[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6264364,"mediaKeyId","3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb","parentId",3096786,"title","Texas Historical Commission approves termination of preservation easement on deteriorated Nueces County Courthouse","audioSeconds",5447,"startMs",2103000,"endMs",7550000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb&start=2103&end=7550","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb/thumbnail_2103000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264364/Texas/Texas-Historical-Commission-approves-termination-of-preservation-easement-on-deteriorated-Nueces-County-Courthouse","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264364-5bdd6b144608f74f5c2cf5d1e4b0f393/orig.mp4?Expires=1770500630&Signature=hyixaFem18ZTpx8VauMn77U2lU6n0y93UFFAoTwKTZoBQBRq89~cOtWS-d1MqSs4oOHYDdxwXlSBBPgWl8kcKib4jQD8z1to7HnRi5lGQAZoNhDa-t6TaO4GkLVoHm8oS3OcCSBm~kYKhugD6416~HyrhpSys8UnqCTeYcOddkeHJ9trDp5T3k1fQUnh2ixLPelp1K26we~u8y~x35fOXVFzC7S2SvFx~X94uAJRqNjRTujEJucNKZK~Gd9M-bX11JIWo6Sv7QmTKZDTTRqgzExcz~FHUG3G~VdUeBOX5ZWbnu2zBPIHTTwk8hJgqvQ3NDroRkjh~q80DRaGQCePgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Historical Commission (THC)","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Texas Historical Commission voted April 23 to terminate a 2002 historic preservation easement on the vacant Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi, clearing the way for the county to pursue demolition and future uses of the county-owned site.

The action followed public comment from Nueces County leaders and staff presentations that described the 1914 courthouse as in advanced physical decline and without a viable re-use plan. County Judge Connie Scott and County Commissioner Mike Pusley told the commission the building has sat empty for about 50 years, has extensive saltwater- and weather-related deterioration and is a public-safety concern.

Why it matters: The 96,000-square-foot courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and a state antiquities landmark. Termination of the easement removes one legal barrier to demolition and reuse of the site but also requires further THC approvals because the building carries state-level protections.

Details of the commission action and conditions
- The commission approved a motion to terminate the easement contingent on several mitigation measures the county must complete: publication of a book documenting the courthouse’s history in partnership with Texas A&M University; salvaging specified architectural features for archival or exhibit use; and development of exhibits tied to the salvaged material. The motion also directed staff to issue a historic buildings and structures permit for demolition when a complete demolition permit application is submitted.
- Staff advised the commission that a prorated settlement figure could be calculated to recoup part of the prior Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program construction grant (originally about $1.9 million). The staff example prorated repayment for the remaining life of the 25-year easement would be approximately $177,333 for the 28 months left on the term; the county indicated it could not pay settlement funds.
- Because the courthouse is also a state antiquities landmark, any demolition will require a Historic Buildings and Structures (antiquities) permit; THC rules require due diligence, alternatives analysis and documentation of the building that will be lost (Historic American Buildings Survey-level documentation is the usual standard).

What the commission discussed
Commissioners and staff repeatedly framed the case as unusual and exceptional, noting the building’s long vacancy, the failed redevelopment attempt in 2018 and continuing deterioration, including missing or failing roofs and corroding masonry ties. Commissioners stressed this case should be handled as an exception and documented in the record so it does not become precedent for routine easement releases.

Opposition, abstention and vote
The motion passed by voice vote; the chair recorded one nay and one abstention in the roll call associated with the vote. Commissioners asked the county and local partners to include visible interpretation at the site so the public understands what once stood there.

Next steps and implementation
- If the county submits a demolition permit application for the state antiquities landmark, THC staff will review the permit application and the documentation package and may require supplemental HABS-level documentation before issuing a permit.
- THC staff will work with the county on the salvage plan and the planned book and exhibit content described in the commission-approved conditions.

Context and background
The 1914 Harvey Page–designed courthouse had previously received THC grants through the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program; the county accepted a 2002 easement required by that grant. A 2023 structural assessment found the building salvageable in principle but estimated adaptive-reuse costs far above what the county could or would undertake. A 2018 attempt to redevelop the building fell through and the county reported it now faces substantial deferred maintenance and safety issues that it says cannot be addressed within available local resources.

Ending note
The commission’s action shifts the focus from preservation funding to documentation and salvage as the county pursues a new plan for the site. THC staff emphasized demolition would not occur until the permitting and documentation requirements imposed under the antiquities code are satisfied.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Texas Historical Commission Quarterly Meeting-April 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Texas Historical Commission voted April 23 to terminate a 2002 historic preservation easement on the vacant Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi, clearing the way for the county to pursue demolition and future uses of the county-owned site.","taxTitle","Historical Commission (THC), Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas","taxId",55247,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6264350,"Antiquities Advisory Board recommends State Antiquities Landmark status for Rancho Riachio site (41RF14) in Refugio County",192,306000,498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb&start=306&end=498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb/thumbnail_306000.jpg","/articles/6264350/Texas/Antiquities-Advisory-Board-recommends-State-Antiquities-Landmark-status-for-Rancho-Riachio-site-41RF14-in-Refugio-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264350-d21c8551b2e8ce4024c5799597376ecd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770500630&Signature=bD-A37IZVgSTDwFEyJ3BMHmrLp65GWTTyQxXYUaGwjaCl8zPd0qz9LgUjGnpNA7jViNEYyk8h~M2fxAPRrBA5NXJt3ohip2loWZi5zM~uuZZq5UpaNM~n3CYZmMkd-GVY4UAX9J92csPx7medYfFbyW7IViFSZhzWI2WzYDVvyl4m0KAgcjBkIBqsqTPZFVLdJPH3BMPnyD76dUBYaUHoaBt0ctzNncLXzEMLdTHY-zD78uQVTw31pGoeh1Pu5ylcI6a68YDSikU7Cw2qXfprXVqCWzzc1GdmJFc-LPbvJxEjXnT5hJTtinFKpqdZPk8nhFLTdrGBWviEJo1WjpLlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Antiquities Advisory Board on April 23 recommended that the Texas Historical Commission approve a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) nomination for the Rancho Riachio archaeological site (41RF14) in Refugio County.

Tiffany Osborne, Deputy State Archaeologist with THC’s Archaeology Division, described the site as a privately owned archaeological area under a conservation easement that preserves a large buried shell midden complex and diagnostic artifact categories including Rockport ceramics. Staff visited and assessed the site and recommended approval of the SAL nomination on behalf of the landowner, who requested protection.

Board action
An AAB member moved to send motion A (approval) forward and recommend that the commission approve the SAL nomination for 41RF14, Rancho Riachio; the motion was seconded, the board voted by voice and the motion carried.

Why it matters
Designation as a State Antiquities Landmark provides legal protection under the Antiquities Code for archaeological sites on non-federal land and requires archaeological oversight for activities that might affect the landmark. The Rancho Riachio nomination was filed by the landowner and is supported by Archaeology Division staff following a site visit.

Next steps
The AAB’s positive recommendation will be forwarded to the full Texas Historical Commission for final action. The landowner and THC staff will coordinate any next steps around management and permitted activities on the site.

Ending note
Board members thanked Archaeology Division staff and the landowner for bringing forward the nomination and for the site visit that informed staff support.","The Antiquities Advisory Board voted to recommend that the Texas Historical Commission approve a State Antiquities Landmark nomination for the Rancho Riachio archaeological site (41RF14) in Refugio County; staff reported the site contains buried shell middens and diagnostic artifacts, and the nomination was submitted by the private landowner.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6264354,"Draft THC economic-impact study finds heritage sites generate nearly $20 billion in output over five years",889,8275000,9164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb&start=8275&end=9164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb/thumbnail_8275000.jpg","/articles/6264354/Texas/Draft-THC-economic-impact-study-finds-heritage-sites-generate-nearly-20-billion-in-output-over-five-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264354-a144467c6a8737b7866b9e3e904ee48f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770500630&Signature=JaTIRacH8-~SAxDb-oSBZy-PMYlnPR5YZU9J2AtbMh-kY3OtofnKHtZNh9A1GAqdxyYAJhMUukTYLgXThQVIKYJ1UOX1~9MCiu4pRSAE9AxlPiMnmP5mzhcM~AFTNuvW6M5JLIHl4N9Jjty2HyHMJ-RtaNHBJM4UU8JK5KS638rdD5gI8B~PyoFBSy4l7FVu0GhFikumLieXeEtNwocig3vyz1p0D7u5DHLMGicSDq4VDSCQaoIayl04UzKa-lexh9bjj-lOHMK2aFGbZiD1XNcMQjTmpeJrj9-QW~OPYehGEcWg2XXiGB7zvZwNPqRyLVMAAuMSu6WYz3zI74NIxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Historical Commission on April 23 received a draft economic-impact report prepared by Gallagher Associates that quantifies the financial contribution of THC historic sites and affiliated heritage-trail activities.

Key findings (draft)
- Aggregate economic output over five years (all THC sites analyzed): approximately $20 billion.
- Jobs created (construction, operations and tourism combined): roughly 33,000.
- State tax revenue from related activity over the study period: approximately $120 million (largely sales tax receipts associated with tourism spending).
- Annual visitors to the sampled THC sites: about 3.4 million (aggregate figure across the sites included in the study).

Methodology overview
Consultants said they used industry-standard input-output modeling (IMPLAN) and THC-provided direct inputs (annual operating budgets, visitor counts, construction and staffing data) to calculate direct, indirect and induced economic impacts. The study aggregated site-level results into THC-defined heritage trails and presented both trail-level and statewide summaries.

What staff and commissioners said
Commissioners and staff discussed ways the report could be used for legislative outreach, local advocacy and partner communications. Several commissioners urged making tailored, shareable materials that local communities and Main Street partners can use when seeking support from city councils or chambers of commerce.

Caveats and next steps
The study presented to commissioners was a draft; staff and commissioners discussed distribution and finalization. Consultants said trail-level and site-level breakdowns are available and can be used to produce targeted summaries for partners and local officials. THC communications and program staff said they will work with consultants to finalize the report and produce shorthand materials and one-page sell sheets for partner use.

Ending note
Commission leadership described the study as timely for legislative and funding conversations and encouraged rapid finalization and distribution of user-friendly materials for local heritage-trail directors and site managers.","A draft economic impact report presented to the Texas Historical Commission estimates that THC-managed sites and affiliated trail-region activities generate about $20 billion in economic output over five years, create roughly 33,000 jobs and produce more than $100 million in state tax revenues, driven primarily by tourism.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6264359,"THC and Antiquities Advisory Board endorse Alamo Cenotaph restoration and authorize temporary protective enclosure for Alamo Church",726,2994000,3720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb&start=2994&end=3720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096786-779830ba64ac2e2ce7fcba1c7b6a02eb/thumbnail_2994000.jpg","/articles/6264359/Texas/THC-and-Antiquities-Advisory-Board-endorse-Alamo-Cenotaph-restoration-and-authorize-temporary-protective-enclosure-for-Alamo-Church","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264359-7b73760b091650679d6f3d02f26bca53/orig.mp4?Expires=1770500630&Signature=ZjQuT~t0PV1RkeZyZKgjrKxc9F~Bw2KGvZ4TABljFqhSf1LV9sOeVg~hiozRXGfpN1di8B~-zkjRlyNOCkjfe7IMfryTxFlsPF1bvzlrM6IJgqSoj68xmiS6mZ1YPuZR9DyUWtatarVOwnpVZK0D64FBV3JtV0CPIqZKfZ7uNDjTWvwejmpBZ--q4qtvjNJUtlxldtk3dX7cktlwjjAw-mRkd2ZPKzpSu67GxT4qOqaHGgVZBAB1gkuU~hGKtZ6RGIIxLuIsw05zq-CfwSZYsWnZdj4qRWNQEA0AXoOc0eG2DIzfypRNXWLaYPD0PbMfMESAagDTxCtlsUkmUqinWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Historical Commission and the Antiquities Advisory Board received updates April 23 on two related Alamo projects and approved authorization for a temporary protective enclosure over the Alamo Church in San Antonio.

Cenotaph restoration update
Consultants reported that restoration work on the Alamo Cenotaph is underway, scaffolding is in place and initial cleaning and conservation mock-ups have produced strong results. Presenters said laser cleaning and steam cleaning were selected after testing; conservators have completed cleaning on carved sculptural elements and undertaken localized repairs to patched areas. Structural engineers and materials scientists are surveying damage exposed by cleaning, and work includes treatment of exposed reinforcing, concrete repairs and reinstallation of removed stone units. Staff said no new quarry stone is required because removed stones remain intact for reassembly.

Temporary protective enclosure for the Alamo Church
The commission considered issuance of Historic Buildings and Structures permit number 1326 to allow construction of a temporary protective enclosure, bracing and a gantry crane system to support removal of an early-20th-century concrete barrel vault roof and related roofs over ancillary spaces. THC staff described the structure as an elevated steel platform supported on 14 concrete pile caps with deep micropile foundations. The enclosure includes a membrane roof system, integrated scaffolding and a gantry crane to allow staged removal of concrete, protection of interior finishes and masonry support and repair work. The structure will remain in place throughout the anticipated two-year rehabilitation project.

Votes and authorities
- The Antiquities Advisory Board voted to recommend authorizing the executive director to issue Historic Buildings and Structures permit number 1326 with staff authority to approve necessary minor design changes.
- The full THC then voted to authorize the executive director or designee to issue the permit, likewise delegating authority to staff to review necessary minor design changes as the project progresses. Both votes were taken by voice and carried.

Visitor access and interpretation
Presenters and commissioners noted the protective enclosure is designed to provide a high degree of visual access for visitors while protecting the building and workers. THC staff said access to the interior of the Alamo Church would be limited for safety and security and that limited, guided or hard-hat tours could be offered at carefully selected times when active construction work is not underway. The remainder of the site will remain open to visitors.

Why it matters
The Alamo Church and the cenotaph are among the most visited historic sites in Texas and are covered by multiple preservation, public-safety, interpretive and regulatory considerations. The authorized temporary enclosure is a major construction approach that allows large-scale masonry conservation and structural stabilization while protecting interior finishes and enabling archaeological and drainage work in the site footprint.

Schedule and next steps
Staff reported the cenotaph work is on schedule for completion around September (consultant’s current target) and that the protective enclosure and phased rehabilitation work on the church will proceed under the issued antiquities permit and related design approvals.

Ending note
Commissioners praised the technical approach and emphasized the importance of continued monitoring of humidity and other environmental factors within the enclosure to ensure the long-term preservation of stone and interior finishes.","Staff and consultants reported progress on the Alamo Cenotaph restoration and the commission authorized a historic buildings and structures permit to construct a temporary protective enclosure over the Alamo Church so contractors can remove the existing concrete roof and complete conservation work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Texas Historical Commission approves termination of preservation easement on deteriorated Nueces County Courthouse

Antiquities Advisory Board recommends State Antiquities Landmark status for Rancho Riachio site (41RF14) in Refugio County

Draft THC economic-impact study finds heritage sites generate nearly $20 billion in output over five years

THC and Antiquities Advisory Board endorse Alamo Cenotaph restoration and authorize temporary protective enclosure for Alamo Church