Preservation Houston is creating a watch list to identify threatened historic buildings that could be redeveloped using local, state and federal preservation incentives. PH has traditionally worked behind the scenes contacting owners, architects and developers to explain the benefits of rehabilitating and repurposing historic properties. The watch list will provide PH members with regular updates on threatened buildings.
Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist (1941, Henry D. Frankfurt) / photo by David Bush
Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist, the oldest African-American Christian Science congregation in Texas, constructed its modernistic building in 1941 across from Emancipation Park in the heart of the Third Ward. The group was organized in 1914 and acquired the property at 2202 Elgin Avenue in 1940; Houston architect Henry D. Frankfurt designed the building with clean, modern lines and a distinctive octagonal lantern atop the sanctuary.
After Sixth Church disbanded in 2005, the building was left vacant. Today it stands amid new townhouse developments and faces twin threats of deterioration and demolition. A restoration and repurposing of the building would not only preserve an important chapter of Houston's black history, but would also contribute to the revitalization of the Third Ward.
Preservation Houston has contacted the owners of the Sixth Church building to explain the benefits of designating the structure as a City of Houston protected landmark and to outline the state and federal preservation incentives available if the building were to be restored.
Update (April 2021): The owner, Houston Double B Holdings, has demolished the building.