National Register Listing

Parker, John W., House

2 Courtlandt Pl., Houston, TX
The John W. Parker House built in 1925-26 was the 17th of 18 houses to be built on Courtlandt Place. Designed by John F. Staub, the house was one of his first design projects in Houston after he started his own firm. The house is a good example of the Cotswold style, one of the historical adaptations from which Staub creatively borrowed. The house is unique in the design along the avenue and reflects the elegance and architectural quality common on Courtlandt Place, one of Houston's earliest and most exclusive subdivisions. John F. Staub, who used a whole range of stylistic genres in this period, was one of Houston's foremost exponents of eclectic architecture. Staub moved to Houston in 1921 to represent the New York architect, J. T. Lindeberg and supervise the construction of three houses he had designed in Shadyside, a residential enclave begun by J. S. Cullinan in 1916. When Lindeberg closed his Houston office in 1923, Staub remained to start his own office. Staub became one of Houston's most famous and popular architects of residential construction in the 20th century. Specializing in domestic architecture, Staub designed most of the houses in the exclusive Shadyside, several in Broadacres, and numerous homes in River Oaks. One of his best-known houses was Bayou Bend in River Oaks, built-in 1926 for Ima Hogg, daughter of the turn-of-the-century governor James Hogg and well-known Houston philanthropist and civic leader. John Staub continued an active architectural practice until his retirement about eight years ago.

John W. Parker was a prominent Houston lawyer. In 1925 he commis- sioned Staub to build a house for his family on Courtlandt Place and lived there until his death in 1930. Mrs. Parker and her child- ren occupied the house for several years and then rented it. In 1951 Thomas George McHale and his wife Inez McHale bought the house. T. George McHale, a local architect, and friend of Staub's, died in 1975, but his widow, an interior designer, continues to live in the house.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.

Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.

Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.

With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Harris County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.

  • 1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.

  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.

  • 1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.

  • 19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.

  • 20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.

  • 1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.

  • Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.