One issue involves the golf course at Hermann Park. The other is a plan to condemn approximately nine acres of the park for the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital. Both major projects are shrouded in a fair amount of secrecy, though for far different reasons.
"I had no idea until you called," was the reaction from Bonnie McMillian, who was shocked to learn that land tied to her family was about to be condemned.
Property records show that in 1914, upon his death, Houstonian August Warnecke deeded approximately nine acres of land to the City of Houston for part of Hermann Park. The deed reviewed by ABC13 shows that if the City ever decides it no longer needs the property as a park, it would revert back to the Warnecke descendants. McMillian is the second great-granddaughter of August Warneke.
But last week, Harris Health held a public board hearing where its CEO, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, presented a plan to condemn the entire Warnecke tract for the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital.
"These three parcels are the only available adjacent property that Harris Health can utilize to expand the hospital," said Dr. Porsa in prepared statements. He also stated that he was aware of reversion clauses built into the land, but that issue would be "addressed during the condemnation process."
"I would think they should stay true to the spirit of the gift to Hermann Park that my second great-grandparents meant for it to be," said McMillian, who was shocked to hear Harris Health use the word "condemnation" to describe her ancestors' gift to the City of Houston. "They meant for it to stay green space."
Sources tell us the plan for the City of Houston to allow Harris County to condemn the almost nine acres of pristine park land has been in the making for years. In the public hearing, Texas Medical Center CEO William McKeon and other leaders in the healthcare industry spoke glowingly about the plan to condemn the parkland.
Even Hermann Park Conservancy's own CEO, Cara Lambright, spoke out to "not oppose" the plan, but to ensure the Conservancy was compensated.
As the hearing about the Warneke tract was going on, rumors began swirling in Houston's golfing circles that the Hermann Park golf course was going to be condemned. ABC13 has confirmed that the golf course is not closing and is not getting condemned. However, major changes are coming.
Houston Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed to ABC13 that the Astros Foundation is interested in renovating the entire golf course, building a new driving range, and clubhouse. The goal would be to make Hermann Park's facilities on par with what the foundation did at Memorial Park. The plans for the renovations are still in discussion, so City of Houston Park officials refuse to say anything on the record about the conversation.
Sources tell ABC13 one reason for the delay is the ongoing discussions with BSL Golf Corp., the current company with the management contract for the golf course. Crane told ABC13 in a text message that he was not the one "holding up" the deal.
The ongoing discussions about the golf course are entirely separate from efforts to condemn the tract of land donated by the Warnecke family.
After ABC13 confirmed the two separate projects, we reached out to McMillian. She has since contacted a number of other relatives descended from the Warnecke family and learned that none have been contacted by the City of Houston or Harris County.
Historic records show August Warnecke's parents purchased land for their family farm next to the Hermann family farm around the 1840s. Around the turn of the century, both families sold large tracts of their land to Rice University, the City of Houston, and developers. The Texas Medical Center, Rice Institute, Southgate, and several other historic Houston developments were based on those family farms. The families also donated parkland to the City of Houston.
McMillian says even though her family's contribution is just nine acres, it's still land meant for all Houstonians to enjoy, in perpetuity. And, if the City of Houston ever changed its mind, she thought someone in the family would at least get a call.
"I don't think (August Warnecke) would like it at all. He was quite a character. I think the spirit of the donation was to keep it parkland."
The Harris Health board is scheduled to vote on the condemnation on Sept. 4. ABC13 also contacted Mayor John Whitmire, who replied via text message that he is open to "all options."
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