Harlingen proclaims Historic Preservation Month and approves citywide historic‑resources survey; staff to apply for Certified Local Government status

The Harlingen City Commission proclaimed May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month and accepted the final report of a historic resources survey prepared by Integrated Environmental Solutions (EIS).

Morgan Granger of EIS summarized the hybrid windshield and reconnaissance survey conducted across four areas (former Army Air Base, Sunshine Strip, Parkwood/Laurel Park and downtown). The study recorded 55 resources at the reconnaissance level, recommended downtown Harlingen and the Parkwood neighborhood as the most promising candidates for National Register‑eligible historic districts, and identified three individually potentially eligible properties (the Bert Ogden Building, the Planter State Bank building and the Sinclair gas station). Five additional properties were flagged as 'undetermined' pending further archival research and integrity assessment.

Alexis, the city’s Historic Preservation Officer and downtown director, invited the public to a Historic Preservation workshop at Town Hall and encouraged residents and local artists to participate in upcoming activities; the Commission also authorized staff to submit the city's application for Certified Local Government status to the Texas Historical Commission.

Commissioners praised the work and voted unanimously to accept the final report and to authorize the CLG application. Staff said the report and supporting materials would be made available to the Commission and public as part of next steps to identify formal preservation strategies and potential National Register nominations.

Next steps: staff will make the survey materials available, pursue Certified Local Government designation, and work with the community on follow‑up research for individually significant properties and potential district nominations.