The Neighborhood · Est. 1973
One of Houston's most significant historic neighborhoods — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, with four City-recognized historic area designations.
About the Designation
In 1983, Houston Heights was designated a Historic Multiple Resource Area by the National Park Service and officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places — recognizing the neighborhood's exceptional architectural and cultural significance.
The Houston Heights area has four historic area designations recognized by the City of Houston, covering different sections of the neighborhood. More than 100 individual structures carry National Register status. The HHA's Historical Committee continues to identify important buildings and nominate them for listing.
Why It Matters
Historic designation protects the architectural character that makes the Heights unique. It provides homeowners access to historic preservation resources, informs land use decisions, and helps the neighborhood resist development pressure that would otherwise erode the street-level character built between 1891 and 1930.
The Heights' Victorian homes, bungalows, and craftsman cottages — many still occupied by the families of their original builders — are not just aesthetically significant. They are the physical record of Houston's oldest planned suburb.
"Houston Heights was platted in 1891 as one of Houston's first planned suburbs — 23 feet above the city, on naturally elevated ground. It remains one of the most architecturally intact historic neighborhoods in Texas."
City of Houston Designations
The eastern portion of the original Heights plat, bordered by Studewood and extending east toward the White Oak Bayou corridor. Strong concentration of Victorian-era and craftsman bungalow architecture.
West of Heights Boulevard, this section includes some of the neighborhood's most substantial turn-of-the-century homes and retains a high concentration of original residential structures.
The southern reaches of the original Carter plat, closer to the White Oak Bayou. Mix of residential and the original commercial corridors developed in the Heights' early industrial period.
The original central designation encompassing Heights Boulevard and its immediate surroundings — the grand esplanade, Victorian homes of the founding families, Marmion and Donovan parks.
Preservation Guidelines
Historic designation does not prevent renovation or improvement — it encourages thoughtful stewardship. These guidelines help owners maintain the character that makes the Heights worth preserving.
Preserve original exterior materials, window proportions, porch details, and rooflines that define the structure's historic period.
Where original materials can be repaired, repair them. Replacement should match the original in material, profile, and finish wherever feasible.
Significant alterations to historically designated structures should be documented. Contact the HHA Land Use Committee for guidance before major exterior work.
New construction within historic areas should respect the established setbacks, lot coverage, and massing of surrounding historic structures.
The HHA Land Use Committee monitors development proposals. Attend general meetings or contact the committee to raise concerns about neighboring properties.
Demolition of historically significant structures within designated areas triggers review by the City of Houston's Historic Preservation Office and should be discussed with the HHA.
Land Use Committee
The HHA Land Use Committee monitors zoning and development proposals. We're here to help neighbors navigate the historic district process.
