Preserving the Robert E. Howard House Through a Historic Conditions Assessment and Funding Support
Funding Support
Historic Conditions Assessment
Thoughtful Preservation
In the rural community of Cross Plains, Central Texas, the Robert E. Howard House and Museum sits as a marker of early 1900s history and literature. An influential fantasy writer who pioneered the “sword and sorcery” subgenre and the character of Conan the Barbarian, Robert E. Howard resided in the house for more than 15 years and wrote some of his most recognized works there. After achieving a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1990s, the site later received a historical marker from the State of Texas to recognize its significance.
Captions for Photos 1 & 3: Performing a Conditions Assessment of the Robert E. Howard House
Evaluating a Century-Old Space for Historic Preservation
Through the efforts of a community organization called Project Pride, Kimley-Horn performed a conditions assessment of the house and museum to discover areas for improvement. The team traveled from Florida to Texas to perform the evaluation, using a borescope to investigate the foundation challenges. The resulting report detailed the structure’s changes over time and concluded that the space required structural engineering support to stabilize the brick piers and foundation. Our team also recommended addressing termite and water damage and restoring the concrete porch (a later addition) to a more historically appropriate porch style.
After receiving the recommendations, Project Pride developed a phased implementation plan—which included partnering with the Kimley-Horn team to create a compelling, technically sound application for the Texas Preservation Trust Fund that resulted in the project being awarded the requested funding. Alongside formal efforts, the preservation captured the attention of fantasy enthusiasts, who instituted a grassroots funding effort to protect the home of one of their heroes.
Ultimately, the Robert E. Howard House and Museum is moving into a new chapter of structural integrity and historical continuity. With a site that welcomes hundreds of visitors for annual festivities and supports local historical exploration, the house demonstrates how remembering the past can bring people together today.