Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) met on October 9, 2025, with Vice Chair John Cosgrove presiding (Chair David Buchik absent). The meeting included a public hearing on a protected landmark designation, consideration of several certificates of appropriateness, a contentious discussion on Norhill Historic District projects, and updates on preservation initiatives.

Director's Report

• Robert Williamson, Acting Secretary, announced efforts to schedule a public hearing on City Council's October 22 agenda for landmark designations and historic district reclassifications. He also noted that the Norhill Design Guidelines are nearing finalization, with a public hearing planned for November.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from September 11, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• The following certificates of appropriateness were approved as part of the consent agenda (Items B2, B3, B5, B9):
  • 824 Cortland Street (alteration/addition, Houston Heights South) – approved with conditions.
  • 1531 Harvard Street (alteration/addition, Houston Heights East) – approved.
  • 832 West Millwood Street (garage alteration, Norhill) – approval was part of consent but pulled; separately considered below.
  • 206 Stratford (window/siding alteration, Avondale East) – denial of COA and issuance of COR.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Emily Ryan (Preservation Houston) spoke in support of the Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church landmark designation.
• For 832 West Millwood (Items B6 and B7), multiple Norhill residents opposed the proposals: Virginia Kelsey (deed restriction vice president), Mary Emily Schultz, Tiffany Till, Adam Till, and Gillian Steinhauer. They argued that the additions and garage alterations would exceed the neighborhood's small-scale character and violate deed restrictions and proposed design guidelines. Applicant Sam Janukas countered that he followed all city codes and deed restrictions, and that the Norhill Association's design guidelines are not officially adopted.
• For 1138 Fugate (Item B1), speakers Virginia Kelsey, Brian Wilson (neighbor), Adam Till, and letters from residents opposed the new construction, citing excessive size, massing, and that it rewarded the owner for an avoidable demolition. Applicant Emiliano Sasueta defended the design as meeting city requirements.
• During public comments (Item C), Virginia Kelsey raised concerns about developers bypassing neighborhood association approval. Sam Janukas accused Norhill of threatening lawsuits and not following official rules; Adam Till replied that design guidelines do exist.

Discussion Items

• Item A: Protected Landmark Designation – Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church
  Staff recommended designation for the 123-year-old church in Third Ward, citing criteria 1, 3, H for landmark and criterion 1 for protected landmark. The church has a history of civic and civil rights activism. The public hearing included supportive testimony. The commission voted unanimously to recommend designation to City Council.

• Item B4: 3412 Audubon Place – New Construction (Audubon Place Historic District)
  Staff recommended approval after three design reviews. Applicant Scott Frankel and owner Brian Freed spoke. No opposition. Motion to approve carried with one abstention (Commissioner Jones).

• Items B6 and B7: 832 West Millwood Street – Addition and Garage Alteration (Norhill Historic District)
  Staff recommended approval for both. After public comment and discussion, Commissioner Broadbeck expressed concern about the two-story addition's footprint. A motion to approve both failed (3 in favor, 5 opposed). A separate motion to approve B6 (the house addition) carried. A motion to approve B7 (garage alteration) failed. A subsequent motion to conditionally approve B7 with a one-foot lowering of the roof line passed.

• Item B10: 2310 Decatur Street – Sign Alteration (Old Sixth Ward)
  Staff recommended denial due to internal illumination not conforming to design guidelines. Applicant Shaya Atari argued the sign is small and only letters are lit. Commissioner Browning questioned the guideline's wording. Commissioner Davis moved to approve the sign as presented, citing its minimal impact on a non-contributing building at the district's edge. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item B1: 1138 Fugate Street – New Construction (Norhill Historic District)
  Staff recommended denial, noting the proposal was substantially larger than a previously approved design and did not meet criteria for new construction. After public opposition, a motion to deny the application passed unanimously (Commissioner Davis abstaining due to absence from prior discussions).

Key Outcomes

• The commission recommended to City Council the protected landmark designation for Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
• Approved COA for 3412 Audubon Place (new construction) as recommended by staff.
• Approved COA for 832 West Millwood Street (house addition) as recommended by staff.
• Approved COA for 832 West Millwood Street (garage alteration) with a condition to lower the roof line by one foot.
• Approved COA for 2310 Decatur Street (sign) with internal illumination allowed, overruling staff's denial recommendation.
• Denied COA for 1138 Fugate Street (new construction).
• Staff provided updates on the preservation tracker, pending landmark items for City Council, the Lyons Avenue grant, and a November 12 public meeting for Norhill Design Guidelines.