Please note that advance registration is required for this online program.

Join Preservation Houston and architect Joe Meppelink for an online Preservation in Practice program Tuesday evening, December 15, exploring the restoration of the 1893 Kiam Building downtown, one of Houston’s early proto-skyscrapers.

Clothier Ed Kiam built the five-story building to house his clothing store on lower floors with office space above. The architect, H.C. Holland, designed the building with Romanesque Revival elements including arched windows and rusticated masonry accents. It was said to be the first building in Houston with an electric elevator and drew attention because it was fully outfitted with electric lights when it opened. Over the years, the building had a variety of tenants including the first Houston location of the Sakowitz department store. 

The Kiam Building was restored in 1981, but has stood vacant in recent years. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as part of the Main Street/Market Square National Register historic district and is a contributing building in the City of Houston’s Main Street/Market Square Historic District.

In his presentation, Meppelink will discuss the Kiam Building’s history and the current work to document and renovate the building while meeting local, state and federal preservation standards.

Banner photo: Kiam Building / by Jim Parsons

Event format

This event will be presented via Zoom. Registrants will receive additional information, including a link to join the program, no later than the morning of December 15.

Registration and pricing

Access to this program is free for members of Preservation Houston and Pier & Beam. Registration is $10 for non-members. Register online now: