The Houston City Council approved the creation of the new Brunner-Harmonium historic district during its meeting on Jan. 26, making it the 23rd historic district to be approved in the city since 2011.
The district is made up of six structures and two vacant green spaces that stretch across from Blossom Street to Fowler Street near the Rice Military area. The properties were built between 1905 and 1915, when the area was known as a town called Brunner.
According to a Jan. 27 news release from Houston, the town was created in the early 1880s. In 1894, 200 people lived in the town, and by the next year, the town had a Baptist college, German church and a public school.
“[The area] represents a small part of what was originally an incorporated town called Brunner,” said Minnette Boesel, chair of the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission, at the Jan. 26 council meeting.
According to Boesel, the town was annexed by the city of Houston in 1913, which she said was rare for that time period. More than 100 years later, the remaining structures still showcase their historic Folk Victorian, Queen Anne and early 20th century vernacular architectural styles.
“The district’s structures are evidence [of] the form, style and craftsmanship of homes constructed more than a century ago and are valuable historic resources in a neighborhood where many three-story contemporary townhomes have become common,” Houston Preservation Officer Roman McAllen said.
District D Council Member Carolyn Evan-Shabazz expressed her gratitude toward those who worked to get the district approved. She said they saved the properties in the knick of time, referencing the growing number of high-rises in the city.
The area has also turned into artist Salle Vaughn’s canvas, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported. Vaughn first pushed for the approval of the historic district. According to the release, she sees the area as a place of harmony, from which the “Harmonium” portion of the name is derived.
The new district not only preserves the history of the old town, but it also displays a tree canopy, yardscapes and art installations from Vaughn.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was excited to work with those involved in the preservation and hopes to continue to maintain history in other parts of the city.
“It is important as we continue to grow and develop that we maintain many of our historical areas, communities in our city,” Turner said.
