Structures at Katy Heritage Park Named “Historical,” Future Renovations Must Respect History

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

July 13, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

The Katy City Council unanimously approved an ordinance last night that designates Katy Heritage Park structures historical. This protects and respects Katy’s history.

Katy Heritage Park and historical homes. Photo credit: Katy Heritage Society

New Ordinance Protects Katy History

A new ordinance that designates the structures at Katy Heritage Park as historical was passed last night at the Katy City Council Meeting. Every councilmember voted for the bill.

“This is a huge step in protecting Katy history and we are grateful,” says Adrienne Davitz, President of Katy Heritage Society.

The ordinance will allow restorations and renovations to have minimal impact that will protect their historical integrity.

“The new ordinance simply exempts the Katy Heritage Society’s historic homes at Katy Heritage Park from building codes that would change their historic appearance,” says Chris Harris, Katy Mayor Pro Tem.

Harris explains that the exception is if there is a life safety issue that the city determines. Otherwise, the society can have repairs that won’t change the original look.

Davitz describes this as being a “monumental decision” that will greatly help the society renovate while protecting historical Katy structures.

Homes Must Stay as Originally Built

“This protects the homes as they were originally constructed at the turn of the century or when originally built,” says Harris.

For 41 years, the Katy Heritage Society has been dedicated to preserving and protecting Katy’s past by acquiring and maintaining historic structures and working to protect local landmarks.

Katy Families Can Tour Historical Homes

The Katy Heritage Park is located at 5990 George Bush Drive off of Avenue D. Although many locations operated by the society were closed due to the pandemic, the park remained open. Weekend tours resumed back in February. Check their website for a schedule.

“If you have never been to Katy Heritage Park in historic Katy, Texas, it is a must see for anyone interested in learning a bit about Katy history,” says Davitz.

The park is home to 5 historical homes and a bandstand. All of the homes are decorated with period appropriate items allowing visitors to step back in time.

The new ordinance will help the society maintain such historical structures so Katy families can continue to enjoy them and respect the city’s rich history.

“Thank you city of Katy and it’s admin, city lawyer Art Pertile, all of council, and the Katy Heritage Park board and Katy heritage society board for all their work and effort spent on drafting and proposing this ordinance,” says Davitz.

She also offered a special thanks to Life Member and Katy Mayor Pro Temp, Chris Harris in his assistance throughout the process.

The Katy Heritage Society routinely hosts family-friendly community events that bring the Katy community together. Follow their website for upcoming events and information.

Volunteers Needed

The Katy Heritage Society is always looking for volunteers to be docents at Katy Heritage Park the first weekend of each month. Volunteers work three-hour shifts, help open and lock the historic homes, assist visitors, and learn about Katy’s history. For more info, email katyheritagesociety1979@gmail.com.

Society Seeks Community Support, Membership

The Katy Heritage Society depends on public donations and annual memberships to continue its work. Visit their website to make a donation or learn more about becoming a member. Membership is open to all Katy residents.