Idylwood Historic District

Idylwood is a residential neighborhood in Houston's East End, laid out in 1928 along Brays Bayou as a middle-class suburb for car owners. Its 18 irregular blocks of paved streets follow the curves of the bayou, with houses set back 20 to 25 feet, sidewalks separated from the street by wide easements, and detached garages at the rear of lots as required by deed restrictions. The district holds 616 resources, including about 594 buildings, a neighborhood park, stone gate posts and tile curb markers. Building began in 1928, slowed during the Depression, boomed between 1937 and 1942, and resumed after World War II, with development largely complete by the early 1960s. Houses reflect Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Minimal Traditional and Ranch styles, along with several architect-designed homes, such as an early limestone Ranch house from 1939. Because deed restrictions limited change, the neighborhood keeps its historic appearance. It was documented in connection with flood-related demolitions.