Audubon Place Association
	When the original Montrose subdivision was platted in 1910, it was a purely residential neighborhood. Over the years, however, commercial and institutional encroachment has been so pervasive that these few blocks now known as Audubon Place represent the last remaining residential enclave within the traditional boundaries of Montrose. After World War II, many families moved from this area to the suburbs. While several of the original residents remained, and continued to maintain their homes in an exemplary manner, many of the old houses were torn down, or divided into multiple units, or simply allowed to deteriorate, and the fabric of the neighborhood fell into jeopardy.
There were those who could still detect the charm in these neglected structures, though, and over the past decade, many of the old houses have been restored, and the neighborhood has truly been revitalized. Early in the 1990's, concerned residents formed the Audubon Place Association, a 501C-4 Civic Association registered with the State of Texas, providing neighbors with a common forum through which they may present a united front in facing the myriad and ever-changing problems associated with inner-city living. In May 1995, after a long, exhausting effort by a group of dedicated volunteers, Audubon Place has successfully reinstated deed restrictions, under the name of Historic Montrose Association. In 1996, Audubon was named as one of the Mayor's Neighborhoods to Standards, a two year program under which we can reasonably expect some additional capital improvements. The Mayor's Office has stated explicitly that it considers no neighborhood for inclusion in the program that does not have an active and effective civic association. Additionally, in response to the recent enactment of Houston's first Historical Ordinance, there is a committee studying the feasibility of obtaining state and national Historic District designations for our neighborhood. The Audubon Place Association is your personal civic association, and we want to encourage each and every resident, whether owner or renter, to attend meetings, and to take part in the activities of the organization.
	THE ESPLANADE: in 1997 APA applied for a matching grant from the city to beautify the Audubon Place Esplanade. For that purpose we had to come up with a minimum of $3000 raised in our neighborhood. Thanks to the efforts and the generosity of our members we got it done and in the Summer 1998 issue of Momentum, a magazine published by the Planning and Development Department of the City of Houston, we made the front page. The Esplanade is maintained under the direction of Tony Herrada, thanks Tony. CIVIC MEETINGS are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM, as announced in our calendar. Audubon Place Association is governed by a set of by-laws. Meetings are conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order. MEMBERSHIP is open to all residents of the neighborhood, the boundaries of which are West Alabama, Hawthorne, Montrose, and Audubon Place. An application form, listing various membership levels and the associated fees, can be found at the back page of this pamphlet. SECURITY, in cooperation with several adjacent neighborhoods, Audubon Place has hired in the past, through the Harris County Constable program, additional security patrols for the area. We are trying to resurrect this service. Participation in the Alliance Security program is strictly voluntary. The cost to individual members is minimal, and the greater the number of members supporting the program, the more secure will be its future. For further information call the current president.
A NEWSLETTER is published monthly and sent to all Audubon residents and members. It contains news pertinent to the neighborhood, real estate information, crime statistics, meeting notices, planned activities. Contribution of articles is open to all. Paid advertising is appreciated. RELATED ORGANIZATIONS. The Audubon Place Association actively participates in the programs of a number of related organizations. It has had several members serve as officers or board members for: The Neartown Association, a residential organization representing 20 separate civic associations of neighborhoods within the boundaries of Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, Hwy 59, and Shepherd Drive. The Houston Homeowners Association with its hundreds of constituent association members throughout the city. The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. Texas Neighborhoods Together (through the Houston Homeowners' Association), a statewide organization which functions as a legislative watchdog for neighborhood issues. Members also participate in area Community Development Corporations, and the Museum District Business Alliance, an organization fostering businesses within the Neartown boundaries. As sources of information, these associations are of immense value to our neighborhood, and they also represent a potent lobbying force.