The Montrose Management District was created by the 79th Legislature, House Bill 3518 sponsored by State Representative Garnett Coleman. Montrose saw its first development in 1911, led by J.W. Link, an executive of the Houston Land Corporation. Link, purchase several tracts consisting of 250 acres on the outskirts of the city and immediately set about improving the property, building a main street, now Montrose Boulevard, through the center of it. The Link Lee mansion located at 3800 Montrose Blvd. (on the corner of Montrose Blvd. and West Alabama Street) is an outstanding example of the early glory days of Texas oil production.
The building is a prime example of neoclassical architecture, featuring a pronounced portico, elaborate brickwork and ornate terra cotta ornamentation that is consistent with the American neoclassical style. The building has been a Texas Historical Landmark since 2001. Links Montrose home is now used as an administration building for St. Thomas University, a private, catholic institution of higher learning. Originally the building housed the entire university it now contains the executive offices of the university. While still mostly intact, the mansion has been adapted to accommodate the offices of the president, vice president for Academic Affairs, Dean of Arts and Sciences, vice president for Institutional Advancement, and Alumni Relations. Future plans involve moving the offices out of the mansion and restoring it back to how it looked in 1912. These plans are contingent upon the university purchasing adjacent properties prior to making any such moves.
The Montrose of today is a mix of original, early-20th structures, renovated buildings and completely new construction. Development over the years has maintained, if not added to, the community’s distinctive personality. Walking tours are popular in Montrose, because the area offers such an interesting selection of architecture. Sites to see include Courtlandt Place Historic District, where six privately owned homes are designated as national historic places. The Houston Museum District is also a destination of choice, containing over 15 different museums and galleries focusing on various aspects of art, science, history and nature. This includes the Houston Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Houston.
Antiques and unique wares can be found in the various retail pockets of Montrose. These are complemented by the West Gray/River Oaks shopping areas, which feature grocery stores, movie houses, entertainment venues, plus mainstream and independent retailers. The River Oaks Shopping Center has two special designations as well, it is on the register of national historic places and it is Texas’ oldest shopping center.
