Post Oak Preservation Solutions

As a bit of a change of pace, we've been enjoying consulting with one of the finalists chosen to design a major addition to the historic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO. After an open call for submissions, the museum narrowed down 180(!) applicants to 6 finalists, including the team we're playing a [small] part in. Click through to read more and see all of the proposals. Regardless of which proposal is finally selected, it will be exciting to watch the addition take shape! https://lnkd.in/eVRPg9Kb kudos to Alison Dunleavy and Rachel Alison on our team for leading the consultation efforts thus far!

As a bit of a change of pace, we've been enjoying consulting with one of the finalists chosen to design a major addition to the historic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO. After an open call for submissions, the museum narrowed down 180(!) applicants to 6 finalists, including the team we're playing a [small] part in. Click through to read more and see all of the proposals. Regardless of which proposal is finally selected, it will be exciting to watch the addition take shape! https://lnkd.in/eVRPg9Kb kudos to Alison Dunleavy and Rachel Alison on our team for leading the consultation efforts thus far!

The Texas historic tax credit is the best state tax credit in the country! The 2024 annual report demonstrates its efficacy. We're proud to work on dozens of Texas tax credit projects annually (including 3 featured in this report!)

?? JUST LISTED! ?? The Wimberley Downtown Square Historic District is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places! ?? Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this district tells the story of Wimberley’s transformation—from a tight-knit rural community to a thriving destination for tourism and recreation. From late 19th-century homesteads to Craftsman-style gas stations and mid-century rental cottages, the Square reflects over a century of local craftsmanship and history. Post Oak enjoyed surveying and nominating this district over the course of a couple years, working closely with the community to preserve its rich heritage. The designation recognizes the Square’s role as the commercial and cultural heart of Wimberley, where locals and visitors continue to gather, shop, and experience its unique charm. In addition to creating this National Register historic district, Post Oak also assisted with the establishment of a local preservation program in Wimberley which included drafting their inaugural preservation ordinance and creating historic district design guidelines. Big kudos go to Post Oak's senior architectural historian Rebecca Wallisch for spearheading this nomination!

We've been *busy* the last several weeks researching and preparing Determinations of Eligibility and Preservation Recommendations Memos for several potential projects that are twinning Low Income Housing Tax Credits with Historic Tax Credits. It's no secret that this is one of our favorite project types and every year we look forward to the January DOE onslaught, exciting about the potential rehabs to come. This one, in Cleburne, is such a beautiful, well-loved school building that will make for great Affordable apartments!

So excited to watch the progress at this long-neglected building. The transformation of white elephant buildings like the Roosevelt Hotel has tremendous potential to transform a downtown. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/gH9jZWRY

We just wrapped up our annual Post Oak company retreat! ??? This year, we gathered in El Paso, where we balanced strategic planning with exploring the region’s rich history and culture. Our adventures took us along the Mission Trail to visit historic missions and Rio Vista Farm, where we reflected on the deep, intertwined histories of Texas and Mexico. We also explored Durangito, Segundo Barrio, and San Jacinto Square on a walking tour, taking in the stories embedded in El Paso’s historic streetscapes. And, of course, we fully committed to eating incredible Mexican food at every opportunity—no regrets! ?? Bringing our team together in places like this reminds us why we do what we do. Excited for what’s ahead for Post Oak!

JUST LISTED: Marconi Wireless-Synanon Tomales Bay Headquarters Historic District (Boundary Increase & Additional Information) One of the most fascinating National Register nominations we’ve worked on—and our first project in California! (We’re officially coast to coast now!) Our work expanded the boundary and period of significance of the Station KPH - Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America Historic District, originally designated in 1989. The district’s original buildings (1914–1931) played a key role in trans-Pacific radio communication. In the 1960s, the property took on a new role when the Synanon Foundation—a controversial organization often labeled a cult—relocated its headquarters here. The group adapted existing Marconi buildings and constructed new ones (1964–1975). Founded by Charles “Chuck” Dederich, Synanon began as a drug rehabilitation program when treatment options were largely limited to incarceration. It later evolved into a utopian community, blending commitment mechanisms of 19th-century communes with post-war capitalist strategies to sustain its operations. Under Criterion A: Social History, the Marconi Wireless/Synanon Tomales Bay Headquarters Historic District is locally significant for its role in advancing the Therapeutic Community (TC) model of addiction treatment and as one of the largest “service” utopian communities of the 1960s. Several buildings also hold architectural significance under Criterion C, including the Synanon “Caves” complex—an outstanding example of Third Bay Tradition design by Ellis Kaplan of Kaplan & McLaughlin (later KMD Architects).

Excited to be a part of this fun project! Zim's has to be one of the most fascinating properties we've worked on. It includes a bottling plant, gas station, bar/restaurant/music venue, motel, private residence, power plant, and historic fish pond. We're working on both the historic tax credit applications and the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the property. https://lnkd.in/gmC4d-rG

Ellis Mumford-Russell and Megan Warley McDonald were proud to be a part of this exciting project. Looking forward to seeing how things shape up in Freeport!