FOR PRESERVATION NEWSLETTER OF THE GREATER HOUSTON PRESERVATION ALLIANCE May 1987
OUR CITY'S HISTORIC RESOURCES The Houston Archeological and Historical Commission has compiled and approved a list of over thirty buildings, structures and sites owned by the City of Houston, which have historical and/or archeological importance. More sites and structures will be added over time. The list was complied in response to the Commission's enabling ordinance which specifies that one of the roles of the Commission "is to provide informed, expert advice to the Mayor and City Council on matters involving ... preservation of city-owned, historically significant structures and facilities." The present City Hall, which is undergoing extensive renovation and rehabilitation will be fifty years old in 1989 and eligible, it is hoped, for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). It was designed by the late renowned architect, joseph Finger. It is a fine example of 1930's art deco design and details, and incorporates features typical of civic structures of the time.
Julia Ideson Building, Ralph Adams Cram, 1924.
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The julia Ideson library building is already on the NRHP. It was the central library from October 1926 until the new library building was completed fifty years later in 1976. The julia Ideson building was to be one of several buildings planned for downtown Houston as part of the recently (1922) formed City Planning Commission's master plan for the beautification of downtown Houston. Unfortunately, the 1929 stock market crash and ensuing 1930's depression interfered with those plans and the julia Ideson building was the only one in the master plan to be constructed. Another interesting structure on the list of Cityowned buildings is the City Cremetory and Pumping Station built in 1901 on White Oak Bayou at what is now 807-811 North San jacinto Street. The Cremetory was an early example of civic thrift because it recycled trash. It is said that trash was barged to the Cremetory which operated the pump station and was also sold to nearby businesses for heating or to operate steam engines of one sort or another. Probably every structure and site on the City-owned list has an interesting story ortwo orthree associated with it. With time and help of volunteers, the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission may be able to produce an interesting book to accompany the list, some day.
Houston City Hall, Joseph Finger, 1939.