Al Davis

American General Building: AIA 25 Year Award

The Humble Building, former headquarters of the oil company

1200-1206 Nance, a preserved Victorian streetscape

1919 Decatur, the former Tabernacle Baptist Church

2012 Kane, a restored Folk Victorian cottage in the Old Sixth Ward

4610 Oak Ridge, a 1930s bungalow in Norhill

2508 Pelham, a Spanish-style house in River Oaks

Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown

Villa Serena, the former DePelchin Faith Home at 2700 Albany

Holy Cross Chapel, a restoration of the 905 Main building

The Magnolia, an adaptive reuse of the former Post-Dispatch Building

Al Davis for leadership in preservation in Harris County

Historic Documents Preservation Project of Harris County

Houston Chronicle and Jack Sweeney: Preservation Partner in Print Award

George Strake for commitment to preservation and GHPA

JPMorgan Chase for its stewardship of the former Gulf Building

(Photo courtesy of Al Davis)

This award goes to an individual whose hard work and dedication are helping preserve the heritage of Houston, Harris County and Texas. Al Davis has served as volunteer chairman of the Harris County Historical Commission since 1987. During that time, he has overseen the review, approval and placement of more than 130 Texas Historical Markers. In cooperation with Harris County officials, Al worked on restoring the courthouse dome and facilitated the copying of historic African-American marriage records for placement in the Clayton Library genealogical center. He succeeded in having the Houston Light Guard Armory designated a Texas Historic Landmark and continues to work with the Houston Hispanic Forum on the building's restoration.

A succession of Texas governors has appointed Al to state positions. He has served on the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Courthouse Preservation Working Group. He is a board member of the Battleship Texas Foundation and the Texas Preservation Trust Fund. In September, Gov. Rick Perry appointed Al to the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board.

Al is also an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. For his efforts to raise awareness of our rich and diverse heritage and to preserve our history for future generations, we present Al Davis this Good Brick Award for preservation leadership.

Next winner: Historic Documents Preservation Project