Woodland Heights at age 100: a Hometown Near Downtown

Over a hundred years ago a parcel of farmland near the banks of White Oak Bayou just north of downtown Houston became the site of a new development. The land had been part of the John Austin's Mexican Land Grant and was known as Germantown in the latter half of the 19th century. Houston Avenue which bordered the farmland had become an electric streetcar route in 1892, but only provided service as far as Crockett Street. In 1903, 30 acres of the Beauchamp Springs tract was purchased by Houston Electric for construction of a park, and the streetcar line was extended further north on Houston Avenue to provide transportation to it. The park, located on the banks of Little White Oak Bayou at Houston Avenue, was called Highland Park and was built to provide a range of amusements for the public. It included a restaurant, dance pavilion, and was highlighted by an artificial lake made for motorboating. The park was popular for a decade until it went into decline and was purchased by the city in 1914 and renamed Woodland Park.

In 1907 developer William Wilson established the suburb of Woodland Heights on 106 acres of the farmland near Highland Park. Wilson, a resident of Houston Heights, was not only a developer but also a builder who had constructed homes in both the Heights and the South End. He marketed his new neighborhood to an affluent clientel, and planned it so that it would retain its character as a single family residential area. He instituted deed restrictions and laid out 600 lots on graded streets with sidewalks, and hundreds of live oaks and sycamores to enhance the appearance of a well planned community. He was one of the earliest developers to plant rows of trees along the streets, such as those along Bayland. The styles of homes built in Woodland Heights included bungalows, late Victorian cottages and two story American foursquares. Mr. Wilson built a large two story home for himself on Bayland, where he resided for many years. For a touch of grandeur, he added gate piers to frame the entrance to Woodland Heights on Bayland at Houston Avenue. To promote his new development, Wilson published a home and garden magazine in which he depicted photos and floor plans of homes with elaborate descriptions of the amenities of the neighborhood. In one publication he boasted that "Woodland Heights is less than two miles from the heart of the business district" and that "the Woodland Heights [street]car line, named for the addition, runs straight out Houston Avenue, and provides ample and convenient transportation facilities."

Woodland Heights today remains largely intact. Its original boundaries have expanded as other platted areas grew around them. The Woodland Heights neighborhood is roughly located between Houston Avenue on the east and Studewood on the west. It extends north to Pecore Street and south as far as White Oak Drive. The original housing styles of cottages, bungalows and four-squares are prevalent throughout the neighborhood. Many of the homes have been restored or remodeled with consideration for retaining the designs characteristic of the era in which they were built. One of the more impressive sights is the renovated former William Wilson home, the largest house in Woodland Heights. Originally built near the entry gates at Bayland and Houston Avenue, the house had fallen into disrepair. A new owner has restored the mansion to its former glory. Unfortunately, the entry gates were demolished in the 1940s.

In 1987, the Woodland Heights Civic Club was established. The club became actively involved in revitalizing the neighborhood, calling attention to the historic nature of the area and preserving its architecture. One project the Civic Club sponsors is a walking tour of the neighborhood, which offers a guided stroll down various streets to view historic homes and their architectural designs. Perhaps one of the more popular events is the Lights in the Heights at Christmastime, in which the entire neighborhood is illuminated with lights, and food and entertainment is provided. In 2007 Woodland Heights is celebrating its centennial and plans many events throughout the year. As a tribute to its past, residents are erecting a newly designed promenade to be placed at the south end of the Norhill esplanade. The design of the promenade is reflective of the original gate erected by the builder in 1907 and will have spaces for engraved bricks .

In the shadow of downtown Houston, Woodland Heights has managed to retain its charm. Besides being a convenient place to live, the neighborhood offers a respite from the bustle of city life, and a small town atmosphere of neighborliness and community involvement. Residents are working to preserve its history and character for the next 100 years.

(Near Northwest Banner, February 5, 2007)