Clay House
Considered to be the finest house in the Zion Hill Historic District in Nacogdoches, the Clay House, constructed circa 1905, is thought to have been designed by noted local architect Diedrich Rulfs. Built for local grocer Charlie Clay and his family, this structure is an important example of vernacular architecture in one of the most intact early 20th century African-American working class neighborhoods in Texas.
The Clay House was slated for demolition by the city in 2010 when the African American Heritage Project stepped in and purchased the property. The site’s advocates seek to raise the funds necessary to restore this landmark.
UPDATE: An abbreviated historic structures report, funded by the Summerlee Foundation, was completed in 2020 and will guide the Clay House rehabilitation project.
ADDRESS: 720 Bois d’ Arc St, Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches County)
DESIGNATION: None
STATUS: In Progress
OWNER: African American Heritage Project
RESOURCE TYPE: Residence, African American Heritage
YEAR LISTED: 2014
