Historic Woodland Heights manse asks $3 million

Civic leader, historic preservationist and real estate execetive Bill Baldwin is selling his house on Bayland Avenue in the Heights, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 in Houston. This is the second renovation by Baldwin of the home built in 1910 after originally converting it back to a house after it served as a nursing home for seventy years. Continue to see another restored old home in the Houston Heights.

less Civic leader, historic preservationist and real estate execetive Bill Baldwin is selling his house on Bayland Avenue in the Heights, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 in Houston. This is the second renovation by Baldwin ... more Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 80 Caption Close Historic Woodland Heights manse asks $3 million 1 / 80 Back to Gallery

One of the oldest homes in the Heights — a 1910 estate built by the founder of historic Woodland Heights — hit the market this week for just under $3 million.

The owner, civic leader, activist and Boulevard Realty owner Bill Baldwin, tried the sell the house three years ago. But after a short period, he decided to stay put and renovate.

Baldwin has lived 13 years in the 6,700-square-foot home at 205 Bayland. Now, he plans to build a new home in the area with his partner of three years, Fady Armanious, creative director for high-fashion retailer Tootsies.

“We just felt like this is really the right time. The Heights has never been more popular,” Baldwin said. “I know many houses that are well worth between $2 and $3 million. Mine isn’t the only one anymore.”

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Million-dollar homes in the Heights used to be a rarity. But last year, 82 homes sold for at least $1 million in the Heights, up from 21 in 2013, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. Through early September, 64 homes sold for $1 million or more — a pace, if maintained, would surpass last year’s $1 million-plus sales.

The neighborhood, known for historic properties and newer, more eclectic home designs, now rivals Montrose as one of the most desirable neighborhoods because of its proximity to downtown and growing collection of trendy restaurants, coffee shops and shops. Young families also have flocked to the area, driving up housing prices in parts of the neighborhood zoned to highly-rated elementary schools.

At the end of August, a Victorian-style home, built in 1892 on Harvard Street, was listed for $2.28 million. The life-sized dollhouse, a rare example of end-of-the-19th century architecture, was the home of the late Bart Truxillo, a longtime advocate for historic preservation in Houston.

Amy Lynch Kolflat, the Re/Max Metro agent listing the historic Harvard Street property, said she has shown the home frequently in the last couple of weeks. “There’s been a steady stream of activity on it,” she said.

Million-dollar-plus home sales in the Heights 2018: 64 (year to date) 2017: 82 2016: 79 2015: 56 2014: 48 2013: 21 Source: Houston Association of Realtors

Baldwin is asking $2.995 million for his home, the same price he listed it for in 2015. He believes the property has appreciated since then, but said he he wants it to sell in a “reasonable time frame.” Typically it takes an average of a year to sell a home at that price, he said.

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Originally built for William A. Wilson, founder of the Woodland Heights and Eastwood neighborhoods, the Prairie-style home sits on a just under half an acre and features wrap around porches, a wine cellar and a three car garage.

It was designated by the city as a protected landmark in 2009, meaning exterior alterations must be approved by a special committee.

Over the years, Baldwin has hosted hundreds of events in the home, from lavish galas and political fundraisers to business meetings and baby showers. In their next home, Baldwin and Armanious said they will continue to host events of all kinds.

In addition to his real estate business, Baldwin recently formed a political action committee focusing on local elections and referendums aimed at improving the city’s neighborhoods schools and local governments. He also serves on the city’s Planning Commission.

The couple considered moving to a high-rise, but decided against it.

“We don’t fit in 3,000 square feet,” he said. “We’re really single-family people.”