House at 943 1/2 Cortlandt Street
Why it's listed
This two-story frame house at 943 1/2 Cortlandt Street in the Houston Heights was built between 1905 and 1910 and appears to have been moved to its lot around 1927. It is described in the Greek Colonial Revival style, with a pitched roof, a front pediment holding three windows (the center one arched), and inset galleries carried on four large square wooden pillars. Original features include full-length front windows, one-over-one windows, double front doors and a three-sided bay on the side. The nomination calls the house unusual for the neighborhood, because it seems to be older than most nearby buildings and shows a Greek Revival influence that was uncommon for its time. A 1980 survey found it vacant and deteriorating, with boarded openings. A later owner reported that it was restored, and that it served as a rectory for All Saints Catholic Church. It was listed in 1993 after an earlier owner objection was withdrawn.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls the house unusual for the Heights, since it appears to have been built earlier than most nearby houses. Its pedimented portico and massing show Greek Revival influence that was uncommon at the time. It retains much of its detailing and has stood prominently on this site for over 50 years. Reviewers accepted it as eligible under Criterion C.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 84003972, listed January 7, 1993. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 943 1/2 Cortlandt St., Houston |
|---|---|
| County | Harris County |
| Listed | January 7, 1993 |
| Reference number | 84003972 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900-- |
| Architectural style | Greek Colonial Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The 1980 survey described the house as long vacant, with some windows and doors boarded up, and in fair condition. A 1992 owner letter says it has since been restored and is occupied. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.78813, -95.39562 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 84003972.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110001100
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.