Six historic buildings were added to Houston’s list of landmarks and protected landmarks Jan. 21.
The overview
During its Jan. 21 regular meeting, Houston City Council unanimously approved designation for the following properties:
Protected Landmark status:
Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church: 3029 Holman St., HoustonWest Edgemont’s “Dream Home”: 1707 Milford St., HoustonValenti-Dissen House at 1505 Alamo: 1505 Alamo St., HoustonValenti-Dissen House at 1507 Alamo: 1507 Alamo St., HoustonLandmark status:Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church: 828 W. 20th St., HoustonThe Alan and Hattie Green House: 5319 Institute Lane, HoustonMore details
Houston has more than 192 protected landmarks and 35 landmarks, according to the Office of Preservation’s website.
Properties with Protected Landmark status are protected from demolition, receive historical building tax exemptions and are allowed a 40% reduction in parking requirements, per the Office of Preservation. Buildings with Landmark status are eligible for a historical tax exemption but are not completely protected from demolition.
The designations do not affect the use of a property, but all building alterations and maintenance must follow the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance.
The Houston Archeological and Historical Commission reviews properties based on the site’s history, architecture, culture and resources, per the city’s website. Buildings must meet at least one of eight criteria related to historical significance to receive a designation.
A closer look
As part of its approval process, the commission creates landmark designation reports detailing each building’s history and significance.
Built in 1962, the Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church is a historic Black church that houses a 123-year-old congregation, which was founded in 1902.
The Tudor-Revival style house West Edgemont’s “Dream Home” dates back to the 1920s and was known for its distinct architectural design, having been built specifically for a Houston Post-Dispatch newspaper contest in 1927.
Built in 1921, the Valenti-Dissen House at 1507 Alamo is located in the historic First Ward neighborhood and was home to the grandfather of former presidential aide Jack Valenti before being rented out to a number of families in what became a notable Greek immigrant neighborhood.
Similarly, the neighboring house at 1505 Alamo was owned by the Valenti family before eventually being sold to Della Dissen, the oldest surviving daughter of cattle and lumberman Julius Settegast.
The Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church was remodeled in 1953 under the leadership of Reverend G. M. Relerford and went on to have a number of different pastors, including the father of late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.
The Alan and Hattie Green House is estimated to have been constructed between 1925-29 and was the home of Alan M. Green, who operated the soda manufacturing company Green and Green Inc.
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