Forum of Civics, Houston, Texas
historic place
The Forum of Civics is a historic place in Houston, Texas, located in Harris County. The historical marker states the building was built about 1880. Until 1920, it served as the John Smith School. In 1927, Will Hogg restored the building. Hogg founded the Forum of Civics, an organization that worked to develop a comprehensive plan for Houston's public spaces and to encourage civic beautification. Architect John F. Staub remodeled the building in a Classical Revival style for the Forum of Civics. Since 1942, the site has been a memorial to Will and Mike Hogg. The Hogg estate bequeathed the building to the University of Texas in 1939. The River Oaks Garden Club purchased the property in 1942. Gardens were added in 1955, including formal designs. The Forum of Civics building was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1964. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Today, the River Oaks Garden Club uses the building for horticultural workshops and educational exhibits. Its gardens are open to the public. This site illustrates a history of civic engagement and landscape planning in Houston.