A final vote by Houston city council members last week resulted in the designation of five structures as historic.
The City of Houston reports that the designations, which include a former department store, three historic homes, and a packing plant, increase the number of historic designations to 307 landmarks and 182 protected landmarks.
Earlier this year, the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission was shown the five historic properties. The city council will make the ultimate decision after the commission suggested that all properties be recognized as historic.
According to a news statement this week from the planning department, protected landmarks are historic properties that have been formally acknowledged by the City of Houston for their exceptional historical, cultural, or architectural significance. The property owner is the one who initiates these designations.
Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Johnston House, 7 Shadow Lawn St.
In 1928, the Johnston House was constructed on Shadow Lawn Street. The City of Houston Planning and Development Department claims that the two-story, red-brick Georgian-style home is in excellent original shape.
Johnston was a well-known obstetrician and gynecologist in the Houston medical community.
Swift and Company Packing Plant, 612 Waverly St.
In 1904, Swift & Company bought the packing plant.
The location of Swift & Company was built next to the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad in an industrial area of Houston Heights.
According to a 1944 aerial view, Swift & Co. was surrounded by a distinct industrial location to the east and wooded regions to the south and west. Three blocks to the east in another industrial area, and little houses just across the train line were probably worker housing.
The region south of the rail line had grown into a business and industrial district by the 1950s. In 1972, the property was shut down.
The John S. Stewart House, 109 Stratford St.
On Stratford Street is a two-and-a-half-story home known as the John Stewart House.
According to the department, the Stewart family owned the property for 33 years before it changed hands during the ensuing decades.
The Neoclassical elements of the building, such as the tall porch and portico held up by Ionic columns, showcase the craftsmanship, materials, and design.
Delco House, 807 North Loop
The 1930s saw the construction of the Delco house. When the 610 Loop was being built in 1958, the Delco family was forced to leave the house where they had lived since 1938.
Previously located at 6916 N. Main St., the building is currently located at 807 North Loop.
Battelstein s, 806 Main St.
From 1924 until the 1980s, Battelstein’s, a ten-story high-rise structure on Main Street, operated as a posh department store.
According to the department, Philip Pop Battelstein opened the Houston site in 1924 and made multiple expansions to accommodate the city’s retail needs.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
