Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Meeting - February 12, 2026

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:32 PM. The meeting was called to order by Chair David Buchek, and a quorum was present. The Commission addressed a protected landmark designation for Trinity United Methodist Church, multiple certificate of appropriateness (COA) applications, and received updates on preservation initiatives including the Norhill Design Guidelines. The meeting set a record for the shortest HAHC meeting in six and a half years, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved a revised consent calendar for COA applications, all with staff recommendations: B1 (1702 Harvard Street), B3 (1611 Columbia Street, alteration addition), B4 (1611 Columbia Street, garage alteration), B5 (1203 2 Lane Street, new garage), B6 (1203 2 Lane Street, alteration addition), B9 (3000 Morrison Street, new garage), B10 (3607 White Oak Drive, sign alteration), B11 (303 Hawthorne Street, new garage), and B12 (4007 Oak Ridge Street, alteration addition). Items B7 and B8 (1123 Jerome Street) were pulled for individual consideration. Commissioner Seidel recused from B7 and B8.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item A – Trinity United Methodist Church: Emily Arduin (Preservation Houston) expressed support for the protected landmark designation, stating it was an honor to work with an institution of foundational history in Houston's black community. Pastor Ed Jones (senior pastor) also expressed support, thanking Preservation Houston for guiding the process and emphasizing the church's historic role as the mother church of Methodist denominations in Houston.
• Items B7 and B8 – 1123 Jerome Street: Sam Gianukos (agent, Creo Design) spoke in favor, stating the design follows the forthcoming Norhill Design Guidelines and deed restrictions. Virginia Kelsey (VP of Deed Restrictions, Norhill Neighborhood Association) opposed the garage reconstruction, arguing it violates existing deed restrictions and the proposed design guidelines, specifically regarding roofline height and character.
• General Public Comments: Virginia Kelsey asked about the process for adopting the Norhill Design Guidelines. Emily Arduin announced the Preservation Houston Good Brick Awards dinner on February 27, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Item A – Protected Landmark Designation for Trinity United Methodist Church (2600 Holman Street): Staff presented the nomination, noting the church's 1951 mid-century modern architecture by George Pierce and Abel B. Pierce, and its deep significance to Houston's black community dating back to an enslaved congregation. The property meets criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 for landmark designation and criterion 1 for protected landmark designation. The church was instrumental in founding Emancipation Park, Olivewood Cemetery, and other institutions. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend the designation to City Council.
• Item B2 – 2010 King Street: Staff presented a proposal for a second-floor bedroom addition, front porch, and window replacements. The applicant withdrew the rear porch. Staff recommended approval, and the Commission approved unanimously.
• Items B7 and B8 – 1123 Jerome Street: Staff presented plans for a new 449 sq ft detached garage (replacing one destroyed by fire) and a 428 sq ft rear addition to the existing bungalow. The agent noted that the garage ridge height (16 ft 9 in) is lower than the house ridge height (17 ft 4 in). The Commission approved both items with Commissioner Seidel recused.
• Preservation Officer Report (Yasmin Arslan): Postcards for the Norhill Design Guidelines have been mailed; the public hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The Lions Avenue Grant project for the National Register of Historic Places is nearing completion, with nominations submitted to the Texas Historical Commission. The Houston Preservation Tracker is being tested, and a user survey will be sent in March. There will be no regular commission meeting in March; instead, staff will focus on ethics training and the Norhill public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the protected landmark designation for Trinity United Methodist Church (2600 Holman Street) by unanimous vote, recommending City Council approval.
• Approved the revised consent calendar (nine COA applications) unanimously.
• Approved COA application B2 (2010 King Street) unanimously.
• Approved COA applications B7 (new garage) and B8 (rear addition) at 1123 Jerome Street, with Commissioner Seidel recused. Motion for B7 by Commissioner Davis, second by Commissioner Cosgrove; motion for B8 by Commissioner Garcia, second by Commissioner Garcia. Both passed.
• Approved the January 15, 2026 meeting minutes with an amendment correcting the chair name (changed from "Chair Cosgrove" to "Chair Buchek").
• The Norhill Design Guidelines public hearing is set for March 24, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Comments must be submitted 24 hours in advance.
• The meeting adjourned after approximately 30 minutes, setting a record for the shortest HAHC meeting since 2020.