About Preservation Houston

Preservation Houston is the city’s only nonprofit dedicated to advocating for historic preservation across Houston. Since 1978, we’ve championed stronger public policy and worked to protect the irreplaceable places that tell the full story of our city. With the support of our members and volunteers, we’re committed to preserving the architecture and cultural heritage that reflect Houston’s depth and diversity.

Our mission

To promote the preservation and appreciation of Houston’s architectural and cultural historic resources through advocacy, education and committed action, thereby creating economic value and developing a stronger sense of community.


Why preservation matters

Preservation isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, places, and possibilities. Preservation Houston works to ensure that the city’s historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and cultural sites continue to serve their communities not as relics of the past, but as essential assets for the future.

Since 1978, Preservation Houston has led efforts to protect and reuse places that matter, from the iconic Rice Hotel downtown to Boynton Chapel and the Eldorado Ballroom in the Third Ward. Our impact can be seen in revitalized buildings, restored homes in the Heights and Old Sixth Ward, and the civic strength of neighborhoods like Norhill and Woodland Heights. These are more than just preservation wins. They show how protecting places can strengthen communities and honor the cultures that shape them.

Preservation plays a vital role in addressing today’s biggest challenges, from boosting the local economy to supporting affordable housing, conserving energy and using resources wisely. We can’t bulldoze our way out of those challenges. We need solutions that build on what’s already here.

Preservation Houston puts history to work. We advocate for threatened landmarks, help property owners find the tools they need, and support smart preservation from start to finish. Our programs and community partnerships help people see historic places for what they are: living parts of the city’s story.

At its core, preservation is about people. We’re committed to working alongside residents, neighborhoods and partners to protect the places that shape Houston and the people who give them meaning.

Read about our work and join our mailing list to learn more about us.


Staff

Jennifer Kapral, Executive Director
Emily Ardoin, Preservation Services Director
Kathleen Nuzzo, Membership Director
Jim Parsons, Programs Director
Holly Sandlin, Office Manager


Financial information

Preservation Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1978 as Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Members include individuals, corporations and organizations. Preservation Houston depends on donations, membership fees, grant funding and ticket sales for tours and events to fulfill its mission. Learn more about PH’s finances and review our forms 990 on ProPublica.


Communications

Preservation Houston’s printed newsletter was mailed to members and community leaders for many years. Back issues of the printed newsletter dating from 1981 are available in our online archive. Today, PH communicates with our members and constituents by e-mail, including via Keynote, our monthly digital newsletter. Browse our recent e-mail messages here.

You can also download our Year in Review, an overview of our activities for the years:

Preservation Houston has been recognized for our transparency with a Platinum Seal on our Candid Nonprofit Profile. Candid is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. More than 8 million visitors per year and a network of more than 200 partners use Candid data to grow support for nonprofits.