Tudor Regency Spanish Georgian

Broadacres

History and Culture

Broadacres was designated as an historic district in 2007. It meets all six of the City of Houston’s criteria for designation. Broadacres is significant as one of Houston’s early master planned communities. It was designed by the architect William Ward Watkin, and the houses in the subdivision are by Houston’s most prominent architects of the time. These houses are excellent examples of the Revival styles most popular in the 1920s. In addition, the extensive landscaping and rows of oak trees along North and South Boulevard give the neighborhood a unified identity.

Broadacres is notable for its association with Captain James A. Baker and his son, James A. Baker, Jr., who spearheaded the development of the neighborhood. Captain Baker had served in the Confederate Army. He was elected to the Texas legislature and became a district judge in Houston. He later joined, and became a partner in, the law firm of Gray and Botts. James A. Baker, Jr., was also an attorney. He joined his father’s firm and eventually led it as Baker, Botts, Andrews and Wharton. Today, Baker Botts is one of Houston’s oldest and most prestigious law firms. Baker Jr. was an accomplished and influential city leader. His son, James A. Baker III, served as President Ronald Reagan’s chief of staff and as the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State under Reagan and President George H. W. Bush.

The men who designed many of the homes in Broadacres were three of the most sought-after architects in Houston in the 1920s.