• Screen Shot 2019-10-10 at 11.00.56 AM
    -photo courtesy Minnette Boesel

The Texas Society of Architects is pleased to announce Minnette B. Boesel of Houston as the 2019 Cornerstone Award recipient. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions that enhance the quality of life by elevating architecture and the arts, promoting the value of community, or preserving the natural environment.

With a background in art history, historic preservation, and real estate, Boesel has been a leader in the enhancement of the built environment of Houston for decades. In the 1980s, when the city lacked any preservation ordinances and banks refused loans for restoration projects, Boesel led efforts to clean up downtown and invested in developing the W.L. Foley building to show what could be accomplished with historic properties. She also served as executive director of the Downtown Houston Association, was founding director of the Market Square Historic District Project, and established a real estate company, Minnette Boesel Properties, to work with developers to save and reuse historic properties.

Boesel’s contributions have been an integral part of Houston becoming more interested in preserving its historic past — the city now has more than 400 designated and protected landmarks and numerous historic districts — as well as in its transformation into a major urban destination focused on culture and quality of life. Boesel has served as director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and a member of the Rice Design Alliance and Houston Arts Alliance boards, among others. Currently, she is chair of Houston’s Archeological and Historical Commission, an advisory board member for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and founding director of the Astrodome Conservancy.

The Cornerstone Award will be presented to Boesel at the Annual Conference in Galveston, during the Third Keynote Session on October 26.

1 Comments

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Well,
This is an award long overdue for Minnette. I have known her since the early days of the Market Square Historic District – she was and is a strong and steady voice for common sense as well as responsible historic preservation in Houston.
Congratulations!
Vince

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