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Other
winners
2010
Kane, an 1890s "Folk Victorian" house in
Old Sixth Ward
2337
Blue Bonnet, a 1937 International Style residence
2421
Brentwood, a 1929 Katharine Mott-designed home
201
Main, the former First National Bank Building
Spire
Realty Group for its commitment to preservation downtown
1600
Westheimer, the former Imperial Plumbing Supply Building
3842
N. Braeswood, a 1960 modern office building
4916
Main, the former Weldon Cafeteria
Keck
Hall (Chemistry Building), Rice University
Girl
Scout Troop 12357, San Jacinto Council, for research
and assistance at Glenwood Cemetery
John
L. Nau III for his leadership in preservation
AIA
25 year award: Mies van der Rohe additions to the
Museum of Fine Arts |
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Katharine and Harry Mott built speculative homes in Houston
between 1927 and 1930. In this short period of time, Mr.
and Mrs. Mott developed a signature style that makes a
Mott home instantly recognizable, both for its exterior
detailing and the efficiency and livability of its floor
plan.
After collaborating on several homes in their native Indianapolis,
the Motts moved to Houston in 1927. The 1929 house at
2421 Brentwood was the first of Katharine Mott's houses
to be constructed in River Oaks. The architectural historian
Stephen Fox said in 1998 that Mrs. Mott's designs "were
so distinctive that 70 years ago they made her reputation.
Today, they perpetuate her name." Although each of
the Mott houses in Houston is unique, they all exhibit
characteristic Mott features: They are all of tapestry
brick with casement windows. The plans are asymmetrical
with the main entrance off-center, and the scale is large.
All are English. Some are Tudor and some contain half
timbering in the Elizabethan tradition, while others have
more Norman elements such as a round tower with conical
roof. One feature, however, is a constant through all
— the intricate brickwork. Although it is never the
same, the brickwork makes a Mott house instantly recognizable.
In spite of its architectural heritage, in River Oaks
this historically significant house was considered a tear-down.
Through the years, it had suffered from careless attempts
to remodel and enlarge it, but the house was still relatively
small. Nevertheless, Bill Caudell and Randy Powers recognized
the significance of the house and decided to restore rather
than demolish it. The results of their efforts are a textbook
for anyone purchasing a historical or architecturally
significant building.
After extensive research on the work of Katharine Mott
and consultation with historic preservationists, Caudell
and Powers integrated earlier, unsympathetic additions
by skillfully applying the characteristic features of
the Mott style, actually making the carelessly planned
additions appear a part of the original house both from
the exterior and the interior.
The significance of this project goes beyond architecturally
appropriate renovation of a historic property. In less
than 18 months, Caudell and Powers bought this house,
researched and planned the restoration, put it on the
market and immediately sold it for a price significantly
higher than other properties in this section of River
Oaks. Although everything about the restoration was done
to the highest standards, the project actually made a
profit, proving beyond any dispute that preservation pays.
Through their caring and skilled restoration of 2421 Brentwood,
Caudell and Powers have made the house so valuable that
it will not be threatened with demolition in our lifetimes
— an immeasurable contribution to the neighborhood
and to our city as a whole. Greater Houston Preservation
Alliance takes great pleasure in recognizing their accomplishment
with a Good Brick.
See
more photos from this project >
Next
winner: 201 Main >
Text: Martha Peterson
Copyright 2003, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
This
year's sponsors >
GHPA home >
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