Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge Project

Hicks & Company architectural historians conducted a historic resource survey along US 181 and SH 386 in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, including evaluations of the National Register eligibility of historic properties and districts. The survey covered over 900 individual resources, including residences, parks, cemeteries, and commercial buildings. It also included an assessment of the effects of the removal of the historic Harbor Bridge with two alternative alignments on eligible properties and districts. This analysis included consideration of the impacts to surrounding historic resources, such as the Leopard Street commercial area.

In support of environmental compliance efforts on the State Highway 130 project (Williamson, Travis and Caldwell Counties, TX), Hicks & Company architectural historians surveyed 91 linear miles, including over 250 buildings and structures, such as houses, bridges, cemeteries, farmsteads, and the 1840s Texas Rangers cabin shown here. Hicks architectural historians also prepared all mitigation documentation, including National Register of Historic Places nominations, HABS-like medium-format photography, and landscape screening protocols for each of the 17 properties that were determined National Register eligible.

Hicks & Company architectural historians conducted intensive research of the land uses of this downtown Austin, TX project area, and discovered that hidden underneath the modern exterior of one building was the 1869 home of Susannah Dickinson – one of the few survivors of the Alamo – and her fifth husband Joseph Hannig. Hicks & Company’s architectural historians oversaw the selective demolition of the modern building elements that were obscuring the historic building and completed HABS Level I documentation by preparing large-format photographs and measured drawings. Once the architectural and archeological documentation were complete, the Dickinson-Hannig house was moved to a neighboring block and is now being restored as a museum.

Houston METRO Third Ward Project

As the City of Houston faces the necessity of expanding transportation networks, Hicks & Company architectural historians surveyed the traditionally African-American Third Ward district in Houston for a multiple property survey (MPS). An MPS documents groups of thematically related properties, placed within historic contexts with associated property types, and establishes significance and integrity requirements for nominating properties to the National Register. The survey was based on the broad themes unifying properties within the submission, such as historic events, significant persons, architectural styles, archeological types, and physical characteristics. Architecture, music, segregation, and social services are just a sample of the themes present in the project area.

Hicks & Company architectural historians worked with project engineers to ensure that the rehabilitation of the Corinth Street Bridge (Dallas, TX) adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Our team identified the character-defining features of the 1930 bridge, and recorded the condition and potential causes for deterioration of historic features, such as the concrete light standard shown here. These materials were provided to TxDOT and the Texas Historical Commission as part of the Section 106 coordination process.