Houston officials approved a handful of properties in District C as protected landmarks.
What happened
The properties, which are all houses, will now be protected from demolition. They will also be eligible for a historic tax exemption and reduced parking requirements.
“This is really pertinent right now after what happened with the Kirby Mansion,” District C council member Joe Panzarella said. “I want to commend the individuals who came forward and registered their houses.”
The approved properties include:
Irene and George Robinson House — 2322 Dunstan Road
Myrle and Vernon Williams House — 2107 Tangley St.
Ince-Crain House — 1914 Dunstan Road
Helen and Jesse O. Webb House — 2232 Dunstan Road
Myer-Jones House — 2232 Tangley St.
Mae and John Wallace Donaldson House — 2306 Tangley St.
Some background
The Kirby Mansion, located at 2000 Smith St., was built in 1894 and was remodeled in 1926, according to Preservation Houston. In late October, the new owners began demolishing the house without a permit, the organization said.
Half of the building was torn down before the city issued a stop-work order.
How it works
The city of Houston defines landmarks and protected landmarks as historic properties it has officially recognized for their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. The city currently has over 35 landmarks and 192 protected landmarks.
To be eligible for landmark status, a property must meet at least one of the city’s eight criteria:
Serves as a visible reminder of the city’s, state’s or nation’s heritage, culture or ethnic diversity
Is the site of a significant local, state or national event
Is associated with a person, group or event significant to the city’s, state’s or nation’s cultural or historical development
Exemplifies an architectural style or building type important to the city
Is one of the best remaining examples of an architectural style or building type in a neighborhood
Is the work of a person or group whose work influenced the city’s, state’s or nation’s heritage
Contains evidence of unique archaeological resources
Holds significance for community sentiment or public pride
What else?
The council will approve the remaining properties at a later date. The council recently approved a property in Freedmen's Town as a historic landmark.
