National Register Listing

Eppes, Ned A. and Linda S., House

a.k.a. Eppes-Abercrombie-Barkley House;Eppes-Mehos House

5322 Institute Ln., Houston, TX
The Ned A. and Linda S. Eppes House, built in 1926, is named after its original occupants. Ned Alwin Eppes (1883-1929) was a highly successful local entrepreneur who arrived in Houston from San Antonio in 1921 and his wife Linda Hortense Sckerls Eppes (d. 1961 as Mrs. John T. Shea), who commissioned the construction of the house. The Eppes House is one of the earliest documented examples in Houston of a concrete house that exemplifies the Mediterranean Revival style, an appropriate style for the concrete method of construction used for this house. The construction of the Eppes House in 1926 also represents the planned development of the Jandor Gardens neighborhood by developer Howard Gray Fields (1883-1960). The house meets Criterion B at the local level of significance in the areas of Industry and Commerce as the residence of prominent local entrepreneur Ned Alwin Eppes, whose home was at once a reflection of his pioneering efforts in the manufacture, marketing and use of concrete in Houston during the 1920s. It also meets Criterion C at the local level of significance in the areas of Architecture and Community Planning and Development as one of the earliest documented examples of a concrete house in Houston that displays Mediterranean Revival stylistic characteristics and for its place in the development of the Jandor Gardens neighborhood during the 1920s.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Commerce; Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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 community planning and development commerce industry houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.