The Tenth Street Historic District Freedman’s Town is one of the few Landmark Historic Districts that remains in place in Texas and the nation. However, since its designation as a National Register of Historic Places in 1994, it has undergone intense demolition provoked by a lack of municipal oversight and resources in a historically neglected neighborhood. The work in this exhibition highlights an effort led by Texas Target Communities of Texas A&M University, Tenth Street Community members, and a large group of architecture students and faculty who engaged with the neighborhood in the Spring of 2024. The projects presented here explore how studio-based work can support a community and the challenges of their historic district. And asks, what are possible architectural contributions to a district interested in safeguarding its historic identity while looking forward to the overall well-being of the neighborhood? The courses approached questions of historic preservation, neighborhood identity, and housing typologies, all key elements that define the district. While not definitive, the work and its process allow students, faculty, and community members alike to exchange valuable ideas in supporting our common interests to support a neighborhood’s memories and life to look forward.
Exhibition Credits
Supported by:
Texas Target Communities (TxTC), Mitchell’s Interdisciplinary Studio, Texas A&M University
Organized by:
Tyrene Calvesbert, Lecturer, Texas A&M University
Community Outreach and Design Coordinator, TxTC
Marcelo López-Dinardi, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP:
Benje Feehan, Lisa Neergard, Anthony Rash
Samantha Guzmán, Texas A&M University/Harvard Graduate
School of Design (Model)
Marcelo López–Dinardi 