A banner event: Celebrating Houston's first flag

In 1915, the city of Houston adopted the design for its official municipal flag: "one lone white star, floating in a sea of azure blue and bearing on its surface the original seal of the city of Houston." Based on a design by railroad retiree W.A. Wheeldon, the flag first took shape as a prototype created by the Levy Bros. department store, which was then used as a model for a 10-by-12-foot silk banner carried in that year's Independence Day parade.

Now, a century later, Preservation Houston will present the restored 1915 flag prototype to the city of Houston — and you're invited to join us.

Newest city landmark recalls Houston's first oil boom

A surviving remnant of the once-booming cottonseed oil industry is among the newest City of Houston landmarks. At the request of the building's owner, Preservation Houston staff conducted the research, writing and photography for the application that resulted in landmark status for the Howard Oil Company Seedhouse. City Council approved the landmark designation this morning.

City Council revises Historic Preservation Ordinance

Houston City Council earlier today passed changes to the Historic Preservation Ordinance that will provide applicants with a streamlined process for project approvals and refine the list of projects eligible to receive City of Houston preservation tax incentives. Other revisions include improved remedies for enforcing violations of the preservation ordinance, including Houston's first legal provision to prevent demolition by neglect.

Cullen Clinic named Protected Landmark with PH assistance

The historic Cullen Clinic at 7703 Cullen Boulevard is among the buildings City Council has designated landmarks and protected landmarks. At the request of the clinic building's owner, Preservation Houston staff conducted the research, writing and photography for the application that resulted in protected status. The clinic building was deemed significant for its original owners, architect and as a visible reminder of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Houston and Texas.