Programs

Advocacy is the area where GHPA has had the most impact and, by necessity, the least public visibility. GHPA works behind the scenes to achieve its goals. The approach is businesslike and not confrontational. When a building is threatened, GHPA uses it extensive network of contacts to make an appointment with the owner. Typically, GHPA representatives will bring architects, engineers, and developers to discuss the merits of historic preservation with a property owner and present the economic data demonstrating the value of restoration versus demolition. GHPA continuously tracks threats to historic buildings and, when appropriate, contacts public officials and promotes media coverage of endangered properties to increase public awareness.

Technical Assistance and Advice GHPA's professionally degreed staff members share their expertise by providing preservation tax credit information to developers and assistance in evaluating historic properties. GHPA can provide information on the availability of grants, tax credits and tax abatements to renovate the property. Staff members offer guidance to property owners applying for City of Houston landmark designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Neighborhood Resources is an effective, proactive program promoting the preservation and revitalization of Houston’s historic neighborhoods. The voice of Houston's National Register and City Historic Districts, HNR encourages cooperation, the sharing of information and common effort to enhance the quality of life in our older residential areas. For more information on the program, visit its Web page.

Communication Programs provide GHPA members, community leaders and the public with preservation information. E-mail has proven to be a very cost-effective and timely means of communicating with a wide range of organizations and individuals, and is a very useful tool in building a broad base of support for preservation in Houston. GHPA members receive e-mailed Preservation Alerts explaining important issues and providing contact information for the appropriate elected officials. These e-mail messages are also sent to public officials and other community leaders.

GHPA maintains three Web sites, ghpa.org, houstondeco.org and museumofhouston.org, providing information on a variety of topics. The printed newsletter, For Preservation, also provides information on GHPA events and updates on preservation issues and local preservation projects. News releases and editorials appear regularly in the local media, increasing GHPA's visibility.

The Walking Tours Program is one of GHPA's most visible and popular means of focusing public attention on Houston's architectural and cultural heritage. Monthly guided walking tours take participants through many of the city's significant historic buildings and neighborhoods. In many cases, GHPA's copyrighted tours are the only comprehensive written records of these historic communities' histories. To keep the program fresh and interesting, new tours are constantly being developed and updated information is added when tours are repeated.

The program also offers private tours for students, senior citizens and community organizations. For information on private tours, contact tours@ghpa.org, and for information on the program, visit its Web page.

The Good Brick Awards are GHPA's most visible public program and largest single fundraising activity. GHPA believes that recognizing outstanding projects is one of the most effective means to promote preservation and increase awareness of Houston's heritage. Presented since 1979, the Good Brick Awards recognize leadership and excellence in historic preservation, including project planning, publications, renovation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. In addition to traditional rehabilitation projects, winners have included individuals who researched and published family histories, organizations that have carried out community service projects, and individuals who created and support small museums.

The Preservation Month Luncheon is Houston's largest public event during National Preservation Month, held annually in May. Each year, the luncheon features a nationally known speaker who discusses preservation and quality of life issues from a new vantage point. GHPA's goal is to have luncheon attendees consider preservation from a different perspective by exposing them to innovative ideas that could be adapted to Houston's needs.

Realtor Programs promote home ownership opportunities to enhance the stability of Houston's historic residential areas. To increase a property's visibility among the target audience, GHPA hosts Sunday afternoon lectures in privately owned historic homes that are on the market. GHPA also offers free listings on its Web site for real estate agents selling historic houses.

Museum of Houston GHPA is leading the effort to create the online Museum of Houston and digital archive, museumofhouston.org. GHPA staff developed the concept for this innovative project and the project director is a full-time GHPA employee. Some of the city's leading educational and cultural institutions are participating in the project. In addition to GHPA, other institutions with representatives on the Museum of Houston steering committee are Houston Public Library/Houston Metropolitan Research Center; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rice University/Fondren Library; Texas Southern University/Robert James Terry Library, and University of Houston Libraries.

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