Brownsville Delays Neale House Relocation

Photo from Virtual Builders Exchange

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Brownsville City Commission tabled a proposal Tuesday, Feb. 17, to relocate the historic Neale House after commissioners rejected a motion to approve the contract, sending the item back for further review.

The proposal would have authorized a contract with Dodson House Moving LLC to relocate the structure over an estimated six- to eight-week period. The motion failed after three commissioners voted against it — Pedro Cardenas, Gustavo De Leon and Bryan L. Martinez. The commission later approved a separate motion to table the item and bring it back in about 45 days with additional information.

City officials said the agenda item addressed only relocation of the structure, not a full restoration plan.

During the discussion, commissioners raised concerns about project cost, long-term planning and the need for a formal agreement outlining ownership and responsibilities before proceeding.

“I just personally can’t justify spending over $400,000 for just the relocation alone,” Martinez said.

Yolanda De La Torre, assistant city engineer, told commissioners the Texas Historical Commission approved the relocation scope of work and that preservation consultants recommended excluding a later addition to the structure because it did not contribute to the home’s historic value.

Sarai Madrigal of the city’s Enterprise Project Management Office said salvageable materials from the structure would be preserved when possible.

Under current plans, only the original portion of the house would be relocated to Linear Park. Newer additions would not be moved due to structural limitations and preservation guidance.

Mayor John Cowen Jr. and the commission directed staff to return with additional details, including a potential agreement outlining responsibilities and updated project information, before reconsidering the item at a future meeting.

Efforts to preserve and relocate the Neale House have been discussed for years. Previous reporting by The Monitor outlined plans to move the structure from near the Texas Southmost College campus to Linear Park as part of a long-term preservation effort.