the research should contact Thomas McWhorter at 713-216-5000 or tmcwhorter@ghpa.org. For additional information on RHCDC, please visit
www.rowhousecdc.org.
From the Executive Director Earlier this year, Mayor Bill White announced a major reorganization of the Planning Commission. The mayor's plan created several committees under the Commission to focus on specific concerns: neighborhood preservation, urban and suburban planning, parking, development impact, and long-range planning. Committee members consider and propose policies that support sound quality of life and sustainable growth for Houston. Where appropriate, committee members may also recommend methods for turning the proposed policies into actionable programs or ordinances. I am very pleased LO be serv ing on the Neighborhood Preservation committee headed by Planning Commission member Kay Crooker. When we began our work in May, the committee members realized we share many common values. We all want appropriate, quality development in safe neighborhoods where people share a sense of community and a sense of pride. We hope to make it easier for residents to protect their neighborhoods' character by using existing tools such as establishing prevailing setback and prevailing lot size. Across the country; the importance of maintaining a distinctive sense of place is being recognized as a vital component for a city's continuing growth and development. Tony Goldman, chairman and CEO of The Goldman Properties Company, has been transforming declining historical districts into popular, thriving destinations for over thirty years. He was the driving force behind the transformations of Soho in New York City, South Beach in Miami, and now Center City in Philadelphia. In The Next American City, Goldman says, "The essence is, you can knock down and do anything to any old place, but then there is no sense of place. If you have no sense of place, you have no differentiation. And without that, you're just a commodity, and you're going to lose out." The work of the Planning Commission committees is meant to ensure that Houston's neighborhoods do not lose out.
~L Ramona Davis Executive Director
Thank you! Al Davis generously donated the postage for this issue of
For Preservation.
We're All
Hylton promotes responsi1le redevelopment An audience of more than 150 turned out for Greater Houston Preservation Alliance's National Preservation Month Luncheon on Thursdoy, May 19, m the Good Brick Award-winning Magnolia Hotel. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Hylton discussed the need to rediscover and rebuild traditional cities and towns to house people of all ages, races ond incomes. Hylton received an enthusiastic reception on his first speaking engagement in Texas. Hylton is the author of Save Ol1l' Land, Save Ollr Towns , and hosted the public television documentary of the same name . He has spoken to more than 350 organizations in 33 states and addressed the National Governors Conference promoting responsible rede\'elopmenL of historic communities. As presidcnL of the non-profit Save Our Land , SalT Our Towns, he cOnLinues to promote the responsible redevelopment of Americas historic communities. During his presentation, Hylton noted that the way Texans are building cities today is very different [rom the way humons have built for centuries. He explained that by enhancing traditional urban development , we can build on the stored knowledge of previous generations. In a sense, homeowners are not just buying a house; they arc buying a community and a tradition. "If we are to encourage caring in America. we need places to care about ." said Hylton. The Preservation MOnLh Luncheon also featured an exhibit o[ in-progress preserI'ation projects. Cisneros Design Studio displayed plans for the adaptive re-use of
the Nabisco Building (1910) and the Plaza Hotel (1926). WO o Neuhaus Associates. Architects exhibited blueprints for the adaptive re-use of Old Jeff Davis Hospital (1924). Rey de la Reza Architects exhibited deSigns [or the renovation of John H. Reagan High School (1927). Houston Hispanic Forum displayed plans for its proposed restoration of the Houston Light Guard Armory (1925). The exhibit was a joint effon of GHPA and the American Institute of Architects, Houston - Historic Resources CommiLLee. Signed copies of Thomas Hylton's book , Save Olll- Land, Save Our Towns, are available through GHPA. The 128-page, sort cover book features 152 color photographs and is available for $39 (includes tax and shipping) by calling GHPA at 713-2165000. Purchases may be charged to VISA, MasterCard or American Express. National Preservation Month is sponsored by the National Trust [or Historic Preservation to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts.
Pn:sm'ution Month luncheon spcaha Thomas Hylton with event chair Dr Eli~abl'th Ghrist.
Cornerstone Dinner scheduled GHPA Board members Cora Sue Mach and Sidney Faust are serving as co-chairs for the Cornerstone Dinner presenting the 2006 Good Brick Awards for excellence in historic preservation. Planning is already underway for GHPAs largest fundraising evenl. The Cornerstone Dinner will be held on Friday, January 27. 2006 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar, For the second year. GHPA Board member and architect Natalye Appel, FAlA, is chairing the Good Brick Awards jury. Good Brick entries are judged by a panel of preservation and design professionals, and community leaders.
Neighbors
Jan SI't.!I路ks, Vice PresiJent-Cal'it{i/ Mad,l'lS, Nor!h HOllston Bank; GHPA EXL'clItivc Direc!oj' Ral110na D'II'i.\ and Hous!On First ladv Andrnl White.
GHPA Executive Director Ramona Davis was the guest speaker when Houston First Lady Andrea White presented her "We're All Neighbors" luncheon in August. Every month, the mayor's wife hosts a women's forum buill around the general theme o[ community building. Davis gave a blief overvievv of presetvation in Houston to an audience composed of women bankers and real estate professionals. She then explained the role lenders and real estate professionals can play in preserving our historic landmarks and older neighborhoods. and suggested questions to ask when potential projects invoke historic properties. Deborah Keyser and Catherine Coulter graciously provided the use of The Parador, www.paJ.ac/or/lOlIsion.com. The Good Brick Award-winning special events facility is housed in the former Third Church of Christ Scientist. Candelaris Pizzeria generously donated lunch, Ramona Davis is available to give presentations on historic preservation to civic associations, profeSSional organizations and community groups, To discuss your organization's interests and schedule a program, please call GHPA:Jt 713-216-5000 or e-mail in{o@ghpa.org.
2005 Preservation Month Luncheon Photography hy PeLl' Baat::
GHPA Board l11el11ber Patty PortCl; Melinda Kacal, GHPA Board meillber Beth Madison .
GHPA
Wall~ing
Toars volunteer Kerry Goci::el; GHPA President Ricl1 Wallon, Sheridan WalLOn
GHPA Vice President-Events Nancy Ames, GHPA President-Elect Eileen
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Karen Johnson.
GHPA Board member LW'ry Whaley and HOllston City Council member Palll Holm.
Dan DubrolVSki and GHPA Board l11ember Dr MalY Ann Reynolds.
Gracie Cavnar, Mica Mosbacher, Channel 13 news anchor Sham Fryer
Preservation Update
Main Street exhi1it opens window on Houston's past Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and Houston Downtown Management District have opened windows to a time before big box stores and shopping malls. "Wmdow Shopping on Main Street, 1920-1930," uses historic photography from the Story Sloane Collection to give visitors a glimpse of downtowns heyday as a shopping destination. Photomurals fill a dozen store windows with life-size images of ma=equins in flapper-era swim suits from Foley Bros., washing machines with wringers from Stowers Furniture and baseball heroes of the Roaring '20s from Bering Hardware & Sporting Goods. Accompanying text panels examine Main Streets retailing past and the architectural heritage the store owners left behind. In addition to educating the public about the citys history, the display supports downtown revitalization efforts by improving the areas appearance and encouraging people to stroll Main Street. The photomurals are located in storefronts in four historic buildings: the former Byrds Department Store (1934),420 Main; former Bond Clothes (1940), Sl1-S13 Main; West Building (1912), S15 Main and the former Sakowitz Department Store (1951), llll Main. The display will be in place for several months. The highly detailed photographs of store windows were fulfillment pieces retailers sent to manufacturers to prove the merchants had carried out special promotions. The historic images are from the collection oi GHPA member Story Sloane III. Sloanes father rescued thousands of photographic plates
GHPA Annual Meeting at Gravitas GHPA members will get an inside look at a revitalized local landmark when Gravitas Restaurant, S07 Taft, hosts GHPAS Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 26. Gravitas occupies the 1930s-era building that was the home of Antone's Famous Po' Boys & Deli for more than 50 years. GHPA members are invited to attend the reception from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., followed by the business meeting and program from 7:15 to S:30 p.m. GHPA will introduce its 20052006 officers and board during the business meeting. Afterward, GHPA member Story Sloane will present a Main Street retrospective using historic photos from his extensive collection. The outstanding images include the construction of several of Houston's 20th-century architectural landmarks as well as development along the corridor from Buffalo Bayou to Brays Bayou. Reservations are required for GHPAS Annual Meeting. Please call 713-216-5000 or e-mail info@ghpa.orgby 5 p.m., Monday, October 24. Please include the names of those attending. Long-time GHPA supporter Andrew Kaldis was responsible for redeveloping the Antone's building. Kaldis was also responsible for the Good Brick Awardwinning renovation of the former Imperial Plumbing building as Hugo's Restaurant. "We pride ourselves in taking the guts of the old buildings and capitalizing on them, not replacing them," said Kaldis.
Houston Archeological and Historical Commission has approved applications from four property owners to have their historic buildings designated as City Landmarks:
This window display from Foley Bros. Department Store shows the latest fashion in ladies swimwear from 1928. This image from the Story Sloane Collection is part of a speCial exhibit coordinated by GHPA and the Houston Downtown Management District.
that were slated for destruction. Prints made from the SO-year-old negatives are of such high quality, it is possible to read the price tags on some of the merchandise. Selected photos may be viewed online at
www.sloanegallery.com. "Story Sloane has done an outstanding job preserving his fathers legacy in these important historic documents," said Executive Director Ramona Davis. "He has been extremely generous is making his collection available to GHPA. This project would not have been possible without his enthusiasm and support."
Sloane will use images from his collection for a presentation on Main Streets history during GHPA's A=ual Meeting on October 26. For details, see the related story in this newsletter. David Bush, GHPA's director of programs and information, developed the concept for the window display exhibit, researched and wrote the text panels, and supervised installation. Houston Downtown Management District, www.houstondowntown.org, funded the project. On Site E-Discovery, WWW.onss.com. produced and installed the photomurals.
Blaze destroys Northside houses placing overpass support columns in the front yards of houses along its route. The photo of the vacant houses with the viaduct overhead was instrumental in GHPAS successful listing of the Near Northside as one of Texas' Most Endangered Historic Places. Channelll News and Channel 13 Eyewitness News each taped stories at the houses when Preservation Texas announced the Most Endangered list in February 2005. The image was also published in the Houston Chronicle to illustrate GHPAS guest editorial about threats to one of the city's most significant concentrations of Victorian architecture.
November 2004
A fire of suspicious origin has destroyed two late Victorian houses in the 1200 block of Elysian Street on Houston's Near Northside. GHPA had used the image of the ca. IS99 one-story house and ca. 1905 two-story house in its ongoing campaign to increase awareness of the impact a proposed overpass expansion would have on historic resources in the neighborhood. The structures were among the few remaining homes in what had been a densely developed residential area. The neighborhood went it into steep "!. decline after the --. ;.,.~, -'~:_ 1-,", _ . Elysian Viaduct was built in -,....... ~L 1955. The bridge was con' structed over the r Elysian Street right-of-way, April 2005
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Cochran-Hofheinz House, 3900 Milam. Owen L Cochran, president of First National Bank, built this substantial house as his family home around 1912 i.n the James Bute Addition. In 1956, Cochran's heirs sold the property to Judge Roy Hofheinz, who moved his offices into the building. During meetings in this house, the idea of building a covered sports stadium was first discussed, eventually leading to the construction of the Astrodome, the world's first domed stadium. The new owners plan to restore the home as their residence. Albert L. Ladner House, 3362 Del Monte Drive. Architect Hamilton Brown designed this River Oaks home for the president of Apache Exploration Co. The Georgian Revival style house was completed in 1941. Landscape architect c.c. "Pat"
Roett-Reid House, 3274 Holman. Dr. Rupert O. Roett was a leading African-American physician who served Houstons black community for more than 60 years. His daughter, Dr. Catherine Roett-Reid, was Houston's first African-American pediatrician and Chief of Pediatrics at Riverside General and St. Elizabeth's hospitals. Dr. Roett built the house as a onestory cottage in 1925. In 1947, he hired architect Leslie O. Jones to expand the family home in anticipation of his daughters return from medical school. The resulting two-story house is a good example of the substantial homes built by upper-middle class African-American families in the Third Ward.
Texas Historical Commission has approved the designation of Houston's Magnolia Brewery Building, 715 Franklin, as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The building was designed by H.C. Cooke and Company. It is one of two surviving structures from the Houston Ice and Brewing Company complex. The building was constructed in 1912 to house the brewery's tap room and executive offices. GHPA director emeritus Bart Truxillo restored the property as the Magnolia Ballroom, wwwmagnoliaballroom.com, a special events venue. The building features original leaded glass magnolia images and ornate plaster and woodwork on the interior. The Magnolia Brewery Building is also a City of Houston Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
In August, Houston City Council designated eight City-owned buildings as Permanent Landmarks: Kellum-Noble House (1847) Fire Station No.7 / Houston Fire Museum (1899) Arthur B. Cohn House (1905) Houston Heights City Hall / Fire Station No. 14 (1915) Houston Public Library - Heights Branch (1925) Gregory School (1926) Houston Public Library - Julia Ideson Building (1926) Houston City Hall and Hermann Square (1939) Histories of these properties are available online at www.ghpa.orglupdate.
Several organizations are working to mitigate Hurricane Katrina's impact on the historic resources of the central Gulf Coast. Donations may be made online through the following Web sites:
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Cheek-Neal Coffee Co, Building, 2017 Preston. Joel Cheek created his famous Maxwell House blend in IS92 in Nashville. In 1910, Cheek and his business partner John Neal moved their firm to Houston. They built the Preston Avenue plant in 1917 from designs by architects Joseph Finger and James Ruskin Bailey. General Foods bought CheekNeal in 1925 and continued manufacturing Maxwell House on Preston Avenue until 1945. The building has been vacant for about 35 years. The current owner plans to restore the exterior and rehabilitate the interior to include studio living space.
Fleming designed the gardens. Most of Fleming's plantings are still in place. The owners are committed to maintaining the property's original design.
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Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans - Disaster Relief Fund www.prcno.org Mississippi Heritage Trust - Historic Properties Recovery Fund
www.mississippihentage.com American Association for State and Local History - Historical Resources Recovery Fund wwwaaslh.org.
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National Trust for Historic Preservation - Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund wwwnationaltrust.org
Greater Houston Preservation 2004-2005 Board of Directors
A
lance
Officers Rick Walton President
Eileen Hricik President Elect
Lynne Bentsen Secretary
Nancy Ames VP-Events
Al Calloway VP-CommunicationlExternal Relations
Susan Hill VP-Historic Neighborhoods CouncillPrograms
Tony Abyad Treasurer
Voting Directors Natalye Appel Fred Baca Tim Cisneros Sidney Faust
Charles Foster Bill Franks Cindy Crane Garbs Diane Gendel
Madeleine Hamm Paul Homeyer Patricia Laurent c.c. Lee Cora Sue Mach
Beth Madison Jim Murnane Carmen Nadolney Patty Porter
Mary Ann Reynolds Randhir Sahni Janet Spencer Larry Whaley
Non-Voting Ex-Officio R. George Cunningham Parliamentarian
Charles D. Maynard, Jr. Legal Counsel
Jane Cahill Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Assn.
Marlene Gaffrick Director, City of Houston Dept. of Planning and Development
Al Davis Chairman, Harris County Historical Commission
Randy Pace City of Houston Historical Preservation Officer Bart Truxillo Director Emeritus
The mission oj Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (GHPA) is to promote the preservation and appreciation oj Houston's architectural and cultural historic resources through education, advocacy and committed action, thereby creating economic value and developing a stronger sense oj community. GHPA is a 501 (c) (3) not-Jor-proJit corporation.
Business Members Tony Abyad / 917 Franklin Land, Ltd. American Institute of Architects - Houston Bowne Blumenthal Sheet Metal BMS Management, Inc. Budweiser / Silver Eagle Distributors, LP Canyonlands Corp. Case &: Associates, General Contractors Clocktower Enterprises, Inc., LP Colliers International Compass Bank Connelly Baker Wotring Jackson LLP Detering Book Gallery Foreman, DeGeurin &: Nugent Fretz Construction Company George H. Lewis &: Sons / Forest Park Lawndale Gensler Greenwood King Properties G.T. Leach Construction, Inc. Halliburton
Hart Galleries Haynes Whaley Associates, Inc. Heritage Texas Properties Hines Hotel ICON Housing Horizons, LLC Houston Chronicle The Houston Club Houston Hispanic Forum Houston House & Home Irvine Team ].E. Dunn Construction JPMorganChase Kirksey Kendall Heaton Associates Lancaster Hotels &: Resorts Landry'S Restaurants, Inc. Lionstone Partners, Ltd. The Magnolia METRO Transit Authority The Mid-Continent Companies, Ltd.
Minnette Boesel Properties Nadolney Enterprises North Houston Bank Past Era Antique Jewelry Pearson English Phelps Dunbar LLP Rice Construction River Oaks Bookstore Russo Painting &: Carpentry Sam Houston Hotel SpawGlass Construction Corp. Spire Realty Group, Inc. Stewart Title Story Sloane's Gallery Union Pacific WS. Bellows Construction Corp. Walter P Moore Ward &: Ames SpeCial Events Watkins Hamilton Ross Architects Webb Architects Winstead Sechrest &: Minick
GHPA is Junded in part by grants Jrom the City oj Houston through the Cultural Arts Council oj HoustonlHarris County. For Preservation is
published with the generous support oj Houston House &. Home magazine. Copyright 2005 Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. All rights reserved. David Bush, editor: Photography by David Bush, unless otherwise credited.
GHPA Calendar For updated information on each of the following events, please visit www.ghpa.org. Wednesday, October 26 GHPA Annual Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Gravitas Restaurant (formerly Antone's), 807 Taft. Thursday, November 3 Houston City Council Candidates Forum, 6:30 p.m., Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 6221 Main Street. Friday, January 27 The Cornerstone Dinner presenting the 2006 Good Brick Awards, Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar. Architectural Walking Tours will be held at 2 p.m., Sundays, October 9, November 13 and December 11.
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