Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Meeting - August 13, 2026

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) met on August 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM to consider a variety of historic preservation matters, including landmark designations, certificates of appropriateness, design guidelines, and a controversial demolition case. The meeting lasted several hours and included extensive public testimony and deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• July 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Certificates of Appropriateness (Consent List): The commission approved a revised consent list consisting of items E5, E6, E7, E8, E9, E10, E11, E12, E13, E14, E15, E16, E17, and E20 as recommended by staff.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item E1 (202 East 31st ½ Street, Starkweather Historic District): Tanya Wells (Executive Director, Independence Heights Redevelopment Council) and Dr. Sabrina Norman (resident) spoke passionately against the demolition of a contributing historic home and called for a two-year moratorium. They expressed frustration with the city's handling and demanded accountability. The applicant, Jeffrey Sermon, apologized and accepted whatever outcome the commission decided. Councilmember Mario Castillo's representative, Ty Kioka, supported the community's request for a moratorium.
• Item E2 (509 Euclid Street, Woodland Heights): Several neighbors (Mike Connor, Jane Buchanan, Nancy Wood, Paul Whitehouse, Travis Boyle) opposed the large addition, citing massing and risk to a heritage oak tree. The applicant, Edis Hobson, argued that plans had been reduced and that the tree would be protected.
• Item E3 (1118 Two Lane Street, Houston Heights South): Applicant Stephen Robinson explained difficulties with stone removal and restoration, advocating for wood siding.
• Item D (Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern): Emily Ardwan (Preservation Houston) and Alison Durand (Buffalo Bayou Partnership) spoke in support of the protected landmark designation.
• Item C (Donnie McWayne Freeman House): Diavion Wallace (Preservation Houston) spoke in support.
• Public Comment Period: Candy Cardona, a resident near Harper School, pleaded for emergency action to prevent demolition of the historic school building, noting that workers told her demolition would begin soon. Director Tran assured that the city is working with the developer to preserve portions of the school.
• Item G (Norhill Design Guidelines): Multiple Norhill residents (Mary Schultz, Dwayne Bradley, John Santorelli, Lawrence Fibo, Virginia Kelsey) urged the commission to approve the guidelines, emphasizing the need to protect the neighborhood's character.

Discussion Items

• Item A: Lyons Avenue Historic District Nomination: Staff presented the nomination for the Lyons Avenue Historic District, a surviving segment of Houston's historical Fifth Ward African American business district. The commission voted unanimously to refer the nomination to the Texas Historical Commission for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Item B: Berin Seventh Day Adventist Church Protected Landmark: Staff recommended designation for the church at 2119 St. Emanuel Street, built in 1921 as the first Black Seventh-day Adventist church in Houston. The commission voted unanimously to recommend protected landmark designation.
• Item C: Donnie McWayne Freedman House Protected Landmark: The 1928 Colonial Revival home at 2522 Calumet Street, associated with notable TSU debate coach Thomas F. Freeman, was recommended for protected landmark designation. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Item D: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Protected Landmark: The 1926-1927 underground reservoir, now a cultural site, was recommended for protected landmark designation. The commission voted unanimously to approve; Commissioner Escobar abstained due to her board membership with Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
• Item E1: 202 East 31st ½ Street (Demolition without COA): The contributing craftsman bungalow in the Starkweather Historic District was demolished in November 2025 due to an administrative error removing historic holds. Staff recommended denial of the COA with three options. After extensive debate, Commissioner Escobar moved to deny the COA and impose a two-year permit moratorium (from the date of demolition). Motion passed unanimously.
• Item E2: 509 Euclid Street (Addition): Staff recommended approval for a large rear addition to a contributing bungalow in Woodland Heights, but neighbors raised concerns about massing and a protected heritage oak tree. The commission denied the application based on massing (motion by Commissioner Browning, seconded by Commissioner C. Smith), with one dissenting vote.
• Item E3: 1118 Two Lane Street (Alteration): The commission considered the replacement of stone siding with wood on a contributing craftsman home. Commissioner Davis moved to approve on condition that stone be retained and replaced only as necessary with like materials; motion passed with one opposed (Commissioner Browning).
• Item E4: 914 Main Street (Chamber of Commerce Building): Staff presented two options for repair/replacement of cast stone spandrels. Commissioner Smith leaned toward Option 2 (remove, repair, reset) to preserve original material. The commission voted to approve Option 2.
• Item E18: 1136 All Greg Drive (Window Replacement): Staff recommended approval, but the applicant insisted on moving forward without a staff site visit. The commission voted to defer (motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner C. Smith) to allow staff inspection.
• Item E19: 1139 West Melwood Street (Window Replacement): Similarly deferred for a site visit to assess repairability (motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hill).
• Item E21: 925 Washington Avenue (Signage): Commissioner Hill moved to defer because the proposed sign did not align with Old Sixth Ward guidelines regarding illumination and brick painting. Motion passed.
• Item G: Norhill Design Guidelines Reconsideration: The commission had conditionally approved the guidelines in June 2026, but staff's revisions did not fully meet conditions. Commissioner Davis moved to rescind the June approval and form a select committee (Commissioners Davis and Cosgrove) to work with staff to resolve remaining issues. The motion passed. Director Tran noted a town hall on September 3 and a public comment period on the city's website through September 8.
• Item F: Revised Rules of Procedure: Legal counsel presented a redlined version of the HAHC’s rules of procedure, updating them for consistency with current practice and state law. The item was for discussion only; action will be taken at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Lyons Avenue Historic District: Unanimously referred to Texas Historical Commission for National Register listing.
• Three Protected Landmark Designations: Approved unanimously (Berin SDA Church, Donnie McWayne Freeman House, Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern).
• Demolition at 202 East 31st ½ Street: Certificate of Appropriateness denied; two-year moratorium on any construction imposed (from date of demolition, November 20, 2025).
• Addition at 509 Euclid Street: Denied due to massing concerns.
• Alteration at 1118 Two Lane Street: Approved with condition to retain original stone.
• Repairs at 914 Main Street: Approved Option 2 (remove and reset original spandrels).
• Window replacements at 1136 All Greg Drive and 1139 West Melwood Street: Deferred for site visits.
• Sign at 925 Washington Avenue: Deferred for compliance with district guidelines.
• Norhill Design Guidelines: June approval rescinded; committee formed to resolve outstanding issues; public input period opened.
• Harper School: Director Tran reported ongoing city efforts to preserve portions of the historic school in coordination with the developer and Mayor's office.