Houston Deco – Foundation Conversations

Houston may not be mentioned alongside New York, Los Angeles and Miami when it comes to Art Deco, but the city and its neighbors along the upper Texas coast boast an impressive array of examples of the glamorous style. The local use of Deco design reflects a conscious effort by Texas cities and towns to create a new, modern image in the 1920s and ‘30s that reflected the state’s increasing wealth and urbanization. Houston, Galveston and surrounding communities found Art Deco’s bold zigzags and Art Moderne’s sleek curves an ideal way to update stores, offices, factories and apartment buildings.

In this illustrated talk, Preservation Houston’s Jim Parsons will showcase some of the region’s notable Deco buildings, highlighting the elegance and innovation in their designs. His program will also emphasize the critical role of conservation, restoration and preservation in maintaining the style and historical significance of these architectural treasures.