HOUSTON (KIAH) — About 10 miles northwest of downtown Houston is one of the oldest communities in Houston called Acres Homes. Now, this historic district is trying to continue moving forward, by helping the small businesses in the area survive.
According to the Texas State Historical Association, Acres Homes formed during World War I, “when Houston landowners began selling homesites in the area that were large enough to contain small gardens and raise chickens or farm animals. These large areas were often divided by the acre and not by the plot, hence the name “Acres Homes”.”
So many were sold, that Acres Homes was soon considered the South’s largest unincorporated Black community. It wasn’t until 1967, when the City of Houston annexed about 725 acres of land in the Acres Homes. Then, in 1974, the city annexed another 1,469 acres of Acres Homes territory.
Throughout the years, more small businesses were created. While some thrived, others needed help along the way. Then in 1994, the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development was formed.
According to the Chamber, its goal “has remained committed to revitalizing this historic neighborhood— once known as one of the largest Black subdivisions in the South— by empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, and promoting sustainable development.”…