The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss significant concerns regarding a proposed new construction at 10 Cortland Place, a historic street known for its architectural integrity and community character. The meeting featured a series of public comments from residents, highlighting their apprehensions about the scale and design of the new home.

The session began with a resident expressing pride in the neighborhood's history, emphasizing the cohesive architectural style that has been preserved for over a century. Concerns were raised about the proposed design, which was described as a "Frankenstein" structure that could disrupt the aesthetic harmony of Cortland Place. Residents argued that the current plans for the new home are disproportionately large compared to existing houses, with one resident noting that the proposed footprint is nearly double the average size of homes on the street.

Several letters from residents were read into the record, echoing similar sentiments. Karen Twitchell, a resident for 24 years, voiced her opposition to the oversized design, while Charles Foster highlighted that the proposed home’s footprint is 21% of its lot size, compared to an average of 8.7% for other homes. Steve Putman, another resident, remarked on the historical restraint shown by original builders, urging that new constructions should reflect the same consideration.

The applicant, Todd Blitzer, representing the architectural firm Meritor Group, defended the design, stating that it adheres to federal architectural styles and has been modified in response to community feedback. He noted that the height and width of the proposed home are consistent with neighboring properties, and emphasized efforts to minimize its visual impact.

Despite the applicant's reassurances, many residents remained concerned about the potential loss of green space and the overall scale of the new construction. They argued that the proposed home would overshadow the historic character of the street, which has never seen a spec home built on it. The commission acknowledged the residents' concerns, indicating that the primary issue at hand is the proportionality of the new design in relation to the existing homes.

As the meeting concluded, the commission was tasked with considering the community's feedback and the implications of the proposed construction on the historic integrity of Cortland Place. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between new development and the preservation of Houston's architectural heritage.