Saving Southeast Texas 2023-2024

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

Cover Photograph: Bolivar Point Lighthouse in Port Bolivar. Photo by Jim Evans.

See page 9 for more information.

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

CONTENTS 1 1 4 5 7 8 9 13 15 16

About Preservation Texas Protecting Historic Places Preservation Tax Incentives Preservation Grant Programs Preservation Agencies and Organizations Most Endangered Places List Southeast Texas Endangered Places Saved Southeast Texas Endangered Places Lost Southeast Texas Endangered Places Support Preservation Texas

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 Saving Southeast Texas 2023 - 2024 provides an overview of Preservation Texas’s Most Endangered Places listings in the Southeast Texas region, as well as useful information about Preservation Texas and how you can work to protect cultural and historic sites where you live.

1.0 / ABOUT PRESERVATION TEXAS Preservation Texas is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Marcos. The organization receives no public funding and relies on membership dues, grants and donations for its work. A volunteer Board of Directors, drawn from a range of professional and community backgrounds governs the organization and provides direction to staff.

The chartered purposes of the organization are broad and intended to enable a range of preservation activities: • To serve as an auxiliary to all agencies of the State of Texas concerned with our history, heritage, and the preservation and maintenance of significant areas, sites, buildings, monuments and artifacts; • To acquire, by purchase, gift, devise or bequest, with or without restriction, and to preserve, restore, maintain and present to the public those areas, sites, buildings, monuments, artifacts, documents, and objects which are significant in the history, prehistory, archaeology, architecture, heritage and culture of Texas; • To disseminate knowledge of the history, prehistory, heritage and culture of Texas; • To engage in historical and archaeological research on the activities of past Texans; and • To foster, encourage and develop a general appreciation and understanding of the Page 1

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 accomplishments of past generations of Texans in order that the lives of present and future generations may be enriched.

The organization fulfills its mission through (A) Legislative Advocacy by alerting its members to important legislation being considered by the State of Texas and providing written and oral testimony at bill hearings; (B) Local Advocacy by intervening on behalf of local stakeholders who ask for support from Preservation Texas; (C) Educational Programs such as the biennial Preservation Day at the Capitol and regional symposia on historic preservation topics of interest; (D) Honor Awards that recognize outstanding preservation efforts to save Texas’ Most Endangered Places; and (E) Preservation Texas’s signature Most Endangered Places List program, begun in 2004; more about this program will follow (see page 8).

Preservation Texas also owns The Center for Rural Heritage at Bassett Farms Conservancy, a 2,400-acre working cattle ranch and former cotton farm located southeast of Waco in Falls and Limestone counties. The Center is being developed as a preservation and conservation training facility and retreat. Founded in 1871, the farm and ranch was bequeathed to Preservation Texas in 2011 by the late Mrs. Willie Ford (Bassett) Sparkman, and includes a range of historic, cultural and natural resources. Programs will focus on developing historic preservation skills, while the property is to be managed with a focus on cultural landscape preservation.

2.0 / PROTECTING HISTORIC PLACES This section provides an overview of programs and resources that can be useful in protecting historic places.

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

2.1 / Historic Designations

FEDERAL DESIGNATIONS

Historic places may be officially recognized as historic by federal, state and local governments.

These designations serve a range of purposes; some tied to incentives and some tied to regulations.

Just because a site has not been designated does not mean that it lacks significance; more than likely, no effort has yet been made to recognize it as almost all such designations are initiated at the local level by property owners, advocates, historical societies, preservation organizations or historical commissions.

The National Register of Historic Places was created in 1966 under the National Historic Preservation Act. The process begins with submission of a comprehensive nomination form to the Texas Historical Commission. The submitted form is then reviewed by the State Board of Review before being forwarded to the National Park Service for final approval. In Texas (2023) there are 3,615 listings on the National Register, of which 1,671 are Historic Districts.

Efforts to save sites are often more successful when the buildings have federal- or statelevel designations. These designations give assurance to decision-makers, grant- funders and the general public that a site has welldocumented significance. Therefore, a plan to secure designation should be put in place for any endangered resource that is not yet designated.

The regulatory effects of designation vary. Federal designation provides no regulatory oversight of historic places; state designation provides a range of limited (Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks) to strong (State Antiquities Landmarks) oversight. Maximum oversight is typically found at the local level through the designation of local landmarks and local historic districts, although some local ordinances are weak and ineffective.

TEXAS HISTORIC SITES ATLAS The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Sites Atlas enables you to search for specific buildings and to see all of the sites recognized at the state and federal levels. Be sure to verify the information in the Atlas by contacting the Texas Historical Commission as no database is perfect. The website is: Atlas.THC.State.tx.us

National Register properties are evaluated for the quality of their significance and must possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. They must be associated with significant events or significant people, embody a distinctive architectural type, period, method of construction, the work of a master, artistic value, or be likely to yield important information in history or prehistory.

Cemeteries, birthplaces, graves, commemorative properties and relocated structures are typically not listed, but there are exceptions.

Individually listed buildings and sites that are added to the National Register are classified as being of local, statewide or national significance.

Typically, but not always, these buildings must be at least fifty years old. The Texas Historical Commission can assist in determining whether an unlisted building might be eligible for listing before a formal nomination is submitted.

Cohesive areas or neighborhoods may also be listed on the National Register as Historic Districts. A majority of the properties within a historic district must have historic significance and retain their historic character — such properties are known as contributing properties.

Contributing properties are afforded the same grant opportunities and incentives as sites that are individually listed.

Page 2

PRESERVATION TEXAS For a site of exceptional significance, the National Park Service will very selectively consider nominations for its designation as a National Historic Landmark, a specific category that recognizes sites of special importance to all Americans. Thus the use of the phrases “listed on the National Register” and “historic landmark” are not interchangeable. Federal programs treat National Historic Landmarks somewhat differently because of their status, including greater protection if a federal project threatens to impact the site, or access to grants such as the Save America’s Treasures grant program.

Federal designation comes with no regulatory oversight by the federal government. The National Park Service plays no direct role in the planning, management or any other decision-making related to sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, sites listed on the National Register or contributing to a National Register Historic District may be eligible for the 20% rehabilitation tax credit.

STATE DESIGNATIONS The Texas Historical Commission reviews and approves nominations for buildings to be designated as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs). These Landmarks must be at least fifty years of age or older and retain architectural integrity. Buildings cannot become RTHLs if historic features are obscured by nonhistoric materials, such as vinyl siding, or if they have been relocated within the last fifty years.

Nominations are submitted through the local County Historical Commission. Sites that are designated as RTHLs are recognized with Official Texas Historical Markers. It should be noted, however, that just because a building or site has a state marker does not mean that it is an RTHL. There are over 16,000 Official Texas Historical Markers; of those only about 3,800 Page 3

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 are RTHLs. If a building or site is an RTHL, its marker should have “Recorded Texas Historic Landmark” stamped at the bottom.

A limited amount of protection is afforded by the RTHL designation. The historic or architectural integrity of an RTHL shall not be altered without notifying the Texas Historical Commission at least 60 days in advance. Interiors are not regulated unless the changes impact the exterior or the structural integrity of the building.

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission and are protected under the Antiquities Code of Texas. Any building listed on the National Register that is located on non-federal public land (state, county, or city) is eligible for designation. Sites can be nominated by any group or individual, and are considered by the Antiquities Advisory Board before a final vote by the Texas Historical Commission.

The SAL designation is the most restrictive state-level designation available as it requires the property owner to consult with the Commission to determine if proposed alterations or demolition can occur. Archaeological sites may also be designated as SALs but do not need to be listed on the National Register.

The Historic Texas Cemeteries program began in 1998. Cemeteries receiving this designation are protected by a record of their boundaries in county deeds and future owners of adjoining land are alerted of its existence. However, the designation provides no regulatory oversight over the property. Other state laws govern the handling of human remains and cemeteries in Texas. Historic Texas Cemetery designation is required before applying for an Official Texas Historical Marker for a cemetery.

PRESERVATION TEXAS LOCAL LANDMARKS AND DISTRICTS State law enables local governments to create local historic districts. These are typically, but not always, accomplished through zoning amendments, creating provisions that govern alteration and potential demolition of local landmarks as well as new construction within locally designated historic districts. There is no standard set of regulations or guidelines in use statewide. While many local preservation ordinances are similar, each one is tailored to suit the needs and objectives of the community. Some communities are better than others in making information about local landmarks and historic districts available online; be sure to contact the local preservation or planning official for current information about landmarks, historic district boundaries, and relevant regulations.

2.2 / Preservation Guidelines The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards are applied to almost every decision made at the federal, state and local level relative to proposed physical changes to a historic place. These Standards were established in 1977 by the National Park Service under the authority of the United States Secretary of the Interior and provide guidelines for Preservation (maintaining a structure as found); Restoration (uncovering, protecting and recreating features that would have been present during a specific period of significance); Rehabilitation (protecting key character-defining features while modifying other parts of the structure for contemporary uses); and Reconstruction (rebuilding a known, lost historic structure using extensive historical documentation).

Museum properties and exceptionally unique structures are typically preserved or restored; buildings that are being put to new uses or that have lost much of their historic integrity

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 are generally rehabilitated. Historically accurate reconstructions are uncommon and usually only undertaken for museum sites or minor outbuildings on private property. The standards encourage new construction to reflect contemporary aesthetics using compatible materials, form and scale.

Information about the Standards as well as the Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes can be found at: NPS.gov/TPS/ Standards.htm

2.3 / Preservation Briefs The National Park Service has published fifty Preservation Briefs that are available online at: NPS.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-briefs.htm.

These briefs cover a range of specific topics from Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings (Brief #2) to Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries (Brief #48). These technical briefs provide excellent illustrated examples to better inform property stewards about best practices.

3.0 / PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES Financial incentives are available at the federal, state and sometimes local level for historic preservation.

3.1 / Federal Tax Incentives Federal historic preservation incentives are managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission. Information can be found at: NPS.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htm.

A summary of these federal incentives follows.

Income-producing historic buildings that are certified by the National Park Service as historic structures (typically those listed on the National Page 4

PRESERVATION TEXAS Register of Historic Places) are eligible for a 20% income tax credit based on the qualifying costs of the project. Eligible properties include commercial, industrial, agricultural or residential rental properties.

The charitable donation of a historic preservation easement to a qualifying organization such as Preservation Texas provides additional tax benefits. An easement permanently protects a structure and its site by prohibiting changes to the exterior (and in some cases interior) features and by restricting land uses. These restrictions are voluntary and negotiated between the landowner and the donee organization within federal guidelines. The value of the donation is determined by a professional appraiser who considers the potential reduction of the market value of the property after the imposition of these voluntary restrictions.

Rehabilitations of large historic structures often make use of a combination of the 20% tax credit and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The LIHTC is approximately 9% of the project cost, and provides an incentive for the creation of affordable rental housing for lowincome households.

3.2 / State Tax Incentives The Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit became effective in 2015. It provides for a tax credit of 25% of qualifying project costs for the rehabilitation of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks or as State Antiquities Landmarks. Only buildings are eligible, and they must be used for income-producing or non-profit purposes.

Government-owned structures do not qualify unless they have been leased, typically to a nonprofit organization for an extended term. NonPage 5

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 profit organizations, despite not paying taxes, can sell their state tax credit. For example, a $100,000 church restoration may result in a $25,000 tax credit that can be sold by the church to a Texas corporation that pays the state franchise tax or state insurance premium tax. Tax credit brokers may also purchase a credit. The dollar value of the credit is negotiated between the tax credit certificate holder and the purchaser, typically somewhat less than face value.

3.3 / Local Tax Incentives Many local governments have adopted tax abatement or exemption programs to encourage the rehabilitation of historic structures, typically in historic downtown commercial districts managed by Main Street programs or in historic residential districts. Details about these local programs can be found by contacting the City Manager or similar official in the city in which a building is located. If your community does not yet have a local program, consider advocating for the establishment of such a program.

4.0 / PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAMS Federal, state and local historic designations for at-risk historic properties open the door to potential grants for restoration or rehabilitation.

Grant funds are limited and highly competitive, and only significant historic places with urgent preservation needs are usually awarded these grants. A summary of grant programs follows.

4.1 / Federal Grant Programs The most significant federal grant program is the Save America’s Treasures grant program.

These grants are limited to National Historic Landmarks or buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance. Grants range from $125,000 to $500,000.

PRESERVATION TEXAS More widely used are Historic Preservation Fund grants, administered through the Texas Historical Commission’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program. These grants are available for historic resource surveys, National Register nominations, local preservation plans, local ordinance development or repairs in CLG communities. Grants range from $2,000 to $30,000. CLGs must meet federal standards with respect to their local preservation regulatory system; CLGs in Southeast Texas are: • Beaumont (Jefferson Co.) • Galveston (Galveston Co.) • Houston (Harris Co.) • Matagorda County • Port Arthur (Jefferson Co.) The Preserve America grant program remains authorized by Congress but in recent years has not received any federal funding. This grant program supported preservation planning activities in designated Preserve America communities. Preserve America communities in Southeast Texas are: • Galveston (Galveston Co.) • Harris County • Matagorda County • Orange (Orange Co.) • Shiner (Lavaca Co.) • Walker County Some grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be available for the rehabilitation of historic structures, particularly those that will be used for community economic development purposes.

The National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities will sometimes have grant opportunities that apply to historic structures being used for the arts or for museum purposes. Visit grants.gov for more information about federal grant opportunities.

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

4.2 / State Grant Programs The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Preservation Trust Fund supports historic site acquisition, survey, restoration, preservation, planning and heritage education relating to historic architecture and archaeological sites.

These are competitive grants that can provide up to $30,000 in funding.

Preservation Texas played a leading role in the establishment of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation program. Since 1999, 74 historic county courthouses have received full restoration grants and another 29 have received emergency or planning grants (2023). The competitive program is administered by the Texas Historical Commission. Southeast Texas counties that have completed courthouse restorations through this program are: • Colorado County • Fayette County • Grimes County • Harris County • Lavaca County • Newton County • Trinity County • Wharton County

4.3 / Nonprofit and Foundation Grant Programs Some nonprofit organizations and foundations offer grant opportunities that have been utilized to save endangered places in Texas.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (SavingPlaces.org/grants) offers grants through its Preservation Fund; additional grant programs for historic African-American places and for Sacred Places have recently been initiated.

The Texas Historical Foundation (TexasHistoricalFoundation.org) provides grants Page 6

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

of up to $5,000 that have been used for restoration projects. The Summerlee Foundation based in Dallas has also provided extensive grant funding for preservation projects across Texas. Regional community foundations are also an important source of donor-directed grants that might be available for historic preservation projects.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP.gov) is a small, independent federal agency that promotes historic preservation across the federal government. It advises the President and Congress on national preservation policy, with a special focus on implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Historic structures in railroad communities have benefited from grants by the BNSF Railway Foundation (BNSFFoundation.org) or the Union Pacific Foundation (UP.com) depending on which rail line operates in the community.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (SavingPlaces.org) is a private, non-profit organization that manages historic sites, intervenes in preservation lawsuits, manages the 11 Most Endangered List, and provides educational programming through its national conference. It is not a government agency and has no role in administering federal programs.

Grants for building materials for small projects have been awarded by the Home Depot; big box building supply stores will sometimes donate materials and equipment with a letter submitted to the store manager.

Financial institutions that serve the community often have grant programs. Some may be directed by local branch managers; others require application to the bank’s national headquarters.

5.0 / HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS For many people working to save a historic place, the role of different government agencies and organizations can be confusing. Each plays an important but specific role. Understanding what these agencies and organizations can (and can’t) do will help you chart a course for action.

5.1 / National Organizations The National Park Service (NPS.gov) is the principal federal agency governing historic preservation programs. Most importantly, they oversee the National Register of Historic Places and the federal tax credit program.

Page 7

The national advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. is Preservation Action (PreservationAction.org), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that works to develop historic preservation programs through advocacy for federal legislation in the U.S. Congress.

Another important organization is Partners for Sacred Places (SacredPlaces.org), a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that supports stewardship of active congregations in older sacred places through capital campaign training and technical assistance.

5.2 / State Organizations The Texas Historical Commission (THC. Texas.gov) is the state historic preservation office, based in Austin. As a state agency they administer state programs and act as a liaison for federal programs. With over 250 staff members, they provide assistance in a range of programs and also administer the state’s Main Street program.

Preservation Texas (PreservationTexas.org) is the only statewide nonprofit historic preservation advocacy and education organization in Texas (Section 1.0).

PRESERVATION TEXAS

5.3 / Local Organizations Most Texas counties have established a County Historical Commission (CHC). These volunteer groups provide county-wide guidance to deliver educational programs, operate history museums, and advise the Texas Historical Commission on historic marker applications, for example. Some CHCs are very active while others meet infrequently. The local CHC can be an important resource, particularly when seeking historic designations.

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 members and selections are announced annually.

Preservation Texas provides advocacy and technical support for these places when requested by local advocates.

A list of Southeast Texas sites that have been included on the Most Endangered Places List follows.

Visit PreservationTexas.org/MEP to learn more about Preservation Texas’s Most Endangered Places List program, and to explore all of the sites that have been included on the list since 2004.

Local governments that have adopted preservation ordinances usually establish a historic commission, landmark commission or similarly named committee of volunteers.

These commissions administer local preservation programs, including local landmark designations, approval of historic building permits, and the development of preservation plans for the community.

Local non-profit preservation organizations operate independently of the government and typically support advocacy and educational programs. Each organization is different; some administer historic sites, some do not. Some examples in Southeast Texas are Preservation Houston and Galveston Historical Foundation. City-focused organizations often provide assistance to smaller communities within their counties.

6.0 / MOST ENDANGERED PLACES LIST Established in 2004, Texas’s Most Endangered Places List is the signature program of Preservation Texas. Over the last eighteen years, over 180 sites and themes have been added to the list, of which less than 20 have been lost. The list is designed to provide statewide publicity for important historic places at risk of imminent loss.

Sites are nominated to Preservation Texas by its Page 8

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

SOUTHEAST TEXAS ENDANGERED PLACES BRAZORIA COUNTY

EAST END NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

East of Downtown Freeport None Demolition Fair District, African-American Heritage 2021

Established in 1930 as a segregated neighborhood, the African-American “East End” of Freeport has been almost entirely obliterated. Decades of disinvestment and property sales in the face of an expansion of the economically valuable Port Freeport have left behind only a small fraction of the hundreds of buildings that formerly stood in the East End. Community activists are working to protect surviving structures.

GALVESTON COUNTY BOLIVAR POINT LIGHTHOUSE LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

419 Everett Road, Port Bolivar NRHP Deterioration Fair Maritime 2022

The Bolivar Point Lighthouse was built in 1872 and remained in operation until 1933. The Lighthouse facilitated maritime commerce, impacting the growth of cities such as Galveston, Texas City, and Houston. The Bolivar Point Lighthouse is one of the few 19th-century lighthouses remaining on the Gulf Coast, but it has been in a state of deterioration for many decades. In 2015, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation was formed with the mission of saving the lighthouse. Phase 1 of the restoration effort officially began in May 2023.

GRIMES COUNTY COURTNEY & ST. HOLLAND’S SCHOOLS LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

16263 6th Street, Navasota None Deterioration Poor Institutional, African-American Heritage 2023

Built in 1913, the two-story brick Courtney School building was used by white students until the 1950s when Navasota ISD consolidated. The building then became the area’s African-American School and the St. Holland’s School building was moved to the site to serve as the cafeteria. After integration, the campus was vacated and has remained underutilized for the last sixty years, falling into disrepair. Community members hope to turn both buildings into a local museum.

Page 9

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

HARRIS COUNTY CAMP LOGAN/ HOGG BIRD SANCTUARY LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

1 & 100 Westcott to S. Picnic Loop, Houston None Flood Infrastructure Fair Cultural Landscape 2014

Camp Logan was established here in 1917, and its archaeological remnants are thought to be the most important from a World War I era training camp in the US. It is designated as a Texas State Archaeological Landmark. Later, Houston’s Memorial Park was established at the site to honor the veterans who served there. The acquisition of undeveloped land by the Hogg family led to the formal establishment of the Hogg Bird Sanctuary in 1958.

Proposed changes along nearly 6,000 feet of Buffalo Bayou by the Harris County Flood Control District threaten archaeological resources from prehistory through the 20th century, while removing vegetation and putting at risk a riparian environment that is a vital part of the natural history of Houston.

CAPITAN THEATER LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

1001 Shaw Ave, Pasadena None Deterioration Poor Commercial 2007

The art moderne style Capitan Theater was opened on November 15, 1949 and was operated by Phil Isley Theaters.

It closed as a regular movie theatre in 1969 and began screening adult movies and Spanish language films in 1970 before it was permanently closed in 1976. In 2014, the City of Pasadena sold the theater to a private investor. The character defining neon signage and murals have been stripped from the building, which remains threatened and vacant.

HOUSTON’S URBAN FREEDOM COLONIES LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

Houston None Redevelopment Fair African-American Heritage 2019

After the Civil War, formerly enslaved African-Americans settled in the Third, Fourth and Fifth wards of Houston, establishing urban “freedom colonies” intended to provide safe haven against discrimination and violence with opportunities for land ownership and economic security. These three wards have suffered in recent decades from extensive demolition, architecturally inappropriate redevelopment, and gentrification. Today, only a small number of historic structures remain where a thriving African-American community once lived, worked, and organized for their political, economic and social equality. Increased funding is needed to rehabilitate remaining buildings as well as incentives for appropriate new development.

Page 10

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

NEAR NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

Just North of Downtown Houston NRHP Redevelopment Fair District 2005

The Near Northside neighborhood is a significant Houston residential development begun in the 1880s with the expansion of the adjacent Hardy Rail Yards. The neighborhood was altered drastically in 1954 by the construction of the Elysian Viaduct. Near Northside was added to the Most Endangered Places list in 2005 due to the planned extension of the Metro Rail through the neighborhood, which was completed in 2013. However, the area remains threatened today as modest historic homes are being demolished for townhouse development. Additionally, a proposed expansion of I-45 could further impact the neighborhood.

OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

200 Court St, Houston HTC Erosion Fair African-American Heritage 2019

Olivewood Cemetery is representative of diverse cultural and religious traditions and is the final resting place of some of Houston’s prominent African Americans. The cemetery was established by Fourth Ward residents in the late 1800s as a burial ground within the Houston city limits for formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Olivewood Cemetery is threatened by erosion, vandalism, and rapid plant growth. Water runoff from neighboring commercial establishments has resulted in flooding and the loss of grave sites. Tombstones have been broken and are in need of repair. The site was also included on the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Places List in 2022.

JEFFERSON COUNTY CAROLINE GILBERT HINCHEE HOUSE LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

1814 Park Street, Beaumont NRHP, RTHL Deterioration Poor Residential 2023

Built in 1906 for Caroline Gilbert Hinchee and designed by prominent Beaumont architect Henry C. Mauer, the Hinchee House is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles. Over the last century, the house has slowly fallen into disrepair due to neglect, vandalism, and storm damage. The Beaumont Preservation Society purchased the house in 2018 and has been fundraising to begin a major rehabilitation project. The house, which is currently tagged by the City for Beaumont for demolition due to unsafe conditions, needs major structural repair, roof repair, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Page 11

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

MATAGORDA COUNTY LUTHER HOTEL LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

408 S Bay Blvd, Palacios NRHP, RTHL Demolition Fair Commercial 2022

The Luther Hotel is one of the few surviving Gulf Coast hotels built as part of extensive land development schemes throughout Texas in the early 20th century. The original, central portion of the hotel was designed by noted regional architect Jules C. Leffland, and constructed in 1903. In 2022, the hotel was under contract to be sold to a private foundation, which intended to demolish the historic structure. A group of dedicated local advocates and lawyers fought to prevent the demolition and the foundation backed out of the contract in September of 2023. A new property owner is being sought to ensure that the Luther Hotel survives for generations to come.

WHARTON COUNTY STEPHEN F. AUSTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATION DESIGNATION THREAT CONDITION RESOURCE TYPE YEAR LISTED

500 Abell Street, Wharton NRHP Redevelopment Fair Institutional 2021

Stephen F. Austin Elementary School served as a public school from 1930 to 2009. It played a significant role in Texas public school integration, including early enrollment of Mexican-American students starting in 1946. In 2018, Wharton ISD applied for an $8.75 million federal grant to construct new housing on the site of the school.

Preservation-minded locals advocated for the protection of the historic school, and plans were amended to retain the building. However, impacts from new construction around the school and its future use remain a concern.

THEMATIC LISTINGS Preservation Texas includes thematic listings on the Most Endangered Places list to encourage Texans to identify threatened structures in their own communities. Thematic listings relevant to Southeast Texas are: • Barns • Carpenter Gothic Churches • Cemeteries • Civil Rights Sites • Dams • Dance Halls • Gas Stations • Historic Resources in City Parks • Historic Resources of the Recent Past • Historically Segregated MexicanAmerican Public Schools

• Iron Bridges • Log Buildings • Mid-Century Modern Sacred Places • Painted Advertising Signs aka “Ghost Signs” • Railroad Depots • Rural African-American Heritage Sites • Rural School Buildings • Small Town Bank Buildings • Small Town Municipal Buildings • Small Town Theaters and Opera Houses • Working Class Neighborhoods

Page 12

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

SAVED SOUTHEAST TEXAS ENDANGERED PLACES BRAZORIA COUNTY AMMON AND RACHEL UNDERWOOD HOUSE 582 Main Street, East Columbia 2005 Most Endangered Places List

FAYETTE COUNTY PIANO BRIDGE Piano Bridge Road, Schulenburg 2011 Most Endangered Places List 2017 Honor Award

GALVESTON COUNTY STRAND-MECHANIC HISTORIC DISTRICT Strand and Ship’s Mechanic Row between 20th and 26th Streets, Galveston 2009 Most Endangered Places List

GALVESTON’S HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS - HEIGHT/ DENSITY Galveston 2007 Most Endangered Places List

HENDLEY BUILDING 2000-2016 Strand Street, Galveston 2008 Most Endangered Places List 2017 Honor Award

Page 13

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

HARRIS COUNTY ALABAMA THEATER 2922 S Shepherd Drive, Houston 2007 Most Endangered Places List

GROTA HOMESTEAD NEIGHBORHOOD aka “GERMANTOWN” Houston Avenue to the west, I-45 to the north and east, and Woodland Park to the south, Houston 2007 Most Endangered Places List

NEWTON COUNTY ODOM HOMESTEAD 194 County Road 1040, Shankleville 2015 Most Endangered Places List 2023 Honor Award

WALKER COUNTY SAN JACINTO SCHOOL HOUSE 732 Farm-to-Market Rd 3179, Huntsville 2005 Most Endangered Places List

Page 14

PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024

LOST SOUTHEAST TEXAS ENDANGERED PLACES HARRIS COUNTY ALAMO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 201 E. 27th Street, Houston 2009 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2012

PRUDENTIAL BUILDING 1100 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston 2004 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2012

RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER 1958 W Gray Street, Houston 2007 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2018

SACRED HEART CO-CATHEDRAL 1111 Pierce Street, Houston 2004 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2023

WILSHIRE VILLAGE APARTMENTS 1703-1715 W Alabama Street, Houston 2006 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2009

JAMES AND JESSE WEST MANSION 3303 Nasa Parkway, Pasadena 2007 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2019

JEFFERSON COUNTY PIG STAND NO. 41 1955 Calder Avenue, Beaumont 2014 Most Endangered Places List Demolished 2018

Page 15

PRESERVATION TEXAS

7.0 / SUPPORT PRESERVATION TEXAS

SAVING SOUTHEAST TEXAS 2023 - 2024 To join or renew your membership online visit PreservationTexas.org/Membership

7.1 / Membership Preservation Texas is a private, nonprofit membership organization.

Through our membership network, we: • Engage at the local level in support of endangered historic places; • Deliver timely advocacy on critical preservation issues; • Provide educational programming that empowers members to be stewards and protectors of our state’s cultural heritage; and • Identify and recognize outstanding preservation projects and initiatives through our biennial Honor Awards

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES • Student Membership: $25 • Individual Membership: $40 • Household Membership: $75 • Local Government/ Nonprofit Membership: $100 • Friend Membership: $250 • Small Business Membership: $250 • Patron Membership: $500 • Benefactor Membership: $1,000

7.2 / Business Sponsorship The exposure that Preservation Texas can bring to your business will strengthen our shared interest in providing the highest level of support for preservation projects in Texas.

• $500 Level • $1,000 Level • $2,500 Level • $5,000 Level • $7,500 Level • $10,000 Level To become a Business Sponsor PreservationTexas.org/Sponsor

SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIPS An easy way to support Preservation Texas through monthly donations • $250 Monthly Giving • $100 Monthly Giving • $50 Monthly Giving • $25 Monthly Giving Page 16

visit

This publication has been made possible by the generous support of

PreservationTexas.org

@PreservationTexas