How the Heights became the Heights



See the Heights through the years. Today's approval process in the Historic Heights neighborhood aims to keep larger homes from overwhelming smaller ones.

See the Heights through the years. Today's approval process in the Historic Heights neighborhood aims to keep larger homes from overwhelming smaller ones. Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close How the Heights became the Heights 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

With seven historic districts, the Heights is a neighborhood that still offers a glimpse into the city's history.

Widely considered Houston's first planned community, it was founded in 1896 as its own city with an independent jail, hospital and city hall. Founders Oscar Martin Carter and Daniel Denton Cooley, principles of the Omaha and South Texas Land Company, purchased more than 1,700 acres in 1891.

They were drawn to the area because it was elevated, which meant fewer mosquitoes in a time when yellow fever and cholera were rampant. It was also not far from downtown, so residents could access the streetcar system to commute to work.

The former city was annexed to the City of Houston in 1918 because Heights schools needed more funding. Annexation allowed the municipality to access a wider tax base.

RELATED: Houston historic Greater Heights homes built 1908-1922

Annexation was approved on the condition the area remains dry, an ordinance that was passed in 1912. Prohibition was passed just eight years later but was repealed in 1933, though the Heights remains dry to this day. Restaurants and bars implemented creative solutions to get around the ordinance, including starting private clubs. Appropriate age verification and a signature is enough for patrons to have a drink — as long as the establishment also serves food, and as long as drinks are only served during food service hours.

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Now, many locals are saying the law is antiquated and should be overturned. This election, there's a referendum on the ballot that would lift the alcohol ban. This would not repeal the 1912 ordinance, but would allow stores in the area, including grocers, to sell beer and wine. A major proponent for the "dampening" of the area, in addition to the Houston Heights Beverage Coalition, is H-E-B, which has a wide selection of alcoholic beverages at its other locations. A location is set to open at 23rd Street and North Shepherd, where Fiesta once stood. H-E-B Houston president Scott McClelland is urging voters to support a lift on the ban. You can delve into the neighborhood's sentiments both for, and against the ballot at houstonchronicle.com.

One characteristic of the area that most locals wish hadn't changed is the cost of homes in the area. Once known as a more affordable place to buy and still be close to the city center, homes in the area are now among the priciest in Houston. While the real estate market skyrocketed, the area's also seen the opening of several acclaimed restaurants.

Despite the rise of sophisticated new establishments in the area, the Heights retains its vintage vibe with midcentury buildings on 19th street, quirky businesses and rows of Queen Anne and Craftsman-style homes.

Scroll through the gallery above for a look at how the Heights neighborhood has changed over the years.