Market Square, one of the public squares laid out in the Allen brothers’ original plan of Houston, was home to the city market and City Hall from 1841 to 1939. During that time, the square became the center of Houston’s early commercial district. Although the neighborhood declined in the mid-20th century, preservation projects have brought new uses to its historic buildings and new life to Market Square itself.

Our 90-minute, docent-guided walking tour explores the history of Houston’s first downtown, highlighting structures such as the 1861 Kennedy Bakery (now La Carafe), one of the city’s oldest surviving commercial buildings. The tour route also includes the 300 block of Main Street, a row of largely intact late 19th century commercial buildings, and the imposing façades of Houston’s early 20th century financial district. As we walk through the neighborhood, we’ll discuss the methods and value of preservation versus demolition and the importance of projects like Market Square Park, which was reimagined in 2010 as an inviting urban green space with links to its storied past.

Please note that this is an exterior architecture tour. The tour will not visit the interiors of any buildings. Public restrooms are not available on the tour route.

TICKETS

Tickets will go on sale at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Market Square Park, 301 Milam Street (registration will be located near the BCycle station in the northeast corner of the park). Admission is $10 for the general public ($7 for Preservation Houston members and students with valid ID). Those who walk, ride a bike or use public transit to get to the tour will receive a $2 discount. Children 11 years old and under are admitted free. Tickets may be charged to Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. The last tour group will leave just after 2 p.m. Advance reservations are not required for this tour.