A heartbreaking loss looms over Houston’s architectural landscape as the last remaining residential masterpiece of renowned architect Victor Lundy faces imminent demolition. This isn’t just a house—it’s a living testament to a visionary’s legacy, and it’s on the brink of disappearing forever.
Nestled in east Bellaire, this one-of-a-kind home, once the sanctuary of Lundy and his wife, is now at the center of a fierce debate between preservationists and the harsh realities of modern construction. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many argue it’s a priceless piece of history, others question the practicality of saving a structure in a flood-prone area, where restoration costs could soar past $1 million.
Victor Lundy, celebrated for his iconic designs like soaring churches in the Northeast and a former U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, poured his genius into this Bellaire residence. According to his son, Nick Lundy, it’s the only residential structure of his father’s that remains unaltered—a true architectural time capsule. ‘It’s more than a house,’ Nick reflects. ‘It’s a masterpiece, and losing it feels like losing a piece of our soul.’
The Lundys fell in love with Houston, building this home in the late 1980s. It became a hub for local artists, a place where creativity and joy flourished. But after Victor’s passing at 101, the house’s fate took a tragic turn. Nick, unable to restore it himself, sold the property in January 2025. The new owners initially hoped to preserve it, but the challenges of restoring a unique structure in a floodplain proved overwhelming.
And this is the part most people miss: the house is not just aging—it’s decaying. Behind construction fencing, the once-majestic façade is marred by holes, likely from termites or moisture. Rust stains floors, beams are streaked with darkness, and mold creeps in corners. Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters left their mark, and the backyard becomes a lake after heavy rains. It’s a haunting reminder of the battle between art and nature.
Chris Fry, a Houston homebuilder specializing in complex remodels, sums it up: ‘The architectural features here are irreplaceable. Those custom-fabricated laminated beams? They’re not something you can just order.’ Yet, the financial and logistical hurdles are staggering. Bellaire’s regulations require homes in floodplains to be elevated, and any renovation exceeding 50% of the structure’s value triggers a costly lift. For Lundy’s home, that threshold is a mere $147,613—a number far too easy to surpass.
Preservation groups like Houston Mod and Preservation Houston have pleaded to save the house, even offering $1.75 million to buy it. But the new owner, needing the land for his family, declined. Instead, he’s arranged for Habitat for Humanity to dismantle the house piece by piece, salvaging materials for affordable housing projects. A bittersweet compromise, perhaps, but is it enough?
There’s still a slim chance the home could be relocated. However, its non-traditional design—two structures connected at a single point—makes moving it a daunting task. The new owner has even offered to donate it to anyone willing to take it on. But time is running out. Without a savior soon, this architectural gem could vanish into history.
Is it worth pouring millions into saving a house in a floodplain, or is this a battle preservationists can’t win? What do you think? Should we prioritize preserving history, even at great cost, or accept that some treasures are lost to time? Let’s debate this in the comments—your voice matters.
