The City of Houston plans to target 15 properties — two commercial and 13 vacant residences — for rehabilitation or demolition. Letters are expected to go to property owners by Jan. 25.
Among those on this list is the Tweed house, Houston’s oldest standing structure that dates to the Civil War. It is located on Airport Road.
Recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a Community Development Block Grant program for demolition. Homeowners contribute $1,000 toward the cost of demolition; business owners pay 30 percent of the cleanup cost. Houses have to be vacant for one year to qualify. Applications must be submitted by April 1.
In the letter, property owners are advised of the process and advised of the deadlines.
The Tweed House is owned by the City of Houston, and city officials say they are looking for individuals and groups to launch a restoration effort of the property.
“We are seeking a plan of action from interested parties to renovate the house. If there is no interest by March 15, it will be included in the demolition request,” said Elaine Campbell, development director for the City of Houston.
Interested parties can contact Mayor Don Tottingham for additional information.