Preservation Houston

This Juneteenth, we honor the places, stories, and communities that continue to shape Black history in Houston.

Among them is Freedmen’s Town, Houston’s foundational African American community, established in 1865 by formerly enslaved people in the historic Fourth Ward. Today, Freedmen’s Town remains a powerful symbol of resilience, self-determination, and community.

We are grateful to the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy for its ongoing work to protect and preserve the history of Freedmen’s Town for future generations.

Preservation is not only about saving buildings — it’s about recognizing the people, histories, and cultural legacies connected to them.

There’s still time to experience Signs of the City: Framing Houston’s Roadside Landmarks before the exhibition closes on June 30.

Join us on Friday, June 26, from noon to 3 p.m. for a final opportunity to explore photographer Molly Block’s striking images of Houston’s iconic signs, from neon landmarks and theater marquees to hand-painted storefronts that help tell the story of our city.

The exhibition highlights the everyday places and visual landmarks that shape Houston’s identity and reminds us that preservation extends beyond buildings to the signs, symbols, and spaces that connect us to our shared history.

📍Preservation Houston Office (Midtown)
3907 Main Street
Friday, June 26 | Noon–3 p.m.

Prints are still available through Catherine Couturier Gallery, with 10% of sales benefiting Preservation Houston.

Some of Houston’s most meaningful memories happen in shared spaces. ☀️ From parks and theaters to plazas, patios, and neighborhood gathering spots, these places help shape the rhythm of summer in the city.

Preservation helps ensure these spaces remain part of city life for generations to come.

What’s your favorite Houston spot to visit in the summer?

Join Pier & Beam for a Happy Hour at By the Wayside on June 17!

What was once an abandoned mid-century commercial building is now one of the East End’s newest gathering spots. During the evening, owners Samantha and Braden Navarre will share the story behind the building’s transformation and what it took to bring the space back to life.

📍By the Wayside
5644 Navigation Blvd.
Wednesday, June 17 | 6–8 p.m.

P&B Happy Hours are casual — come when you can, leave when you're ready, and pick up your own tab. Members and prospective members are welcome!

Thank you, Preservation Texas. Recognizing the Garden Oaks Theater as a significant historic site on the "2026 Most Endangered Places List" brings statewide attention to the importance of protecting the places that shape our communities and tell Texas' story.

We’re looking for the next round of projects helping shape Houston’s preservation story!

Every year, the Good Brick Awards recognize outstanding preservation projects and the people behind them. Since 1979, Preservation Houston has presented 441 awards honoring restored buildings, adaptive reuse projects, craftspeople, advocates and community leaders who have strengthened preservation across Houston and Harris County.

Nominations for the 2027 Good Brick Awards are now open. The deadline to submit is on Monday, September 14. Learn more and start a nomination by visiting: https://www.preservationhouston.org/awards/nominate

📸: The interiors featured here are examples of past award-winning projects that honor craftsmanship, character, and the evolving life of historic spaces.

For nearly three decades, The Raven Grill, owned and operated by Sara and Rob Cromie, was a cornerstone of Houston’s dining scene, a place where thoughtful cooking, warm hospitality, and a loyal community came together.

As part of Savoring History: Houston’s Legacy Restaurants, we’re proud to recognize the role The Raven Grill has played in shaping Houston’s culinary story over its 28-year run.

While its doors have closed, its impact remains in the memories created, the people it brought together, and the standard it set.

You can continue to support the team behind The Raven Grill by visiting their sister restaurant, PicnicBoxLunches, and carrying forward the spirit that made this place so special!

Thank you for being part of Houston’s story.

Our winners series continues! We’re proud to recognize Dijana Handanovic for the restoration of a rare K67 kiosk (1966) designed by Slovenian architect Saša Mächtig.

Once used throughout former Yugoslavia as hubs for commerce and community, this restored kiosk has been brought back to life in Houston as a space for cultural exchange, art, and gathering.

Fun Fact: Of the approximately 7,500 K67 kiosks originally produced, only a handful remain today!

During the ⚽, NRG Stadium — temporarily known as Houston Stadium — will welcome visitors from around the globe as one of the tournament’s host venues.

Since opening in 2002, the stadium has become one of Houston’s most recognizable gathering spaces, hosting Texans games, RodeoHouston, concerts, international matches, and major cultural events.

Did you know?
• NRG Stadium was the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof
• It seats more than 70,000 people for major events
• It was built steps away from the Astrodome, connecting Houston’s past and present sports history

As Houston prepares to welcome the world, places like NRG Stadium reflect the city’s role as a global destination for culture, community, and connection.

📸: RODEOHOUSTON

This Pride Month, we’re reflecting on the spaces and neighborhoods that have shaped Houston’s LGBTQ+ history — including Montrose, long recognized as one of the city’s cultural and creative hearts.

From gathering spaces and local businesses to activism and cultural expression, preservation helps ensure these stories remain visible and remembered.

Texas Highways Magazine shares more on Montrose’s history and lasting cultural impact: https://texashighways.com/culture/revisiting-montrose-houstons-evolving-urban-paradise/