Houston historic commission delays decision on oversized Cortland Place house after neighbors object

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission on Thursday deferred action on an application to build a new two‑story residence at 10 Cortland Place after prolonged public comment and questions from commissioners about the proposal’s size and lot coverage.

The commission’s decision came after architects and neighbors clashed over the proposal’s footprint, height and how its massing would relate to the neighborhood’s century‑old houses. Staff had recommended approval, but commissioners said the project needs further revision to respond to neighbors’ concerns.

The applicant, architect Todd Blitzer of the Meritor Group, described the design as a Federal‑style two‑story house intended to fit the character of Cortland Place. He said the project’s height (about 37 feet) is comparable to adjacent houses and that the design was changed to remove a previously…