Rutgers University has released a comprehensive new report analyzing the economic impact of the Federal Historic Tax Credit. The findings confirm the value of preservation incentives in creating jobs and spurring investment.

The State Preservation Board has quietly shelved plans for a controversial addition to the Texas Governor’s Mansion. The Austin American-Statesman reports that John Sneed, executive director of the State Preservation Board, issued a brief written statement that the proposed addition “has been withdrawn from further consideration.”

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus has added his voice to the growing chorus questioning the controversial addition to the Texas Governor’s Mansion. Straus, a member of the State Preservation Board overseeing the mansion, expressed his doubts about the board’s approval process and lack of openness.

TCU Press of Fort Worth is publishing Hill Country Deco: Modernistic Architecture of Central Texas, a new book written and photographed by GHPA staff members Jim Parsons and David Bush.

Preservationists across the state are lining up against a proposed addition to the Texas Governor’s Mansion that would significantly alter the landmark building’s appearance and compromise its historic architectural integrity.

Harris County Commissioners Court has voted to delay action on the proposed demolition of the 1923 Hogan-Allnoch Dry Goods Co. Building, 1311-1319 Texas Avenue at Austin. The County has plans to raze the building to create a surface parking lot.

The congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church has voted to delay until spring 2010 the proposed demolition of its Gothic Revival sanctuary on East 15th Street at Cortlandt in the Heights East Historic District. GHPA has been advocating the historic building’s preservation for several years, and encouraging church officials to retain the 77-year-old landmark as the cornerstone of the Immanuel campus. The church members' decision gives preservation supporters additional time to develop other plans for the congregation's consideration.

General Motors has notified Knapp Chevrolet that the Houston dealership is being considered for termination. GHPA is working with the Knapp family to increase public awareness of the possible loss of this heritage business. The company not only occupies a landmark art deco building on Houston Avenue, the local dealership is a vital part of Houston’s commercial history.

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) denied Immanuel Lutheran Church’s request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish its historic church building on Cortlandt at East 15th Street in the Heights at its October 22 meeting. The 77-year-old Gothic Revival structure is a contributing building in the Houston Heights Historic District (East). The church was dedicated in 1932; the congregation built a new sanctuary in 1964. Church officials have no plans for the site beyond demolition.

The Eighth Wonder of the World needs your help. Harris County Commissioners Court will decide the future of the Astrodome, and GHPA urges you to tell your elected officials and representatives of the Houston Texans and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo that you want our Astrodome preserved. Our tax dollars built and maintain the Astrodome. You should have a say in the stadium’s future. Remind our public officials: We own the Dome.