Keynote Vol. 23, No. 3
Summer/Fall 2013
the newsletter of
Preservation Houston
Houston’s Local Partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
www.preservationhouston.org
Future of the Astrodome is in voters’ hands On Tuesday, November 5, Harris County voters will decide the future of the world’s first domed stadium. Voters will be asked to approve Proposition 2 authorizing the sale of $217 million in bonds to redevelop the Astrodome as an income-producing multipurpose exhibition and entertainment facility. Preservation Houston has joined forces with local and national preservation groups to work alongside Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation to educate the public about Proposition 2. Other members of the coalition include the National Trust for Historic Preserva-
courtesy of ed schipul
Please see Dome, Page 2
Dome proposal will be featured at PH’s Annual Meeting Oct. 22
Preservation Houston is part of a coalition of local and national preservation groups working to save the Astrodome (1965, Lloyd, Morgan & Jones and Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson).
PH welcomes Stephanie Ann Jones as its new director
Preservation Houston members will enjoy a spectacular view of the city and learn about the proposed redevelopment of the Astrodome when PH hosts its 35th anniversary Annual Meeting at the new Houston Club on the 49th floor of One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana Street, on Tuesday evening, October 22. The evening begins with Please see Meeting, Page 2
history in print
courtesy of university of virginia press
Explore the architectural riches of the Lone Star State On Tuesday evening, November 12, Preservation Houston’s History in Print series will feature author/photographer Gerald Moorhead and contributors Stephen Fox and Anna Mod discussing their landmark book Buildings of Texas: Central, South, and Gulf Coast. The 704-page volume provides an introduction to the to the development of the built environment and landscape of cen-
Stephanie Ann Jones has joined the staff of Preservation Houston as executive director. Jones most recently served as senior director, events and league relations, for the Houston Symphony. She has almost 20 years of nonprofit experience with a particular specialization in cultural, musical and artistic arenas. “Stephanie brings to us experience, energy and enthusiasm Jones for the cause of preservation,” PH Board President Patty Porter said. “We are all very excited to have her on the team, leading our next chapter in our efforts to promote the appreciation of Houston’s history.” Prior to joining the Houston Symphony, Jones was the director of development for six years at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. She worked with key donors and members of The Shepherd Society to establish endowed scholarships and advanced training programs for student musicians. Before she came to Rice, Jones was based in Massachusetts, where she
Preservation Houston is continuing its joint landmark designation project with Preservation River Oaks. Under the program, PH Historic Neighborhoods Resources Director Courtney Tardy provides assistance to the owners of historic houses in River Oaks who want to have their properties designated as City of Houston landmarks or protected landmarks. Since 2010, landmark nominations have been prepared for more than 50 historic houses through the joint effort, which is funded by a grant from the Susan Vaughan Foundation. Homeowners interested in designation may contact Courtney Tardy at (713) 510-3994 or cktardy@preservationhouston.org.
Please see Jones, Page 2
Please see Community, Page 3
The authors of Buildings of Texas will discuss their book at History in Print on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
tral and coastal Texas, outlines the region’s geography and history, and examines how economic, geographic and social considerations shaped local architecture. History in Print is free and open to the public. The program will be held in Fondren Hall on the second floor of the Jones Youth Building at St. Paul’s United MethPlease see Print, Page 2
ph in the community
Recent PH efforts focus on landmark designations
david bush
Texas Historical Commission has determined that the former Shell Oil Exploration and Production Research Laboratory, 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Save the date: The Cornerstone Dinner presenting the 2014 Good Brick Awards
|| Friday, February 21, 2014