Hulda B. Weinert House Secures 250-Year Future

**Historic Hulda B. Weinert House Finds Permanent Sanctuary in Conroe’s Heritage Place Park**

**CONROE, TX** – A significant piece of Montgomery County’s architectural and cultural heritage, the Hulda B. Weinert House, has officially completed its second and, hopefully, final relocation, marking a new chapter in its long history. In a carefully orchestrated move in January 2024, the historic structure traveled from Owen Park to a new permanent site at Heritage Place Park in downtown Conroe, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

This move was the second for the circa 1900 house, which stands as a rare example of turn-of-the-century vernacular architecture. Originally located in downtown Conroe, south of the courthouse, it was first moved in 2004 to Owen Park at 10245 Owen Drive, escaping potential demolition amidst downtown development.

The recent relocation became an urgent necessity due to multiple factors. At Owen Park, the house had sadly fallen into disrepair and faced repeated vandalism, threatening its structural integrity and historical value. Concurrently, Montgomery County required the Owen Park land for a planned expansion, likely to accommodate new courthouse or jail facilities, making the house’s continued presence untenable.

“Saving the Hulda B. Weinert House was paramount,” stated Jodi Spaw, Chair of the Montgomery County Historical Commission (MCHC). “It’s a tangible link to our past, representing the lives and architecture of early Conroe. We couldn’t stand by and let it be lost.”

The MCHC spearheaded the comprehensive effort to rescue the house once more. Through a combination of dedicated community donations and a crucial preservation grant, the necessary funds were secured. The commission then partnered with professional movers, Allied House Moving, to meticulously transport the fragile structure, a testament to careful planning and execution. The City of Conroe generously provided the new site within Heritage Place Park, located at 500 Metcalf Street, adjacent to the Conroe Visitor’s Center.

Perhaps the most remarkable detail cementing the house’s future is the unprecedented 250-year lease agreement granted by the City of Conroe for the land at Heritage Place Park. This incredibly long-term commitment, unanimously approved by the Conroe City Council in December 2023, provides an unparalleled level of stability for the historic home. Spaw hailed the agreement as a “game changer” for the house’s longevity and significance.

The vision for the Hulda B. Weinert House at its new location is ambitious and community-focused. The MCHC intends for it to serve as a vibrant public education space, a small museum showcasing early Conroe life and local history, and a unique venue for various community events and gatherings.

With the house safely in place, the focus now shifts to an extensive restoration project. The MCHC, in collaboration with dedicated volunteers from the “Friends of the Hulda B. Weinert House” group, anticipates this multi-year endeavor will continue through 2024 and 2025. The goal is to meticulously restore the house to its former glory, preserving its architectural details and historical character.

“This is just the beginning of the next phase,” Spaw added. “We’re looking forward to bringing this house back to life and opening its doors to the public, hopefully sometime in 2025. It will be a place where future generations can connect directly with a tangible piece of Montgomery County’s rich past.”

Community members interested in learning more about the Hulda B. Weinert House, donating to the restoration efforts, or volunteering with the “Friends of the Hulda B. Weinert House” group are encouraged to visit the Montgomery County Historical Commission’s website or social media channels for updates and contact information.