National Register Listing

Cohn, Arthur B., House

a.k.a. Saint Francis Center

1711 Rusk Ave., Houston, TX
The Arthur Benjamin Cohn House is located on the site of Winnifred Browne's homestead, in the spot where a small frame house was constructed by 1870. Arthur Cohn was instrumental in the founding of the Rice Institute, having served as William Marsh Rice's Houston accountant and then as the agent for Rice's estate and the new William Marsh Rice Institute. He was the first business manager of Rice University and was an influential and respected member of this community, both in his business dealings and in his association with Beth Israel Temple, of which he was a member. This is the only house in which Cohn lived that is still standing and that was his place of residence during the formative period of Rice University, between the probate of William Marsh Rice's will in 1905 and the formal opening in 1912. Cohn's papers and desk are housed in the Woodson Research Center of Rice University. Architecturally, the Cohn House is the last of many such turn-of-the-century, middle-class houses that once stood in this neighborhood. As such it was a particularly fine example with many well-wrought details such as the cast-stone rustication, carved wooden-block facing and quoins, and the magnificent glass work. Although the builder and/or architect are unknown, it was with unusual skill that the older section was incorporated into the new house in 1905. In more recent years the house has been used by the St. Francis Society, a Roman Catholic group devoted to good works in the community.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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.

education architecture houses residential buildings
There is always hope for Texas.
Gail Collins in As Texas Goes...
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.

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