Preservation Houston is creating a watch list to identify threatened historic buildings that could be redeveloped using local, state and federal preservation incentives. PH has traditionally worked behind the scenes contacting owners, architects and developers to explain the benefits of rehabilitating and repurposing historic properties. The watch list will provide PH members with regular updates on threatened buildings.
1933 Dryden Road (1936, Snedden & Young) / photo by David Bush
1937 Dryden Road (1936, Snedden & Young) / photo by David Bush
In May 1936, Snedden & Young, architects and builders, announced the construction of two modernistic apartment houses at 1933 and 1937 Dryden Road in Southgate near Rice University. The buildings are among Houston’s few surviving examples of Streamline Moderne architecture, a style that was very popular in the years before World War II. Morningstar Construction & Development plans to demolish them and build a mid-rise residential complex on the site.
Preservation Houston has contacted the owner to explain the benefits of designating the structures as City of Houston protected landmarks and to outline the state and federal preservation incentives available if the buildings were to be restored. PH also suggested constructing a new addition behind the historic buildings and offered to provide contacts for architects and consultants with experience in similar projects.
Update (winter 2021): The owner has demolished the buildings.