Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Full Exterior Restoration of the Historic Houston Light Guard Armory
46th Annual Good Brick Awards — Recognized for outstanding contributions to the preservation of Houston's architectural heritage
About the AwardPreserving a Houston Landmark
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum received Preservation Houston's prestigious Good Brick Award in 2025 for the rehabilitation of the historic Houston Light Guard Armory. This 1925 landmark, designed by renowned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, has been meticulously restored to serve as the permanent home of the museum honoring African American military history.
The three-story building is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, a City of Houston Protected Landmark, and eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Finn designed the structure with late Renaissance period neo-Gothic English masonry, featuring alternating bands of brick and limestone, elaborate relief panels above the arched entrance, and carved-stone sculptural embellishments depicting soldiers shouldering weapons and other militaristic insignia.
RSI provided complete exterior restoration services for this award-winning project, including waterproofing, masonry restoration, and stone repair—bringing new life to a building that had faced nearly 70 years of neglect, multiple hurricanes, tropical storms, and vandalism.
RSI's Exterior Restoration Work
As part of the museum's $13 million "Ready & Forward" campaign, RSI delivered comprehensive exterior restoration services:
Exterior Waterproofing
Complete waterproofing of the building envelope to protect against Houston's severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms that had damaged the structure over its nearly 100-year history.
Masonry Restoration
Precise, surgical masonry repairs to the historic brick-and-limestone facade, restoring the alternating bands of brick and stone that define Alfred C. Finn's neo-Gothic English masonry design.
Stone Repair
Restoration of carved-stone sculptural embellishments, including relief panels depicting soldiers and militaristic insignia above the arched entrance.
Building Envelope Protection
Comprehensive exterior restoration to address decades of deterioration from neglect, weather damage, and vandalism, ensuring the landmark's preservation for future generations.
Project Details
- Award
- Good Brick Award
- Year
- 2025
- Presented By
- Preservation Houston
- Historic Building
- Houston Light Guard Armory
- Original Construction
- 1925
- Original Architect
- Alfred C. Finn
- Designation
- Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
- Location
- 3816 Caroline Street, Midtown/Third Ward, Houston
About the Good Brick Award
Since 1979, Preservation Houston has presented the Good Brick Awards to honor outstanding contributions to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of Houston's architectural and cultural heritage. The 2025 awards marked the 46th year of the program, having recognized more than 420 people and projects.
Learn more at Preservation Houston
Project Timeline
Houston Light Guard Armory constructed, designed by renowned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum acquires the historic armory
Museum moves into building; begins initial renovations
$13 million 'Ready & Forward' campaign launched with support from Kinder Foundation and Houston Endowment
RSI completes full exterior restoration including waterproofing and masonry work
Awarded Preservation Houston Good Brick Award at 46th annual ceremony
Project Gallery
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"Precise, almost surgical masonry repairs brought new life to a historic Third Ward landmark."— Preservation Houston, 2025 Good Brick Awards
Historic Preservation Expertise
RSI brings decades of experience to historic building restoration. From waterproofing to masonry repair, we have the expertise to preserve your landmark building.