METRO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS GET CURBSIDE VIEW OF HOUSTON HISTORY
WITH PROGRAM THAT EXPLAINS HOW TO HANDLE BUILDINGS AND ARTIFACTS
December 30, 2009
‘Hardhat and blue collar’ was the dress code for training classes offered at METRO in mid-December. The classes weren’t elective; they are required study for contractors and subcontractors working on Houston’s East End, North, Southeast and Uptown Light-Rail Transit (LRT) Corridors to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Texas Antiquities Code, and to help workers understand the impact of their work in a broader context.
Duane Peter, a professional archaeologist, and Marsha Prior, an architectural historian, both consultants for Houston Rapid Transit (HRT), presented a mix of information that touched on everything from bricks to bones and many points in between. Prior noted that historic buildings could be more fragile than other structures in a construction area; therefore, special care must be taken to ensure that workers are aware of the historic buildings and know how to operate around them.
“So far, 19 historic properties have been identified along the Southeast Corridor, and they range from houses and religious facilities to government and commercial multiple-story buildings,” Peter noted. “The Niels Esperson Building (814 Travis), the S.H. Kress & Co. Building (705 Main), and the Annunciation Catholic Church (1618 Texas) have features that are unique, such as limestone columns, terracotta coverings, or arched and round windows that require special care. Awareness of these properties on the part of the workers will ensure that they are not accidentally damaged during construction.”
no archaeological sites of either the prehistoric or historic periods have been recorded within the LRT corridors, Peter noted the potential for encountering both, “As far as prehistoric archaeology is concerned, the most significant areas will likely be where the bayous intersect the East End and Southeast lines. The focus of our work, however, involves educating crews about how to protect historically significant buildings.”
Thomas Eisenhour, a historical architect working with METRO Solutions, says the class is part of a bigger plan, “The training is included in the terms of an agreement among METRO, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Federal Transit Administration. The effort requires METRO to develop worker education plans to inform contractors and workers of requirements for the protection of historic properties and how to deal with unanticipated archaeological discoveries during construction.”
The Worker Education Program training was well received by about 100 construction subcontractors, HRT and METRO personnel who attended the sessions. The action to educate has further raised awareness among corridor construction personnel who will have a better sense of Houston’s history as they prepare it for a future with light rail.
