The Sixth Ward
Historical Preservation hard at work best describes the Old Sixth Ward. Designated as Houston's first National Registered Historic District in 1978, the Sixth Ward also went on to receive another designation 20 years later as a City of Houston municipal historic district and on August 1, 2007 was granted protections by the Houston city council.
The Sixth Ward is a small area located just a stones throw from downtown Houston. It lies on the western edge of downtown and is bound by Memorial Drive to the south, Glenwood Cemetery to the west, Washington Avenue to the north, and Houston Avenue to the east.
For those with a passion of early American architecture, 5 main architectural styles exist:
Gulf Coast Colonial/Greek Revival Style (1850-1890): Found predominantly along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, this style represents and adaptation of the antebellum Greek Revival architecture popular in the NE to our semi-tropical climate.
Bettie E. Williams House at 1910 Decatur is an example of this architecture and dates back to 1866 making it one of the oldest documented homes in Houston.
Folk Victorian Style (1870-1910): View mainly as a gulf coast Colonial cottage with Victorian elements, these homes attempted to adapt the Victorian architecture to the climate here in the gulf coast.
The Falke House at 2003 Decatur is a splendid example of this architecture. This Folk Victorian with it's bungalow-style porch, built around 1896, was recently featured on HGTV's show "If These Walls Could Talk".
Queen Anne Style (1880-1910): Always a favorite due to prominent gables, variety of shingle treatments, ornate factory-made millwork, stain-glass windows and tall roof lines, the Queen Anne Style represents our country's national trend in architecture that existed at the end of the 19th century.
William A. Diehl House at 2010 Lubbock is an excellent example of a 2-story cross gable Queen Anne Victorian having been built in 1898. It is the oldest surviving 2-story house in the Sixth Ward.
Classical Revival Style (1895-1920): At the turn of the century this style appeared as the fascination with Victorian architecture declined as interest in the antiquities of Greece & Rome began to appear. Characterized by simple Greek-inspired column, minimal exterior ornamentation, and wide roof overhangs, there still exists an original example of this in the Old Sixth Ward.
The William Henry Lighthouse Residence at 2018 Kane Street, which was once the wealthiest section of the Sixth Ward neighborhood is the only 2-story brick home in Old Sixth Ward remaining and the only original home still in this section of the neighborhood.
Bungalow Style (1900-1940): All over the United States, the Bungalow as an architectural style has a following. Noted for prominent porches, lack of entry foyers, and perfectly proportioned rooms these 1-story homes have nestled themselves into the history of Houston all over the city.
The Harry A. Thomson House at 2110 Kane Street, was built in 1931 and typifies the bungalow style architecture that many know & love.
When searching for a home within the Sixth Ward search by Subdivision: Baker W R N S John Austin or by Zip Code: 77007
Real Estate Trends:
- » Historic Homes for Moderate-Extensive Renovation: $180,000-$225,000; 900-1700 sq ft
- » Historic Homes Completely Renovated: $275,000-$400,000; 1000-1800 sq ft
- » Newer Construction (within last 10 years): $375,000-$500,000; 3000-4200 sq ft
Why People Move Here:
- » Exceptional Close Proximity to Downtown Houston
- » Investment either in Historic Preservation or in Newer Construction
- » Historic District
Many thanks to the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association for compiling this history and providing a walking tour of all of these fabulous homes. Having grown up in a Historic Home myself which was acknowledged by the National Registry of Historic Places (50 Walnut Street Reading, Massachusetts -- now almost 200 years old) I have a fondness & deep appreciation for the work they do to preserve the architectural history of the area.
Jennifer Chatham
