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About us Preservation Houston is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 1978 as Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Members include individuals, corporations and organizations. Funding for programs and activities is provided through memberships as well as grants and individual and corporate gifts. Our Mission Use the links below to learn more about Preservation Houston.
Officers Directors Ex Officio Staff Return to the top of this page
Preservation Houston is Houston's only citywide historic preservation advocacy organization. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, Preservation Houston's mission is to promote the preservation and appreciation of Houston’s architectural and cultural historic resources through education, advocacy and committed action, thereby creating economic value and developing a stronger sense of community. When Preservation Houston was incorporated in 1978 as Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, historic preservation was largely the work of individuals scattered throughout the city's older neighborhoods. The organization provided an umbrella organization for like-minded people to come together to effect change.
Since its founding, Preservation Houston has earned a well-deserved reputation for professionalism and achievement. Preservation Houston has gained prominence through serious, behind-the-scenes advocacy and positive public programming. The organization played a pivotal role in convincing the Harris County/Houston Sports Authority to preserve Union Station as part of Minute Maid Park. In 1995, Preservation Houston partnered with neighborhood representatives to convince Mayor Bob Lanier that the city needed to protect its historic resources, resulting in the passage of Houston’s first historic preservation ordinance. Since 2006, Preservation Houston has led the effort to create a digital archive and online Museum of Houston. In partnership with Rice University and other leading cultural and educational institutions, Preservation Houston is creating a digital storehouse of historic resources relating to Houston’s past. Also in 2006, Preservation Houston began focusing public attention on the proposed demolition of the River Oaks and Alabama theaters; two years later, this effort led to the publication of Preservation Houston's third book, Houston Deco. In 2008, Preservation Houston launched its "Save Our Astrodome" campaign to promote the preservation of the iconic stadium. The accomplishments of an advocacy organization are, by definition, difficult to measure. Preservation Houston's achievements can be seen as the effect of water on stone. Progress is slow and steady; cumulative change is evident over time. Preservation Houston's success can be seen in Houston's revitalized downtown historic district, in the restored homes of the Heights and Old Sixth Ward, and in stable residential neighborhoods and active civic associations such as those in the Norhill Historic District. Progress is evident in the widespread recognition of historic preservation as an important tool for economic development and a growing awareness and appreciation of our shared heritage. In March 2006, the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized Preservation Houston's ongoing efforts to create a preservation ethic for Houston by designating Preservation Houston as Houston's Local Partner of the National Trust. Return to the top of this page
Advocacy is the area where Preservation Houston has had the most impact and, by necessity, the least public visibility. Preservation Houston works behind the scenes to achieve its goals. The approach is businesslike and not confrontational. When a building is threatened, Preservation Houston uses it extensive network of contacts to make an appointment with the owner. Typically, Preservation Houston representatives will bring architects, engineers, and developers to discuss the merits of historic preservation with a property owner and present the economic data demonstrating the value of restoration versus demolition. Preservation Houston continuously tracks threats to historic buildings and, when appropriate, contacts public officials and promotes media coverage of endangered properties to increase public awareness. Technical Assistance and Advice Preservation Houston's professionally degreed staff members share their expertise by providing preservation tax credit information to developers and assistance in evaluating historic properties. Preservation Houston can provide information on the availability of grants, tax credits and tax abatements to renovate the property. Staff members offer guidance to property owners applying for City of Houston landmark designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic Neighborhood Resources is an effective, proactive program promoting the preservation and revitalization of Houston’s historic neighborhoods. The voice of Houston's National Register and City Historic Districts, HNR encourages cooperation, the sharing of information and common effort to enhance the quality of life in our older residential areas. For more information on the program, visit its Web page. Communication Programs provide Preservation Houston members, community leaders and the public with preservation information. E-mail has proven to be a very cost-effective and timely means of communicating with a wide range of organizations and individuals, and is a very useful tool in building a broad base of support for preservation in Houston. Preservation Houston members receive e-mailed Preservation Alerts explaining important issues and providing contact information for the appropriate elected officials. These e-mail messages are also sent to public officials and other community leaders. Preservation Houston maintains three websites, preservationhouston.org, houstondeco.org and museumofhouston.org, providing information on a variety of topics. The printed newsletter, For Preservation, also provides information on Preservation Houston events and updates on preservation issues and local preservation projects. News releases and editorials appear regularly in the local media, increasing Preservation Houston's visibility. The Walking Tours Program is one of Preservation Houston's most visible and popular means of focusing public attention on Houston's architectural and cultural heritage. Monthly guided walking tours take participants through many of the city's significant historic buildings and neighborhoods. In many cases, Preservation Houston's copyrighted tours are the only comprehensive written records of these historic communities' histories. To keep the program fresh and interesting, new tours are constantly being developed and updated information is added when tours are repeated. The program also offers quarterly public tours of historic Glenwood Cemetery as well as private tours for students, senior citizens and community organizations. For information on private tours, contact tours@preservationhouston.org, and for information on the program, visit its Web page. The Good Brick Awards are Preservation Houston's most visible public program and largest single fundraising activity. Preservation Houston believes that recognizing outstanding projects is one of the most effective means to promote preservation and increase awareness of Houston's heritage. Presented since 1979, the Good Brick Awards recognize leadership and excellence in historic preservation, including project planning, publications, renovation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. In addition to traditional rehabilitation projects, winners have included individuals who researched and published family histories, organizations that have carried out community service projects, and individuals who created and support small museums. The Preservation Month Luncheon is Houston's largest public event during National Preservation Month, held annually in May. Each year, the luncheon features a nationally known speaker who discusses preservation and quality of life issues from a new vantage point. Preservation Houston's goal is to have luncheon attendees consider preservation from a different perspective by exposing them to innovative ideas that could be adapted to Houston's needs. Museum of Houston Preservation Houston is leading the effort to create the online Museum of Houston and digital archive, museumofhouston.org. Preservation Houston staff developed the concept for this innovative project and the project director is a full-time Preservation Houston employee. Some of the city's leading educational and cultural institutions are participating in the project. In addition to Preservation Houston, other institutions with representatives on the Museum of Houston steering committee are Houston Public Library/Houston Metropolitan Research Center; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rice University/Fondren Library; Texas Southern University/Robert James Terry Library, and University of Houston Libraries. A preliminary version of the site is online at museumofhouston.org. |
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