Historic Preservation in River Oaks

River Oaks is home to some of the most beautiful homes in Houston. Many of these homes were built in the 1920’s and 1930’s, by some very notable architects such as Birdsall Briscoe and John F. Staub. Like any inspired work of art a neighborhood such as this should be revered and preserved.

River Oaks has already lost over a quarter of its original homes which is causing the neighborhood to loose its original charm, unique characteristics and greenspace. As a result, Friends of River Oaks (FORO) have recently established themselves as a gathering of concerned citizens to promote historic preservation within our community.

Historic designation of these older homes will help maintain the integrity and special character of our neighborhood that so many of us call home. Furthermore, historic preservation help maintain property values while encouraging pride in ownership.

The following homes in River Oaks are already designated as historic landmarks:

2112 Brentwood Drive
2910 Lazy Lane
2940 Lazy Lane

Architectural historian, Rice University professor and author of the Houston Architectual Guide, Stephen Fox, is distressed by the seemingly thoughtless destruction of historically significant homes in River Oaks. Just this year, at least 25 houses in River Oaks have been demolished. Lost in all this reshuffling of wealth is the fact that property values, along with quality of life issues, decrease as the unique characteristics of an historic neighborhood vanish. To read more from Stephen Fox Click here.

For more on this issue, find out what River Oaks resident, Thomas Anderson and Nina Wickman have to say.

Another historic home was demolished at 2950 Lazy Ln. Click here for more information.

Latest Headlines

Group Pushing for Historic Status for Homes , November 9, 2005

River Oaks gains another historic landmark, River Oaks Examiner, September 1, 2005

Friends of Architecture, River Oaks Examiner, July 2005

Historic River Oaks home to be demolished, group to hold vigil, River Oaks Examiner, May 12, 2005

Former Enron trader to raze historic home, Houston Chronicle, May 3, 2005

ROPO hopes third time a charm for land use guidelines, River Oaks Examiner, April 4, 2005

Group Seeks Historic District Status for RO, River Oaks Examiner, January 6, 2005

Group fights to save old homes, older trees, River Oaks Examiner, December 30, 2004