Join us on Wednesday, 4/5 on Facebook or Instagram at 7 PM and learn about the past architectural stories of buildings and homes that once bustled. Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston hosts Facebook Live with Minnette Boesel in this #free online program.
Minnette B. Boesel of Houston was named the Texas Society of Architects’ Cornerstone Award recipient (for non-architect leaders) for 2019. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by leaders in the community that enhance the quality of life by elevating architecture and the arts, and promoting the value of community. In 2022, Boesel was awarded Preservationist of the Year by Mayor Sylvester Turner.
With a background in the arts, 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, Boesel with others led efforts to revitalize downtown and invested in developing the W.L. Foley building to show what could be accomplished with historic properties. She served as executive director of the Downtown Houston Association, 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 the city becoming more interested in preserving its historic past — the city now has more than 400 designated and protected landmarks and numerous historic districts. 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. She was the 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 and the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners.
