The former DePelchin Faith Home, commissioned in 1913 by Jesse Jones, has found new life as an upscale residential address. (Photo by Janice E. Ashton) Photo gallery from this project >

DePelchin Faith Home holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians. It was established in 1893 by Kezia Payne DePelchin, who was herself orphaned during a yellow fever epidemic and dedicated her life to caring for Houston's less fortunate. In 1913, the philanthropist Jesse Jones commissioned this impressive building as a memorial to DePelchin and a home for the orphanage she founded.

The Mediterranean-style building was designed by the same architects who created the Rice Hotel. Its broad eaves and sleeping porches were important features in the days before air conditioning when dozens of children lived here.

After the orphanage relocated, the building housed the Rams Club, an exclusive supper club that counted Houston's political leaders among its members. Owner Lorraine Priester used the club's income to support elderly residents who lived on the upper floors of the building. After Priester suffered a stroke in 1970, the building was again sold and became an office building and nightclub.

Reborn as Villa Serena, the building now contains 15 luxury flats. The former sleeping porches overlook a lush courtyard that enhances the original Mediterranean flavor. Working with the Texas Historical Commission, HHN Homes has done an outstanding job adapting this historic building, which is a designated City of Houston landmark, Texas Historic Landmark, Texas Archeological Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.