National Register Listing

Myer, Sterling, House

4 Courtlandt Pl., Houston, TX
The Sterling Myer House is an excellent example in Houston of the Tudor Revival style and reflects the elegance and architectural quality common along Courtlandt Place, one of Houston's earliest and most exclusive subdivisions. Sanguinet and Staats, who designed the first four houses built in the new subdivision, as well as several subsequent designs, revealed their eclectic tendency and proficiency in each of their designs. The Myer House, the second house built in the neighborhood, is the only house on the avenue showing the influence and adaptation of the medieval building form. The residence is further important as the home of one of the founders of Courtlandt Place, Sterling Myer.

The firm of Sanguinet and Staats originated in the Fort Worth-Dallas area. They designed a number of significant buildings in these two cities, including the 1902 Wilson Building in Dallas, the first eight-story building in Texas. A. E. Barnes, an architect and civil engineer from Dallas, joined the firm in 1902 and later opened up the firm's Houston office. Alfred C. Finn served with the firm in Houston from 1913-15. The firm later became known as Sanguinet, Staats and Gottlieb (1921-25), and then Hedrick & Gottlieb (1925-28). The current successor to the old firm is known as Wyatt C. Hedrick & Associates. Among the many buildings designed by the firm in Houston, some notable ones include the T. P. Lee House (1910), the old Houston Country Club (1908), the First Methodist Church (1910), the Medical Arts Building (1926), the old Houston National Bank (1926--listed on the National Register), and a number of private residences. Those on Courtlandt Place include the C. L. Neuhaus House (1910), James Autrey, Sr. House (1912), A. S. Cleveland House (1911), Sterling Myer House (1910), and the Dorrance House (1913-14).

An attorney with the firm of Hunt, Myer and Teagle and later Camp- bell, Myer and Freeman, Sterling Myer was one of the founders of the Courtlandt Improvement Company. This group was incorporated in 1906 to buy 15.474 acres of newly annexed Houston land and to develop an exclusive subdivision. His house was the second residence on the street. Myer served as the first president of the Courtlandt Improvement Company.
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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was 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.