The Unequal Inequities exhibit at Architecture Center Houston showcases the stark disparities in Houston neighborhoods, highlighted by Architect Greg Benjamin’s finding of a million-dollar value difference between two similar homes three miles apart, emphasizing the critical impact of location shaped by historical and societal factors on property valuation.
Benjamin’s home is in Washington Terrace, near Riverside Terrace. This area features modest-sized homes and is close to a highway. In contrast, the other house is in Southampton Place, near West University Place. It is in a gated community with tree-lined streets and large homes. This contrast in locations exemplifies how location significantly impacts property values.
The Unequal Inequities exhibit takes inspiration from “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein. This book delves into the policies that shaped racial segregation in the United States. The exhibit mirrors this approach, examining how Houston’s history has molded its neighborhoods. It explores how past decisions, like placing landfills near minority communities or building freeways through them, have influenced the city’s current landscape.
Melvalean McLemore, a board president at the American Institute of Architects Houston chapter, contributed to the exhibit. McLemore highlighted the goal of encouraging visitors to rethink their understanding of historically disenfranchised communities. She hopes the exhibit sparks conversations and interest in neighborhood evolution.
Lindsey Williams, director of community development at Houston Land Bank, emphasized that these issues extend beyond African-American communities. Other minority and immigrant communities, as well as religious groups like Jewish residents, faced discrimination. Riverside Terrace was once a haven for affluent Jewish individuals who couldn’t build in River Oaks. Over time, it became a refuge for various disenfranchised groups, including Black residents and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Williams noted that the exhibit doesn’t aim to comfort visitors. Instead, it seeks to unveil the harsh realities of historical inequities. Understanding this history is essential for fostering positive change. Programming around the exhibit includes Richard and Leah Rothstein’s book, “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law.” A design challenge for architecture students from Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, and the University of Houston asked them to reimagine neighborhoods without historical segregation policies.
Williams believes architects have a responsibility to consider the greater good beyond their clients. Engaging with communities and incorporating their voices in design is crucial. The students’ designs from the challenge have become part of the exhibit, illustrating a hopeful path forward.
McLemore praised the impact of the exhibit’s programming, noting that students have been inspired to volunteer in their communities. She sees this as a testament to planting seeds for long-term change.
The Unequal Inequities exhibit is open to the public until January 17 at Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of Houston’s neighborhood evolution and challenges visitors to reconsider their understanding of the city’s past and present.
