Houston Creates Its First Ever Historic District

"The City Council created Houston's first protected historic district Wednesday, shielding more than 200 buildings from demolition in the Old Sixth Ward.

Preservationists hailed the 12-1 vote as a new era in Houston's cultural consciousness.

The 33-acre protected district contains the highest concentration of historic homes in Houston, many dating back to the late 19th century. The neighborhood has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.

"We're very happy," said Jane Cahill of the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association. "We were afraid the trend of abolishing the neighborhood's historic construction would continue."

Since 1998, 10 historic structures in the Old Sixth Ward have been demolished, 51 inappropriately altered, four relocated, and 12 replaced with new construction incompatible with the neighborhood's character, according to the city's Department of Planning and Development.

"Today was a history-making day," Councilwoman Sue Lovell said. "There's been no other neighborhood that has taken these steps."

Mayor Bill White said the protected district is a uniquely historical place and said the designation would not discourage development in the city."