Houston Historic Heights…
You are viewing just a glimpse of the HISTORIC HOUSTON HEIGHTS district.
Tarzan and I decided to take a tour of this eclectic neighborhood that we have heard SOO much about.
It did NOT disappoint my friends. Our mouths were open the whole time, I can’t even count how many times I said, “Honey, I would LOVE to live here…smile.
One thing I was disappointed with myself…I didn’t capture any of the craftsman bungalows…sigh. I think the Victorian homes with their grand scale kept my attention a little too much.
Here is a little history…
Houston Heights roughly encompasses the area between Studewood and N Durham. On the south it is bordered by I-10, and to the north it goes to the 610 N Loop.
1891 Oscar Martin Cooley and investors formed the Omaha and South Texas Land Company. It purchased 1756 acres of land that would become Houston Heights. It was one of the first “suburbs” of Houston; a streetcar community of the “dense” urban center. It was called Heights because it was around 30 feet higher than the swampy, mosquito laden area around Allen’s Landing.
The first home built by the Omaha and South Texas Land Company, in 1893, was the Cooley home (pictured top right hand corner of photo collage) at 1802 Boulevard. Today, it is still standing and occupied by Circa Real Estate Company.
The Heights declined after WWII and continued its slide until the 1970′s. It was still considered a low income area when remodeling of these cool old homes started. The homes were cheap, and the land could hardly be given away until the 1980′s when renovation began in earnest.
Houston Heights is not uniform. Because it was once incorporated, it had its own shopping areas (i.e. the funky/cool shops along 19th St), its own industrial areas (an old steel plant was just demolished last year), lots of warehouses, etc. Everything you would expect from a small, early 1900′s town. These “good, bad and ugly” parts can still be seen, but not nearly as noticeable as a few years ago. The Heights is one of the hottest neighborhoods around, and the industrial relics are fast disappearing.
Walking through the Heights now is still like walking back in time. Lots of 1890′s Victorians and the newer (1910-1930′s) Craftsman bungalows.
All of these old homes had the popular cupola of the period and the gabled roof to top off the elegant decoration. The Mills home was possibly the most pretentious, highly decorative with its intricate “gingerbread” fretwork. One pictures lace curtains, the tea cozy, and the tray for calling cards as setting the tone for early Boulevard society.
The Heights today is booming. It is one of the hottest areas for real estate in the city. New construction is everywhere. Renovations are again strong after having died out for a while. The renovations are not for the timid or cash-strapped though. It takes a lot of money to play this game now, and you had better know what you are doing and have good subcontractors from what I hear.
The Heights is a premier neighborhood now! It is no longer just for people seeking a charming, eclectic area.
It is the place to be! Oh be still my heart…
As we strolled along, we found some other delights that I will be sharing in future posts.
Want a little more visual delight? Check out Kathrine Hepburn’s Estate click here.
Did you enjoy the Historic Heights Collage?
Laurie
XXOO
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Lovely shots – I would never have identified the houses with Houston. Looking forward to seeing the craftsmen bungalows when you next swish by!
Thanks for the tour because I restored urban neighborhoods are fascinating … especially if they went through a down-and-out stage. Here’s what is going on in Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhood. http://afrankangle.wordpress.com/category/ohio/cincinnati/
Oops … I mean this link … http://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/on-otr/
I’m with Laurie on this one! I adore the beautiful architecture of the old houses, but I surely would hate to have to paint them. I’ve tried several times to get my hubby to give in to me and let us buy one of the older 1800’s houses here, but alas…. he is too practical. (Ha) With siting the wiring needs, insulation, ya da ya da…. But they ARE beautiful 😀 Thanks for the pictures as I’ve never been there myself. 😀
Wow. Those houses are stunning. My girls enjoy exploring old houses. There is something magical about them.
Lovely houses Laurie. I’d hate to have to paint them though. 😦
Laurie.
Oh my goodness, these houses are gorgeous, Laurie.
I wonder what the interiors looks like.
I’ll bet equally as gorgeous as the outsides.
Happy Sunday to you!
I’d love to live in a house like this, Laurie! They really have so much character. Beautiful post, my dear! ❤
Amazing houses, I love these…
Wow I would love to have one of those gorgeous homes!! Fantastic pics!! In the meantime I will just keep improving on my house!! Tee hee! Have a wonderful weekend my blog BFF!! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Looks like a beautiful spot!
Hi, Thanks for coming by and visiting my decorated gate. I loved that place I sure do miss it. I am glad I have that pic.
Have a great weekend
LOVE old houses like these — and you’ve captured them so well, Laurie! Are you going to go back for the Craftsman homes? They are my all-time favorite house architectue.
beautiful homes
Wonderful post and images Laurie. I’d love to visit one day.
We love to tour towns with interesting architecture, particularly the homes. Thanks for the tour and the background of the area Laurie.
Beautiful Laurie! Love to learn about the history of the area too ~
I love these types of areas. They are so elegant looking. Nice photos of them
You are finding such great places to see in Houston. I’m going to have to add Houston as a place to visit.
I’m so glad that these old homes are being re-done. Simply gorgeous! They remind me of the homes on Cape May, NJ.
Wonderful post; enjoyed the history!
How they loved to embellish ! Don’t suppose they are reading by gaslight now though 😉
Super pictures Laurie .. you really do find some places for us to enjoy !
Well, of course, my favourite is the blue house. 🙂
Oh, I just love these houses Laurie and wouldn’t mind living in one myself! Great history and stunning captures as always. 😀 ♥ Hugs ♥
Katherine Hepburn Estate? Nothing like a bit of name dropping, Laurie, and that’s a great name, to be sure 🙂
Lovely shots of these beautiful buildings!
Those look like ginormous doll houses!
These are some lovely old houses and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that we also have some on Main Street Middletown. I might try to take a few pictures to send you, however, they won’t be as nice as yours.
Nice! It’s lovely to see how much love and care has been given to these historic houses. Beautiful neighborhood.
Nice homes and the surrounding. Well put together in collage!
One of the better places to take photos in Houston.
Great job capturing one of my favorite areas. You will have fun with your camera in Houston!
Love your shots. What a great collection. I remember yours from last week. Thanks for coming by my post too.
Have a great weekend.
Sherry
These homes are stunning. I just love wandering around neighborhoods looking at beautiful architecture!
xo
styelontheside.com
Lovely houses, wow, but to clean them… aah, but they have cleaning ladies to do that
When can I move in??
I would love to join you and stay in that neighbourhood Laurie. It is so beautiful.
Love those Victorian homes!
I’d take any one of them! I love old, charming homes like these. We have a similar little town near us and I drool over the homes.
It is great. It looks big and regal.
Beautiful homes, Laurie. I love those turrets. 🙂
Terrific shots! I’d like to live there too.
I absolutely adore these old vintage style homes! We have a few of them here in our small town and they just have so much character! Great captures!
This is my kind of photo walk! Love it. Thanks for sharing.
These old Victorian homes are magnificent! I love them! 🙂
Love old houses and these are beautiful. Enjoyed the pictures and the story behind them.
I always enjoy seeing how the 1% lives. 🙂 Beautiful architecture and gardens.