HAHC backs protected-landmark designations for two early-1920s bungalows on Alamo Street

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission voted to recommend that City Council designate two early-1920s bungalows at 1505 and 1507 Alamo Street as protected landmarks.

Staff member Cara Quigley told commissioners the houses are one-story, wood-frame Craftsman bungalows built in the early 1920s by Jacob Valente and later owned by members of the Disson family. Quigley said both houses were used as rental properties for much of their histories and that FW Heritage LLC completed recent rehabilitations. Preservation Houston prepared the nominations and staff prepared the reports recommending designation.

Emily Ardoin of Preservation Houston spoke during the public hearing in support of both nominations, describing the pair as “excellent examples of 1920s vernacular housing in Houston” that reflect immigrant histories in the First Ward and are visible reminders of neighborhood history.

Commissioner Curry moved to accept staff recommendations for both nominations; Commissioner Estava seconded. Commissioners voted in favor; the motions passed.

The recommendations now go to City Council for final action on protected-landmark designation. Staff materials prepared for the HAHC cite the nominations’ conformance with the commission’s designation criteria and note that both properties are outside of the nearby High First Ward historic-district boundaries.

Quigley and Ardoin’s presentations included construction dates, ownership histories and recent rehabilitation work; Quigley identified the nominations’ preparers as Preservation Houston staff and volunteers.