09-25-06 Regular Called Meeting of La Porte Development Corporation

Browse Search

I. STUDY AREA AND HISTORY The following photos of historic Sylvan Beach have been included to help recall a vision of a City whose essential assets remain in place. Sylvan Beach, as identified in these photos from the book The Romance of Old Sylvan Beach, by Erna B. Foxworth, document well the rich history of this area. Long a weekend resort destination for residents of the Houston/Galveston area, the glory of Sylvan Beach was renown. This character can be recaptured and revitalized through community commitment, strong public policy, and the vigorous implementation of enhancement and redevelopment projects. Sylvan Beach Hotel It was built in the early 1890's near the beachfront. This image dramatizes the early recreational roots of Sylvan Beach, a vision that can be reconstructed with the thoughtful addition of recreational amenities along the waterfront. The First Gateway of Sylvan With the character of either a French eclectic or tudor style, this portal found its lineage in the early walled cities of Europe and England. This portal would be a candidate for reconstruction at the Main Street round -about. Main Street Photo The strong architectural frontality and use of front porches is evident in this photograph. Timber construction, high ceilings, false facades were all characteristic of this period and were evident along old Main Street. Perhaps this could be some guidance for the vernacular of future architecture along Main Street. Sylvan Beach Area This photo shows the kind of intense use, both recreational, commercial and residential, that existed at Sylvan Beach in the 1920's. Note the large number of automobiles with the Ferris wheel at the right. Bathing Girl Review Beaches have always been a popular place for people to gather, Sylvan Beach is no exception. This photo shows the crowds that came to Sylvan Beach to witness the Bathing Girl Reviews that were held annually at Sylvan Beach in the 1920's. 01•