Old Buildings in Houston
With the constant new construction around Houston, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that history is all around the city if you know where to look. Take a drive around and you can see some truly amazing landmarks and historic buildings in Houston that offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past.
There are literally dozens and dozens of great old buildings in Houston and the surrounding towns. If you are googling ‘Oldest building in Houston’ or ‘Historical buildings in Houston’, ?then you are not alone!? Check out our curated list of the top 10 oldest buildings in Houston and make plans to explore!?
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our posts on the Ghost Towns in Texas and the Best Museums in Houston!
Old Buildings in Houston
Wunseche Bros. Saloon
Old Buildings in Houston | Image Credit: Wunseche Bros. Saloon
Welcome to Wunsche Bros Café & Saloon! A Texas Historical Landmark that opened in 1902 that offers American fare with a full bar, music, and lots of fun to Old Town Spring. Experience their prohibition-era saloon, Texas cafe fare, and true southern hospitality for yourself.
Where: 103 Midway St, Spring, TX 77373
Kellum-Noble House
Image Credit: Kellum-Noble House FB Page
The Kellum-Noble House is the oldest surviving building constructed in Houston. Even more remarkable, it stands on its original foundation and retains its original brick walls made with mud from Nathaniel Kellum’s brickyard on the banks of nearby Buffalo Bayou. From its location on the edge of what is now a major downtown business district, Kellum-Noble has witnessed the phenomenal growth of our city for more than a century.
Where: 212 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77002
Magnolia House
Old Buildings in Houston | Image Credit: visitmontgomerytexas.com
The historic Magnolia House in Montgomery was built in 1854 by Peter J. Willis, an entrepreneur. The home is 2,500 sq. ft., has 5 bedrooms, and sits on just over an acre. Over the years, the home was restored to its grandeur by “Aunt Anna” Weisinger who lived in the home until she passed away in 2005.
Where: 301 College St, Montgomery, TX 77356
Old Buildings in Houston
1902 Perry House
Image Credit: Friendswood Historical Society FB Page
The Perry House is the oldest house in Friendswood. One cool thing is that some of the wood used to build the home came from trees knocked over by the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. The Friendswood Historical Society totally restored the home after it fell into disrepair.
Where: 109 W Spreading Oaks Friendswood, TX 77546
St. Peter’s Church
Old Buildings in Houston | Image Credit: St. Peter’s Church
At St. Peter United we are building a faith community that allows everyone to feel safe, welcomed, and appreciated. They are proud to create a safe space that encourages the exploration of God’s love. They encourage their members to find what speaks to their hearts and soul to build their faith. It is a diverse and inclusive, faith community established in 1848 located in Houston, Texas. Through their virtual community, they welcome people from all over the world to join their church family.
Where: 9022 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Old Buildings in Houston – Historic Places
Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad Depot
Image Credit: texashistoricalmarkers.weebly.com
According to VisitPearland.com, “Around 1900, the Santa Fe Railroad built a depot nearby which soon became a gathering place for settlers to meet visitors and pick up mail and supplies. Locally grown cotton, hay, cattle, fruit, and vegetables were shipped to market by railroad from the depot. Pearland’s development, delayed by the devastating storms of 1900 and 1915, was sustained by the promotion of the area as an agricultural wonderland with vital railroad access.”
Where: 3501 Liberty Dr, Pearland, TX 77581
Shelton-Smith House
Old Buildings in Houston | Image Credit: visitmontgomerytexas.com
The property for this home was purchased in 1855 by builder John E. Shelton. A few years later, the main portion of the house was built in 1858 for Captain Thomas W. Smith. Despite being over 160 years old, the home has only had 4 owners, and the most recent owners have restored all structures on the site, including the main house, former slave quarters, and a greenhouse.
Where: 811 Caroline St, Montgomery, TX 77356
River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics
Image Credit: riveroaksgc.org
Built in 1910, the Forum of Civics building has been owned by the River Oaks Garden Club since 1942. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its gardens provide beautiful green space in the middle of our city. They’re open to the public and are totally free to visit.
Where: 2503 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Houston Cotton Exchange
Old Buildings in Houston | Image Credit: waymarking.com
Arguably one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, the Houston Cotton Exchange was completed in 1884 by architect Eugene Thomas Heiner. Originally, the building was 3 stories high, but in 1907, a fourth floor was added.
Where: 202 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Kennedy Bakery
Image Credit: texashistoricalmarkers.weebly.com
As the oldest commercial building in Houston, the Kennedy Bakery was built in 1860 after the original 1847 wooden structure on the site was destroyed by a fire. A number of different businesses have occupied the building over the years, but today, it’s home to La Carafe Bar.
Where: 813 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002
There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to do in Houston this Week, Things to do in Houston this Weekend, and Things to do in Houston this Weekend with Kids to stay up to date!
And you can get updates delivered to you in your news feed by following us on Facebook by clicking on the … next to the search lens icon.
