City Council Approves Five New Historic Landmark Designations

Johnston House

Houston City Council approved the designation of five historic properties including four protected landmarks and one landmark on Dec. 11. The properties are all located within the City of Houston and span three City Council Districts. This brings the City of Houston landmark inventory to 307 and 182 protected landmarks.

Council also approved a change of designation of the garage apartment located at 3423 White Oak Dr./540 Cortlandt St. from a contributing to a noncontributing historic structure on Dec. 18. Noncontributing structure means a building, structure, object or site that does not reinforce the cultural, architectural, or historical significance of the historic district in which it is located.

The historical properties were presented to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission on separate meeting dates in 2024. The Commission unanimously recommended approval of all designations and forwarded them to the City Council for consideration. Following legal notification requirements, a public hearing was held on Nov. 20.

Protected landmarks and landmarks are historic properties officially recognized by the City of Houston for their outstanding historical, cultural, or architectural significance. The property owner initiates these designations.

A landmark designation protects resources in the following ways: any building design, alterations, additions, and maintenance to the building, structure, or site must follow the City of Houston Historic Preservation Ordinance. The designation does not provide significant protection from demolition or an inappropriate alteration. A protected landmark designation provides significant protection against demolition and are eligible to be nominated as significant buildings. Read more about historical designations.