OLD TOWN HOUSTON

Houston

Old Town Houston

Old buildings are works of art that were created layer by layer. They have deeply beautiful patinas that only the passage of time can create. Old buildings give us a real connection with the people of the past. They also continue to shelter us as we create new history. Houston is a relatively young city, founded in 1836, with a rich history, and a few of these old buildings. Yes, Houston is often criticized for tearing its past down, and it has torn down quite a number of old buildings in the name of progress. But, a few survive and are more appreciated today. This website focuses on the history of the last surviving nineteenth century commercial and public buildings in Houston. These building were born with great hope and grand openings. Later they were on the brink, left in states of disrepair and abandoned. Today the remaining old buildings of this city have seen resurgence. Many have been restored and have new lives. These building are survivors, which outlasted the rest. The stories of the occupants can be told today within the same walls that existed over one hundred years ago. These people lived their lives here in these Houston buildings, and through these buildings we have a link to their lives.