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West University was created from an area of swamp land west of Rice University off Old Spanish Trail. In 1912, the governor of Tennessee, Ben Hooper, bought 750 acres for a community of country homes outside the City of Houston. The area was advertised as an exclusive neighborhood, but it was not initially popular. Most of the first residents were families who moved to Houston so the men could work at Rice University as professors. Many publications advertised West University Place as an attractive cozy neighborhood. Development began in the early 1920's. The area was described by many as a virtual treeless prairie. In the Second Addition of West University Place, the builder tried to make the area seem more prestigious by naming the streets after colleges and universities. Many of the original homes were two-story structures, small cottages, and bungalows. A rural-like atmosphere derived from numerous fruit, flower and vegetable gardens. West University Place was incorporated in 1924 with approximately 40 families. Incorporation brought higher taxes, a city hall, fire station, street improvements with curbs and gutters, and organized police and fire protection. As a Home Rule Charter city, the municipality has a Council-Manager form of government. Since the 1980's, West University Place has experienced significant private urban development. Many of the original bungalows and cottages have been replaced with large two-story custom-built homes. |