Preservation Houston’s 2017 Good Brick Tour is coming up later this month. And it’s our sponsor today. Thanks for supporting Swamplot!
Isabella Court is the lone survivor of the many Spanish Colonial Revival—style buildings that lined blocks of Main St. beginning in the 1920s. Local developer Pierre Michael hired architect William D. Bordeaux of Miami to design this 3-story structure, which contains 2Â residential levels above ground-floor commercial spaces.
Sixteen apartments open onto a roofed, open-air courtyard, distinguished by elegant iron balconies, railings, and gates as well as a faux wishing well trimmed with delicate ironwork. Each unit is unique, with some apartments featuring split-level floor plans. Ornate light fixtures and Taos-style fireplaces contribute to the flats’ distinctive appearance. Even the small pass-through cabinets where milk was delivered are still in place.
Isabella Court is one of 5 award-winning historic homes and buildings welcoming visitors with guided tours from noon to 5 pm on both Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30. Three apartments and Isabella Court’s namesake courtyard will be open during the 2017 Good Brick Tour.
Purchase advance tickets online for $25 per person through Thursday, April 27. Tickets will be available for $30 per person at any tour location during the weekend. Tickets are valid both days of the tour and provide 1 admission to each location.
Preservation Houston has recognized all the properties on tour with Good Brick Awards for excellence in historic preservation. The other properties on the tour are:
- The Dentler Building, 1809 Summer Street, High First Ward Historic District: A once-derelict 2-story apartment house (1923) that found new life as a contemporary single-family home.
- 2219 Kane St., Old Sixth Ward Historic District: A quaint Folk Victorian cottage (c. 1885) preserved as an architect’s office and guest house.
- 309 Sampson St., East End: A classic Victorian house (c. 1895) that shines with remarkably intact detailing and original art.
- Fire Station No. 2, 317 Sampson St., East End: Up-to-date interior design transformed a turn-of-the-century fire station (1910) into a private home with brass fire poles intact.
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