Preserving Houston's Heritage

ooking at this picture of Houston’s famous Shamrock Hotel with its owner Glenn McCarthy (the famous and controversial Texas  Wildcatter) should bring back great memories of some of the unbelievable moments that many Houstonians shared during its thirty-eight years of service to the community. But in the name of progress this grand and historical landmark, which at one time was a green beacon for all who came to visit Houston and even those who lived here to use as a retreat, was unfortunately demolished forever on Dec. 26,1987.  The purpose of this section, is to highlight  Houston's remarkable historical homes and buildings, as well as to provide some insight into the people that were connected to them and hopefully stir great interest and civic pride in preserving Houston's Heritage. This section has been compiled from many sources and includes a full time line and photographs (if available) of the city's historical residences and commercial structures. 

Note: These files include many graphical images and photos, and are best viewed with fast Internet connections.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Press Releases Courtesy of Historic Houston on Cohn House and Robin Street Houses Preservation Status.

 GONE FOREVER

Lost  Historic Residences

The Old Capitol Hotel

Once the Capitol of the Republic of Texas before moving the Texas government to Austin

Charlotte B. Allen House

Built ca. 1850s

Demolished ca. 1915

718 Main Street at Rusk Avenue

McGowan House

Built ca. 1906

Destroyed by fire on  Jan. 1 2001

1517 Lubbock Street at Trinity

 RESCUED

Saved  Historic Residences

William R. Nash House

Built ca. 1905

Extant, H. C. Cooke and Company, Architects

217 Westmoreland Avenue

Restored  Historic Residences

The Pillot House

Built ca. 1868

Restored by the Heritage Society and moved to Sam Houston Park near downtown Houston

 IN JEOPARDY

Threatened Historic Residences

Arthur B. Cohn House

Built ca. 1905

 This Queen-Anne style house has city, state and national historic landmark designations, but none of those guarantee it will be saved from the wrecking ball. The house's best chance for survival is relocation from the southeast downtown site

LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS

Old Houston

Churches

Mansions and Homes

Buildings

Gallery