Houston City Council is considering 11 locations for landmark or protected landmark status.
Explained
The proposed locations include churches, houses and a bank downtown.
Kathleen Nuzzo, a Southampton resident, spoke during the public speaker session in support of the designations. Southampton has six of the 11 proposed locations.
“Many people are drawn to Southampton for the same reason that we were: its historic charm, beautiful tree canopy and central location,” Nuzzo said. Neighbors take pride in its history.”
Nuzzo added that the neighborhood has seen a wave of teardowns over the past few years, and though there are deed restrictions, they don’t protect the properties.
“Every demolition takes away a piece of the neighborhood’s history that can’t be replaced, and with it, the history that draws people here,” Nuzzo said.
The full list of properties up for protected landmark status includes:
Trinity United Methodist Church — 2600 Holman St.
House at 1317 Ruthven St.
Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 2119 St. Emmanuel St.
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.
Doney-McElwain-Freeman House — 2522 Calumet St.
First City National Bank — 1021 Main St.
First City National Bank is the only proposed regular landmark on the list.
How it works
The city of Houston defines landmarks and protected landmarks as historic properties that have officially been recognized by the city 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, cultural 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
If approved, the protected landmark locations would be eligible for historic tax exemption, reduced parking requirements and protection from demolition. However, the only benefit landmarks receive is a tax exemption that must be renewed every 15 years.
One more thing
Council did not officially vote on the designations but will do so "over the next couple of weeks," according to a District C representative.
