Houston City Council approves 5 new historic landmark designations

HOUSTON - The Houston City Council approved the designation of five historic properties, including protected landmarks and one landmark. 

The properties are all located within the city of Houston and span three City Council Districts. 

Those locations include:

• Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Johnston House, 7 Shadow Lawn St., circa 1928, protected landmark
• Swift and Company Packing Plant, 612 Waverly St., circa 1953 and 1917, protected landmark
• The John S. Stewart House, 109 Stratford St., circa 1910, protected landmark
• Delco House, 807 North Loop, circa early 1930s, protected landmark
• Battelstein’s, 806 Main St., circa 1950, landmark

Council also approved a change of designation of the garage apartment located at 3423 White Oak Dr./540 Cortlandt St. from a contributing to a noncontributing historic structure on Dec. 18.

The historical properties were presented to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission on separate meeting dates in 2024. The Commission unanimously recommended approval of all designations and forwarded them to City Council for consideration. Following legal notification requirements, a public hearing was held on Nov. 20.

A landmark designation protects resources in the following ways: any building design, alterations, additions, and maintenance to the building, structure, or site must follow the City of Houston Historic Preservation Ordinance. The designation does not provide significant protection from demolition or an inappropriate alteration. 

A protected landmark designation provides significant protection against demolition and are eligible to be nominated as significant buildings.